29 June 2015

It’s high time I updated this blog, though there is not much change to report. Thanks to you all for taking an interest in our lives, and for your love, concern and prayers as we soldier on day by day.

Brian is going along well, and it is now 2 weeks since his foot surgery. We have managed the foot elevation okay, and Brian returns to Ballarat on Wednesday to have stitches out (thank you to dear friends Michael and Robyn for transportation!) He will than find out what the next stage of recuperation entails, and how long before he is able to drive again. During the past fortnight I have been able to manage the day to day meals etc, though we have needed some help with shopping, hanging sheets out on the line, and even collecting our mail out of the letterbox.

During this period I have been able to continue exercise classes, with one of the other participants able to pick me up each time. I have also kept up with the swimming, thanks to good friend Jen. It’s a bit of a rigmarole as I need to be wheeled down a ramp into the pool, and then we tether up the wheelchair with a bit of rope so it doesn’t float away while we exercise! The water buoyancy allows me to move around freely in the pool and exercise better than I can outside. The worst part is getting out of the heated water and back into the chilly winter air.

Last Friday I went to Warrnambool for a repeat MRI on my spine. This was to check if my spine has remained stable. I have had a bit of an increase in back pain over the past week and am hoping all is well. I haven’t heard anything yet from the neurosurgeon so I assume that it is OK. Mind you, following the MRI the radiologist told me she felt shocked looking at my spine, and asked me how ever I managed to cope with the pain that I must be experiencing! I have to say I am thankful that the pain is mostly under control, and that there are more medical options if it increases.

Today the District Nurse came and administered the injection Denosumab which finally arrived after a 2-month wait. This is to increase bone strength and reduce damage caused to the bones from cancer. I will have it monthly. My oncologist was able to organize this injection free of charge (instead of $1000 per injection), so hopefully it will be useful and effective for my spine and hip. There are possible side-effects (mainly dental and jaw problems) so I sincerely pray that I will be spared that side effect (despite a dream the other night that all my teeth fell out after having the injection!!)

Otherwise I am trying to live as normally as possible, and even managed to play the piano for several songs and sing in the band at church last Sunday.

16 June 2015

The main news for this week is that Brian has had his foot surgery yesterday in Ballarat, and is back home recuperating (thanks to Dale for driving him there and back).

The procedure on his right big toe (called 1^st MTP Joint Fusion) is to relieve pain in his foot when walking – something that has troubled him for several years and has progressively deteriorated. All went well, the toe joint has been fused and cartilage removed. Now for the recovery, which requires foot elevation for 2 weeks. We’re not sure how long after that he will require crutches, or when he will be able to resume driving. However Brian is managing well and able to use crutches to move around from room to room. We expect that he will have a very good outcome, but meanwhile we’ll both just ‘walk the walk’ (or ‘hobble on the walking aids’). 

Viewpoint for the next 2 weeks

 Other than that I have had appointments with the oncologist, and all appears to be progressing well for me. I’ll have another MRI late next week and hopefully that will show that my spine has been behaving itself and not deteriorating. I am now seeking more information regarding hip surgery, but unfortunately a phone call yesterday revealed that my orthopaedic surgeon is going away for extended leave in two weeks, so I am not sure where that leaves me. I am waiting to hear back from the department at St Vincent’s. It is my hope that something can be done to give me the ability to walk – even with crutches – and hopefully drive again. I guess my biggest challenge in all of this is my lack of independence – oh for the privilege of ducking down the street or weeding the garden. Pray for patience for me!

Meanwhile, I keep busy enough keeping up with exercises and with the normal household chores – they all take a bit longer that before – and a bit extra now with Brian incapacitated. It’s surprising how we manage things, and we are very grateful for the help and support from friends and relations, near and far!

Thank you.

7 June 2015

One of the blessings that has come about through this illness is the surprise visitors that have popped in to see us. Last week I had a call from my dear Auntie Elma from Hamilton (one of mum’s younger sisters) to see if we would be home the next day (indeed we were). When she arrived she was not only accompanied by my cousin Lyn, but also unexpectedly my cousin Rosalie & Brian from Robinvale. With that, my kitchen was whisked out of my control and before long we were enjoying delicious soup for lunch, along with the most amazing array of delectable cakes, slices, biscuits and fruit – not to mention soup and casserole to fill the fridge and freezer with. Oh my! Of course, it wasn’t just the wonderful food that was appreciated, but rather the company to enjoy. Thank you so much!

Health-wise, there is nothing new to report, except to say that I am feeling amazingly well! For the past couple of weeks I have experienced less back pain, with less need to ‘top up’ with extra pain medication. I am still taking the chemo drug tablets each day, and right now they are holding things at bay. I am very thankful! We don’t know what the future will hold, but right now I’ll gladly take this more comfortable patch! I am keeping up with my exercise regime, and I am sure that helps me too. 

With Auntie Elma - and Brian reflected in the mirror behind us!