Have had a busy 2 days. Drove down Wednesday morning as appointment wasn't until 1pm. Firstly to see the doctor. This time I saw Dr Lane who is the head of my team and last saw him when I was in hospital.
He was happy with my progress except my red blood cell count was down to 85. He was booking me in for a bag of blood as well.
No problem there. Have had them before when in hospital.
Off to oncology where only had to wait a bit over half hr to be called in. Took forever to find a vein large enough but after more than half hr it was all done and the infusions were started.
Well, at 6.30pm I was still there just being unhooked. Only me , my nurse and another lady. When I walked down the corridors to the exit I saw cleaners, nobody else.
They didn't have time to do the blood transfusion and was asked to come back at 9am this morning.
Thankfully my sister Lois had booked us into the Sebel for the night, otherwise it wouldn't have happened.
We got a taxi back to the Sebel and as none of us had tea yet we went across the road to the Irish Pub Guldooleys.
From there back to the room for an early night.
Needed to be down at the breakfast room by 7.30am. Free breakfast included in the price.
So Lois and I went off for breakfast leaving Jenny in bed.
Had fruit and a couple of scrumptious pastries then out to get a taxi to be at the hospital in time.
Rather than go to the counters to check in I went straight into oncology and explained how late I had been there last night and they were unable to do the blood so I was told to be there at 9am. They checked the records and I was straight in. Beats sitting in the waiting room for forever.
Out of there around 11am and back to the hotel to pack up and hit the road.
We stopped at the Ettamooga Pub. But the meals were pricey so wandered down the row of shops and came across Beefy Pies.
Well, if you ever go there you must try their pies. I had Beef curry. It was the best. They did a meal deal for 12.95. So essentially you get your coffee for free. One pie, one cake and coffee or soft drink.
Went to the Ole Lolly Shoppe. Bought a few bits I hadn't seen or tasted in a long time.
By the way lunch was 2pm so we were very hungry so easily ate the pie and cake.
Arrived home in Hervey Bay around 5.30pm.
Haven't got around to the impending radiation yet but it is 1am. So will post that story in the daylight.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Friday 15th of July 2016 01:09:21 AM
the rocket said
09:39 AM Jul 15, 2016
Hi happywanderer, wow, you r going through thw wringer. Hang in there. We r heading north soon, r u in hervey bay or biggenden. C if we can meet up. Rocket
Bass said
02:45 PM Jul 15, 2016
Hang in there happy wanderer, it's an interesting ride isn't it. I have 6 weeks of chemo left then 2 weeks with the blood doctor and its all over red rover ( in theory ) its been a long 9 months. the oncologist told me this morning that they stopping 1 lot of boost juice to prevent permanent damage, she said they weren't working to keep me alive for the next 40 years only to have me in a walking frame. as it is may need walking stick but time will tell. There is light at the end of the tunnel cause I can now see it. hang in there and all the best.
Bass
kandagal said
03:21 PM Jul 15, 2016
Sounds like you had a tiring, eventful couple of days Marj. Rest up & I hope you feel ok. I had chemo this morning as usual. Feeling a bit zapped & I have a bad case of inertia. Have made arrangements for my chemo plan to be sent to Bundaberg. Will have next lot (22/7) still in Hervey Bay & then we will move to Bundaberg next day. Thinking of you Alice
Happywanderer said
07:10 PM Jul 15, 2016
Great to see you were able to transfer your plan to Bundy easily Alice. All the best, hope it goes well.
Thank you Bass and Rocket. Yes I am in Hervey Bay at my sons Rocket. Let me know when you are going to be in the area.
Think this is going to be a rough week. Didn't sleep well last night, finally getting to sleep at 4am and up again at 7.30am. Tried for a nana nap this arvo but too many interruptions so hopefully will have an early night tonight.
Update on my visit with Dr Lane. He said " Now, we haven't discussed radiation, have we?" Nooooo! says I .
Well his opinion is after a bit of a break from Chemo he would like me to have a dose of radiation. The reason being, the chemo will get rid of the mass but the radiation will stop it from coming back. If it did come back because of no radiation, the chemo would have no effect the 2nd time round.
I will have to see the radiation team for tests, scans and measurements to work out the logistics. So hopefully I will get a break long enough to go up to Sapphire for a while and relax and smell the fresh air, listen to the birds and wildlife and recupe from this first round.
