The uplifting service paid tribute to Katie’s 32 years and included stories of her childhood and teenage years growing up with brother Chris and parents Les & Joan Allan in Belfast, to Katie’s time abroad as a Holiday Rep where she met husband Stuart and to her employment in Customer Services at Birmingham International Airport. Tribute readings were made by Katie’s brother Chris, sister-in-law Debbie, cousin Gillian and Paula Young (Cancer Research UK). Breaking 20+ years tradition, Rev. Allan then invited the congregation to stand and applaud Katie and her lifetime of achievements. Following the service, Katie & Stuart’s childrens’ classes released 70 purple balloons from the school playing field next to the church.

Katie’s love of ice skating and recent Belfast Ice Gala featured in the latter part of the tribute service praising Katie for her dedication and determination to raise money and spread awareness of cancer in young people. Friends and colleagues continue to raise money in Katie’s memory with various upcoming events and the staff at BHX have their mascot Marvin the Monkey flying across the world sharing Katie’s story every day. #TeamKatie #nevertooyoung

Husband Stuart and all the family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support and for card & flower tributes to Katie and ask that anyone who may wish to make a donation in Katie’s memory please do so to St Giles Hospice or MacMillan Cancer Support.

Katie’s story reached many people worldwide and her spirit lives on through those who’s life she touched and, of course, her children Sam and Sophie who will one day read this blog knowing just how loved their special, inspiring, brave and beautiful mum Katie Scarbrough was.

#RIPKatie #amazeballs #cancersucks

Our thoughts and love go to her husband Stuart and their two children Sam and Sophie at this difficult time.

Details of Katie’s funeral arrangements will be available in due course.

#RIPKatie #amazeballs #cancersucks

This could potentially be my last blog and if you keep on reading you will find out why. I am warning you now, tissues will be needed!!

After our trip to Center Parcs, Stuart and I got our referral to The Christie in Manchester. The Christie specialises in Bowel Cancer. We drove the 2hrs or so to Manchester and arrived quite early for our appointment. The staff were so nice and explained a lot to us. They said that they couldn’t offer me any trials, as the one they may have had closed the week before. I had had my bloods done whilst I was there and the Doctor went to get the results. When she came back she mentioned my Bilirubin level, which is part of my liver function and causes you to become jaundiced if too high. She said that it was too high for being accepted on any trial. I asked what I could do to bring it down and she said steroids. But I am already on the highest dosage of daily steroids. So we knew straight away trials were out of the question as my liver is only going to get worse. She also said they wouldn’t operate either and there was nothing they could do for me. I was numb and in tears, the doctor was clearly upset too and said that I had a rare cancer but if she could do anything they would as she could see how determined I was to do something.

We left The Christie deflated but still had hope that Professor Stebbing from Harley Street would come up with something. We drove down the M6 trying to absorb the information we had just been given and drove mostly in silence.

The next morning I looked at my emails to be dealt another blow. Professor Stebbing had emailed me back to say that he couldn’t do anything further for me either and the treatment I am receiving is what he would do too. I had read the email just before Stuart took the kids to school, as I couldn’t bring myself to tell him until he came back. We had hit a brick wall and for the life of me I couldn’t think of what to do next. The cancer has beaten me!!!

Over the weekend we did look into alternative therapies like Vitamin C but because I can hardly eat anything that really isn’t an option. I had also become very uncomfortable due to the fluid building up in my tummy and feeling like the grim reaper is sitting on my shoulder.

On Sunday after watching Jurassic Park with the kids we decided it was time to tell them something. We have said all along we don’t want to lie to them. We told them that mummy’s medicine isn’t working anymore and there isn’t anything more the doctors can do for me. Sam looked at me and I asked him what that made him think, he said that you’re going to die. I said yes. Stuart, Sam and I burst into tears. That was the hardest thing I have EVER had to do. Sophie was bouncing round the room. I explained to Sam that Sophie doesn’t understand as she’s so young. He then explained to her saying mummy’s calpol medicine isn’t working. She came over and said she didn’t want me to die.

We had an oncologist appointment for Tuesday (yesterday) and we knew it wasn’t going to be good news. She reiterated about the fact the cancer was stable on the peritoneal and ovaries but had grown on the liver and bones. I asked to get my tummy drained as the fluid had built up and I was very uncomfortable, which she organised. The fluid build-up is another sign the medicine isn’t working. I asked how long it would take for my liver to give up and she said a few weeks. My doctor said there wasn’t anything more that they could do and I knew that in my head, but it’s hard to hear. I told her I don’t want to suffer I would rather die on the operating theatre. However I understand if the surgeon even did agree to it he would be struck off if I died especially going into an operation knowing fine rightly I could die.

I was admitted to hospital after my appointment and a drain put in. I’ve had 2.5litres taken off which has helped. Now it’s all about symptom control. I am not in a great way, my head is strong but my body is giving up. My back is sore, my lower left hand side were my liver is sore and today my eyes have started to go yellow. I am also very thin and can only eat small amounts of food.

