Paul's Health Updates

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.

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

Its been a while since I posted, sorry, the reality is there is not much to report.

Last week was treatment 12, and it was uneventful (just the way I like it). While round 10 being the first treatment post surgery had possibly the biggest impact in terms of fatigue of treatments to date, it remained managable and minor in the scheme of things. Rounds 11 & 12 have settled into a familiar pattern and the levels of fatigue returned to “normal”.

All going to plan I will have another treatment next week (25th) before having a scan to assess response followed by a short treatment break.

I remain exceeding greatful for the support and prayers of so many and for both the reaction (or lack of it) and response I have experienced to treatment to date.

A week back into Chemo after a lengthy break for surgery. Remembering what its like after the time off. Everything has been largely as expected based on previous experience.

My iron levels were low so I had an iron infusion last Friday to address that, hopefully it assists with energy levels.

Plan is for another 3 rounds and then a short break for a holiday in early July.

The tumour and Lymph nodes that were removed during surgery were sent to the lab for analysis and the results are in.

The tumour from the bowel showed the cancer was contained in the bowel wall and showed evidence of good response to treatment with scar tissue where cancer cells would have been.

They assessed 23 lymph nodes and there were no signs of cancer in them. They cannot be sure as to whether or not there was never any cancer in the lymph nodes or the Chemo has cleared it all up. Either way no cancer in the lymph nodes is encouraging.

Back into Chemo next week (14th) to continue to treat the tumours in the liver.