(With thanks to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour for this title!)

It has been almost two years since the hospice gave me a gratitude journal. What started as a love letter to my daughter has become a career of sorts.

But it’s been a hard-won success. Looking back at early poems, I’m struck by their rawness and returned to the horror of chemo and its myriad side effects. I’m reminded of the dozens of rejections and unliked social media posts. It’s only in this last month that I could honestly say I feel happy, with stable tumours, minimal symptoms and lessening anxiety.

I have just been included in a poetry anthology published by the Samaritans and featured in one of my favourite online poetry journals. I have another four poems coming out shortly.

As my youngest daughter is about to start Reception, my dream of becoming a full-time writer could become a reality. I will, however, be looking for new inspiration as my cancer is currently well-controlled.

Don’t be fooled though. I’m still really tired, still anxious and still full of drugs. I’m sure something will happen soon enough to make reality bite.

For now, I’m enjoying seeing my name in print and calling myself a published poet!