Paul's Health Updates

Another gap in posting … somewhat justified this time … I am back in hospital due to a partial blockage in my Bowel.

I began to notice some issues Monday and by Wednesday I was particularly unwell. The already scheduled scan confirmed my suspicions and it was straight from the scan to ED. The cause of the obstruction was the initial stent being distorted and narrowed by my primary tumour.

The public holiday Thursday and the fact that I was on Blood Thinners meant that nothing could be done till today (Friday).

Despite some quite uncomfortable moments looks like we have ended up in a good place, they managed to get another stent in late this morning and everything suggests it is functioning as expected.

The complications also resulted in an unscheduled phone consultation with the Oncologist who advises the scan also shows a continued shrinking of the cancer.

Had my first round of treatment in the Public Health system yesterday (Wed 29). Some interesting differences with private but all in all a pleasant experience.

It was certainly a much busier environment and certainly more “public” with people coming and going constantly, all the staff and patients were all wonderful. While the ancillary services might not be as full as in the private system they have wonderful elderly volunteers that came around with tea and coffee and their HOMEMADE baking for morning and afternoon tea. The chocolate slice for afternoon tea even reminded me of my late grandmothers delightful chocolate coconut slice … inspired me to try to find the recipe and get Rachel onto it 🙂

Had no reaction to the drugs this time around and so far everything is tracking per “normal” … mild nausea, poor sleep (I think due to seriods and having the pump bottle attached) etc. But as I have stated many times compared to the potential side effects I am blessed.

After a really enjoyable break that took in some very beautiful parts of the country, Lake Rotoiti, Ohope and Gisborne it was back to the Oncologist today to plan the coming months.

Given the response to treatment to date, the plan is to have another 5 rounds of Chemo starting tomorrow (Wed 29) which takes us to the end of March, then have another short break for Josh’s wedding in April.

CEA levels were down to 1.2 in the latest blood test, we are also going to schedule another CT Scan in the coming weeks to get better idea of progress.

The most recent treatment round has followed a now familiar pattern with minimal side effects, slight nausea, fatigue and a mild rash.

I am taking a Chemo break so we can go away and enjoy some summer, we have some fresh water and salt water time scheduled over the next couple of weeks.

Back into it from the 28th Jan with an Oncologist appointment followed by another treatment cycle starting on the 29th.

Spent a large part of New Years Eve in the Cancer Centre having round 5 … a cautious approach to the dosage resulted in no adverse reactions today, something the nurses were very happy about.

All the staff at Canopy Cancer Centre have been absolutely wonderful, however having now exhaused the generousity of Southern Cross its over to the public health system for the next round of treatment at the end of Jan. Really looking forward to having a short treatment break after this round, hopefully get 2-3 weeks of feeling somewhat “normal” and enjoy some time at lakes and beaches around the place.

Blood results continue to be positive, CEA level has dropped a little more to 3.0.

Wishing you and all those close to you a Happy New Year and a 2025 filled with joy.