Why Zombie is Zombie - the backstory

[IamtheZombie]

Zombie is periodically asked what her backstory is and why she speaks in the third person. Bits of the story are scattered around various parts of the site (as are a few of her limbs). The story is fairly long and a bit complicated. She's therefore putting this thread here so she can simply refer people to it rather than trying to tell it all again.

She has found 2 posts that between them tell pretty much the whole story.

The first one is her initial reply on a Zombie appreciation thread started by slatternlymother in September 2012. The second one is the OP of a thread Zombie started in September 2013 which brings the story pretty much up to date.

You are an absolute
Zombie power rocks !
Wishing you a peaceful and happy 2016, Zombie

It's been a long time since I updated this thread but now it's time to do so.lo

The first few months of 2016 I kept shuffling along as usual. However by the summer things started to get a bit more difficult.

My platelet count went on a slow but steady downhill slide. By the summer they were having to delay treatments to give the platelets time to recover to the level required for treatment. I had my penultimate infusion of Kadcyla in late July. I wasn't able to have another treatment until early October.

I also developed several abdominal problems and had a couple of UTIs. More recently I've had quite a bit of pain in most parts of my body and have required codeine or morphine to help me sleep.

My oncologist referred my case to a haematologist for review and he recommended a PET scan. I had that 2 weeks ago and saw my oncologist yesterday for the results.

My cancer has spread. There are more liver lesions and several areas in my lymph system. My body is too debilitated for any sort of further chemo. My oncologist is going to contact the Royal Marsden just in case they have any other sort of clinical trials that may be appropriate but frankly that is a one in a billion chance. There is nothing more they can do for me except to manage my pain and give me a good exit.

The average life expectancy with no further treatment is 6 months. I'm reckoning that means that someone in my situation will die tomorrow while someone else makes it for a year. I'm aiming for the latter.

Thank you all for your kind support over the last 5 years. I've appreciated it more than I can say.

No
Xxxxxxxxx
Sorry no words Zombie

Zombie and you are a

You are a shining inspiration to so many on here. I hope you will continue to post for as long as you can. There is much love flowing your way.

zombie

I'm heartbroken for you, and I hope as you wish you get the latter. I wish I had better words, but thank you for sharing and I'm so sorry this has happened.

#teamzombie

Oh Zombie

Oh Zombie.

I've seen your posts and you are an inspiration. Sorry I don't have the right words for you but I hope you get the latter. xxx

Fuck. Shit.

From someone who has never even conversed with you on here, I'm gutted for you. I really am.

In direct response to your thanks for the support over the last 5 years, THANK YOU for the times that Zombie has made me smile randomly at many a thread.

Zombie you won't know me as I'm a serial name changer but I've seen you around these parts for many years and couldn't help but trip over the odd limb.

I'm very sorry to hear your latest update. Sending love.

Oh shit, bugger and fuckit Zombie
I'm so sorry. I've lurked for ages and fervently hoped things would buck up.
((Hugs)) and love X
💐🍷 too x

Bless you Zombie x

Thank you.

Aw Zombie, I am so sad to read this. Your attitude to life is amazing and a real inspiration. (My mate was given a year and lasted almost 12, there's a target to beat)

Sorry Zombie - I don't know you but you've been here - like in with the bricks since I joined. All the very best to you

Zombie you ate a mumsnet legend and always will be!

Sorry to hear this Zombie. I am also a serial name changer but I've been on threads with you in the past. I hope you beat Milli's target

I am so sad for you and this is really resonating with me as friend who has just been diagnosed has been given a life expectancy of 2-3 months at the age of 54.

Cancer is a bastard. I hope you have some lovely things planned for the next few months and know that you fought the fight bravely and are loved by those who know you and by those who don't.

Zombie, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry.
Do you have friends, family, people supporting you? Do you feel supported by the professionals?

Another person who has seen you on threads over the years but not conversed. I agree; you are a MN legend, now, tomorrow and in the days, weeks and months ahead. I hope Royal Marsden can find a cat to pull out of the bag. Thinking of you, Zombie.

I'm so sorry to hear this latest news. I normally keep up to date with you on the other on going thread. Sending lots of love and strength your way.

Zombie I'm so sorry to read this, I've seen you about on here and I love how you post. Thinking of you 💐

Zombie, I'm a serial namechanger, but I've picked up a bit of your story over the years. And you were once immensely kind to me in a thread for no particular reason.

So sorry to read this. You are a strong survivor, and I hope those who know you IRL appreciate you while they have you.

Zombie 😔💐