Christmas eve

For anyone who has been to Melbourne and seen the flames outside the casino.  Well on a clear warm Christmas eve they really are fantastic.  We haven't done this in years.  Everyone even the kids enjoyed.  Memories. 

Marcus' new sound.

Marcus picked his new toy today.  Another Marcus who I work with is moving house and wanted to get rid of stuff. So our Marcus got this for free. 

Augusta - Cape Leeuwin

We decided to get the trip down to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin done early and while we had good weather. In case you are not aware it is the south west tip of Australia where the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. On good sunny days like we had you can see the different coloured waters coming together. 

The road down to Augusta is full of interesting little towns including Margaret River township. Our favourite though is Cowaramup. The whole town has gone with a cow theme. There are big cow sculptures everywherer and they are all sponsored  by the businesses. As a tourist thing it worked we stopped. It was just as well as it turned out because it is a town with a whole lot of interesting stores that we'd have missed if not for the cows. There was the Candy Cow, the xxxx Gallery, and a coffee shop that actually knows how to make a flat white,  no froth. Check out the photos of the cows.

We didn't stop in Margaret River,  there was a heap of roadworks and we decided to just keep going.  We did stop at Augusta for lunch and just like last time we were here it is a very expensive place to eat.  Much nicer food this time though. 

Down to the Cape and the lighthouse. Having already done the lighthouse tour we decided not to this time especially as the price per person just to walk around it is now $10. We thought that was a bit steep. So we went to the waterwheel instead. There were some overseas tourists there who discussing the price and how much it was. Anyway around the waterwheel is very picturesque. 

It's not that far so on the way back we turned off the main drag at Cowaramup and visited the Margaret River Nougat Co. Yes we bought some, it is hard not to they have 25 varieties.  No trip in this area is complete without a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, and yes we bought some.  Thwre are walls and walls of different chocolates. 

Cape Naturaliste

We headed out to Cape Naturaliste via Dunsborough, a nice little coastal tourist village.  We stopped at the market,  Donna can't go past one,  and then headed for the Cape. 

The Cape has a Lighthouse and some short walks out to a number of lookouts. From Sep to Nov you can see whales apparently but I think it might too late in the season because we didn't see any.  Despite that it is still worth  the walk for the view.  The water here is so blue it is amazing. 

From Cape Naturaliste we headed down the coast to Yallingup on the surf coast. From there a round trip back to Busselton.  Along the way we stopped at a winery.  I know we can't get it home in the plane but they advertise that they do port.  I had to stop, and it was worth the stop. All the ports I tried I liked. They have some very light ports that have a fruity and berry taste to them and can be served chilled, which is just as well as it has been in the high 20s since we've been here,  and some of the more traditional styles but with a real raison flavor.  Their chocolate ports are delicious,  2 of my favorite things in one glass. 

Onwards then to the brewery and cidery. I don't like beer so it obviously want that we went for but the cider. I've never tried cider and thought it must be about time I had a go.  They have an apricot and an apple cider.  Both tasted like weak almost flat fizzy fruit juice. Maybe there are better ones or maybe it is an acquired taste. 

Part then the brewery and on to the Chilli Waters, a site fruit and nut farm. I've never eaten satay broadbeens before but I've discovered I really like them. Donna bought some dried apricots in yoghurt that we decided after tasting would be great with our cereal in the morning. Following this up with the nut and cereal farm at which we bought some barbecued macadamias and our foodie trip was complete. 

The rest of the day was lazing around the pool sipping port.  Tough I know but I'm up for the challenge. 

The map below starts at Yallingup because I forgot to turn it on earlier. 

PS the shark attack was at the beach where we were earlier.

Perth to Busselton

Today we hovelled from Perth to Busselton but first let me tell you about our B+B last night. Just near the airport, which is just as well  because we arrived late, it is called Jenni's B+B . For the same price as an hotel room we stayed with Jenni and Barry in a very comfortable room. This morning a light breakfast and some easy conversation with some hints on the best way to Busselton.

Now for the trip- We headed down the inland road stopping at a couple of places , one recommended by Jenni, the bakery at Pinjara Junction. The food is good if not a little limited. Moving right along we headed down to Bunbury and stopped for lunch. An interesting little cafe that didn't look much from the outside but turned out to be very nice. Also the service was very quick and friendly.

Now for the resort, pretty much what you would expect from a Grand Mercure . Our room is next to the pool and fully equipped.  But the real beauty of this place is the fact it backs onto the beach.  Walk out the bank of the resort and you have a magnificent view .

