Back on the radar and in Melbourne!!

Hi everyone - Marc here. It's now my turn to update our blog! Our plans changed significantly last week as we were initially planning to fly to Sydney on Thursday for Lou's next Iribulen treatment, however we decided to head to Melbourne on Tuesday instead as Lou's breathing was not improving and we did not want to wait any longer! I spoke to Fran on Monday morning and explained the situation. Fran was her usual amazing self and arranged for us to transfer to a Melbourne Oncologist based at Maroondah Hospital.

Monday was an extremely busy day as we had to arrange everything from flight clearances via Dr Moller to organising portable oxygen concentrators and a very stylish wheelchair for our trip. Our little fur kid was dropped off to her second home (Pets In The City) for an extended holiday, and eventually we had everything set for our departure at 08:00 Tuesday morning. As usual my darling Lou took everything in her stride and we had a lovely evening at home together in Auckland on Monday evening.

Tuesday was a very stressful day. I was worried about how Lou would cope with a 4 hour flight. I have to say that the Air New Zealand flight crew were fantastic and did everything possible to make Lou comfortable during the flight. They fell in love with her (as everybody does) and wanted to spoil her with some extra treats and special attention - it was lovely. We were so relieved to touch down in Melbourne we high fived each other to celebrate making it across the Tasman without any complications.

Once in Melbourne we headed straight to Maroondah Hospital Emergency Department to get Lou "into the system". We were told to ask for the Oncology Registrar upon arrival. As I was wheeling Lou into Emergency she suddenly (and urgently) needed to find a bathroom (she had quite a few cups of tea during the flight)! I headed to the Disability toilet only to find it occupied. So I had two choices - wheel Lou into the Ladies toilet (no way), or into the Men's! Fortunately the Men's was empty so off we went! Lou was literally in fits of laughter which obviously made me laugh uncontrollably - I'm really not sure what the Admissions Nurse thought!

We spent quite a few hours waiting in Emergency before speaking to the Registrar and discussing the proposed way forward. The Registrar advised that Lou would need to be admitted to Hospital to ensure that Chemo was not delayed. We were both upset as we were looking forward to getting home to see everyone, and Lou was so looking forward to her Mum's home cooking (Lou's fave is Lamb Chops, Mash, Peas, and Mint Sauce).

The registrar also told us that the Melbourne Oncologist (Jacquie Chirgwin) would not  be able to see us until Thursday morning as she was at a conference with Fran. It was a lot of information for us to take in - new hospital, new people, new procedures, and to add to that we were both very tired after travelling (I was feeling exhausted, I can only imagine how Lou was feeling). We perservered knowing that it would work out and Lou would receive the necessary treatment required.

I think I should say at this point (and to make things easier to understand in the blog update) that Lou's Mum is referred to as Mum, and my Mum is referred to as Mumsie! Now that is cleared up - Mum came and spent the evening with us at Maroondah Hospital and brought along a lovely hamper of our favourite goodies to snack on. It was so lovely to see her and a great relief to be with Family.

The next few days were spent at Maroondah consulting with various medical staff, and making sure Lou was comfortable. We met with Jacquie Chirgwin on Thursday morning and she was absolutely lovely. Jacquie had been in discussion with Fran and they both recommended that Lou cease with the Iribulen trial as it was not working quickly enough to improve Lou's breathing. Jacquie recommended Lou start Abraxane Chemo treatment and was able to schedule Lou's first dose on Thursday afternoon which was excellent. Lou was dischardged from Hospital Thursday evening (she would not stay a moment longer) and we were all very relieved to have her back home at  Mum's.

We are scheduled to see a Peninsula Radiologist & Oncologist early next week and it looks like Lou will be able to have her next treatment at one of the Private Hospitals on the Peninsula which is great and means minimal travel to appointments. Mum & Stuart have been fantastic in every way and have made us very comfortable and relaxed. Mum has been giving us lots of hugs and kisses and cooking all of Lou's favourite meals. For those that do not know Lou's mum is a Registered Nurse which has meant it is much easier to look after Lou at home given her additional medications and treatment requirements.

Unfortunately Mumsie has not been able to visit Lou due to an infection - and she cannot wait to get over her bug and come and give us both lots of big hugs and kisses. Keep up the phone calls and messages coming Mumsie and we look forward to seeing you and the rest of the crew very soon xxx. All of our family have been so wonderful and we feel truly blessed to have them and all of our dear friends supporting us and sending messages of love and support during this difficult time.

Lou is currently sitting next to me on the couch and occasionally looking over between cat naps to make sure I finish this post and include everything on her list :)

With much Love

Lou & Marc xxxx

Getting things under control....

Over the last week, my health has deteriorated quite dramatically, especially in relation to my breathing. I am getting out of breath walking up a couple of stairs, and have to walk quite slowly to keep my breathing under control.

As a result, Marc and I spent 3 hours at the Auckland Hospital yesterday to see how we can get the situation under control until we fly to Sydney next Thursday. After blood tests, and x-rays, they have decided to increase my steroids AGAIN........(seriously someone is messing with me!), and they will start me on a "take home" oxygen pack to help me until the "clever little sea sponge" kicks in. The chemo is obviously only just starting to kill some of my cells from  the infusion a couple of weeks ago, as my eyebrows and eyelashes have only just started falling out over the last couple of days.....and apparently this new treatment can take a couple of cycles to fully kick in. The steroids will be help reduce the inflammation on my lungs (and increase the inflammation on my face - seriously.....what is all of that about)??? - and the oxygen will help me breathe normally again.

The funniest thing happened yesterday - as we got in the car to go to the hospital - I asked Marc to bring my shoes for me. Well, we were nearly at the hospital and I asked Marc where my shoes were - and his face just sunk! We were in hysterics at the thought of me walking (at a snails pace) into the hospital with NO shoes on.....what a look that was! Anyway, we quickly explained the situation to everyone we bumped into - and had a little chuckle with the staff. The only thing that was missing was my "Proud to be a Westie" T-Shirt!

This weekend will be a quiet one, depending on how I am feeling. Obviously food will play quite a large part in our plan due to the steroids.....so perhaps Indian for dinner tonight, and eggs on toast for breakfast in the morning....mmm!! Marc is an absolutely amazing cook - so I have already put in a request for my top 5 favourite recipes x

Millie is doing really well. We have actually had her for one year tomorrow, and what a fantastic year that has been. She is such an affectionate little thing, and is just ALWAYS happy - she is perfect!

Marc is doing well. He is exhausted after his 2 hour "oxygen" training session....and is now feeling pretty confident with his new machinery!

The last week has been a little stressful and unplanned as you can imagine, however now we have a "plan" and we are getting things under control, we are feeling much better.....and are counting down the days until we get my next infusion of the treatment.

Lou
x