Ray was able to wing an earlier appointment with the oncologist, which we attended on Friday 20th. We also met with the oncology dietician an hour earlier. She was extremely helpful, affirmed our diet and encouraged Ray to keep eating a full range of foods. He has dropped some weight since Christmas (a lot of it probably due to post operation – not to mention stress) and ideally needs to put back on a few kilos.
More importantly the oncologist (Dr Mark Warren) turned out to be the son of a Churches of Christ Minister (George Warren) who mentored Ray when he was doing youth ministry at Hartwell, Camberwell & Balwyn in the late 1980’s. I felt extremely comforted by this and couldn’t help feeling a sense of mystery and wonder – even though what we had to discuss was far from wonderful – the various options for chemo therapy etc.
A positive, for the moment, seems to be that Ray is ‘a-symptomatic’. Dr Warren has never had a patient who has presented with Ray’s type of cancer and not displayed symptoms. While this is unusual, those of us who know Ray well know that he is never ‘typical’.
As a result, Dr Warren is postponing chemo treatment for the moment. Ray will have another scan in a couple of weeks time to see whether the liver lesions have grown and possibly a decision about whether to start chemo treatment will be made then.
Another period of waiting and praying in this long journey of waiting and praying.
Please know that the care, love, best wishes and prayers you all have been sending our way are lovingly reciprocated.
Marg

Unfortunately our visit to the dcotor today did not give us any more information about the when or how of the chemotherapy treatments. We have an appointment on the 27th March with the oncology department. While the waiting is stressful, we know they can't do anything before then as they are waiting for Ray to recover from his surgery.
At this stage the doctor could only confirm his original diagnosis that the cancer has travelled through the lymph system to the liver - so no miracle cures yet.
Your continued prayers are gratefully felt.
Love Marg

Just a quick update to let you know that Ray is recovering well at home from the op.
He's even doing small jobs like hanging out clothes, washing up and sweeping the floor - who needs a housecleaner? (seriously - if you know Ray you'll know you can't stop him).
We also have an appointment next Thursday 12th March to find out the biopsy results from the tumor they removed from his colon and the what, how and when for the chemo treatments.
We'll keep you posted.
Love Marg
P.S. Ray says he got out of hospital early because he was being too much of a troublemaker - trying to help the cleaners in the morning do their work and giving the nurses a hard time!

A Wonderful Surprise

Ray came home unexpectedly today.
The hospital had a number of emergency cases come in and were looking for spare beds, so they asked Ray if he felt OK would he like to go home.
He jumped (but not literally) at the chance.
It's wonderful to have him home and we can't believe it's been less than a week since he had his operation. He's very happy to be back on a normal diet.
Our only concern is the high fire alert for tonight and tomorrow.
We have our bags and boxes packed and loaded into the Jackeroo - it's also pointed in the right direction (thanks Sheila).
Sheila and Andrew left today (Sheila for Melbourne and Andrew for Perth).
David & Lynne arrive on Friday and Sheila will be back then too.
Thanks again everyone for your messages on the blog and by email when the blog posting doesn't work. I've been printing them out and taking them up to Ray each day so he knows you're all thinking about him.
Love Marg

Catheter and epidural come out today, just have drain from stomach to remove which will be done tomorrow - then I'll be tube-free!
I'm over jelly, ice cream, soup and custard.
Moved from a complex care room to a general room in the surgical unit today.
All being well, I'll be home on Thursday.