Paul's Health Updates

I have just had an appointment with the surgeon that will perform the operation to remove my bowel tumour … technically its a Laparoscopic High Anterior Resection … but he described it as quote “a simple plumbing job”. A slight change in date with surgery now scheduled for 17 April … so it will be Easter in hospital, with an estimated 3-4 night stay post surgery.

This round of Chemo seems to have hit a little harder that previous with a bit more nausea and pain … but I have still been very blessed in the big scheme of things. Another 2 treatment rounds before a break for the wedding and surgery.

After having to take a Chemo break due to the insertion of another stent, it was back into treatment today. Today’s session went smoothly and without incident.

The potential removal of the primary bowel tumour has also significantly progressed over the last couple of days, with April 16 now penciled in for surgery. While the tumours in my liver are more serious in the medium-long term it has been the bowel that has given me all my serious symptoms to date. The removal of the bowel tumour would be a real answer to prayer and its now looking possible, even likely.

I found the issue last week particulary frustrating, I think partly as it came on the back of feeling so well for a number of weeks.

I was released from hospital on Saturday afternoon after the successful insertion of a 2nd Stent on Friday, I am now recovering at home.

As part of process of discussing treatment options to alleviate the obstruction last week, the removal of the bowel tumour was discussed. There were very good reasons that it was not the right option at the time, however there was agreement that to eliminate the potential of the same issue moving forward that it should be considered once everything has settled down.

While the removal of the primary bowel tumour will not deal with the more serious liver tumours it does seem like a very positive outcome of the hospital stay. Chemo is continuing to shrink all the tumours (bowel & liver) so that would likely continue as the short-medium term treatment plan once recovered.

Thanks again for all the prayer and support.

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.