#CCPW - Real Life : Cathy's Journey

As part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20 - 26 January 2013) I am featuring the stories of real women who want to share their experience with Cervical Cancer.

Cathy Glynn thanks her lucky stars that she went for her cervical screening when she did, otherwise her life could have been very different.  Here she shares her story :

I have always attend my smear tests on a regular basis, so when I was called for my three yearly check some years ago, I never thought anything of it.  I can not say they are something I enjoy doing, but they are a necessity and so I made the appointment with no concerns whatsoever.

I had my test and was recalled three weeks later with a CIN3 - severe cells changes (this can sometimes mean a cervical carcinoma in situ) and an urgent appointment was made for me at my local hospital to have a Colposcopy.  By this time I was rather scared and worried about what the future held.  Obviously I did not fully understand what was being explained to me at the time.  I was so upset I could not take the information in properly.

My appointment day came and I attended my Colposcopy.  It was not the most comfortable procedure but they did use a local anaesthetic on my cervix.  After taking a biopsy they decided to remove part of my cervix straight away without waiting for the results.  They used a process called Loop Diathermy and it wasn't too painful (I even had the opportunity to watch them perform it but declined).

All I can remember thinking at the time was 'Am I going to be ok?  Will I be able to have anymore children?"  Lots of questions arose to which I did not really have the opportunity to get answered.

At my follow up appointment I was told that what was left of my cervix looked fine and that I would need to have follow up screenings every six months for the next two years.  They also told me that if I were to get pregnant my cervix may not be strong enough to carry a full term pregnancy. 

At this point in my life I was not planning on anymore children as I was a single mother with three boys to look after, but even so the thought still crossed my mind and I felt sad that this decision may have been taken out of my hands.

Three years later I met my second husband.  I had my next regular smear test and the result was that there was CIN2 changes.  I was again referred to the hospital, only this time I did not go because I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant.  The pregnancy was problematic from the start and my daughter was born a month early, but healthy. 

I was advised to have a full hysterectomy and six months later I underwent general surgery and had everything removed.  I did not want to risk losing my life to cancer.

I can not recommend enough that women attend cervical screenings regularly.  I had no outward symptoms of anything being untoward and without them my future may have been entirely different.

Cathy Glynn writes a blog called Wishful Wonderings (http://wishfulwonderings.blogspot.com) and can be followed on :

Twitter @pagan500

 

For more information on Cervical Cancer :

GRACE Charity

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust

Cancer Research UK

#CCPW - Real Life : Naomi's Journey

As part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20 - 26 January 2013) I am featuring the stories of real women who want to share their experience with Cervical Cancer.

 

Naomi Willmott, 39 from Bristol is a trained Support Group Leader for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.  She decided she wanted to be part of a charity supporting women with cervical cancer and cell abnormalities after her own personal experience with the disease.  Here she shares her story :

************

In 2004, after a routine smear, I had a result of CIN3 which is the severest of cell abnormalities before they turn into cancer.  I was 30 and had two sons.  The two weeks between the result and the treatment were awful, wondering how severe the abnormalities were, thinking about living with cancer. 

 

Luckily, after a loop cone biopsy I was given the all clear with the cells being successfully removed.  I felt incredibly lucky and was put into the six month screening programme.  Unfortunately my encounter with cervical cancer didn't end there.

 

At my wedding in 2007, my best friend Sarah told me she had been suffering from bleeding and was due to see the doctor.  I told her it was probably nothing to worry about and that I'd look forward to catching up with her after my honeymoon.  Two weeks later I returned and she asked me to visit her straight away.  It was here she told me she had cervical cancer.

 

Sarah had been my best friend since childhood.  Both professional singers we had spent hours singing in our bedrooms.  Hearing this news was devastating, not least because it was around the same time Jade Goody was going through treatment, but I wanted to stay strong for her.

 

She started chemotherapy and radiotherapy and I saw her regularly throughout.  A year after diagnosis I went on holiday again and once more on my return I received a phone call.  It was bad news.  Sarah had been given just three months to live.  I couldn't quite believe it, she still seemed so full of life, despite all the treatment.  She also had two children, a ten year old daughter and a 17 year old son.  It couldn't be happening.