I think at this point I am in denial about what is going to happen. I really don’t know how to die, does anybody? Stuart and I are numb, devastated and trying to keep things normal for the kids. But this is very far from a ‘normal’ situation. I had booked a birthday party for Sophie but had to cancel it today as it would prove to be too much of a hassle with my health the way it is.

I am hoping to go home tomorrow. It is too late to think of a ‘Bucket List’ but I want to go to the beach on the south coast and feel the wind on my face and watch the kids play on the sand. We may do that next week, depending on how I am feeling, but I think Stuart is too nervous taking me anywhere. The few things on my ‘Bucket List’ are finding out what sex my brother and sister in laws baby is. I also want my Brother in Law Scott and his partner Andrew to get married. The last one was the This Morning sofa, but that isn’t going to happen.

It’s really difficult to explain how I feel. I am angry, confused, and teary and find myself staring into space all the time not really thinking of anything. I am more worried about Stuart as he isn’t one for sharing his feelings. But I know he is a great Dad and he has a wonderful family behind him who will look out for him. You don’t think when you have kids that you won’t see it through and see them grow up into adults and this is what’s hard to take in more than anything. The fact I won’t see what type of man Sam will grow into and what type of woman Sophie will grow up to be, what job they will have, who they will marry, get to know my Grandkids, be there on their wedding days and generally be their mum as they so need a mum. And that’s supposed to be my job!!!! Aaagggghhhhh It makes me so angry.

I want to say Thank You to everyone who has read my blog, commented, and donated money. You are all amazeballs!!

xxxxx

After my last blog, regarding treatment and the conversation I had with my Bowel Surgeon about operating and him saying that it basically wasn’t possible as he couldn’t guarantee I would wake up after. My Oncologist referred me to a few places, as she doesn’t have any further Chemo options for me. I was referred to The Christie in Manchester, back to the Royal Marsden in London and also to a Surgeon called Mr Toogood in Leeds.

Mr Toogood came back to me, when we were driving to Belfast and after looking at my scans advised us that he had no surgical option available. So that was that, straight to the point. But, I still believe that doesn’t mean to say there isn’t another surgeon out there, who may have an option for me.

I haven’t heard from The Christie, however I did email them a couple of days ago chasing the referral after an article I was sent about a Chemo Bath. They do this procedure in Basingstoke and at The Christie. I don’t know that much about it as yet, but know it’s an operation whereby they take what they can out and put warm chemotherapy inside to try and kill the cancer. It has worked to prolong a cancer patient’s life. However, I know it’s not so black and white and there must be some sort of criteria before you can be accepted for it.

The Royal Marsden has been in touch and has always said there door is open to go and speak too. However, I know the last time I was there in January they only had the Phase One trials available, where they had only been tested on animals. They also said I was weak and probably not up to going through the trial. This is true, as I had only just gotten out of hospital the day before my appointment with them. And to be honest, my health is a bit like that now too. After being in hospital a few weeks ago and not being able to eat due to the kink in my bowel, I have lost a lot of weight. My legs are weak and I struggle to climb the stairs. I need Stuart’s help with things an awful lot more. I feel like a 70 year old!! But, I am determined to build myself up, as I see the Royal Marsden’s phase one trial as a last option after I look at other things.

I have taken it upon myself to look at other options for treatment via Private Healthcare. A lot of people contact me through my blog, Twitter or Facebook giving me advice on Doctors to contact, alternative medicines and their own stories about battling cancer, whether that be themselves or people close to them. Thank you for all of these as I find them so helpful and inspirational. I had one friend contact me Tony, regarding a Professor in Harley Street that he has been treated by. His name is Professor Justin Stebbing and he works in Harley Street. After speaking to Tony on the phone about him and looking him up on the internet, I knew I had to contact him to see if he could help me in any way. So I emailed him details of my diagnosis and treatment. On the same day I emailed the details, he actually emailed me back himself. I found this amazing as you don’t expect a Professor to contact you directly, I expected his PA to do it. Anyway, he asked for my biopsy to be sent to him to have a look at, as he is interested in how the cancer cells are set up and the biology side of it all. He has since asked for my scans as well, which all have been sent.

Only a few weeks ago, after asking my Oncologist to send my biopsy to Harley Street, she came to see me. I was having Chemo at the time and she said to me that I couldn’t keep using up my energy running up and down the country looking for answers when I will be told the same thing. I was so upset, and started crying and told her that I can’t just do nothing and that every time I come into hospital for scan results etc I keep getting told negative information and that doesn’t help me stay positive. I said I am only 32 and have two kids and I need to do all possible for them. She thinks I should go home and enjoy the rest of my time with my family. But I don’t want my kids to see me waste away, I also want them to now their mummy fought this to the end and didn’t give up!!! I would still rather, die on an operating table than die somewhere like a hospice as I know at some point I wouldn’t want the kids to see me in any kind of fragile state. And not seeing them would be completely heart breaking. I told her that I wanted my biopsy sent to Professor Stebbing as at the time I hadn’t heard back from any of the places that she referred me too, and I had heard back from him directly.

