2017: A book deal, a global website and an unexpected diagnosis

2017 has been a big year. It’s had huge highs and a devastating low. It has had adventures, new beginnings and unexpected turns. But most of all it has been filled with family, friends and love.

The year started with an amazing trip to Dubai where we played on the beach, had a cook out in the sand dunes and experienced the different sides to the city.

Soon after, I headed to Manchester for the Allergy Blog Awards where I spent the evening with a great group of inspiring women who have all bonded through a need for free from diets and have been a core support for me this year.

Outgrowing a milk allergy

In March my little Man turned 4 and the next month his allergy tests showed he was no longer allergic to milk – the best birthday present! We also found out his school place, and although we didn’t get his first choice, we have been so happy with the school he did get into.

A few months later, little miss A turned 2 and we celebrated with a brilliant trip to Peppa Pig World. I also spoke at The Allergy Show in London, went on holiday to Lincolnshire and signed a book deal – so a big month! I’m really excited to be writing the book and can’t wait to share all the advice and insight I have been gathering.

Launching Allergy Travels

The Summer was a big time for allergy adventures as in August, I launched Allergy Travels along with three other amazing allergy advocates who I had been working with on the idea for a year. We had an amazing response and it was so gratifying to see people excited and inspired by the site. Our Facebook page has grown to nearly 2000 followers and we have exciting plans for the next year.

We also took a family camping trip to France and went into Paris so J could see the Eiffel Tower as a big adventure before my baby started school in September! There were tears (from both of us!) but I’m so proud to see how well he has adapted and how much progress he has made. His allergy management plan has worked brilliantly, we couldn’t have asked for a better teacher and he finished a reaction free first term with his first school dinner to celebrate Christmas lunch with his friends!

A Cancer diagnosis

Unfortunately, things went downhill a few weeks later when a scan revealed Mr C had a large cancerous tumour on his kidney. It was a complete shock for both of us as he had been healthy and well, with no obvious symptoms. It was a scary and very unsettling time and he had surgery to remove his kidney in November. Luckily, the surgery went well and he has made an amazing recovery. Sadly, the scan also suggested the cancer has spread to his lungs and we will meet with his consultant soon to find out the next steps for treatment.

It’s often the hardest of times that can reveal the greatest good in your life and this has definitely been true for me this year. Mr C’s diagnosis has made me fret less, focus more on everything I have in life and be more bold about what I want, as we never know how long we have here. It has also made me see how loved we are. The support from friends and family has been overwhelming and it has been so important to have that network around us, both near and far, to see us through this time.

Love and laughter

We finished the year with some much needed relaxation and family time to enjoy the lead up to Christmas and a lovely trip to Rainforest Cafe to see Santa. We have played, eaten, watched TV and enjoyed New Year with my parents and sister’s family.

I am heading nervously into 2018, worried about what lays ahead with Mr C’s health. But also, in many ways, more content and happier than I have been for a long time as somehow, life seems so much simpler. I don’t know what the year will bring, but I know that we will face it with strength, love and laughter.