The everyday aftermath
Living with ongoing symptoms, pacing myself and the gap between what I want to do and what I can manage.
The Rest of Me · Life after cancer
Life carries on.
I’m working out
how.
A personal blog about life after breast cancer, rebuilding independence, studying and finding room for everyday life. A cuppa, a head full of ideas and a body whose cooperation varies.
New posts weekly.
Read my first post
Start here
Life After Cancer:
Where I’m Starting
The opening post · About 4 minutes to read
Treatment finished. Recovery carried on.
In 2023, I went through treatment for breast cancer. I’m still working out what life afterwards looks like: the ongoing symptoms, the adjustments and the things I’m doing to move forward.
This blog begins in the middle of that process. There isn’t a finished plan or a neatly wrapped-up ending. There are ideas, small improvements, frustrations and two spaniels with requirements of their own.
Read the full post ↗
A Good Day Does Not Mean Everything Is Fixed
Feeling better can bring a temptation to expect more of myself straight away. I’m learning to enjoy an improvement without making it a promise about tomorrow.
Read the post ↗
Starting a Degree at 47, with a Body That Didn’t Read the Prospectus
I’ve started studying finance, investment and banking at 47. The curiosity is familiar; making university fit around life after cancer is the newer challenge.
Read the post ↗
Flowers and Welding: Following My Curiosity Again
Floristry and welding may look like an unlikely collection. They make more sense when the common thread is curiosity and the pleasure of making something.
Read the post ↗
What belongs here
The difficult bits.
And everything else.
Recovery is part of my life. So are curiosity, creative projects and the occasional very long rabbit hole.
Finding my feet
Identity, independence and the question of what comes next when the life you expected has changed.
Following my curiosity
University, floristry, welding, getting outdoors and seeing where an interesting idea leads.
A familiar disagreement
“My brain can happily plan a busy day while my body has serious reservations.”
Why The Rest of Me?
There’s a whole
life in here.
I wanted somewhere to write about life after cancer honestly, alongside the things that help me feel more like myself. The learning. The making. The ideas that may or may not turn into something.
If you’re finding your own feet after cancer, or supporting someone who is, I hope you’ll find something familiar here. There will be humour, unfinished ideas and changes of direction. I’m sharing it while it’s happening.
I write from my own experience. What helps me may not help someone else; this blog is not medical advice.
Browse The Rest of Me posts ↗Ad · Amazon affiliate links
Comfort & wellbeing
Everyday ideas for rest, quiet activities and small comforts during or after cancer.
Ad · Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product photo not supplied
Comfort & warmth
BEDELITE fleece blanket
A soft fleece blanket for quiet time on the sofa.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Hydration & everyday
Sparrow 500 ml water bottle
A reusable bottle for carrying a drink on an ordinary outing.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Sleep & rest
ALASKA BEAR silk sleep mask
A simple way to block out light when you want to rest.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Cooling & temperature
Bearwind rechargeable handheld fan
A small rechargeable fan for a little airflow wherever you are sitting.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Audio & entertainment
Soundcore Q20i headphones
For music, podcasts or audiobooks during quiet afternoons or waiting time.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Creative activities
Mindfulness Patterns colouring book
Pattern designs by Vivi Tinta for an unhurried creative activity.
View on Amazon (Ad)Product photo not supplied
Puzzles & games
Big Book of Large Print Word Search Puzzles
Large-print themed puzzles by Martin Littlewolf to pick up and put down at your own pace.
View on Amazon (Ad)
Journalling & reflection
Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal
A guided journal from Insight Editions, if reflection prompts appeal to you. There is no obligation to feel positive.
View on Amazon (Ad)As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through the links above, Velatrix Global Ltd may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
These are product ideas to explore, not first-hand reviews. They are not recommended as treatments for cancer or its side effects. Choose what suits your needs and preferences; ask your healthcare team about anything you are unsure is suitable during treatment.
All product links open Amazon UK in a new tab. Check the product details, materials and suitability before buying.
Reader contact
A note from you.
For a message about The Rest of Me, email therestofmelac@gmail.com and mention the blog in your subject line.
This is a reader contact route, not a medical advice or urgent support service. Please avoid sending detailed medical records or other sensitive information.
Useful support
Support beyond
these pages.
This blog shares personal experience, not medical advice. These independent UK organisations offer information and support for people affected by cancer:
- Breast Cancer Now ↗ — breast cancer information and ways to speak to a specialist nurse.
- Macmillan Cancer Support — practical and emotional support for people living with cancer and their families.
- Macmillan Online Community ↗ — a place to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others affected by cancer, with peer support available 24/7. For people living with cancer, those supporting someone with cancer and those who have lost a loved one.
Macmillan Cancer Support is an independent organisation. There is no partnership, endorsement or formal affiliation with Velatrix Global Ltd.
These links open external websites in a new tab. For advice about your own symptoms or treatment, speak to your healthcare team.