Cup day

Well today is Melbourne Cup Day and its a holiday for those of us in Melbourne.  Woohoo! Since I had no free invites to the cup this year we decided to go for a drive instead as it was a beautiful day for here.  We had out to one of our favorite spots, Trentham, and to get Marcus to come with us and drive us most of the time we had to promise to go to some music shops in Ballarat.  We lunched in Trentham this time at the main pub.  The food took a little while but it was good honest pub grub.  I had a chicken kiev that was moist and not too strong with garlic, unusual for a pub.  Anyway we all had a nice meal and of we went to Ballarat. It is just a really nice day trip. 

Our trip is below. 

Lakes Entrance

On the way back from the caves we had a look at an historic trestle bridge.  Makes you wonder about those who drove 100 ton steam engines across it.  As someone said, try and have a soft spot to ask at just in case you need to jump. 

Lakes entrance - Buchan Caves

Today we  headed out to the Buchan caves. A pleasant drive about 45 mins north of Lakes Entrance.  This is quite a large cave network discovered early last century, 1907 to 1910. We visited the Royal cave as it has less steps and less steep.  It is quite impressive although quite right in places.  Our guide hurried us along which is a bit of a shame as some of the more interesting bits were on the walk between the show caves but we went part them pretty quick.  It was still good. 

Lakes Entrance - DARNUM

We have travelled out to Lakes Entrance for the weekend, just Donna and I . For those who aren't aware Lakes Entrance is about a 3-4 hr drive east of Melbourne and sits at the entrance to the Gippsland takes. The lakes are quite a large complex of lakes several times larger than Sydney Harbour. It really is beautiful coastal country.

Before I get to Lakes Entrance , I'll tell you about a cute little town we stopped at on the way here. It is called Darnum . We pulled in because it said it had tea rooms . Which it has and they are very nice . Everything was as it should be, and by that I mean my coffee was good , Donna's hot chocolate was not only good but hot, and they make a really wicked sticky date cake . Yum !  The Darnum Stump Cafe named after the big tree stump across the road.

So after this rather decadent morning tea we noticed the sign to the Darnum Musial Village. Not having been to a Musical village before we thought we would have a look. Well it turned out to be the most fascinating little place . Officially the "tours" weren't operating , so we just paid to have a look. We were lucky though , because it was Friday and very quiet the guy who let us in also decided to show us around . Turned out he is one of the guys who restores and repairs the pianos , so he knew a lot about the different instruments . As I said fascinating and definitely worth the visit .

Chemo maintenance

You may remember our not that now I am in remission I have to have a ct scan every 3 months to check on things.  It is part of the agreement to keep getting the maintenance drug. 

So last Friday I had my first quarterly ct scan.  It may sound a little strange but I was far more nervous about this one than any of the others. Up until this one I had nothing to lose. All the tests until this one were either confirming the diagnosis or the treatment and since the diagnosis was already bad it could only look up or at worst stay the same . This one and all future ones I actually have something to lose. So I was nervous going to see Niall today.

The good news I am still in remission !  Now 3 months of not thinking about it.

Barwon heads and Torquay

Just a day trip down to Torquay and Barwon Heads.  Both by the sea and potential holiday destinations.  Both places are nice but Barwon was probably a little ahead. 

Goind home

Unfortunately our stay at Sorrento was short,  just the one night.  Very relaxing though,  we have to come back for a bit longer next time. The photos are looking in both directions from Point King at Sorrento.  We had just done the millionaires walk.  This is a public walking track along the cliffs on the foreshore where the wealthy have their holiday homes. Apparently at some stage they had tried to block access to it and the Council had to take them court to stop them fencing it off.  When you look at the Pinos and see the views they get you can understand why they didn't want the public walkway on their fence lines.  

Sorrento

Donna has kindly consented to drive me to Sorrento where we are going to catch up with some friends,  Ian and Donna for the night.  I've taken tomorrow off work so we can enjoy the night.

We stopped in at the Mornington markets on the way.  It's a huge market full of  mainly food produce made locally. 

 

Maintenance treatment

I know I recently said how good it was to talk of something other than the Chemo but I had to share this. 

Today I had one of my maintenence treatments which usually goes without much effort but today was different.  The nurses (yes there was more than 1 having a go) managed to dig a number of holes in me trying to make a connection with a vein.  I'm glad I shaved nearly all my arm although I will shave a little higher next time. 

In case you can't expand the photo there are 4 spot although are actually 5 holes,  2 are covered by a single spot. 

Philip Island

I've headed down to Philip Island for a couple of days.  Just me.  Have a look at this sunset, how can you not like this place. 

A foggy start to the day

Our day started rather foggily in West Wyalong  Last day on the road,  back to Melbourne. 

Narranderra

On the way home we stopped in at Narranderra and Marcus got to play the largest guitar in the southern hemisphere.  It used to be biggest in the world until someone in the US saw it and decided to make one bigger.  So now it is only the biggest in the southern hemisphere.  It really does play but is out of tune. 

Trip to BRIS. Day 3.