I left after Chemo feeling low and angry, but I know I need to take control and I have felt like that for a while now. Yes Private Healthcare is going to be expensive, but trying to prolong my life is worth it and I am sure anyone in my situation would do it. I still want to raise the awareness needed about Cancer but on the other hand I need to be slightly selfish with my treatment too. I think anyone in my situation would feel the same too. I am helping Bowel Cancer UK with their #Never2young campaign about raising awareness of Cancer in younger people as reaching diagnosis when you are under 50 is frustrating, as on most occasions doctors think the symptoms relate to other things. This is what leads to delayed diagnosis of Cancer, and we all know early diagnosis is key!! This is what happened to Laura, and it shouldn’t have. Stick to your guns when you are with a GP and if you think it’s something more tell them so it can be tested. That is better than worrying, but at the end of the day it may not be anything. Also, some people find the symptoms for Bowel Cancer embarrassing to talk about. My advice is I’d rather feel embarrassed and talk about it than be in the position I am in, the earlier the better.

I am also helping Cancer Research UK with Race for Life. Amazingly, I have my Cousin Laura running in Aberdeen, Stuart’s Cousin Gillian running in Glasgow and three teams ready to do it  One in Belfast made up of #TEAMKATIE, one in Solihull made up of friends from the airport and the one I am hoping to participate in at Sutton, made up of friends and family who live locally. So if you haven’t entered in your local area, do it now!! All the money helps go towards the research which is vitally needed to kick cancers ass!! J

I went into hospital last week to have some fluid drained of my tummy as I was going to Center Parcs and didn’t’ want anything affecting our trip. I didn’t get much off but as Tesco says, every little helps.

Where I am at now with treatment is that I still am having Cetuximab every week. But, my Oncologist thinks it’s not working as my tumour markers have raised slightly. Considering, they were over 400 before I started Cetuximab, then dropped to 70 and have now gone up to just over 100, they are still a lot lower than they were before I started, so it must be doing something. I feel better in myself on Cetuximab and my tummy feels lighter and smaller each time I have a treatment, so that can only be a good thing. I have argued with her to keep me on it for at least the next couple of weeks as the real test is the results from the CT scan I had on Friday. Those I will get in a couple of weeks. My fear is not going to hospital for any treatment at all if she stops it. I find that going to the chemo unit every Wednesday a sort of safe haven and I love al the nursing staff there. They know me, they love my wigs and I have a great rapport with them. They all do an absolutely fantastic job. If I end up not going each week, it will feel like I am doing nothing and that scares me, as then the cancer will grow even more and I am not doing anything to stop it. I don’t know how long it will take to go to Harley Street or even if they want me too after looking at my biopsy and scans. I am not in denial, I know I have stage 4 cancer and it’s inoperable but I need to have the HOPE that maybe there is something more and if I don’t at least try what kind of impression does that send to my kids?

XXXXX #CANCERSUCKS #NEVER2YOUNG

Birmingham Airport gets all shook up for brave Katie.

THE Birmingham Airport ‘family’ has come together to support one of its own.

Workers from the airport and its airlines came together to take part in a global dance craze to show their backing for battling young mum Katie Scarbrough who is suffering from advanced bowel cancer.

Katie, aged 32, works at Birmingham Airport for SN Brussels and has previously worked for the ground handling agent Aviance and British Airways.

Although seriously ill, Katie, who lives in Lichfield, is raising money for cancer charities and writing an inspirational blog.

She wanted to put a ‘Harlem Shake’ on her YouTube site and staff throughout the airport rallied to the cause.

An appointment for chemotherapy treatment prevented Katie from being at the Eurojet terminal to watch the dance in front of Cello Aviation’s VIP jet but her children Sam, aged eight and Sophie, who is four, took part watched by Dad Stuart.

The airport provide a bus for the dancers, firemen joined in and security staff helped make it an afternoon to remember.

Some special guests dropped by including mascots from Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers along with Batman, Mr Blobby and ‘The Stig’ together with his ‘reasonably priced car.’

Caption: The Stig, the Wolves Mascot and Kris Thelfall-Leasure from Cello Aviation with Sophie and Sam Scarborough.

Staff at Birmingham Airport doing a ‘Harlem Shake’ to show their support for Katie Scarborough

When I arrived at the Ice Rink, I couldn’t get over how many cars were parked up. Jonny, who had picked my Dad and I up from the airport said they were all here for ‘Miss Popular’!! My response was that I have never been popular in my life, even at school I was the quiet one. I couldn’t believe how many people had dug their way out of there snow filled homes, just for little old ‘Cancer Patient’ me. It was very overwhelming and my tummy had butterflies when we pulled up at the door.