 

In October 2008, it was almost three months to the day when Sarah passed away in St.Peters Hospice.  I saw her the night before.  It was this moment I thought I had to do something to help other women going through this and  raise awareness of a disease that can be prevented.  I promised Sarah that night her legacy would continue.

 

A friend and I organised a charity night in Sarah's memory the following June.  We raised an amazing £8000, part of which was donated to St.Peters Hospice. I wanted to donate the other portion to a charity that dealt with cervical cancer.  It was only when I googled this that Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust appeared. 

 

I had never heard of the charity but after hearing about the support and information that it offered to women affected by both cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer, I was more than happy to donate our proceeds.  The money went towards their annual get together for women affected by cervical cancer called 'Let's Meet'.

 

I wanted to continue to support other women and so in November 2011 I was trained by the charity to be a Support Group Leader.  I now lead a support group in the South West for women affected by cervical cancer.

 

For more information on cervical cancer and cell abnormalities visit the Jo's Trust website.

 

 

#CCPW : Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust

Image : www.jostrust.org.uk

 

 

Whilst compiling my research for this weeks posts I was directed to the Charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.  They have been extremely helpful in providing information, facts and real experiences to share.  I urge you to visit their user-friendly website or contact them if you have any concerns about cervical cancer or cervix abnormalities - contact details can be found at the end of this post.

 

About Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust

 

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo's Trust) is the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.  Our aim is to offer information, support and friendship to women of all ages, to help them understand the importance of cervical screening and to provide our own brand of support if their screening shows up abnormalities, or if they are diagnosed with cancer.

 

About this years campaign

 

Along with prevention, this year Cervical Cancer Prevention Week will be focusing on symptom awareness and early detection.

 

Cervical Cancer can be present with or without symptoms.  Early stage cervical cancers do not usually have symptoms but are frequently detected through cervical screening.  However, there are some recognised symptoms associated with cervical cancer :

 

* Abnormal bleeding

* Post menopausal bleeding

* Unusual discharge

* Discomfort / pain during sex

* Lower back pain

 

Jo's Trust is asking women to spread the word on symptom awareness as well as visiting the Doctor is they are experiencing any of the above.  The likelihood is that is nothing, but it is best to get it checked.

 

Contact Jo's Trust

 

We have a national helpline 0808 802 800.

 

Website : www.jostrust.org.uk

 

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/joscervicalcancertrust

 

Twitter : @jotrust

 

 

#CCPW Real Life : Mary's Journey

As part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20 - 26 January 2013) I am featuring the stories of real women who want to share their experience with Cervical Cancer.

 

Mary Lewis is a Cervical Cancer survivor.  Here she shares her incredible journey with us :

 

*************

 

It was August 2009 and my cervical smear test was due.  I went along, had it and thought no more about it.  I had just been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and had a bladder distension done so when a letter from the hospital arrived, I again, didn't think much about it.  Inside, however, was an appointment for the Colposcopy clinic as my routine smear test had shown some abnormal cells.  

 

I went along to the appointment and my Husband, Dylan, came with me.  I had some biopsies taken and the Consultant informed me that it looked like I had some pre cancerous cells.  He told me cells take years to change into anything serious.  He noted as I had recently had surgery he would book me in for a general anaesthetic and remove the cells.

 

Two weeks passed, Dylan and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary (we got married in 2007 after 14 years together and a 13 year old son) and all three of us went to Scotland for a few days.  When we returned on Friday I got a call from the clinic asking me to return on Monday.  The Secretary told me the Consultant wanted to have another look.

 

Monday came and we returned to the clinic.  I felt scared, even more so when the Consultant came to the waiting room to get me.  We went into a room with a Nurse and he told me - I had Cancer.  I didn't hear much of what he said as I felt like I was in a tunnel.

 

He wanted to take more biopsies to be sure and made me an appointment, with the Gynae-oncology team for two days time.  The rest of the day passed in a daze.  We rang close family and friends and listened to a lot of tears. 

 

I have Cancer.

 

I can't believe it.

 

Why me?