Moree to Toowoomba and this time it is a slow trip for another reason , so much roadworks .Why doesn't Milmerrin have a bakery ? It is however a very pretty little town and we almost always stop here. Another quick morning tea and then off to Toowoomba . Check out the pose,  not quite his wonder woman pose. This is in the park in Millmerrin. 

Trip to Bris Day 2 Cowra to Moree

Another slow day ravelling though NSW . At least at this speed it is fairly easy for the traffic to pass us. We didn't cause too much of a hazard. It took so long and it was so boring I even made a video of it. If I can edit it I'll post it here as well.  

 Me and Marcus at Wellington.

  Park in Wellington. Great park in Coona. 

AT LAST- Something other than Chemo. Trip to BRIS. Day 1 MELB to Cowra

We're enjoyed a slow leisurely trip to Cowra. Slow because after Crossing the border into NSW with the boys driving we could only do 80Km/h . It gave me the chance though to take some photos out of the window of the car. I like Cowra as do the boys especially Nicholas who wanted to go to the Japanese gardens again, so he and I did it again, we both enjoyed it and I got some more photos.

 Japanese gardens

Me and Nicholas at the gardens. 

 Sunset from our room in Cowra. 

Round 6 tongue

I've haven't until now been able to capture a picture of my tongue and what happens to it at times.  It is one of the things that make it hard to eat. 

In the photo below I have circled  the crack that appears in the middle of my tongue. This is by no means the worst it has been at times but the first time I have managed to get a photo. It can really make eating difficult. At least now I have it recorded.

It is nearly over and I expect the symptoms that are still here to start easing now. YEEHAR!

Round 6 - The END

Yeehar!!!!

The end of the chemo drugs and yes I feel very happy about that. No the side effects have not yet worn off so I am still peeling (particularly the feet), my mouth still has trouble eating, and all the rest but this is it.

On Wednesday I got the best news I could hope for from Niall, the CT scan I had last week shows that the cancer is no longer detectable which means I am in "complete remission". I put that in quotes as Niall normally doesn't usually use words like that so it surprised me a little and made me very happy. Of course he then qualified it as he always does, which I understand, and stated it just meant it was under control not gone but that is a hell of a lot better than the alternative.

So I had my first non-chemo maintenance treatment yesterday. This is just the Herceptin drug which has very  minimal side effects. By very minimal I mean nothing quick like what I have been having although there is a small chance that it may cause heart damage. So every 3 months now I will be having a CT scan to make sure it stays under control and every 6 months a heart scan/test (I haven't had it yet so I don't know what it actually is). The non-chemo treatment is only about an hour to an hour and a half and only about 1.5 litres  so none of the expelling of previous.

Just need to work out how to celebrate now.

Round 6 - Week 1

Well, once again the unpredictability of the process has been fun. The break did me good and I felt much better going into this round. My hands and feet are still reasonable considering but there has been an unusual extra side effect. My toes and balls of the feet have been numb but they are not burning yet like other times so I am hoping it is a good thing.

It's nearly the end of week one so the fluid dump has started and last night wasn't good but not as bad as  I had anticipated. Since I started the high protein diet the dumps have been less severe but longer in duration. My eyes are really bad this time, they seem to be drying out much worse this time. I really hate this time of the process, I just don't feel like eating anything .

Anyway in 2 weeks it is over and I move on to maintenance. Then on to Brisbane and a holiday, which I really need despite spending a lot of time lately resting, but it is not a relaxing rest as I always feel so tired  after it. I am so looking forward to a real break .

Round 6 - The beginning of the end.

The beginning of the end of the chemo treatment not me, in case you got the wrong picture. I intend to go on for a long time yet and whatever disease is inside me had better get used to that.  Fighting words I know but I am feeling much better this week so I can afford to be bold.  When I feel like crap next week I may not be so fiesty. In 4 weeks time  I'll have the ct scan and I'll be back to fighting words.

Not much else to say this week other than I am exercising and feeling good right now.  Next report in news at 11.

Round 6 - Postponed

I have 2 pieces of good news from Niall today.

1. We are postponing round 6 to next week due to my hands and mouth not having recovered sufficiently from the Cisplatin to proceed. This is because without sufficient recovery between rounds permanent nerve damage can be done. So it is treated fairly seriously. No surprise there.

2. The very good news is that because I have managed somehow to stay on a relatively high dose of the chemo drugs, in particular Cisplatin, round 6 is to be my last of the chemo treatments.  WOOHOO!!. I will remain on the Herceptin for as long as it continues to due the job. It has almost no (they won't ever say "no side effects" these days) side effects so no problems.

I will have a CT scan will round 6 is completed and hopefully it will show everything is under control.

Round 5 last 2 weeks

Wow it's been 2 weeks since my last blog. This has been probably the most inconsistent and confusing round yet.  Every time I thought a symptom had finished our at least was easing based on other rounds it would come back.  It's been stop/start, come, go, come back again. My hands are the worst and they really haven't yet gotten much better, although they haven't peeled, so not as bad as round 2.