I was met by three of #TEAMKATIE Lyndsey, Cathy and Caroline and taken straight upstairs to the VIP area. The show had already started and nearing the end of the first half. They had delayed the show already to allow me to get from the airport, which was amazing in itself. In the VIP area, I was met by my mum, sister in law, Uncle, Auntie, Cousins, Mother and Father in Law and friends. It was such a lot to take in as my head was mush after travelling for so long, but I was over the moon that I had made it. I went to sit down on my chair and there was a lovely basket of toiletries for me, blankets and hand warmers. Jenna McCorkell (10 times British Champion, European, World and Olympic Competitor) was the last to skate in the first half and I got to see her, she was amazing and her dress was exquisite.

In the break, I was trying to call Stuart to see what he was doing but my phone had hardly any battery and signal. I managed to get a text to say the A77 was finally open and he was getting the 1930 boat from Cairnryan which would get him to Belfast for just after 10pm. That would have meant he travelled over 38hrs to get to Belfast. He did such an amazing job driving, he is my rock!!

I met up with Jenna McCorkell and her husband Kevin Van Der Perren (Twice European Bronze medallist, three-time Grand Prix medallist, Olympic Competitor & 7 time’s Belgian national champion). They had taken time out of their hectic schedule to come and skate in the show. They are really incredible for doing it and helping to raise awareness that is so needed. Jenna and Kevin THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are both truly #AMAZEBALLS xx
Not long after, my good friend and event organiser Kerry came up to see me. When I saw her I just burst into tears. She has done soo much for me over the last few months and I think the stress of just getting me to the show that Saturday just came out. We were then whisked off to do a UTV interview. I was like I look awful, I had no makeup on, no wig, my head was mush and I was in track suit bottoms. I got caught up in everything and did the interview, coming away not actually knowing what I had said in the first place. After that there were some pictures with Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK. Then a well-deserved cup of tea before the next half started.
The show was overwhelming and a roller coaster of emotions. I was crying one minute and laughing the next. Everyone did me so proud. There really aren’t enough words to describe how incredible everyone has been. All the hard work they have done over such a short space of time is unbelievable, considering they had only just over 6 weeks to bring everything together. All the skaters at the end of their routines would turn around and curtsey or bow to me first before the audience. I found this overwhelming as again, it was for little old ‘Cancer Patient’ me. Some of the skaters skated to old music I had used before; this is what got me emotional as the music meant so much to me. Even my Dad couldn’t take it at a few times and had to walk out because he couldn’t listen to it. The one piece of music that Kelsey Nolan skated too was ‘On Golden Pond’. I absolutely cried my eyes out, as I skated to that piece of music for a long time. Through my tears she skated to it beautifully, it was so moving!!

#TEAMKATIE skated again and this time they were ALL wearing my purple wigs!! It was incredible; I had to get my Mother in Law, Moira to get my wig out of the suitcase, as I was wearing a hat, so I could wear mine too for them. It was funny seeing all 17 of them skate around in my wig…..very AMAZEBALLS!!

The show had finished and by now, I was absolutely knackered. I think the adrenaline had kept me going for as long as it could, and the lack of sleep from the night before had caught up with me. I just needed to go to the hotel and have some food. But, I really wanted to stay and see all my old friends and family as I hadn’t seen some of them in years. But, I had to listen to my body and say enough is enough. So I headed to the hotel with my Brother Chris, Sister in Law Debbie, Mother in Law Moira, Father in Law Graeme and my Mum and Dad, Joan and Les.

We were staying at the Stormont Hotel; I have never been in it before. Our room was the Thomas Andrews Suite and it was HUGE!! The bathroom was HUGE, the bed was HUGE and the TV was HUGE. A big THANK YOU goes to Caroline for organising it with Mr Hastings and to the Stormont Hotel for their hospitality. We all went for dinner in the restaurant La Scala and it was lovely. The chef was even good enough to cater to my special dietary requirements. By the time we finished dinner Stuart arrived with the kids, their journey had taken them over 38hrs. Stuart was understandably knackered but still had a well-deserved beer. I had told them that the room was tiny, so when they went to drop the luggage off Sam came back and said that room is no way small!!! It was off to bed as the Sunday was going to be even busier.

On Sunday morning we woke up and went for breakfast. The kids love having a buffet breakfast as they love to go and help themselves to all the different things. We then went to visit my nearly 99yr old Nana, at her nursing home. She is such a strong woman for her age and I love her to bits. She was upset to see me, but a happy upset. She was just getting ready to be taken out for lunch with a friend.

