Good signs

Gaz in the kitchen cooking himself sausages and planning trips with friends and his boy.
Still doing the morning Quiz and getting most of it right.
Ordering wood for the Studio deck and deciding on what wind break to use..

Final Cycle of Chemo

After 5 cycles we've decided that we have done our dash and starting the final cycle of chemo today and will be in for the next 4 days. The chemo has been very successful and knocked back the large tumours significantly and eradicated many of the smaller tumours; saying that there are still many (Dozens?) smaller ones visible and its likely that some of these are less sensitive to the chemo and still active. The advice is that these will spring away once treatment finishes and this has just brought us time but we will wait and see.

As well as knocking the tumours it has also knocked me around and part of the decision to stop one cycle short is part on quality of life and getting back to best health so we can enjoy the summer.

So off to the hospital for another dose...

Spring Picnic with Sister Sue and Dog Mango

A post from Kat

http://katandadls.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/pet-bananas-mushy-play-lists-and-spring.html

Chemo cycle 3 starts today

Feels good coming in and knowing that chemo is making a positive difference. Been feeling pretty fatigued and tired of late, could be the chemo or maybe the grey and wet weather which is keeping me indoors and less active. Reminder to-self, get out and active post this round. Cycle 2 went so well and need to apply the same structure (eating, drinking, prayer) and positive stoic attitude. Kia Kaha G

Pic below nephew Tom and Jens wonderful wedding last weekend.

Busytown boys (& Belinda)

(From back left) TC, Crim, Scobie, Zach
Jerry, Grindles, Belinda
Calv, Kim, Me, Dev, Twissy 

Remember the Richard Scarry Busytown books when you were a kid; well we had a Busyproperty over the weekend with 13 hardcore mates charging all over our place giving it a makeover. The work involved painting, fencing, tree work and firewood, hedge pruning and chipping.

Graeme Master Builder

Jerry got into the tight holes

It was a play hard; work hard group and Kat and I were amazed how much the team could acheive over 2 days. It was wet weather most of the weekend but that didn't dampen the spirit and fun. We've had a lot of outstanding DIY and property maintenance issues and this was just a practical way for mates to help plus setting the property up and making it easier for us going forward; the guys travelled from throughout NZ and it was also a great and meaningful opportunity for us to get together and catch up.Thanks to all involved, esp. Kim and Dev for initiating and also those who provided food over weekend, it was delicious; Kat and I are thrilled with the outcome. Thanks G

Kim & Geoff - Skidding logs uphill

a

Project Planning at Portobello Pub

Ha ha, he he... a very good day!

Just back from the oncologists office and we've had a sensational result! The large and problematic secondary tumour has responded to chemo and has reduced in size by 40%, some of the smaller tumours have disappeared. One stubborn marble sized has stayed about the same sized (on the flip: its not grown).
Due to the positive response we're approved for 4 more cycles of chemo.
The palliative nature has not changed. but this has certainly given us some a wonderful window and quality time. Pix coming soon. :-) G

Wish me luck!

On Friday I'm having some important imaging work done at the hospital which will decide the next course of medical action. The imaging is to analyze the tumour development in my lungs and to assess if chemo treatment is making a positive difference. Obviously doesn't make sense going through such a tough treatment if it's not working; yet concern is what other effective treatment options they have left; are we getting to the bottom of barrel?
I am feeling good, breathing better and in less chest pain and loving this mid-winter sun; something has positively changed.
I think Chemo is my 'Devil I know' treatment and I would be happy if they roll for 4 more cycles which they've discussed although they will only do assuming good imaging. Maybe there is a better option?
They've also talked about using a new technology drug for sarcoma called Yondelis which is getting positive press on the forums and research sites; but the drug is not funded in New Zealand and some complexity trying to get sorted although not impossible.

So what I'm I wishing for? I hope that their technical analysis is accurate and that the medical team make good decisions. I want a positive day when I meet my oncologist next week, with evidence of stabilizing or slowing progress and no significant new developments. I hope that Kat, I and Whanau have the courage and strength with whatever the outcome is to understand, accept and positively move forward. Overriding all, I hope for time, lots of it.
G :-)

2:00am haircut aftermath

Cycle 2 : Countdown 8 Hours and thumbs up!

8 hours before I'm out of hospital and another milestone through. Cycle 2 has gone substantially better than the 1st cycle. I've had nausea but managing medication better and sleeping lots and eating and drinking well. Takeaways from this improvement: better plan leading in, eating & drinking well (better food & better attitude), better rest leading in, working on faith and prayers (me and others), communicating and working with medical team.A motivator was if I get through the cycle better I will also bounce back quicker, no time to waste.

You can let chemo and the side-effects take charge; Kia Kaha be strong fight back.

I've had a lovely supply of regular visitors including afternoon napping visitor Faye and my girls in watching movies at night (Nemo, Braveheart).

A highlight was getting a nurse to give me a 2:00am #0 haircut as hair falling out and being annoying. Photo coming.

Also I have a lovely custom design pillowcase with wonderful and supportive messages from around the world. I'm sure that's made a positive difference.

G