Close behind is my mouth and appetite.  By that I mean my mouth is dehydrated and my tongue is actually cracking down the middle.  Everything still tastes like crap which always happens but it's usually gone by now.  It's really hard to get excited about eating anything when it tastes awful and hurts to eat. 

I doubt very much that I will be doing round 6 this week as my hands in particular just haven't recovered enough. As this is a side effect that is cumulative it needs to be reasonably recovered before we start the next round. 

Tomorrow is the appointment with Niall so I let you know when I do. 

The funny thing is other things such as my feet are recovering well, which is strange because every other time they followed the hands, but not this time.  Like I said inconsistent and confusing.  Anyway better feet means I got to walk on the cross trainer for the last 2 days.  I really need to get some muscle tone back, the high nutrition /high protein diet means I maintain weight better but I think it's mostly fat. I'm currently just doing high protein and cutting back on the nutrition a bit. 

Round 5 Days 2-7

Well, it's been different again this time.  Although there are similarities each time it also is never quite the same. 

The fluid loss and the metallic taste both came early and at the same time. I really hate the metal taste as almost everything becomes hard to eat, and my sense of smell, for some reason, is magnified and even things I have always liked I can no longer stand the smell of.   Not really pleasant and way more fatiguing.  Fatigue has been an issue this time but I suspect it I think back yard enough I have always been fatigued around this time, I was probably too tired to remember.

The good news is the high protein diet appears to have assisted in smoothing the weight loss and the fluid dump.  So far this week I've gone from 74 to 76 and now down to 72, which is pretty good for this time.  I've also only needed to get up a couple of times each night which should have helped with the fatigue but for some reason didn't, I'll ponder that one. 

It's a beautiful morning here today (see picture) and I am sitting outside in the backyard with the sun on my shoulder.  I think I need to get more exercise as the high protein,  high nutrition diet have just added fat.  I did some potting about yesterday, changing some pots in the garden and it felt good. 

So to leave on a positive note i'm going to sit here and enjoy the morning for a little while more and than maybe a bit more gardening.

Round 5 day 1

Here I go again.  Outside today is an awesome day, so clear you can see the Dandenong Ranges really well.  It is late afternoon in the photo.

Everything is tickety-boo according to Niall,  so no change to treatment. 

Not much else to report. 

Round 4 . End of week 3

Almost end of week 3 but things have been reasonably good this week.  For the second time this round I made it into work yesterday.  Not only that but I was feeling well enough to stay in town and everyone came into the RACV Club for dinner.  A really enjoyable meal and evening. 

We found a holder for my needle so that I could do it at the Club. So there I was in the car park, in the back seat of the car stabbing myself but no one noticed, so all is good. 

This means I am now officially through 50%. Round 5 starts Thursday. Not quite the home straight but it is in view now.

Round 4 day 14

I was feeling sufficiently good enough today to actually go to work at Docklands. Small achievement but the first time in nearly 7 weeks since I actually went in and not worked from home. 

I over did it a bit in the end and ended up with swollen legs.  Not badly but definitely more than I should have. 

I'm back home now with legs up but still pretty happy with the day. 

Sunday day 11

Donna has found a Cd and record market on at Essendon, I'm feeling good so off we go.  So much vinyl for sale.  So many obscure artists and albums.  Not a whole lot of anyone I know or are interested in.  We did buy a few despite this.

We spent a long time there and I ended up with a swollen leg but it was worth it.  If for no other reason than I got to go out. 

I am feeling better than last time at this point so I am hoping it continues. 

Round 4 - Days 2-7

As usual Friday was my best day and I met with Clare ( from work) for morning tea at Urban Grooves in Greensborough. As a complete surprise it turns out that one of the guys at work, Phil, has a daughter who works there and knows Clare. Amazing coincidence since I picked the place without knowing. Food was good and Clare and I had a good chat.

I went to my myotherapist Friday afternoon and discovered coconut oil is really good for the scalp and hair. My scalp and hair have been so dry especially during the fluid loss stages  Not peeling or flaking type dry but course and tough type dry. My skin goes like leather when I dry out but the coconut oil really works well. 

I probably did a little too much on Friday  as my calf was quite swollen Friday night. So the weekend came and went and we didn't do much. On Sunday I was feeling up to walking again so we went to the market. Not much swelling so hopefully things are looking up.

By Monday the neuropathy in my hands and feet was becoming noticeable . This is not good as usually it doesn't start until around day 7. Also my fluid flush appeared to be starting early, not sure what this means.

It's now Wednesday and I think I know what it means. It seems that its not as aggressive as previously but time will tell, certainly my feet are feeling it but not so much my hands. Being not as aggressive I suspect means that it will last longer, I sure hope not. I've discovered the coconut oil eases the neuropathy in my hands so now I am going to test it on my feet. I will keep you informed of its success or otherwise.

