The month of April was supposed to begin with a Blue Lagoon Cruise around the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. It was booked to celebrate my 75th birthday on board the Fiji Princess. Because of my diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma I had to cancel the cruise and as a result missed out on a harrowing shipwreck. The 55 metre MV Princess ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island after a severe squall caused the ship’s anchor to drag, pushing it onto a reef. All 30 passengers and most of the 30 crew members were evacuated by the navy. There were no casualties. I would have had my birthday dinner, gone to bed and then been woken in the dark by a loud crunch, told to grab my lifejacket and leave the ship at dawn.
That is an alternate version of my life this year. Instead, I underwent six rounds of R-CHOP chemotherapy, followed by a troubling PET scan and a laparoscopic biopsy. After an anxious week which I shared with my A-to-Z followers I received the all clear, at least until my next PET scan in July. It was not all doom and gloom. Friends and family rallied to the occasion and we enjoyed several glorious days away from the enforced isolation of home.
The comments and support from followers have been the highlight of my days in April. I so much wanted to put Z for Zero as I waited for the results of the biopsy but late on the afternoon of the 30th April I had to post without the news. Fortunately, the next day the doctor rang to say all was well so I ran up another post, this time Z for Zero.
I’m not going to list any names this year of the people who kept me going through the month of April. You know who you are and I thank you with all my heart. I have printed out all those signed up for this year’s A to Z so will try to visit everyone over the next few weeks.
Thank you to all those who make the A to Z possible each year. Please keep it going. I’m thinking about next year’s focus but have no idea at this stage. All I know is that if it’s on, I’ll be there.
The Curry Apple Orchard 
Linda, you have been an amazing example of positivity throughout April. Thank you so much for sharing your journey through chemo etc. I have followed you all the way, and also remembered my own cancer experience – fortunately positive in outcome.
I hope the rest of this year brings you only positive news for your follow-up visits and reports.
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Thanks Linda, for your kind comments. I realised after I posted that I had not followed the guidelines for Reflections but too late now.
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I think you will be excused, Linda.
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I was so pleased to read your final final post with the good news. Thank you for sharing your journey.
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I hope, in retrospect that it wasn’t too depressing. It’s a difficult topic many may have avoided reading so thank you for staying with me.
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As a survivor of two different (and unrelated to each other) cancers I did not find depressing or difficult though had my heart in my mouth as I waited for updates. I think we are very fortunate to live with such marvellous medical practitioners and facilities.
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Great news Linda, an amazingly detailed account of the last few months. Hope you have booked the Blue Lagoon trip again it’s very relaxing ….. ( though not the last one apparently) we did it a few years ago. Angela
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Somehow I have lost the desire to go on that cruise.
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I have been lurking, not-reading because of an eye problem. Only reading headlines, skimming. Still I was very happy on your behalf when teh extra-post Z for Zero went live.
I would also have lost the desire to go on that cruise and do something entirely land-based instead!
Good luck in days to come, and hopefully see you next year.
PS. one more reason I have not commented. Every time I try to, my browser closes down. This is my 6th try!
Charlotte (MotherOwl) @ MotherOwl’s Musings
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Thanks for mentioning me in your Reflections post. Commenting is difficult on lots of posts. I now copy my response so it won’t be lost.
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The fact that you shared your harrowing experience served to remind me that we never know what can happen to us from one year to another. Fingers crossed that your PET scans continue to be good ones.
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i didn’t find your posts at all depressing. I was so glad when your zero post went live! May it be your watchword this year!
The cruise you missed sounds well missed.
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Glad things are looking up.
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I really enjoyed reading your April A to Z posts and I am so glad for your second Z post!! I’ve told my husband about you and your amazing attitude!!
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Thank you for taking us on such a personal journey, you are such a brave and generous woman.
I thoroughly enjoyed your posts especially the cliffhangers which made me sometimes log in a few times until you posted t the next instalment.
I am so pleased that you were sustained by the comments from fellow bloggers, it was an honour to share in your story.
Best wishes for the coming year, I hope to see you in the challenge in 2027.
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