 

Further tests, appointments, scans (MRI / CT), bloods, x-rays and a procedure under anaesthetic to measure my tumour, followed.  I was booked in for a Radical Hysterectomy which would involve the removal of my Uterus, Cervix, Ovaries, Pelvic tissue, Lymph Nodes and the top of my Vagina.  The whole time I had Dylan at my side.  We cried together.  We laughed together.  We supported our 15 year old son as best as we could.

 

The day of my surgery dawned and we went to the Admissions Ward.  A few hours later I was injected with a radioactive dye into my Cervix.  This would show the Surgeon what Lymph Nodes to remove and was a procedure only used in Cervical Cancer at my local hospital and a London clinic.  It is called Sentinel and had been used for years in Breast Cancer surgery. 

 

I was taken for a scan and moved to the ward.  Finally I was taken to theatre.  I sobbed.  Dylan sobbed.  The Nurses sobbed!  I was whisked away to the anaesthetics room and given a sedative first, to calm me down.  The next thing I remember was being woken in recovery and being told my operation had lasted six hours.  The Surgeon had completed the whole operation via keyhole surgery.

 

I recovered with not many problems, but then just before Christmas 2009, I was told that they had found Cancer in one of the Lymph Nodes they had removed.  They told me they wanted me to have five cycles of Chemotherapy and 25 cycles of Radiotherapy.  I agreed and the treatment begin in February 2010.  It was absolutely awful.  Words can not describe how ill I felt. 

 

Now, three years on I am Cancer free, but I have been left with a few problems.  My hip has deep scarring from the Radiotherapy and I sometimes need to use a stick to walk.  To add to the Interstitial Cystitis I now also have Radiation Cystitis for which I receive a Bladder infusion every month, along with daily medication.  I am also currently recovering from surgery as my Colon stopped working, possibly because of the adhesions from the Radiotherapy.

 

However, I am 40 this year.  I got to see my baby boy turn 18.  I am still alive.  I am so thankful for my Cervical Screening.  If my test had been six months later I would not have survived, so I count myself lucky. 

 

I have met some very brave women on my journey, sadly some are no longer with us and some have advanced Cancer.

 

Please use Cervical Cancer Prevention week to encourage every female you know to have their Cervical Screening.  Yes, it is uncomfortable, but let me tell you Cancer and the following treatment is far worse.

 

If you would like to find out more about Mary and her journey please visit her blog http://maryloucancerjourney.blogspot.com. 

 

You can also follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/MaryAnneLewis and

Twitter @Firenze07.

 

For more information on Cervical Cancer :

 

GRACE Charity

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust

Cancer Research UK

 

 

#CCPW Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Has Arrived (20-26 January)

Many of you will be aware that this week I am dedicating the content of my blog to raising awareness for Cervical Cancer.

Blog posts on Lynsey The Mother Duck for this week aim to encourage women to have a cervical screening; to share experiences of women that have been touched by Cervical Cancer; to promote the facts (information from Cancer Research UK) about Cervical Cancer.

As I have gone about collecting information for this week, I have been amazed, stunned and saddened by the amount of people who have contacted me with gestures and words of support because they have had a personal experience, be it themselves or a loved one of this disease.

I say the same thing to them all.  If just one women gets herself screened - that perhaps would not have done - it will all be worth it.

Please read the posts of the women who have been brave to share very personal experiences and feel the emotion for them that I did.  Read the information about signs to look out for and make yourself aware.

Cervical Cancer can be detected early by that one quick screening.

Will you be that one women that makes our week?

Lynsey The Mother Duck would like to thank the following people for their contributions to the blog this week :

* GRACE Charity
* Jo's Trust Charity
* Cancer Research UK
* Mary Lewis
* Cathy Glynn
* Naomi Willmott (Jo's Trust)


Image : Grace Charity 1109997                    Image : Jo's Trust 1133542

What Has Made Me Cheerful This Week?

 

With predictions of an 'Arctic Drift' all over the news channels I am grateful that I can write this blog post from the comfort of a warm home.  That we have wardrobes full of warm clothes and cupboards stocked with food and drink.  I pray that those that do not have such luxuries, can find shelter and be safe.  I take my hat off, to those that volunteer their time and effort to making that a possibility.

 

I find at this time of year I often think of how I can help homeless charities.  When the bitter winds blow and it becomes even more apparent that we are so very fortunate in many ways.  Then I feel a tug of all charities.  They are all so worthwhile and all trying to raise funds to help fantastic causes - that ultimately are all as important as each other.