Round 4. Day 1

Here I am back at the oncology ward for the next round. Yesterday Niall was happy with progress and with the minimal side effects so we are progressing today as per schedule.  No change to dosage etc.  He tells me, quite confidently, that round 4 will not be like round 2 despite round 3 being similar to round 1. Here's hoping.

I got a corner chair today and a view.  Having said that it is a grey, wet and miserable day. It is still good to have the view. I can just see the top of the trains as they go. There won't be many laps of the ward today though thanks to the blood clots.  I've got to find a way to exercise at home without using my legs. 

Anyway today will be fairly peaceful.

This Week In Treatment

I thought this week was going to be ffairly usual stuff hence no posts. Instead I have a new challenge to write about.

To start on Tuesday I was feeling pretty good and my leg swelling had reduced so I figured I'd get in some exercise. Apparently not a good idea. Right calf ballooned and really hurt. I was still thinking at this stage it was muscular, it had been there with different severity for over 2 weeks.

It was still the same Thursday so I went to see the doctor. After a quick consultation and I had a letter to the emergency room at the Austin, so off we went. At the Austin, after nearly 5 hours, I was diagnosed with blood clots from near the top of my thigh to the back of my knee. Oh well at least it explains the pain, swelling and why it wouldn't go away. The next bit is the fun part. Due to my chemo I can't take usual tablets but have to have daily injections instead. I said to the doctor what are my options? Well you give them to yourself or you come hear everyday. So last night in the emergency ward I learnt how to give myself an infection. It isn't that hard as it turns out. You just have to get over the first thought of it. So now I get to give myself a daily injection for at least the next 3 to 6 months.

The doctor doing thought it funny that when he told me I responded that it was good and bad news. i explained, the bad that I had clots and the good that at least I now knew the problem and could something about it.  He just smiled and nodded. Nicholas thinks he will use that now with other patients.

Today was my second self inflicted injection. The pushing the needle in is painless but the medicine as it goes in stings. So be it.

Sunday (really Monday) Drive

On Monday I was feeling pretty good so we decided it was time for a drive.  So we headed off to Daylesford where we had a delightful morning tea in a little bakery in the main street. Not the big one that everyone goes to but a little one across the road.  I was still having some sensitivity with my eating so was looking for something softish.  We shared  an American brownie bar that was just right.  Highly recommend the place and their other pastries looked good. 

Then we decided to go to Hepburn Springs for lunch since my feet were still not really allowing my to walk far.  There isn't much at Hepburn Springs so we kept going to  Castlemaine where we went to lunch at the hotel we have liked before.  It has changed hands and looks like it had been pretty run down in between. The food wasn't bad although I found a bit of wire in the first meal I ordered.  They took it away and I ordered something else which turned out to be excellent,  better than my first choice. 

On the way home we stopped in at Lancefield at the bakery, another favorite.  Yes it was good.  Then home we went.  Another pleasant day. 

Apollo Bay

As I said in an earlier post we got away to Apollo Bay last weekend and we did some offshore fishing.  We all had a good time although poor old Nicholas got frustrated when he didn't catch anything. He and Marcus even swapped lines at one stage and Marcus caught a fish on Nicholas' rod.

We had fun and some nice food so a good weekend. 

The photos are the sun coming up over the harbour and the other side of town.

Round 3 hands & feet

My hands sre almost back to normal, just really fresh soft skin. 

However my feet are now my focus. They took longer to crack probably because they are thicker and the skin tougher. 

Round 3 - days 1-3

Chemo was pretty much as usual but a little shorter as they didn't use as much fluid to do the flush in the last 4 hours.

Friday I potted around the house and not as much side effects. So I decided to see if I could have a go at fishing but it all depended on my legs swelling or not. 
So I set myself up in the back of the car with my legs up for the trip down.  My legs weren't too bad so I went fishing.  We had a good time and caught some fish.  Now we just have to work out how to get them home. 

Weekend Festivals - Last Weekend

For the first time in nearly 4 weeks I left the house to go somewhere other than the doctors or hospital. There were a couple of festivals on in the city so we thought we would give them a go .

The first we want to was the Turkish festival held at the Vic markets. It was quite small with only a handful of tents and stalls, It was still something to see.
The pictures are of  the Turkish festival.

The other festival on was a Greek festival at the other end of the CBD. We get there at lunch time only to see them packing up. The funny thing was when we got home they were still advertising it on TV. Anyway we got home before my leg got too swollen.

ROUND 2 . Hands

This time round my hands and feet were quite badly inflamed and are still recovering. 9've kept a bit of a photo history of them.

The first is where they are red but not yet cracked or peeling. Then the cracking and peeling starts . The last you can see the skin has peeled off the fingertips and parts of the palm.

