I'm Kate and my husband is Terry.

Around 10 years ago when we were in our fifties, we packed up and left the UK for a new life in Bulgaria.

In doing so, we had opted for a quieter, simpler way of life. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and our beloved family of animals.

Everyday is an adventure, we love it!

Quite suddenly, at the end of 2023 our world was turned upside down.

After numerous tests and scans I was referred to a specialist oncology hospital hundreds of miles from home in a town with a name I couldn't even pronounce, Panagyurishte.

The news was not good!

Terry and I were utterly devastated by the diagnosis. It was incredibly difficult to process what was happening and how it would impact our idyllic life. It was like the most horrible nightmare, surreal. I was sure I'd wake up and realize that none of it was true.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

We tried to make the most of Christmas and New Year knowing that I would be traveling to Panagyurishte on January 3rd. My beloved Terry would be left at home to care for dogs, cats and horse. Not that easy in the midst of a Bulgarian winter. Keeping everything together for my return.

Whenever that might be!

It was incredibly hard for us both, the separation, too far to even have a visit. We both agreed early on that our animals must not suffer any sort of neglect. Therefore, Terry could not be away for the twelve or more hours it would take to visit me and return home.

I was in hospital for three weeks having more tests and whilst a treatment plan was put together. The uncertainty was unnerving, neither of us knew what would happen next.

Finally, after a course of radiotherapy, I was able to travel home. My treatment being Targeted Therapy which entails taking one tablet per day. I call them my wonder drug. Since I began taking it in January I have felt much better and I'm steadily regaining strength.

I have to return to the hospital once a month to have tests and collect my prescription.

For the rest of my life!

In order to do this I travel by bus, the day before my appointment, which including two changes takes about ten hours. I then have two or more nights in a hotel, depending on the tests I need at the hospital. Followed by another day long journey home.

As long as I'm able, I can do this. It's quite tough, but then so am I. If I become unwell and can't. Who knows, we'll have to go to Plan B. Yet to be made

Why am I asking for help?

In order to finance my monthly journey and accommodation to the hospital in Panagyurishte, We have already begun to dip into the little savings we have left. Until my illness we were able to manage quite well on Terry's UK State pension.

You may have noticed throughout this story I have mostly refered to us or we. The simple explanation for this is because, although, I am the one who has cancer.

It's by no means all about me!

Terry my husband of forty five years is equally effected. His support and love have picked me up and given me the strength to live my life regardless of the difficulties. Neither of us is giving up the fight, we are living our lives to the full, enjoying every moment together and with our precious family of animals. The animals are our furry therapy group. Never failing to pick us up and shake us should we falter.

My greatest fear!

Is to eventually leave Terry with little or nothing in reserve to sustain him and  keep our animals safe. I don't want him to struggle when I'm gone.

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LISTENING