6 April 2015 - A few twists and turns in the road

And another one down, and another one down, another one bites the dust… another month that is, and another monthly course of chemo drug done and dusted. All has continued to go well with it, and the only further issue I have had is an increase in back pain – in a different spot this time. A bit of juggling with pain relief options is helping there.

Life continues to have its twists and turns though. For the past few weeks Brian has had a period of relative ill health, some days feeling better than others, and this culminated in a time of sharp abdominal pain on Good Friday, so it was off to the Emergency Department (thanks to dear friends transporting him). After some tests and observation they decided to transfer him to Warrnambool. However Warrnambool hospital had no available beds so at 2am Brian ended up being transferred to Geelong by ambulance – in fact by FIVE ambulances (Portland to Warrnambool, then to Terang, then Colac, then Winchelsea and finally Geelong). Fortunately by this stage Brian’s pain had subsided which was just as well because it took 5 hours instead of an expected 3½ hours. Brian has spent the past few days in Geelong having further tests etc, somewhat compromised by the long weekend unavailability of some of the services and personnel. At this stage they think he has had a gallstone, and a further scan tomorrow may shed more light on this. 

All being well, we expect that he may be discharged on Wednesday.

We’re not too sure what it is about major church festivals – my illness became apparent at Christmas time, and now Brian has had a turn at Easter. Watch out for Pentecost!

This of course has made life a bit interesting for me, because of my lack of mobility. However I am fine and amazingly Geoff (brother) and Robin had already planned to visit for Easter, so I was very well cared for. They took over the kitchen, and kept themselves busy with lots of unexpected jobs around the house and garden. It was lovely to have them visit (and not just for their hard labour) and the timing of this visit couldn’t have been more perfect.

I am also very thankful for the many offers of support we have had, and it has been necessary to humble myself and take up some of these offers – eg driving me to Warrnambool tomorrow for an echocardiogram.

I am so grateful for the love and care from friends and church family – our fridge is brim full too, so that makes life much easier for me as well.

Thank you.  

Geoff and Robin taking over the kitchen