We then headed to my brother’s house. Now this turned out to be a bit of a task to get too, due to the amount of snow they had had. Their little estate had about 10inches of snow and no cars were able to get in. We had to park on the main road and walk up to the house. This was hard as my walking isn’t very good as my legs are weak. I had to hold on to Stuart and walk in his foot prints, it was hectic. I was worried I would get to Chris’s house but not get back out again. I also had a sore back from sitting in the car for so long, so it was a bit of a struggle, but we made it. By the time we left some of the neighbours had started digging the snow so it was a lot easier to get back to the car.
We headed over for an early dinner with my Mum and Dad and went back to the hotel so I could get changed and actually look more presentable for the Ice Show. It was nice to do my make up and put my new wig on. I love the wig, it’s multi coloured with electric blue, pink and purple, it came all the way from China…lol! At the rink, we grabbed a quick coffee with Kerry and I was given a big Ice Skate Cake, it was fabulous.

I hadn’t seen the first half of the show on the Saturday due to the delay in getting there so I was excited to get to my seat, so I didn’t miss anything. Also, as Stuart and the kids hadn’t seen any of it, so I was excited to see their reaction to it. We went up to the VIP area and when I went to my seat, there was yet another gift on my chair. This time it was a signed Ice Skate from everyone at Dancing On Ice. I was really moved by it, as everyone has been more than generous to me.

The show was great!! Sophie loved watching the little girls doing Raindrops, she wanted one of their Hello Kitty umbrellas..lol Sam loved watching his Uncle Chris dressed up as Kristiana Smirnoffova and Kerry as Kazimir Vladivarsky. It was hilarious. My big bro did well, considering he hadn’t skated like that in years. To be honest all of #TEAMKATIE hadn’t skated in over 15 years. They all did me so proud! All the ice skaters and off ice performers, Rathgael Ravens and Born to Perform were amazing and the positions they get in to is beyond belief. Everyone worked so hard on getting the shows together and they were more than I ever imagined they would be!! To top it off, in the finale, Kerry and Chris brought Sam and Sophie on to the ice. They loved it and again I cried when they waved up to me. #MEMORIES

After the show finished, the raffle draw started so I decided to go down to the rink to show my support. When I got on to the carpet on the ice the whole audience stood up and clapped. I was taken aback, as I never expected it and again the tears flowed!!! Then Stuart and the kids came out too and we stood together as a family, it was so emotional and lovely. Every single bit adds to all our family memories, which will stay with the kids forever. We helped with drawing some of the Raffle Prizes, as the rest would be drawn after as there were so many to do. Sam was in his element, he loved pulling them out and we took it turns as a family to draw some.

We headed upstairs to the function suite to help draw more raffle prizes and to catch up with everyone. As it had been so busy, I hadn’t even had the chance to talk to people. The raffle prizes were fabulous; I couldn’t get over how great they were. All the local businesses have been really more than generous in the prizes they have donated. THANKYOU It took quite a bit to do the raffle and before we knew it, it was nearly midnight. I was knackered, so it was bedtime. Before heading back to the hotel we stopped at McDonalds for the kids to have something to eat.

I want to take this opportunity to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who committed themselves to get the two Charity shows up and running and for all the hard work and dedication. To Kerry Greer for organising it, to Castlereagh Borough Council for agreeing to it, All the Staff at Dundonald Ice Bowl for getting the rink ready, to Glen Pavis for being compère (there really was no one else for the job!), to ALL the local businesses for supporting it and to YOU the audience as without you guys the shows wouldn’t have taken place.The generosity shown by ticket sales etc and through donating on the Virgin Money page is mind blowing. We have raised over £12,000, for my two charities Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK, which is astounding!! It all helps raise awareness of such a horrible disease!! You are all #AMAZEBALLS!

I have forgotten to say, that earlier in the day we had a text message from Irish Sea Ferries to say our return boat was cancelled due to the weather. So we also had that to sort out. I left it with Stuart, as to be honest the outward journey was my fault and I thought he can make the decision on this one. He decided to get a refund on the cancelled boat from Dublin and rebook the overnight Stena from Belfast to Liverpool. That way we could stay a bit longer in Belfast, as the boat didn’t go until 10pm and we could get a cabin on board and sleep.

Monday was spent at my mum and dads house with my family and then we went out to dinner to Blue Chicago Grill in Dundonald. By the time we had finished dinner it was time to say our goodbyes and head to the boat. I wasn’t really looking forward to the boat as being on it for 8hrs isn’t my cup of tea. I was worried I was going to be sick, but I was proved wrong and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I managed to sleep in the Cabin and it was the first time the kids had been in a cabin on a boat. They were over excited lying in their bunks. Stuart didn’t sleep properly as he said the boat was going up and down and he was worried Sam would fall out of the top bunk. But he was fine and I didn’t feel a thing.

On arrival in Liverpool, it was 630am and the drive back was quick. We stopped at McDonalds for the kids to have breakfast. They then fell asleep until we got home at 9am. This was a good thing as they then went to school!!!

xxxx

It has been quite busy for me over the last couple of weeks and those of you who follow me on Twitter and Facebook will know. I have been in the paper a couple of times and done a radio show for Peter Levey BBC Radio Humberside. The MAIN event I (eventually) attended was the Charity Ice Skating Galas that were held in Belfast at the weekend. I’m telling you now getting there wasn’t straight forward!!