End Of Round 2

I met with Niall on Wed  and we decided to postpone this weeks treatment until next week . We will also reduce the Xeloda from 4 + 3 a day to 3 + 2 a day.  This will reduce some side effects particularly the hands & feet . This is important as it can cause permanent nerve damage as it has a cumulative  affect.

Now for the good news .  The CT scan results showed that a number of the lymph nodes which were previously  visible are no longer visible and the large mass in the stomach has markedly reduced.  Niall said that although he can't be certain that the herceptin has made the difference it is obvious that the combination is working. So it is worth paying for and I shall again this round.

Now to just get some level of fitness back before next week.

Have a great weekend.

Days 9 - 19 Round 2

Well it has been a while and it has been quite a period. Nothing has gone the same as last time. I have had almost every type of side effect you can get and the ones from last time were much stronger and lasted much longer.

I still lost heaps of fluid but instead of it all in one day it lasted about 7 days. This was followed by a weekend of diarrhea. So now I am at just 68kgs and feeling a little weak but as of today I actually feel like I am getting better. On top of all that my hands and feet became really inflamed to the point where it was quite difficult to walk. Quite stupidly I kept trying to work through last week. I was so exhausted at the end of each day I just didn't have the energy to do the blog.

Donna and I had a funny conversation on the weekend, it was around how when you are going through something like this all conversations seem to be about bodily functions. So let me just say last week was crap and I'll skip all the other things that happened. I had a CT last week that will tell if the Herceptin side of the treatment is doing what is supposed to and worth the money or not. I meet with Niall tomorrow as I am to have cycle 3 this week. I'm not sure if it will  happen though given I am still well below weight and not recovered yet. We'll see.

On to more enjoyable things. Nicholas has started Uni and is pleased with his subjects and days. He has Thursday and Friday off each week. And they call it full time!

BTW Thanks for the cards it is appreciated.

Days 5-8 Round 2

Ok, a lot has happened this week so I will try and summarise it.

Firstly, unlike the first round I was extremely tried early in the week. I took Monday as sick leave I was so exhausted. I was still swelling in the legs and by Monday night my hands and feet were bright red and very sore and again felt is if they were on fire.

On Tuesday I had already planned to work from home and felt better after the rest Monday so did that. Unlike last time I was exhausted by the end of the day. Wednesday I worked from home again  as my feet and hands were still really red and on fire. Unlike last time my face had also gone really red although not sore my like hands. Again I was spent by the end of the day and the fluid dump had begun I think sometime early Wed morning or late Tuesday night. I hadn't put on as much weight or swollen as badly as the first time so I thought it might be lighter this time.  Beginners mistake. This may be why I was so tired though.

Somewhere in the middle of Wednesday night I decided that not only was I taking Thursday off but also Friday to just rest and recoup. Strange how your thoughts sometimes can be very lucid despite feeling groggy and exhausted. Smart decision. AJ was good with that.

After resting all day yesterday this morning I feel better. Still not great but better. My hands etc have eased a lot. My face is very red though anoint appears the rash I had last time and thought was heat rash is coming back. I've noticed it early hopefully and have put the cream they gave me on it already.

I've bought some Gatorade to replace the fluid and electrolytes. I was using some stuff called Gastrolyte which tastes foul. The Gatorade is supposed to do a similar job and at least it tastes like something I can drink.

Anyway today I am looking forward to resting up and hopefully having  a good weekend. All the best to everyone and hopefully you won't hear from me until next week some time.

The FISH CAFE

In amongst the trips to hospital I managed to get in a very nice lunch at a place in Heidelberg called The FISH CAFE with Nicholas. It is a fish and burger shop that does great burgers. I had a burger with the lot and  Nicholas had a fish burger with a small chips. Both binges were really large and  tased great. The small chips were huge and could feed 4 people, great value at $3.50.

Days 2-4 Round 2

Day 2 ran pretty much the same as last time, meaning hiccups all day from breakfast to when I went to bed. Not a lot of fun and very tiring. The swelling in my legs started last night, so it came a day early. My guess is some sort of result of starting the Xeloda  a day earlier than last time. 

Day 3 and the fluid build up this time is a lot less. Due only gone up about 2 Kgs instead of the 4-5 of last time. I'm putting this down to starting the treatment well hydrated unlike the first time. I' m following the nurses advice of either keep the legs moving or keep them elevated. It all helps with the swelling. The blasted hiccups came back this afternoon something I could have done without. 

