Tomorrow I begin treatment, the first day of an ongoing cycle of drugs, blood tests, scans and so on.

It’s always been important for me to take ownership of my treatment, to choose which options to go for, not have it “done to me”. I’ve questioned my very patient oncologist, researched options, listened to my instinct. I’m balancing conventional medicine with a more holistic approach.

Whilst these drugs are I believe, right for me, they are undoubtedly strong stuff and I’ve always had a bit of an aversion to chemo-type drugs. So I wanted to find a way to see them as good medicine, not bad poison.

This evening I sewed a medicine pouch, to hold them. Before I take the first dose tomorrow I’m going to hold a small ceremony to bless and honour the drugs. They will be nestled in the pouch with prayers and blessings sent by friends. To welcome them in, to wrap them in prayer. My way of managing this next step forward.