 

Then I realise that you can only do so much, and in the end you generally opt for the ones that are close to your heart due to personal experience.  You become even more grateful to them because you can relate.

 

Most of my readers know that I aim to help disability charities, with particular interest in specific Cerebral Palsy ones, as my eldest son, J1, has CP himself.  I have a special interest in supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital, because not only was my late, beautiful cousin Lesley treated there, but many of J1's friends from school also receive help from them. 

 

What I revealed recently is that I also support gynaecological cancer charity GRACE after my own abnormal cells scare when I was younger.  It is this last one that will be the focus of my blog for the next week. 

 

It is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20 - 26 January) and I am cheerful because I have been able to pull together a great set of blog posts to raise awareness for this very preventable disease.

 

My one ask of anyone who regularly reads my blog, or who has just stumbled across it, is if you haven't been for a cervical screening recently, book it and go.  If you have, encourage your friends and family to do the same. 

 

Cervical Screening picked up my CIN3 abnormal cell changes just in time and I was able to have the treatment to remove them.  That five minute appointment saved me from cycles of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and operations.

 

That is a good enough reason to pick out to be cheerful any day of the week, not just this one.

 

For other 'Reasons to be Cheerful' posts (#R2BC) visit the hop over with Michelle at Mummy from the Heart.  Find inspiration to pick out something to smile about in this very cold winter month!

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week : 20-26 January

A few weeks ago I wrote a very personal post - if you would like to read it you can do so here. 

 

It was about my 'near miss' with Cervical Cancer.  How a random act of changing doctors, and it being noted that I should go for a routine, five minute screening potentially saved my life.

 

I often bang on at my friends and family about ensuring they go for their tests.  Of course they do not want to go, who does, but for the few minutes of mild discomfort, what it could save - YOU - means so much more.

 

Cancer charities work tirelessly to raise awareness of preventative actions that can be taken against the disease that is Cancer, no matter what kind it is.  Some are obviously easier to detect than others. 

 

Cervical Cancer is one of those.  Cervical Cancer Prevention Week will commence 20 - 26 January 2013.  I will be dedicating my blog to raising awareness about it for that week. 

 

I will be sharing the experiences of women who have been touched by Cervical Cancer.  I urge you to read their stories, and mine and then make that call to book your screening. 

 

I will be featuring articles with guidelines of potential 'warning signs' to look out for from charities.  I urge you to familiarise yourself with these signs and then make that call to book your screening. 

 

I will be sharing details of charities / support groups for Cervical Cancer for anyone that feels they need further information.  I urge you to appreciate what they do and then make that call to book your screening.

 

If just one women is moved enough by anything they read on my blog next week to make that call to their doctor, it will all be worth it.

 

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 20 - 26 January 2013.

 

You can find out more about all Gynaecological Cancers at the charity website GRACE. 

 

 

FICTION : Camomile Crescent - Danielle & Marc

For the previous instalment of 'Danielle and Marc' click here


Danielle strummed her perfect French manicured nails rhythmically on the arm of the sofa.  Her mobile phone sat poised next to her.  She stared into dark depths of the original Victorian fireplace glancing, occasionally, at the screen of her phone.  She knew she wouldn't miss the call, the ringer was set to the loudest it could be, but she couldn't help checking just in case.

She had been sat in the same place for about an hour, dressed immaculately, and ready to go.  She had been unable to sleep.  Marc was due home from his latest business trip to the States and she had never been so anxious to get the call to say she should leave to collect him from the airport.

She had discovered she was pregnant two days earlier.  She had been called for a routine Cervical Screening.  Due to her busy schedule it had been sometime since she had actually booked the appointment and she remembered they would ask her when her last period had been.  She was shocked to see it was about three months previously.  This did not alarm her at first, she had carried her contraceptive pill over a couple of times, due to travelling and busy events for work.  Even so, she did realise that she had taken the break this time, so she should have technically had, or be having her period. 

Again this had not phased her, she conceded that since she had messed with her body clock, quite considerably, it might just be confused and decided to continue with her next packet of contraception, normally, for a couple of months to allow her body to adjust.  The snooty nurse had frowned at her when she explained what had happened.  She had felt herself redden as she was made to feel like a chastised school girl.  The nurse finished her lecture about misuse of the contraceptive pill with words that felt like bullets.

