25 March 2015

I’m a bit overdue with this blog, but it doesn’t seem that much of significance has happened over the past week.

But then again…

Last Monday Dale moved out of our house and into his own digs after having lived with us for approx 3 months.

His life had unraveled following a very stressful marriage breakdown last year, and we were happy that we could provide some short-term space for him. He is back on track now, feeling much more positive about things and enjoying his half-time care of 14-year-old Kodey. We enjoyed having them both here for this period – lots of guitar playing, and quite helpful in fact to be in the house while Brian and I were away in Geelong.

During the shifting process last week I couldn’t assist of course (head wants to, hip says no), but at least I could provide an evening meal for the workers – which ended up being 9 hungry helpers.

Now our house seems disconcertingly quiet, tidy and spacious! This also means that we have beds available again for anyone traveling to this neck of the woods.  

I continue to do well on the cancer drug, with basically no side effects. I saw the oncologist last week for my monthly appointment, and he’s happy with my wellness and blood test results. I have an appointment for a CT scan (here in Portland) in 3 weeks. This will be the first check since the diagnostic tests in early January, so it will be very interesting to see how things are progressing after radiotherapy and several months of the chemo tablet.

These results will no doubt be important in determining what will happen next. I’m trying hard not to let myself get into a flap about the results of this scan, and just to keep taking things one day at a time. Even if the cancer is responding very well, the oncologist said it would probably be several months before hip surgery because of the complexity of the surgery, and the probable need to specially design and make some of the components (possibly in America). I had an unexpected call several weeks ago from the orthopedic team from St Vincent’s hospital, and it seems they are still keen to follow things up. I referred them to my oncologist, who expressed surprise at their active interest.

I am continuing to enjoy the Cancer Rehab Group which I attend twice weekly. The exercises are very good for me and the interaction with others is good too.

Last night I had a lovely phone chat with grandson Liam, who wanted to know how my sickness was going and could he send me $20 that he had saved up. Aww…

He changed schools this year and Lauren began school too. I didn’t know that it was possible to buy a size 3 school dress, but Sonya managed to find one – and then took up the hem so far that she had to stitch up the pocket!

They are both doing well. 

15 March 2015

This past week I continued on my regime of exercise, both at the Cancer Rehab Group (which I have been informed is one of the very few such groups operating free of charge in Victoria) and I also had my first session at the pool.

Instead of wearing my old bathers, I thought it kinder for other pool users to cover myself more discreetly and managed to track down a very trendy rash vest (thanks Nicky) and combined this with an old pair of Brian’s cycling knicks (minus the chamois of course). I was ready! Apart from the indignity of being wheeled on a commode chair down a ramp into the pool, all went well and I have to say I quite enjoyed the exercises – all very gentle of course. I was surprised that the Exercise Physiologist was very wary of any weight-bearing on my left hip even in the water (perhaps he was just thinking of the paper-work involved if I was to come to grief under his care!) To my surprise I was actually rather stiff the next day – making me realise how poor my general fitness levels are.

On Friday Brian went out to the letterbox and came back bearing a package with an impressive array of stamps. Inside I was stunned to find a folder filled with messages, pictures and words of encouragement from my siblings, their children and their children’s children! And I must say there is a strong legacy of love, care and downright crazy Miller humour in abundance! I spent the rest of the day reading inspiring messages, enjoying photos, chuckling over the bush turkeys taking over the Townsville hospital courtyard, and Geoff’s credible rhyming efforts. I didn’t know there were quite that many cancer jokes and cartoons out there, and Pete outdid himself in his Photoshop mastery!

Thank you to all of you – it was easy to read all the love behind the messages, and this book will be picked up often especially when I need to

be reminded that I am not alone in this journey (and thanks Imo for collating it all!)

This afternoon I had another surprise with a visit from my dear sponsor Aunty Betty (from Hamilton) and her two daughters, cousins Janice and Sharon. Aunty Betty is my father’s youngest sister – the youngest of 10 children – and the only remaining sibling. She was in fine form, full of her positive good humour, and it was a delight to spend time with her and my cousins who I don’t see often.

I truly have appreciated the visits from friends and family as I continue to feel well, but the restrictions on my movement and independence keep me grounded and lead to some frustration at times.

Oh to be able to pop out for quick drive or a short walk, or even a spot of weeding in the garden... 

Enjoying a laugh and chat with Aunty Betty, Janice & Sharon

9 March 2015

This week marks the finish of my first bottle of the cancer drug Pazopanib, and I’m onto the next. All continues to go well, with no side effects, but hopefully lots of effect on the cancer cells. Another 2 months until I have an assessment to determine how things are progressing. Meanwhile yesterday was quite an extraordinary day, with strong and fervent prayer for me in the church service, and also an unexpected afternoon visit at home with the same. We are feeling very encouraged by this, and know we are in God’s hands wherever this journey takes us.

Last week I attended two sessions of the Cancer Rehab Group. The first hour involved a ‘tailor-made’ exercise regime, and the second hour a guest speaker – so far this has been a dietician and also a cancer nurse, both based here at Portland Hospital. It’s a worthwhile project that will run for 8 weeks, and it is very good for me to be doing some form of targeted exercise. Tomorrow I begin the pool exercise program too, so that will be a stretch!

Last week I enjoyed some lovely visits from friends and family. Simon spent time with us over the weekend and it was a tonic to see him (our home computer is running ever so much quicker as a result of this visit!) We spent time driving around (in the Portland drizzle), checking out the cruise ship in the harbour, and leaving Simon somewhat gob-smacked at the incredible angle that the B-double trucks are lifted up to download woodchips for export. Caitlin unfortunately was a little too distanced to come to Portland as she is currently in Liverpool on a work-related trip, and Simon will join her in Europe shortly for a few weeks break.

Unloading woodchips at Portland harbour

Cruise ship and market stalls at overcast Portland harbour

 

Meanwhile I had a funny call from a friend in Queensland this week. She felt moved to send some flowers to me, and located a Portland florist online. She placed the order and paid for it, but got a return email asking for her to confirm our address for delivery. This she did, but several more confused emails took place before my friend discovered that her order had been placed at a florist at Portland OREGON! It’s just as well there are no Shirva Crescents there, or someone would have received a most unexpected delivery! The florist very obligingly returned her payment, and I have since received a most beautiful arrangement from Portland Florist VICTORIA!

Delivered from Portland VICTORIA