Later this week, it is one year since my mum had her op to remove half her tongue, replace with flap from her tummy and lymph nodes removed.

Next month, she will be 77 and we are going on holiday to Kos for a week.

The UP-SIDES
She can eat enough to sustain herself (albeit at a reduced weight). She supplements with Ensure drinks. She goes dancing twice a week and can now do all the washing, ironing cooking and cleaning around the house (with the help of my wonderful dad). She goes to the shopping too and has just had to renew her passport and bus pass (with new photos). She's picking out shorts to wear on holiday and which swimsuits will fit her !!

The Down-sides
Of course, her changed looks. She does struggle with some foods and every meal takes longer than it did. She gets tired easily and has to have bed rest most afternoons for an hour. She is conscious of dribbling sometimes and her speech is slurred. She says her face / mouth is different every day.

The Miracle
She is still here and with us, for which I would like to thank God and the excellent team at St Lukes in Bradford (including Dr Joshi), and the Infirmary and all the carers and nurses and McMillan support.

I feel very privileged and lucky to still have my mother and whilst she will never be the same as she was, she is still my mother and alive.

Wonderful to hear a success story, you mum has done so very well! Hope you all have a great holiday.

Congratulations, I know that you are thrilled. Enjoy the holiday