"We had better do a pregnancy test."

"What?  Why?"  Danielle had snapped.

"Just to be sure." the nurse replied wheeling her chair across the floor to a large unit of trays.  Rummaging around in one she produced a wrapped test and small instruction leaflet.

"I'm not pregnant - surely I will be super protected because I haven't had a break."  Danielle tried to quip.

"Better to be safe than sorry.  I am not happy to carry out a screening until you have taken the test or had your next period."  This nurse was no nonsense, Danielle could tell.  She sighed, it had taken multiple changes of bookings to get this appointment fitted in, she couldn't face trying to juggle another one.  She took the test, rolling her eyes. 

"Fine, where do I need to go."  she asked curtly, making a show of straightening her expensive charcoal pencil skirt with her free hand.

"Along the corridor, on the left." the nurse replied not looking up from the forms she was completing.  "I'll leave it up to you if you want to find out the results in private or if you want to come back here and wait." she stated, glancing up as Danielle reached the door.

Danielle smiled tightly "Thanks." she said closing the door "I know what the result will be though." she muttered to herself as she hurried along the dimly lit corridor.  She found the toilet cubicle vacant and locked the door behind her.  She read the instructions, balanced them on the small sink and unwrapped the pregnancy test.  As she sat down to urinate on the tester she decided she actually felt quite affronted by the nurse and the dressing down she had given her.  Next time she would go private she thought, Marc was always saying she was crazy using the NHS when she had private health care at her fingertips. 

Standing up she cursed as she noticed she had wet her own hand as well as the testing stick.  She looked around for somewhere to put it down but found a lack of ledges "Well I am not holding it between my teeth." she griped and it took her several attempts to get it to balance on the sink.  As she flushed, she turned to use the wash basin and knocked it on the floor.  She tutted and soaped her hands.  At least there was a mirror she thought studying her skin and eyebrows.  She felt tired and it was showing.  She was going to start using a night-cream she decided.  Her eyes caught sight of her nails as she moved them over her cheeks.  She would ring her beauty therapist and ask for an early morning appointment for before she started work.  She would book in for a full body massage at the weekend as well, maybe Marc would even want one with her she considered.  Yes, a complete relaxation weekend for just the two of them was in order.

The thought of Marc made her smile.  He had been away for several weeks but he would be home in a few days.  She had suggested the idea of a holiday to him and he had said they could discuss it when he returned.  She was hoping that they might be able to take a longer break than normal and perhaps try one of the Caribbean islands.  Really splash out.  She could not wait to sink her bare feet into some hot, white sand rather than uncomfortable designer shoes.  As she was daydreaming, she realised that the few minutes needed for the test develop must have passed.  She bent down and picked the test up off of the floor.

Flicking her hair back she turned the test over.  Two lines clearly stared back at her.  She felt panic rising.  "OK" she mumbled "Is two lines positive or negative?" she thought she knew but she had to be wrong, she had only read the instructions briefly she reassured herself.  Grabbing them up out of the wet sink she scanned the small black print:

The tester will show one blue line as a test line.  This indicates that the tester is working.  If you see a second blue line, this indicates a positive result.  If only the test line is visable, the test is negative.

Danielle suddenly felt hot and sat heavily on the lid of the toilet.  Two lines was a positive result?  She looked again at the tester.  Well, it was certainly showing two.  There was no mistaking that.  She looked away quickly, like if she couldn't see it, then it wouldn't be true.  She sat trying to think of any possible way she could have fallen pregnant.  Marc had hardly been here for the last six months so it was damn well against the odds of happening she thought bitterly. 

She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting on the toilet, but she suddenly realised she needed to return to the nurses room.  She stood and glanced in the mirror.  She couldn't remove the pale, ashen look she now sported.  Taking a deep breath she unlocked the door and found her nurse waiting patiently outside.  Seeing her, she burst into tears.  The nurse put her arm around her and guided her back to the privacy of the medical room.