Day 4 and I'm starting to get quite tired. I don't know if it is as a result of the constant keep the leg moving or up routine but I want to nod off but can't sleep,

I must try and remember to get a photo of my arms to gm before the next round. I used the clippers to take the hair off  them  so that the nurses had a choice of arms and veins. Also to help with removing all the tape they use to stick the canula down.  Long hair and halo of sticky tape don't mix 

Day 1 Round 2

I feel a bit like a boxer starting this with round 2. Today I start round 2. Yesterday I met with Niall again and discussed round 1. He is a bit like a coach in that way. We go though what happened and what if anything we do different, which is nothing at this stage . My blood results from Monday were good and the fluid dump although unexpected could have been the result of a couple of things, so this time we wait and see if it is the  same or not. Same or different  might point to which is the right answer.

The burning feet, numb fingertips and the dry skin and cracked lips are all side affects of the XELODA. Unfortunatety for me Niall tells me to expect these to get worse this time. There is some sort of cumulative thing in the first 2-3 rounds that fades in the other rounds.

At this stage the rash is suspected of being just a heat rash.

I started today's treatment earlier and with lots of fluid before I got here so things are progressing quicker than last time and I expect to be out of here by 5pm instead of 6.

Lots of exercise for the next couple of days to try and get the fluid moving quicker and more evenly this time around.

Attached is a photo of the chain I get to sit in all day. They are large and comfortable and can be adjusted as needed'

Days 11-16

OK maybe just a little too optimistic last post.

After working out at the gym on Tuesday I ended up with an intense burning sensation on the soles of my feet. I thought that I had blistered the bottom of both feet. After waiting for a day no blisters but the sensation wouldn't go away. It made sleeping really difficult. Even when Donna felt my feet she said they were burning on the soles. It also made walking rather difficult.

Anyway by Friday the sensation was going away so I went to a work BBQ where I just sat in a chair so I wouldn't have to be on my feet. By Saturday my feet had eased off a lot but I had developed a rash on my chest and a little on my face. It was itchy on the chest but I noticed the moisturizer I used on my face eased the spots so I tried it on my chest and it certainly eased it but it  wouldn't go away. I rang the hospital after hours as per their instruction. They were happy that if I could control it and then see my GP it was probably a heat rash, which was what I said it was when I rang them. So I did.

Today, I went to the GP and yes it is a heat rash. I have some special ointment for it and now it has gone.
My feet have really eased off as I used a cross trainer tonight and so far so good.

Anyway next round starts on Thursday so if nothing happens between now and then I'll wait till the next post.

Days 9&10

Things are running well at the moment so unless something happens assume all is well.  I'll stop posting daily and only exceptions will be posted.

Day 7&8

Unlike yesterday's blog where I combined cause not much was happening, a lot happened yesterday and Wed night. Over about 15 hours all the fluid finally left. During that period I lost nearly 6 kilos  in weight. Let me say right now that by the time it stopped yesterday morning  I was completely worn out. I slept most of yesterday.

I made the mistake of trying to eat solid food straight away and caused myself severe intestinal pain. Definitely remember that for next time.

I'm still really tired today but went to work and made it through the whole day so I'm recovering.

Anyone with ideas on lessening the affects of massive sudden dehydration send me an email.

Day 5 & 6

Not much to report yesterday and today. Apart from the swollen legs and fluid retention not much in way of symptoms. This is really good news as I am told by the doctor that I am now probably past the vomiting stage for this round.

I've been at work both days albeit yesterday working from home and today at work for 1/5 the day. Until my legs grew and I went home to get them up in the air.

I'm getting some fluid tablets tomorrow so hopefully that will move it now the worst is past this week.

Chemo day 4

Super Bowl!
I've taken the day on annual leave to watch the Super Bowl like most years. A great game and really please to see Baltimore win despite them knocking out my team on the way through.

Side affects still are minimal although my legs did swell again despite me being on the cross trainer for almost the entire game 3 hours. So I've stuck my legs in the air for the night to see if it helps.

The doctor isn't too concerned if I can keep control of it myself. It might make working at work more of a challenge though. It many be half days at work and then home for the afternoon. I'll play it by ear for the moment.

Chemo Day 3

Well so far so good. Side affects have been minimal to date although as I have said before Tuesday is the day when I will really know.

We needed honey today so Donna drove her and I up to Healesville for the morning and to go to the markets there. We got some honey but could only get it in a litre so we'll probably be back next month.

I was still feeling quite bloated from Saturday's dinner of home made curry laksa and didn't even want morning tea, something most unusual for me, especially at Healesville where there is one of our favourite cafes. We had also noticed earlier that my legs had started swell. We walked around a little but then headed home. We couldn't stay out for lunch, not that I felt like it, as I have a tablet I have to take at lunch time and we didn't bring it.

After a very light lunch Marcus wanted to get some hours up on his learners so we drove over to Warrandyte where we had some afternoon tea in a very nice cafe that Donna had chosen. So my appetite was starting to return.

By early evening we noticed that I had developed cankles and really big calves and thighs. I made note of it in the daily diary they provided for me to keep track of things. I thought it was still probably fluid so I jumped on the cross trainer and just walked on it for about 1.5 hours. By the end my calves and ankles had decreased noticeably so I am less concerned but I will advise the doctors anyway on Monday.

