Paul's Health Updates

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.

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, this Chemo cycle to date has been without issue, a bit of fatigue and very light nausea but all things considered things continue to progress well. Looking forward to spending some time with family over the next few days.

While 2024 has not perhaps turned out as we would have wanted or hoped there is still plenty to be thankful for as we celebrate Christmas. As we have travelled the journey to date we have been truly humbled by the number of people that have so graciously supported us as a family. It is greatly appreciated, the number of people that have reached out over the last few months and have been praying for us has blown me away, including people that we have never met, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

This Christmas it is my prayer that everyone will get space for reflection, refreshment and renewal as we remember the birth of Jesus.

Bumpy start … got there in the end. After promising the nurses I would behave myself it wasn’t long before I broke my promise!!!

Chemo administration was not without complications today … there was a clot at the end of my port, it was on the scan so not a surprise but ended up ending additional drugs to break it down. Not a major but slowed progress.

Once that was sorted … I had another reaction at the start of the drug infusion … not quite as exciting as last time … think everyone was much more aware this time. I gave them more advanced warning the nurses were on their toes to stop the pump. Came and went quickly again … shame there is no photographic evidence as apparently I turn all sorts of interesting colours.

The dose rate was slowed and the rest of the session went without issue. Given the good early response to treatment everyone seems very keen to do whatever is possible to continue with the current drug concoction.