Together they had tried to guess how far along she was.  Danielle had recalled the week when she had severe food poisoning and how sick she had been.  Despite this Marc had been going away on business and had made quite a show when she had said she wasn't sure she felt up to their usual goodbye sex session.  As he had stomped about upstairs she had felt guilty and given in, after all she would regret it in a few days when she was feeling better she was sure.

The nurse had suggested that this was mostly likely when it happened.  She informed Danielle that vomiting could reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.  She had noted that the instructions, available in every packet, clearly stated that in the case of illness other forms of contraception should be used.  At seeing Danielles face crumple again she said it was surprising at how many women was not aware of this.  The nurse had given Danielle some literature about all the options available. 

"I know what I need to do."  Danielle started.  The nurse put up her hand.

"Danielle, you need to go home and think about things.  Talk to your partner.  Really give the situation some thought."  Danielle nodded but knew there would be no discussion needed on the matter.  Marc would pay for her to go private so she could get things sorted quickly she presumed.

After thanking the nurse, she left the surgery and been surprised to find it was dark outside.  She had not realised how long she had been in the surgery.  She drove her bright red sporty two-seater home without her mind on the road.  When she pulled up outside 19 Camomile Crescent she couldn't remember the journey.  She decided the sooner this was sorted the better. 

The next day she had gone for her early nail appointment and been so busy at work she didn't have time to think about it all.  At least now she knew what was making her feel under par and she wouldn't be feeling like it for much longer.  She would be back on top form at work and maybe have the energy to stamp on a few of those back stabbing colleagues who were not on her side when she needed them lately. 

On the other hand the thought of having to go into medical institution made her feel extra sick.  As it was now.  Sat at home waiting for Marc to call.  She wasn't looking forward to telling him she had messed up with the contraception.  He would be tired and ratty from his long day, followed by the flight.  She hoped everything had gone smoothly, otherwise she might not even be able to talk to him about it until tomorrow.

At that moment her mobile belted out its all too familiar ring tone.  Marc.  She picked it up and took a deep breath "Hi!" she answered enthusiastically "Great!  OK, can't wait to see you!  Love you! Be there soon!"  She ended the call and realised she was shaking.  Had she been too perky?  Had she covered the news of 'I am pregnant with your child.' sufficiently? 

She shook her head, he would have been too preoccupied with getting off of the flight to have noticed anything, they only spoke for a matter of seconds.  If she wasn't driving she would have made herself a drink to calm her down a bit.  Even though it was only 7am.  It wasn't all bad nerves she decided, there was the excited anticipation of seeing the man she loved after weeks apart mixed in. 

She slipped her black patent four inch heels back on, wincing slightly.  She grabbed her car key from the 'key bowl' in the hallway.  Then she remembered herself and swapped it for Marc's.  He had a new swanky four door Saloon.  As she never knew if he was bringing anything back from his apartment in New York she thought it was for the best.  He was so annoyed with her last time as they had to try and cram everything in the tiny space her car afforded.

She hoped he was in a better mood than on that occasion.

It didn't take her long to reach the airport and as it was still early she navigated her way to the pick up area quickly.  She got out of the car, her stomach more swirling than ever, and took a deep breath of fresh air to try and help with the nausea.  She soon saw the familiar shape of Marc making his way to the automatic doors and she scurried over to greet him.  He was still wearing his suit and shirt from his day at the New York office and she thought he looked tired, but swarve.  If they had decided to have children she would have hoped they would have his height and jet black hair - not that it was ever going to happen.  They had made that decision early on in the relationship. 

Danielle threw her arms around his waist and sunk her head into his chest, taking in the familiar aftershave.  She had missed him.  He held her tight and kissed the top of her head as she clung on tight.  She looked up to him.

"I am so glad you are home."

"Me too."  He replied "I need a decent cup of tea."  Danielle laughed.  She was sure when he got to the States he said the same about coffee.  They made there way to the car.  "I'll drive if you want." he said as he watched Danielle open the boot and struggle to put his luggage in.  She stuttered, worried that if she was a passenger the car would make her even more sick.  She needed something to keep her mind focused.

"No, no." she interjected "You've had a long day."  He shrugged yawning and opened the passenger door.

"Whatever you want sweetheart."  Danielle decided to tell him as soon as they set off, she wanted to get it over with and then when they got home he could cuddle her in bed and tell her it was all going to be OK.  She didn't mind if they spent the whole of Saturday having a duvet day.

