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.

  • Last health update for a while … off tripping

    Had my last oncology appointment for a while earlier today … over the phone as we are having one final test run of the new motor home before heading south for 7 weeks. A couple of nights at the lovely Port Jackson, Coromandel …

    Not to much to report given it was a phone consult and based on a blood test. CEA levels are up slightly to 16. Plan is to have a scan on our return in early Dec and plan next treatment steps from there.

    Given there will be no health updates for a while if I get motivated I’ll post some travel updates from the South Island … we have the ferry booked for Oct 15th.

  • Positive News

    Having completed 2 cycles of the tablets I have had a scan and oncologist appointment … the news was positive with evidence of the treatment being effective in managing the remaining tumours in the liver.

    We have been given the green light to have an extended trip around the South Island so the planning for that can begin in earnest.

    Thanks again to all those that continue to faithfully pray for me and the family it is both humbling and really appreciated.

  • Bit more wait and see

    I have completed a round of tablets … they are a 2 week on 1 week off cycle. I experienced no noticeable side effects while taking the tablets which is a blessing.

    The blood test following the first round was mixed, the CEA marker was up to 13 from 6.6 … apparently a change in treatments can sometimes cause a spike so it is not necessarily an indication that things are getting worse. The other liver function results were better.

    So I have started another round of tablets and have a scan scheduled in 3 weeks to see what’s really going on.

  • Great holiday … not such great news

    Rachel and I had a great 2 weeks enjoying some Queensland sunshine and catching up with friends and family. It took a while to reacclimatise on our return.

    Since returning I have had a scan and oncology appointment, and the news was not so good. The tumours have increased in size since the scan the month before indicating that the treatment I had been on has become ineffective.

    I have moved to Chemo tablets to see how the cancer responds to those. It is obviously more convenient than having to go into the cancer centre and sit in a chair for hours, and is a less aggressive treatment so in theory the side effects should also be less severe … a couple of days in and so far so good.

    I am physically feeling well and remain positive but the news does give cause to again pause and be reminded that life here on earth is indeed short.

  • Scan … Inconclusive

    I had a CT Scan on Monday and an Oncology appointment yesterday (Tuesday). The radiography report suggested that things have got worse since my April scan, the Oncologist was not convinced that is the case … he called it a “draw”.

    The difference in interpretation relates to tissue abnormalities surrounding the liver tumours … is it cancer or perhaps regenerative healthy tissue or something else???

    I understand it is not uncommon for Chemo treatments to become ineffective after a period of time, so that is a possibility.

    The plan moving forward is to take a 4 week break from treatment and then have another scan to see if things are more conclusive. From there is it likely to be continuation of the current treatment plan or move to another treatment program depending on the scan results.

    I continue to feel reasonably well and the side effects are following the expected patterns of the past.

    So, at this stage it’s a waiting game … fortunately 2 weeks of that is going to be in the (hopefully) warmer Queensland climate, we are looking forward to having a break and catching up with family and friends. We fly out this Sunday.

    For those praying, a couple of specific requests;

    • That we would avoid winter/airplane bugs before and during our trip
    • That the scan in 4 weeks would be conclusive and the Oncologist would have wisdom in determining the ongoing treatment plan