Following my fall and the damage to my face and carpet, I visited casualty and returned home.

The next week my diary was full of appointments for blood tests, oncology, lymphoedema clinic and treatment, both for the bone cancer and my new chemo regime.

Unfortunately, following a fairly easy ride the first time around, I got hit by the lot this time.

As soon as we got home, the vomiting kicked in and it really didn't seem to want to stop. This resulted in a hospital admission for nine days when I had all sorts of tests including chest X-rays and an MRI scan.

My liver function tests were alarmingly high and initially all my medication was stopped, which left me in a great deal of pain. I tried to sleep as much as I possibly could possibly with a cold flannel on my head - anything to escape the pain.

Later into the tests it transpired that I had picked up an infection and had become neutroplenic, which means that my immune system had broken down, making me very susceptible to any infections.

I was given fluids and antibiotics and with my liver function improving, was back on my regular medications and pain relief. Most of my stay was in a protective isolation room, which always makes me feel special.

Although I was given plenty of antisickness treatment, the vomiting felt like it was going on for ever and, believe it or not, I actually lost all interest in food - at last.

The only way I could console myself was thinking that I would finally be losing weight. But guess who has had to go back on the steroids again - and again has an insatiable appetite?

I am also unable to exercise as one of the other side effects of the chemo is quite nasty blisters under my arms and in my groin. I also have been suffering from the worst mouth ulcers I have ever known.

Anyway, I am still here to moan about it and the best news after all that is there doesn't appear to be any further spread of the cancer.

The sun shone on the day I came out of hospital and Tom, Jacob, Lewis and I drove over to Henfield to visit my sister and her husband and to sit by their swimming pool.

Well, Jacob and Lewis swam. Tom watched football on the TV and I lounged by the pool like Lady Muck. It was a lovely afternoon and I was feeling so much better by the time we got home.

Lewis was due to go on a five-day residential school trip the following morning and although Tom had made a good start, I thought the packing was in need of a mother's touch.

Lewis was great. He was in a fantastic mood and we were really enjoying ourselves when he noticed my Hickman line, the tubes I recently had put into my chest to make it easier to administer treatment and take blood, had fallen out.

Tom called the hospital and was told to call for an ambulance straight away.

Our neighbour Helen very kindly sat with the boys until my mum could get over and Tom drove me to casualty.

I was seen straight away and had a chest X-ray which showed no trauma had been caused. A letter was forwarded to the medical day ward where I have my treatment and to the oncologist.

As yet we haven't heard anything further but the hole has healed and my facial injuries from the fall have healed really well and quickly.

My hair is falling out but I have been quick to get those lovely ladies Rinty, Sue and Margaret busy with nails, beauty treatments and healing. I am also going to get my hair cut really short to lessen the impact of my looming baldness.

Our new landing carpet is really messed up from all the blood, Lewis managed to accidentally smash the glass in our back door and I've lost the centre diamond of my eternity ring, which I hope isn't significant.

All in all not the greatest month but these are the things that remind us that life does go on.

I am delighted to have Lewis home from his trip and that he had such a lovely time. It never ceases to amaze me that one person's absence can leave such a massive void.

I start to worry, then I hear the boys' laughter and I look at them from the bedroom window, happily playing in the garden together.

I know that although it will be a massive change and a tough time my family have to face, they are survivors.

Although I hate to think of us not being together I want them so much to carry on laughing, enjoying life and keeping positive.

Please try to come along to Stanmer Park in aid of Cancer Research UK next Saturday at 2pm. I will be giving a brief opening speech and then with other cancer survivors I will be opening the event with a lap of honour.