Last Friday I had a burst of palliative radiation that today (Monday) I can feel the positive affects of. The treatment has relieved major pressure of the tumor on my sacrum which carries nerves running down my left leg. Today, even though I am still fairly tired, the pain level is at zero - which is worth it's weight in gold. I even managed 10 minutes in the garden this morning, watering some pot plants - the first time I have been out of the house for 10 days (apart from the 2 trips to Bendigo Radiology).
Marg has stopped working now, and is staying home to care for me. My mum, Sheila, was also up last week to help out and do what mothers do best.
My son, Andrew, arrived from Perth this morning. It was quite an emotional reunion and it is wonderful to have him here.
A good friend of mine, Gordon, sent me a poem he wrote last week when my condition was quite serious. I want to share it with you all.
And I don't know .... anything!
Except, outside the sun is setting
And my friend is dying
And there is the white noise, Ray
The hush over the rhythm of the music,
We are the white noise behind it all
And outside the sun is setting
And young girls dancing,
And Life and Love and Music
And the music is white
And beautiful
And outside
The sun is setting.
Every day now is a day to be celebrated. Blessings to you all. Ray.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Unfortunately things have taken a turn for the worse. Last weekend I was quite sick with nausea and extreme pain, both which I couldn't seem to get under control.
My doctor has since prescribed a new level of pain management and anti-nausea relief. Taking my medication on a strict regime for the last 48 hours and things seem to be reasonably under control again.
The tumor in my sacrum (groin) is also compressing a large bunch of nerves - referring intense pain down my left leg and leaving me with a constant feeling of pins and needles - making it hard to walk. I certainly can't drive my car any more.
My doctor has referred me for some palliative radiotherapy for the sacrum tumor which will hopefully alleviate some of this pain.
I am reconciling the loss of my freedom - spending my days now lying on a mattress in the lounge room looking out at the bush surrounding our house when I'm not sleeping (which is a side affect of the stronger pain medication).
Marg and I receive graciously the way all of you are sending your love and prayers in many varied and different ways.
My doctor has since prescribed a new level of pain management and anti-nausea relief. Taking my medication on a strict regime for the last 48 hours and things seem to be reasonably under control again.
The tumor in my sacrum (groin) is also compressing a large bunch of nerves - referring intense pain down my left leg and leaving me with a constant feeling of pins and needles - making it hard to walk. I certainly can't drive my car any more.
My doctor has referred me for some palliative radiotherapy for the sacrum tumor which will hopefully alleviate some of this pain.
I am reconciling the loss of my freedom - spending my days now lying on a mattress in the lounge room looking out at the bush surrounding our house when I'm not sleeping (which is a side affect of the stronger pain medication).
Marg and I receive graciously the way all of you are sending your love and prayers in many varied and different ways.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Dear Blog Readers
October has seen quite a change in my medical/physical condition. I started vomiting and dry retching, even though I was taking anti-nausea tablets. I have changed my diet and am eating very small amounts, but regularly and am now managing to keep my food down most of the time and only dry retching once or twice a day. I have lost around 6kgs.
I had a CT scan today and the scan confirmed what I had thought, that the liver is chock full of tumors and is slowly breaking down. One of the reasons for me being sick and nauseous has been the liver's inability to metabolise the bile salts in my body. The bile salts have been displaced into the pores of my skin, also making me extremely itchy. This seems to have moderated somewhat in the last week since I have been taking anti-histamines.
The last two weeks, I have had increasing pain in my buttock - of all places. The CT scan also confirmed I have a tumor in my sacrum. My GP has upped my medication to a slow release pain killer and that is helping.
My spirit is strong and I am still as cheeky as ever, stirring up the family at every opportunity! My days are spent doing very light duties in the morning and resting and reading in the afternoon.
Blessings to you all
Ray
October has seen quite a change in my medical/physical condition. I started vomiting and dry retching, even though I was taking anti-nausea tablets. I have changed my diet and am eating very small amounts, but regularly and am now managing to keep my food down most of the time and only dry retching once or twice a day. I have lost around 6kgs.
I had a CT scan today and the scan confirmed what I had thought, that the liver is chock full of tumors and is slowly breaking down. One of the reasons for me being sick and nauseous has been the liver's inability to metabolise the bile salts in my body. The bile salts have been displaced into the pores of my skin, also making me extremely itchy. This seems to have moderated somewhat in the last week since I have been taking anti-histamines.
The last two weeks, I have had increasing pain in my buttock - of all places. The CT scan also confirmed I have a tumor in my sacrum. My GP has upped my medication to a slow release pain killer and that is helping.
My spirit is strong and I am still as cheeky as ever, stirring up the family at every opportunity! My days are spent doing very light duties in the morning and resting and reading in the afternoon.
Blessings to you all
Ray
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