My Dad, Stuart, the kids and I left our house at 9am on Friday morning to drive to Scotland to get the boat. The journey up the M6 was fine and the weather turned wintry around the Lake district, as you would expect. Once we got to Scotland and were driving down the A75 towards Dumfries we came to our first traffic jam. Stuart saw a lane on the right and we knew if we sat in the queue we would definitely miss the boat. So, we drove down it and it soon became evident just how bad the snow was and it was very thick. Our car isn’t a 4×4 and that’s really what we needed, but it got through and did us proud. We managed to bypass the queue and came out in front of it. We continued down the A75 and got passed Dumfries when again we had to slow down as the Police had closed the rest of the A75. Now there are only two routes to get to Cairnryan for the boat and now one was closed. This mean’t we were going to miss the boat as driving the second way added extra time onto the journey. I called Stenaline and they happily changed our booking to the next boat at 1930. So now knowing we had extra time, we didn’t feel pressured to hurry. Stuart spoke to the Police Officer and he said we were best turning around and getting a hotel for the night. I was like “no way we have come this far”. Stuart was in agreement so we headed up the A713 towards Ayr, as the A77 was still open.

The A713 was clear at the start but the further north we drove it turned a bit scary and at one point we couldn’t see anything due to the snow drifts. I thought we were going to get stuck in the car ! We stopped at a little village for the kids to go to the toilet and even then just pulling over onto the side of the road was tricky as the wheels kept spinning in the snow. The road conditions constantly changed from fine, to snow tracks and then back to fine again. It was so strange how the amount of snow then lessened the further we drove towards Ayr. We reached Girvan and went to Asda to pick up some food before driving the supposedly 30mins or so to Cairnryan.

At the main roundabout in Girvan we saw the Police again, they had blocked TWO main routes in the direction we were going. Stuart spoke to the Police Officer and he said that there had been 10foot snow drifts and there were lorries and cars stuck. We found this so strange as looking around in Girvan there was very little snow at all, just some on the hills. I started crying and asked how long it would take for it to open and he said probably tomorrow. My heart sank, as it was just typical for me to be well enough to go to the shows, but the weather was going to stop me from getting there. Stuart explained to the Police Officer what we were going to Be;fast for to try and appeal to his better nature and see if we could just go, but he wouldn’t and suggested we get a hotel. By this time it was 5pm and we had been driving for 8hrs, I was exhausted, cramped from being in the car, stressed as I wanted to get to Belfast and just one emotional Cancer Patient!! Stuart had done amazingly well driving for so long and concentrating the way he did…he is a star!!

We pulled over to a side road to figure out what to do. It was decided to get a hotel for the evening and then get the 1130am boat the next morning. The mad thing was, even though the two routes to the boat at Cairnryan were closed, the boats were still operating, that just made it even more frustrating  Thank goodness for mobile phones, I got on mine and booked us into the first hotel in Girvan I could find, knowing that there would be a lot of people in the same position. The hotel was lovely enough and the people were really friendly, however due to the weather being so windy and cold the room wasn’t heating up. The radiators were red hot but we were three stories up in the roof space and the window was blowing due to the wind. We did have to sleep in our clothes overnight just to keep warm. In total due to the wind and noise I had 2hrs sleep!!

On Saturday morning we went down for breakfast early, so we could eat and head off as all we wanted to do was get to the Ferry Port. We checked on the Travel Scotland website and it still said the A77 was closed at Girvan, but I wanted to try and see if they would let us through and was ready to speak to the Police Officer, as I knew time was running out to get us to Belfast for the shows to start at 1630. We only had a 30min drive and a 2hr ferry crossing to do at this point and we would have made it. We drove down the road towards the roundabout and again it was still closed off, my heart sank. Stuart and I spoke to the Police Officer again and I burst into tears in front of him as he said the road was still not clear and there were cars buried under the snow further down the road. I even started begging, he was adamant it was a no go and said we could park up on the other junction and if anything changed he would come over and let us know. We did have a little time to wait as the boat wasn’t for a couple of hours. While we were waiting a lorry driver knocked on the window and said a local couple were giving out soup around the corner, so my Dad braved the cold wind and went to get us some.

