I struggle through the morning. I am at the peak of radiation induced fatigue and have no energy. We have our family pre-Christmas dinner in the evening. It feels very similar to Mother’s Day when I’d just found out that I had cancer. I don’t really want to socialise but I will not destroy Christmas. Once everyone has arrived I put my jolly face on and head upstairs. It turns out to be a nice evening and once it gets going I don’t have to try too hard. We chat and laugh and eat too much (as usual). Presents are exchanged. We take a few photos on the patio. This is my family.

I love them. I do not cry.