28 July 2015

Time seems to fly by, but I have been getting some not-so-subtle reminders to update this blog (er... thanks Coral!)

Even though I think nothing much has been happening, when I reflect on the previous blog I see that things do in fact change without realizing it.

Firstly, Brian is feeling much better now and his foot has been healing very well. Next week he will be going back to Ballarat for a final xray and review of his toe and we expect a good report. He is walking pretty well, and is managing the usual household chores of washing, ironing and taking out the bins etc. Today he went for a drive around the tracks at Cape Nelson and after sitting in the car patiently for a time (at a very secret location) he was rewarded with photos of a “Rufus Bristlebird” – highly prized as they are hard to find and hop about very quickly on the ground, making them very difficult to photograph. He’s happy!

I am going along as per my ‘new normal’. Back pain has been somewhat persistent, and my new definition for ‘disabled’ has nothing to do with things like wheelchairs, but rather pain. As you would all know in varying ways, pain has the capacity to be very disabling, and the challenge is to manage it. At the moment I am pretty much on top of it, after doubling my Lyrica tablet, and then doubling it again. The trade-off for being better managed is that I am a bit sleepier than normal and my head feels slightly dipsy (some of you would sat that’s pretty normal!) Night-time sleeping is good though! 

Yesterday I had the second of my monthly injections of Denosumab (for bone strengthening). I don’t seem to be having any side-effects from this, which is good. Other than that, I am keeping up with my exercise regime – so important when I am otherwise unable to be very active. I have also had some surprise visits, flowers and a wonderful book – thank you!

Meanwhile, winter has made its presence felt with some very cold weather, and even snow in the Grampians. It’s improving a bit now, but it really doesn’t make much difference in our cocooned little world indoors. However we try to go for little drives or take the ‘long route’ home just for variety. 

This little fella was in the gum tree right near our nature strip.

Wind tower right behind the Portland smelter

Pine logs ready for export to China

17 July 2015

I can’t believe another week has gone by. It’s amazing that Brian and I can live a fairly sedentary life and yet the days can still fly by. It’s been a very cold and wintery week and quite easy to be indoors. However that has not stopped me going off with Jen (in the rain) to the pool for swimming exercises. I believe these exercises are very helpful as I can actually walk and move pretty normally in the buoyancy of the water. Brian has had a breakthrough too and started a bit of driving - down the street a few times. I think it might have caught up with him today as his foot has been a bit sorer. Nevertheless it is wonderful to be more independent again.

I had my visit with the oncologist yesterday. Things are going along ok for me, though I am still tweaking the medications a bit to get the best relief for the pain in my back. My white blood cell count is a bit low, but not dangerously so (due to the chemo drug which I take daily). According to my last MRI there are no further collapses in my two collapsed vertebrae, so the pain is likely to be either nerve or muscular. Anyway, he suggests we wait a few weeks before exploring any possible hip surgery as I find it difficult to sleep on my back at the moment (and I would need to do that if my hip is attended to). So there will be no major procedures happening for the time being – not so easy for me when I’m a person who normally likes to know what’s going on and when!   

This week I had some delightful surprises with unexpected letters from two cousins that I haven’t seen for some time – thanks Joan and Wendy! What an encouragement to hear from you both! Thanks also to other regular pray-ers and those who have lifted our day with chats, letters or even home-made cappuchinos!

Meanwhile there have been southern right whales making their way right into the Portland harbour. I am cross that I missed this one that frolicked round the harbour for a number of hours before heading back out to sea! Hopefully I’ll hear in time if another one appears close by – they are such amazing creatures.  

Now to settle down and watch a bit more of the Tour de France…

10 July 2015

It is amazing how things can change in just a few days. 

The past week began badly with a struggle to manage the pain in my back. This came to a head on Monday when I could barely move or find any relief despite trying the myriad of pain relief options in my medicine cupboard.

But then on Tuesday, God sent his angels in human form to take charge.

After a call to my palliative care nurse, there was action. I shortly received a phone call from my GP, and she prescribed a different medication for nerve pain (Lyrica). Within an hour it arrived at our doorstep, courtesy of our local pharmacy, and I began to experience some relief within a few hours. Since then I have had a visit from a hospital support nurse and a home visit from my GP, with a few more medical adjustments - I really 'rattle' now with all my pills! But I must say it is all helping, and I am managing much better again.

Thank you God!

There have been other unexpected angels too – just when they have been needed the most!

·      Our home help finished last week, but we received a letter this week to say it has been extended for another 8 weeks! This gives us an hour a week to assist with vacuuming, bathrooms, floors – and boy are we ever appreciative for this support.

·      A card arrived, containing two licorice teabags – my favourites!

·      Unexpected phone calls to chat, or with offers of support

·      Friends popping in to offer help or take me to the library or to the pool for water exercise

·      Dale mowing the grass and Adrian doing our shopping

·      A friend who never fails to bring around his daily paper after he has read it.

You will never know how grateful we are for all these angels showing love and support in such practical ways.

So the end of the week has ended up much better than the start.

Brian is now doing much better, and is able to walk around a bit better each day, though he still needs to remember to elevate his foot. He no longer needs the cradle over his foot in the bed, so I am back in our bed again!

Here’s a photo – taken today – to show that we are now doing much better...

Both of us STANDING at our front porch!

I will see my oncologist next week for a monthly update. I am not expecting anything to change or happen quickly, and my GP suggests I allow things to settle for a few months and allow my monthly injection of Denosumab to strengthen my bones before any surgical procedures.

Perhaps I will need to continue to be patient.

Meanwhile, I am grateful to be released from the worst of my back pain, and that truly is an answer to prayer.