The soup was lovely and warmed us up, the hospitality and kindness of the couple that did that on Saturday is amazing. So I want to say THANKYOU to Richie and his wife (I am sorry I can’t remember her name). Richie’s wife even came over to the car and offered for us to  go into their house to warm up and rest. There really aren’t enough people like this and you are both AMAZING xxx:)

I called Kerry in Belfast, as she was organising the event to tell her the possibility of me getting to the shows were now not looking good and we may have to come Sunday. I was gutted but we weren’t giving up and started to look at alternative travel plans for me and my Dad. We looked at trains to Cairnryan, but they went to Stranraer and the road was closed between Stranraer and Cairnryan, so that wasn’t an option. The flights from Glasgow were full and Edinburgh at the time as well, so I couldn’t book anything online. The only flight I could book was an Easyjet flight at 1745. Yes it got me to Belfast late but it still got me there that day, so I booked it. In the mean time my Twitter feed was going mad with everyone, and I mean everyone trying to find other ways to get me to the show on time. We very nearly had a helicopter but a permit couldn’t be found. The coastguard and the RAF were involved too, it was all very overwhelming as it was just for little old me. Tweets were sent to everyone Alan Sugar, Tayto, Richard Branson, Football Clubs, Airlines…..the list goes on. Thank you to everyone who made pleas to help me get to Belfast. Words aren’t enough to describe how GREAT you all are.

We headed up to Edinburgh for the Easyjet flight at 1745 as we had no chance of the boat. The snow ploughs only went down the A77 at 12noon, so we had missed the 1130am boat anyway. It really wasn’t looking good to get us there any earlier than Easyjet. The plan was that Stuart would drive my Dad and I to Edinburgh Airport and then go to Glasgow to visit his Auntie and re-evaluate what to do next. At the airport, there was an earlier flight with Flybe that left at 1500 it would get me to the shows on time, however it was fully booked. As we had time I spoke to the Flybe ticket desk to see if there was anyway of getting on it if maybe someone didn’t show up at checkin. The girl didn’t seem too enthusiastic about it, but we waited. She said that there were no seats to sell so that mean’t she couldn’t book anything. This was frustrating as some people hadn’t shown up for the flight and that would mean the flight would go with empty seats. Aggghhh… In the end someone else got involved and the aircraft was changed to a bigger one. We managed to get booked on the flight. Relief…..

We got a wheelchair and a lovely guy pushed me up to the aircraft. The flight was a little delayed as it had been somewhere else but when I spoke to Kerry in Belfast they were trying to hold the show as long as possible to allow me to get there. They also had arranged a police escort from the City Airport to the Ice Rink….madness :0 When Dad and I got on the plane and sat down we were like emotional wrecks it had been such a long day. I had butterflies in my tummy as I know knew we were finally on our way and I didn’t know what to expect at the other side. The flight itself was only 30mins and a little bumpy but to be honest I didn’t even realise it until we landed at 1730 with a bit of a thud. We had made it to BELFAST!! It had only taken us 33hrs!!!!!

PART TWO TO FOLLOW

Click the link below to view Katie’s story online at the Birmingham Mail website.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/lichfield-mum-fighting-terminal-cancer-1761321

On the Monday (my birthday), the Bowel Surgeon came and removed my tummy drain, all in all we drained almost 4 litres again. He also said I could go home, which was nice to hear, as after 6 days I was fed up with being in hospital. After waiting most of the day for my medications, Stuart and I managed to escape just before 5pm, and as per my Birthday blog, enjoyed a birthday tea with my family which was nice.

Tuesday, we were back at the hospital for my Oncologist Consultant appointment to discuss having Cetuximab again. My White Blood Cell count had improved, so she gave me the go ahead to have it the next day. She also told me about some Necrosis on my liver, which is dead cells, which may be an indication the Cetuximab is doing something but there is no way of knowing if the dead cells were the cancer cells or good cells. It really is mad to think all this Cancer treatment stuff is all trial and error and not really knowing for sure, which doesn’t fill me with optimism.

On Wednesday, as usual it was #purplewigwednesday, so I went into the Chemo Unit all happy and positive. The easy part is just sitting having the drugs put through, its the not knowing if they are doing what they are supposed too makes it hard.

Thankfully, Thursday was a day off from the hospital, but on Friday morning I woke up with a temperature and had to go up to get checked out. I woke up uncontrollably shivering and my temperature was 38.8c, and we couldn’t take any risk. I had my bloods done which showed a slight infection and was put on a course of antibiotics. That is normal procedure with infections unless it’s a lot worse and you end up staying in on an IV drip. I was able to go home.

Over the weekend, we just chilled out and enjoyed being at home as a family. This was nice to do as the week had been really hectic with all the toing and froing from the hospital. I was still quite weak from my 6 days in there and was trying to build myself back up. Just lifting my leg up the stairs was hard to do.

On Monday, I ate the wrong thing. Too much bread and foods that are struggling to go through my bowel. As now I have the kink, the passage is narrow and really I should be eating softer and easier to digest foods. But, my head was telling me I was starving and just wanted to eat it. After my dinner I was so uncomfortable and felt like the food was still sitting halfway up. Believe me, it’s not a nice feeling. Overnight, I was sick and had stomach cramps again. I had obviously aggravated the kink in my bowel again. So back to the hospital it was and I was admitted.

