On 27th November 2009, I was admitted to hospital to undergo radical surgery for a gynaecological cancer. One of the rare ones, malignant melanoma of the vulva.
On 27th November 2019, I travelled to London with the Boy for a short stay, to mark 10 years of being cancer free.
The intervening period hasn't been without its hiccups and there have been further surgeries to remove potential nasties. But, I'm still here, still breathing, and so very very grateful (I'm well aware many women with a similar diagnosis are not so lucky).
So, that trip to London.
The mister couldn't be included as dementia is really making its presence felt now and, apart from a couple of eventful days in Vienna at the start of the year, holidays have fallen by the wayside for us (how happy am I that we undertook those big, life changing adventures when we did).
The aim of the two days in the capital was simply enjoyment – celebrating life, escaping the challenges of the situation at home and pushing the boat out just a wee bit.
We stayed here which was where we were having dinner on the first night and which was also the perfect springboard for everything we planned to fit in. The Christmas decorations were a bit of alright, too.
A must-do on the list was a visit to the Royal Academy (conveniently over the road from The Ritz) and the Antony Gormley exhibition (although it's now closed, you can read more about it here). It was wonderful, absolutely stunning, from the first encounter with the almost overlooked Iron Baby on the paving in the courtyard to the final smell and cold air of 'Host', the gallery floor covered in earth and salt water. It's impressive. It's thought provoking. It's one of those experiences that stays with you a long time afterwards. I loved it.
Then, we packed in as much as we could, including the first mince pie of the season (the floodgates have been well and truly opened) and visits to the British Library (there was a lovely exhibition of children's literature and an excellent shop), Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Seven Dials, Soho (with a wander down my favourite Old Compton Street) and a very festive Fortnum and Mason. Lots of walking, lots of hopping on and off tube trains, lots of food and coffee breaks.
This really was the best way to celebrate such a significant milestone.
I love London, me.
The Eve Appeal is funding research into and raising awareness of the five gynaecological cancers. You can find more information here.
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