When Nadine and I became a couple in 2009, Nadine had already stood through her first battle against breast cancer. Back in 2001, therapy went well and she appeared to be healed and able to live a life without restrictions. Therefore, the disease was never a real issue for the both of us.

This changed in April 2014, when her cancer returned and Nadine had to be treated again. Chemotherapy, an operation plus radiation therapy seemed to work well together. She fought her way back once again and even returned to her job in June 2015.

Real tragedy started in December 2015, when Nadine seemed to suffer from a strong migraine and went into hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors discovered that the reasons for her sickness were metastases to brain and spine. She was checked from head to toe and treatment started immediately. Right before Christmas, another radiation therapy began, followed by another chemotherapy.

As there will be no healing anymore, the medical approach turned palliative. This means it is all about fighting back the tumors and trying to contain them, preventing or reducing pain and increasing the span of life.

We all have to face the fact that she is living on borrowed time now. Prognoses are impossible to make, so Nadine’s life has to be played by the ear. Whatever is going to come has to be dealt with in the best and most graceful manner.

Jens
December 2015