Paul's Health Updates

  • Purpose

    We have setup this site to be able to provide updates on my health status in an efficient manner. We appreciate all the support but have become aware that keeping everyone that wants updates informed is difficult. Posts will be short and factual. We remain happy to continue to take messages and calls directly but Read.

  • Happy New Year … albeit very belatedly

    Apologies for the lack of update recently … not really any legitimate excuses … but until yesterday there hasn’t really been much to report and we’ve been enjoying the last of Rachel’s holidays. But it’s back to routine now.

    Treatment continued through the summer on the usual fortnightly cycle, I did postpone one a week to spend some time camping with family … some things are more important than treatment!!!

    I had a scan a week or so ago and had the associated Oncology appointment yesterday. The results were positive, the break and then return to the intravenous treatment shows that it is being effective again at managing the cancer. The tumours show a decrease in size from the last scan, this improvement was mirrored in my blood results with CEA markers down to 5.9 (from 24). The result being that the plan is to stay on the aggressive treatment while it remains effective.

    I am currently in the chair for what will be my last private session having exhausted the Chemo component of my insurance until renewal. It will be back to the public system in 2 weeks to continue treatment.

    We are thankful for both the positive results and the ongoing support and prayers of family and friends.

  • Christmas Greetings from “the chair”

    This post is coming to you from the treatment chair, I’m in the process of the 2nd round of treatment in this run.

    The side effects have been consistent with those experienced the last time I was on the same treatment program. Mild nausea, fatigue and a rash … the rash has been more concentrated to the face and head this time around and caused some issues sleeping. But when compared to the laundry list of possible side effects

    Blood tests following round one show a significant improvement in my CEA levels down to 18.5 from 131 a couple of weeks ago … to use the Oncologists words it is “an almost unbelievable drop”. Some good news in Christmas week and an encouragement to press on with the treatment.

    As 2025 draws to a close a huge thank you to all those that have prayed and supported us throughout the year. Its been one that has had a number of highlights along with the inevitable curveballs that life throws our way … things are always better with the support of wonderful friends and family … Thank You so much. I pray that over this Christmas season you will have time to slow down, spend time with loved ones and refresh as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ all those years ago.

    Merry Christmas to you all.

  • Back to Reality

    Following a wonderful extended period of time in the South Island enjoying time with Rachel and exploring the varied landscapes on offer its back to reality now. Todays post is being written from “the chair”. On return I had a scan and blood tests which showed my cancer had progressed while not on intravenous Chemo so was back on the hard stuff ASAP.

    They managed to get me in for treatment within a week which is a blessing, but its back to the 2 week cycle of Chemo. I am on the same drugs as I was last year with the hope that following a break they will be effective again. If not it will require a change in treatment in an attempt to control the progression.

    I am truly thankful for the time we had away … It was amazing on so many levels. A real reminder that time with those we love and creating memories is super important … Perhaps it shouldn’t have taken a cancer diagnosis to make it happen!!!

    I am mindful as we approach Christmas its been over a year on this journey, I am immensely grateful for all the support and prayer of so many, its been humbling. I pray that each of you over this Christmas period would experience the joy of the season and get time to rest and reflect with those you love

  • Home Stretch

    On the northerly leg of the journey to date we have;
    – Spent a number of days in the Caitlins … what a wonderful part of the world … beaches, waterfalls, wildlife.
    – Dunedin – the Orokonui sanctuary was worth the trip and entry fee
    – Oamaru – did the penguin experience with all the tourists
    – Lake Ohau – rode a short section of the Alps to Ocean trail … magic scenery
    – A couple of nights at Mount Cook – spectacular but endured 1 VERY windy night
    – Tekapo – bit of a relax to charge the batteries

    Under 2 weeks left now … off to Christchurch tomorrow. The time away has been wonderful and we continue to enjoy the wonder of the South but it will be great to reconnect with family and friends on returning.

  • Hit the Bottom

    Looking back since the last post we have managed to pack a fair bit in. The last week or so have been characterised by picking the most interesting/easy to get to/just easy parts of larger adventures. Yesterday we went to Bluff and did the “tourist bottom of NZ” photo, and today we actually did it properly at Slope Point which is apparently the furthest South you can get on the South Island so the journey back north now begins.

    Highlights since I last posted;
    – Lake Dunstan – including completing some of the cycle trail
    – Queenstown – spent a couple of nights, largely resting and recharging batteries (literally and metaphorically)
    – Te Anau/Manapouri – did lots of really neat stuff, a section of the Keepler Track, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, a section of Lake2Lake trail
    – Bluff
    – Invercargill – caught up with some colleagues