"So, we need to talk about," she paused, toying with how to word it "some things."

"Yeah," Marc replied settling his seat back and closing his eyes "I've got a mad schedule coming up that I need to go through with you.  I don't think I will be able to fit a holiday in at the moment."  Danielle deflated, she had hoped he might be around for a couple of weeks, she was going to need him.  And a holiday.  "I've got to go off to Ireland for a couple of days tomorrow." He continued "Then I will be back for a day, maybe two, then back to the States for a couple of weeks."

"Again!"  Danielle startled.  She hadn't meant for her reaction to slip out, but he was in the UK less and less.  Marc opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Sorry Danielle, you know how it is.  The US Client needs me in person and things are really picking up out there."  She sighed. 

"I know.  I would just like you here a bit more."  He moved his hand across to her leg and rubbed it gently "Just be grateful for what we do have.  Remember we are doing all of this work now for a better life in the future.  When we are in our forties life will be one long holiday."  She was getting a little sick of hearing the same statement but turned and forced a smile.

"So," she began again "We need to talk about something."  Marc had laid back again.

"Hmmmm" he replied.

"I, er, I.  I found something out while you were away."

"Hmmmm" he responded again

"I'm pregnant." she kept her focus on the road and could feel Marc had frozen.  He sat up, pulling the chair back into a sitting position.

"What the..." he began. 

"I know."  Danielle cut in "I was stunned too.  I went for my cervical screening, the nurse insisted I do a test and Bam, it came up positive!" she was talking too fast, she knew.

"I've barely been here Danielle." She didn't like his tone so explained about the contraceptive loophole after stomach sickness. 

"Have you booked in to deal with it?" he asked her in a tone usually directed at his Personal Assistant. 

"Not yet, I wanted to tell you first." Danielle started but was cut off.

"Well, you better do it first thing in the morning.  Go private, they'll be able to do it straight away.  Pay whatever you need."  Although she knew that would be their decision she was taken aback by his frank attitude.  She opened her mouth but nothing came out.  "Hopefully it'll be done by the time I get back from Ireland eh."  He leaned the chair back again, crossing his arms over his chest and closing his eyes. 

Danielle continued to look ahead feeling irked that he hadn't even asked how she was feeling.  Especially when he knew she had such a fear of anything medically related.  She wanted him to be there to support her.  She wouldn't be able to go on her own and she really did not want to have to tell her Mother.  She would have to call Emily, one of her oldest friends and see if she could stand in.  On the other hand, Danielle mused, he had actually taken the news better than she had anticipated and hadn't gone on a rant which finalised with laying the blame at her door.

As they pulled up outside of their house, Danielle realised how tired she felt and was looking forward to falling into bed.  They paused at the door to unlock it.  As they fiddled with the keys a disturbance along the road caught their eye.  One of their neighbours, Danielle believed the females name was Sarah, was shouting at a young women who was walking rapidly away from her.  A large man came out of the house and ushered her back in.

"A domestic argument - on Cam Crescent?"  Marc said sarcastically "I didn't think that sort of behaviour was allowed."  He sniggered at his own joke as Danielle finally got all the locks open.  As they entered their immaculate Victorian home, Marc did what he always did "Make us a decent cuppa darling will you?"  Danielle kicked her heels off.  Nothing changes, she thought.  Although that wasn't a bad thing, she didn't want it to.

"Course, I'll bring it up."  She watched him disappear up the stairs.  She entered the kitchen flipping the kettle switch.  That was the first time she started to feel a small amount of cramping in her lower abdomen.  It wasn't unbearable but it wasn't comfortable.  She had been in desperate need of the toilet since she had arrived at the airport so went to the bathroom hoping it would relieve it.  As she heard the kettle whistle, she stood and thought she noticed a little pink discolouring.  Her heart started to beat a little quicker.

"Are you getting the tea from China?" she heard Marc call.  She used another piece of tissue but found nothing.  She frowned.  "Danielle?" she heard him call. 

"Coming!" she replied.  She had to get that appointment booked in, she needed her life to go back to normal.

All previous instalments of Camomile Crescent can be found on my Fiction Page.