We had been due to go up to the hospital anyway on the Tuesday to speak to my Consultant. As she had further results from the CT Scan I had had done the week previous. This time the radiologist had compared them to the rest of my scans giving a fuller picture of what’s going on. So we took Stuart’s Mum and Dad for morale support, as we know from past experience we never get good news!! But, as I was poorly I was getting treated and moved to the ward and Stuart’s parents spoke to my doctor at this point.

As soon as I had the anti-sickness and pain relief I felt better, but it was decided to not eat for a few days to rest my bowel and get it moving again. I also had an Xray to check I didn’t have a blockage, as this may have required surgery. The Bowel Surgeon, thought it was the kink and put me on a higher dosage of steroids to try and help with the inflammation.

On Wednesday, as I hadn’t really spoken to my Oncologist the day previous, she came to see me on the ward with my CNS. She proceeded to tell me that she didn’t think the Cetuximab was working and that at this point she wouldn’t be giving me the Irinotecan any more as it was making my Bowel worse with the cramps. I argued with her about the Cetuximab, as I felt that we hadn’t given it a chance to do anything, as I had been having it sporadically due to being ill in between instead of weekly as I should have been having it. She explained that my Tumour markers had gone back up, and I said that would of course happen if I kept missing a few of the treatments out, as I had not had it strictly every week. She agreed to give it to me for the next couple of weeks and then check my tumour markers and take it from there. I just kept thinking, that if she takes the Cetuximab away from me I have nothing, as she already said there are no options that she has treatment wise for me.

This is exactly were we are at now…no more options!! Taking away the treatment options takes away any hope. She is referring me to a surgeon in Leeds at my request, to The Christie’s hospital in Manchester and back to the Royal Marsden. This is all clutching at straws now. The doctors are not able to do anything for me at my own hospital and, in this day and age, I can’t believe there is no other treatment that may work for me.

The Bowel Surgeon came to see me and again I had the conversation of operating. I just want him to do anything to make more room in my tummy. I am struggling to eat, my head wants to eat loads but as my tummy is full of tumour and this bloody cancer there is nowhere for my stomach to stretch too. If treatment isn’t shrinking it and the surgeon won’t operate, as it’s too risky, my tumour is only going to get bigger, I won’t be able to eat and that is my road to a slow death!!!! I asked the Surgeon just to remove my ovaries, give me a hysterectomy, take away some of my bowel, as I really don’t need any of those. He said that even if he thought that it would be worth it by 1% he would, but he doesn’t think it would benefit me, as I probably wouldn’t leave the hospital again. He also said that because of the cancer they would all be stuck together and not easy to operate on. I am trying to weigh it up and part of me is even thinking that surely it’s better to die fighting on an operating table rather than just waiting for the cancer to take hold even more than it already has. Cancer has taken everything away from me and I hate it!! I hate that it’s making me bitter and emotional, I hate that it’s given me no hope, I hate that it’s made me weak and dependant on people and, most of all, I hate that it’s going to take me away from my kids and family!!!

That was the start of my competitive ice skating career. When I wasn’t at school I basically ‘lived’ at the ice rink. Early morning 6am starts, then to school and then back to the ice rink for more training. This was pretty much every day of the week. To get to the standard I needed to be at this was the dedication that was needed.

I quickly moved up through my grade tests and ended up as the first, and youngest (at 15), lady in Northern Ireland to reach full gold standard and thereby be able to compete at the British Senior Ladies Championships.

My successes were as follows:

1995 British Primary Girls’ Championships – 2nd

1995 British Junior Ladies Championships – 3^rd

1996 Joined the British National Ice Skating Squad

1996 Represented GB at International Level in Jesinice, Slovenia

1996 Northern Ireland Junior Ladies Champion

1996 Scottish Senior Ladies Champion

1996 British Junior Ladies Champion

1996 British Senior Ladies Championships – 6^th

1997 Represented GB at International Level in Val Gardena, Italy

1997 Northern Ireland Senior Ladies Champion

1997 British Senior Ladies Championships – 6^th

I have also been awarded many Mary Peters Trust Awards and was nominated as Belfast Telegraph Young Sports Player of The Year in 1997.

From when I started competing in 1988 until I retired (due to stress fractures) in 1998, I had been placed 24 times in 29 competitions. I spent 12 years of my life training and growing up at Dundonald Ice Bowl and it holds great memories for me.

My friends from my Ice Skating days have all come together to help raise money for my two chosen charities and preform in two Ice Galas. These are to be held at Dundonald Ice Bowl, in Belfast on the 23rd & 24th March!!

Tickets are priced at Children under 3 free, Children £3.50, Adult £5.00 and a Family of Four £15.

Contact the Sales Team at the Ice Bowl on 02890 809123/ 02890 809129 MON-FRI

TICKETS ON SALE NOW…….DON’T MISS OUT!!!!  #AMAZEBALLS #CANCERSUCKS

xxxxx