The New Man

My new specialist is Dr Hugh Goodman, Haematologist from Waikato Hospital. He is the younger of the two men in this picture (second from right). [Sometimes its hard to get good photos off google]. He is tall and suave with a relaxed sense of humour. He was very precise in his communications with us, and obviously very thorough. Sadly he would have preferred that I had taken the other treatment option that I was given.
1. Six cycles of chemo in Gisborne starting the next day - the option I chose.
2. Wait 2-3 weeks to have a PET scan, then 3 chemo in Gisborne followed by a month's worth of radiotherapy in Hamilton.
Dr Forgeson said they both had similar outcomes, but Dr Goodman says the second option has a slightly better total cure rate and is already talking about follow-up radiotherapy anyway. So that's all a bit disappointing.
More blood tests and scans.

Cancerverse 2

Positive

Some people are perplexed by my positive attitude

Faced with Death I accept Chemo with gratitude

Chemo - and what comes with it

Hot drinks searing on the gullet

Foul tasting lips

Throbbing nail cuticles and fingertips

Stomach, cramping growl

Gurgling, griping bowel

Ringing tinnitus in the ears

Denied the dignity of hair

Mouth ulcers and tender nose

Concentration that comes and goes

But hey - wife, mother,

Grandma, friend, organiser, lover

Sister, teacher and all the other

You've got to fight for your right to recover

My Support Team

So many of you are keeping my spirits bright with messages of support. Here's one from April on our first day at varsity in 1970 ready to take up residence at 26 Ariki street in Grey Lynn. Look at my waist!! and those legs aren't bad. Others are sending cards and letters, sending funny jokes and emails, phone calls and even small presents, visits for a cuppa, hugs and kisses. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this - especially when the weather is so bleak. There has been the odd day when their has been no messages, and it is very easy to start to brood as I rub my prickly bald head.

Thank you all, my progress has been so good through this bitter journey because of your support.

Cancerverse 1

Forewarned at First Light Frozen
May 2013

My treatment doesn't start for another week
I go down to First Light Frozen to get some steak.
At the counter next to me is an elegant woman
Telltale black turban and eyebrows artfully drawn
At First Light Frozen I am forewarned of what is to come
Just put on your make-up and get the shopping done.

02.07.13



And the kids came back!!

Who is this handsome man sitting in my chair?

Why, its the Group Marketing Manager for Waikato University - starting October.

Simon's trip back here did not get off to a very auspicious start as his passport had expired (Those 5 year passports are catching everyone out). However a rush job by the embassy and he was on his way, ostensibly to see his sick mother, but also to tie up lose ends with the position.

Jill was due to arrive the day that Simon left, but we couldn't have that! so we got her up here a day earlier, and Simon stayed a day later. Jill was late arriving so we had champagne and canapes and lots of excited chat.

The next day was brilliantly fine so we set off for a walk - part of my regime of keeping fit to fight the cancer. This is Tuesday - by Friday all that hair has gone.

Then coffee and cake at Muirs.

 WE stopped in at Eastland Eyecare to pick up Duncan for lunch and it just happened to transpire that Simon didn't have a pair of sunglasses. ("Thanks, Dad")

Very trendy!

 Toasted Brioche, banana and bacon for me and seafood soup for Simon and Duncan. Jill had a burger. The Works had just put on a new menu, and with the glorious sunshine a most enjoyable lunch.

Hair Today, Gone tomorrow.

Quite a process has happened this week. My hair has gone from normal to nothing. So lots of photos to follow this process. Last weekend it was pretty normal, but thinning. By Tuesday there were definite bald patches.

 By Wednesday there were little piles of hair all around the house. I started to feel bad about the hair loss. Secretly I thought it wouldn't happen to me.

Still a bit of a fringe - thank goodness I could wear a hat and still look normal. On Thursday I had my second round of chemo. The effect of the prednisone was to keep me awake that night. And by morning I had decided to get it shaved off and clear up all this hair. So I took what was left round to Karen and she gently shaved me off!

Weird, but I was OK with it. From inside me I can't tell that I dont have hair. Much in the same way that I don't feel fat unless I stand on the scales.

It feels like a soft leather couch, and hasn't been as cold as I thought - though I wouldn't want to go outside without a hat.

I've seen lots of people with the same haircut as me - guys mainly. Thank goodness it is popular.

 But I still think I will wear the wig when I go out.

Just a shame that I am getting so many compliments on my hairdo when I go out! I might be wearing my wig for ever! I have been truly blessed to have my two children with me during this traumatic time (not to mention the help with the vacuuming up of hairs), but more of their visit in the next BLOG.

The robber - that bastard Cancer

1.Its been quite a sad week as I have returned all my summer clothes to the wardrobe from the spare bed where I was preparing to pack for our trip to see Simon, Jax and Theo. All matched up with sandals and jewelry .Its been too long since I have seen my son, and playtime with Theo is always worth its weight in gold. The cruise down the Nile cancelled - just as our interest was heightened my reading my Dad's War Diaries about his trip down the Nile.
2.My job has been swept away from me - I thought I would have eight hours as the specialist suggested I could, especially as I feel so well. My days are quite structureless now, and the longer I stay away the less the chance that I will return to work. I'm sure I will have to fill my days with something.
3.My white blood cells have been drained. How could they be when I feel so well? They should be between 2 and 7.5  Mine are 1.6. I know this is how is should be, but I thought I would astound them with great results.
Thank goodness Jill is coming to visit.
Thank goodness there are other plans in the pipeline.
Thank goodness things can improve when you are forced to change.
Thank goodness I can still enjoy a glass of wine when I'm feeling low!