Hello folks
I must apologise for not updating my blog for so long. I find the computer and especially the internet an unconvincing space to spend time in, although I definitely see it's value when contacting people and looking for information. I'm thinking that, given my prognosis I want to limit the time I spend on the computer. At the moment most of my time is spent writing my life story which hopefully will be completed and available for my children as a legacy in coming years.

I complete my last round of chemo on the 7th April. This will give me a 3 week break before we head of on our 9 week holiday to the UK and Europe on May 1st. The initial chemo has stopped working and the main tumour in my liver has grown 2 mm. My blood markers have increased from 4 to 7. This is not cause for concern in the immediate term, but the therapy is following it's statistical timeframe, that is the therapy works for approx 10 months and I was on it for 9 months. Going overseas has its gambles. Not being on chemo could speed up tumour growth, although the oncologist is not convinced that anything drastic will happen in the next 3 months. This has alleviated some anxiety about our travel time and plans. I have to be careful about not catching any infections, have had my H1N1 and flu jab and staying as healthy as possible, eating, sleeping very well etc
Side effects are so debilitating but my determination and strength is carrying me through the worst. I had a painful bout of mouth and lip ulcers this time around, but they have moderated. Nausea, billiousness and flatulence continue to be the 3 main effects, but hey, I'm alive and excited about my family trip.

Talking about holidays I'm off to Perth to see my son for 3 days just before we head off overseas. He can't come with us given work commitments, so I thought a couple of days with him would be special.
The last 3 months has been busy and exciting planning where to go and what to do. We will spend just under a month with my Father and his family before heading off to Europe for 3.5 weeks. My sister has offered her car so we will drive around Europe. Places to go to are Belgium (Brugges), southern Germany, Czech republic (Prague & Cesky Krumlov), Austria (Vienna), Switzerland, France finishing in Paris. Sounds ok eh? We are also taking my Dad and Aunty to Rome for 5 days and having 4 days in Hong Kong with Margaret's cousins. I'm keen to see Tintern Abbey and Ely cathedral as well as Lindisfarne (Holy Island)on the east coast of the UK. We have also have a connection in London who has offered us a house for 5 days so will do the tourist run around the English capital!
It's a "bucket list" experience in many ways and whatever time I have left before I die will be filled with satisfaction knowing I have taken my family back to my roots and have introduced my girls to the paternal side of the family, the Ollerton's. Marg and I have a couple of romantic days set aside too such as a trip to Stratford on Avon to see the Royal Shakespeare Company's Anthony & Cleopatra and a trip to the West End (London) and the Vienna State Opera.
Many blessings to you all for your continued care, concerns and especially your prayers. It's a special feeling knowing that someone is setting time aside to meditate and pray for me and my family, it has not gone unnoticed. We will attempt to update our blog during our trip.
Blessings
Ray