My weight is doing all sorts of weird things. On Friday when I started it was 74 Kg, on Sat it was 73 Kg, this was after pumping me with about 6-7 litres of saline plus the drugs. Today it was 78 kg  5 Kg in a day!, I'm guessing all the fluid still needs to get out of me.

So apart from the never ending hiccups which seem to be ever present even when I am not hiccuping these are the only side affects I have noticed.

Chemo day 2

Well everything has gone well again today. No nausea, no vomiting, and no diarrhea. I've taken the first doses of the Xeloda chemo drug and obviously the anti-nausea drugs must be good. A grand total of 12 tablets a day, 7 of which are the Xeloda.

I've been keeping myself well hydrated meaning I am also spending a lot of time day and night in the toilet, yippee. I'm not complaining at that though as it means all the things they've given me have worked so far. I did test them pretty good for dinner tonight. I've been feeling so good I made Marcus and I a curry laksa for dinner as it was only us tonight, although Natalie is here but as she is a vegan she had toasted sangas.  So I'll see later tonight if the spices and chilies have any impact.

Apparently though day 4 is D-day as that is when I am weaned off/ cut off the anti nausea so I'll really know on Tuesday how I am. Might work from home on Tuesday, just in case.

So far so good but there is a long way to go.

View out window

Starting chemo today!

Today I start chemo at the Warringal Hospital: It still feels strange  being treated for a cancer I have no symptons for. Anyway I am getting .CX and an antibody called Herceptin. It starts though with  plenty of  ftuid (saline) being pumped into me and then the Chemo drugs and then some more  saline.

In the beginning along with the saline I am getting some (read lots) of anti-nausea drugs  One by mouth, called Emend, and 2 intravenously' DEXAMENTHASONL and NAVOBAN, each of these I have to take follow up pills for the next 2-3 days. I have then also another optional one which I can take,  more likely after the others have expired METOCLOPRAMIDE:

The saline is to make sure my kidneys keep functioning as the chemo affects them. Once the saline is pumped in I have to urinate enough so that they can then administer the chemo.

So I am sitting here at the hospital in a very comfy chair with a great view out the window and being looked after by Margaret who is very friendly and helpful

All the staff here are good and very friendly. They keep wanting to close the blinds but I like it bright so I keep saying no.

The Heceptin is going in now and as it is the first dose it is a large dose, today takes 1 1/2 hours, the next dose in 3 weeks takes 1 hour and then each after that only 1/2 hour each time. It was about 11.05 when it started. Atl the drugs start with A load dose and then reduce for the rest.

Finally it is all over and it is now 5:45 PM and I have been plugged in since 9Am. The chemo drugs stopped around 2pm and then the next round of saline. So far I have had little  to no reaction  to any of the drugs. I had a slight reaction  to one drug which was a pain in the arm around the cannula. Margaret said it probably wasn't the drug itself but more likely that it was the cold of the drug and the speed it was going in. She adjusted it a bit and also gave me  a heat pad fathe arm. this did the trick and I was good in no time.  Obviously the anti-nausea drugs are working.

Originally I was to be an overnight stay but they changed it to a day procedure as there were no staff available. The place is that new. What it did mean though is  they cut short the end saline only till ~6pm, 4 hours not 6. So I have to make sure I continue the hydration tonight to keep my kidneys working.

Lets hope the rest of the treatment goes this well.

CT scan

Went for another CT scan yesterday. I'm starting to get used to them. This one was different in that I had to drink the fluid before the scan as well as get the dye, last time it was just the dye. So it takes a bit longer, about an hour rather than 15 mins.

After it was done I grabbed some fish and chips for Nicholas and I to have for lunch so not all time wasted :)

Donna and Marcus had gone to the dentist to get Marcus a filling.

Nothing else exciting.

Corowa day2

Today was a pretty relaxed day. We walked down to the chocolate factory for morning tea. It was good but at the same  time disappointing. We had iced chocolates and scones each. Actually I should say scone, as you only get 1 each for nearly $5. What was disappointing was the iced chocolates. Despite being at a chocolate factory they were made with the same chocolate sauce flavoring you get at the corner shop.

We did buy quite a bit of the Junee chocolate though.

After that we wondered Oliver to the main st to watch three Federation Day Parade. The usual array of bands and local stuff but what was interesting was the number of vintage and old cars. It finished at the same park as last night.

I had to take a picture of this old truck. It is the same make and model as my father used to drive.  It was the one I first rode in.

Corowa day 1 Fireworks

Saturday night fireworks in the park. These were very good fireworks, much better than we had anticipated and finished with a spectacular end. The photos don't do it justice, I'll see if I can get some better ones from Donna's photos.