Had a busy morning today which didn't help my body much making me more tired. Grandson Connah arrived yesterday for a long weekend so this morning I took him clothes shopping. That took till 12 noon when we then went to "Eat" The restaurant owned by Dan and Steph, previous MKR winners. Meeting up with sister Lois, and Max her hubby and the other couple travelling with them. Steve and Jaz also came so we had 8 for lunch for a final catch up before they leave for Yeppoon tomorrow. Hope to see them again on their way south on their way home.
So only two more rounds of Chemo left, No:7 and 8. Next week having extra blood test to make sure my blood count has gone up. As well as blood test the day before my next chemo.
Also a scan late next week to see what is left of my Abdominal Snowman.
Bass good luck with the next part of your treatment. I'm still get four different infusions each time, would be nice to get some reduced, who knows. Hope all goes well with yours.
Joe50 said
11:17 PM Jul 15, 2016
Keep hanging in there Marj, hope the tests and scan bring more good news and you can get away to Sapphire. I did a double take when you mentioned MKR winners Dan and Steph. I'm at the Mitchell CP in Bourke at the moment and the owners are a young couple named ... Dan and Steph! Had to call on Mr Google to confirm they were different couples.
Cheers
Joe
jules47 said
02:24 PM Jul 16, 2016
Keep your chin up Marj - you will beat this - you have the grit and will to do so.
ken thomas said
03:35 PM Jul 16, 2016
Keep the good vibes coming Marj, may be good that you have a bit of time before sapphire as it will give the area a bit of time to dry out
Ken
Happywanderer said
02:23 PM Jul 17, 2016
Thanks Jules. I will beat it with the biggest stick I can find.
No point heading near Sapphire at the moment Ken. Lots of roads flooded and closed. Definitely would not get up the track to my block till it dries out now.
Happywanderer said
02:24 PM Jul 17, 2016
Definitely a different Dan and Steph Joe. Worth a try if you come to Hervey Bay.
kiwijims said
07:06 AM Jul 21, 2016
Hi Marj, I would also like to wish you all the very best for the future,
Take yourself out to Sapphire , ( when the roads dry out ) and smell the Country air, best cure for everyone.
Take care, we are following your progress, best of luck from all of us,
K.J.
Happywanderer said
11:19 AM Jul 22, 2016
Thank you kiwijims. Two more treatments and I'm off to Sapphire. That should be mid August.
Hopefully will get a month in before I'm needed back here.
kandagal said
11:49 AM Jul 22, 2016
Hi Marj. Had my last chemo session in Hervey Bay this morning. All organised for shift to Bundaberg. Have appointment with oncologist there next Wed. Wishing you al the best but will keep in touch here Regards Alice
Happywanderer said
06:37 PM Jul 22, 2016
Good luck with your transfer to Bundaberg Alice. Hope all goes well.
Certainly catch up again. Meeting up with Pricey43 tomorrow.
jules47 said
07:18 PM Jul 22, 2016
Yes - good luck, Alice, with the move - take it easy - keep on smiling, and make sure Keith spoils you!!!
Have had a busy 2 days. Drove down Wednesday morning as appointment wasn't until 1pm. Firstly to see the doctor. This time I saw Dr Lane who is the head of my team and last saw him when I was in hospital.
He was happy with my progress except my red blood cell count was down to 85. He was booking me in for a bag of blood as well.
No problem there. Have had them before when in hospital.
Off to oncology where only had to wait a bit over half hr to be called in. Took forever to find a vein large enough but after more than half hr it was all done and the infusions were started.
Well, at 6.30pm I was still there just being unhooked. Only me , my nurse and another lady. When I walked down the corridors to the exit I saw cleaners, nobody else.
They didn't have time to do the blood transfusion and was asked to come back at 9am this morning.
Thankfully my sister Lois had booked us into the Sebel for the night, otherwise it wouldn't have happened.
We got a taxi back to the Sebel and as none of us had tea yet we went across the road to the Irish Pub Guldooleys.
From there back to the room for an early night.
Needed to be down at the breakfast room by 7.30am. Free breakfast included in the price.
So Lois and I went off for breakfast leaving Jenny in bed.
Had fruit and a couple of scrumptious pastries then out to get a taxi to be at the hospital in time.
Rather than go to the counters to check in I went straight into oncology and explained how late I had been there last night and they were unable to do the blood so I was told to be there at 9am. They checked the records and I was straight in. Beats sitting in the waiting room for forever.
Out of there around 11am and back to the hotel to pack up and hit the road.
We stopped at the Ettamooga Pub. But the meals were pricey so wandered down the row of shops and came across Beefy Pies.
Well, if you ever go there you must try their pies. I had Beef curry. It was the best. They did a meal deal for 12.95. So essentially you get your coffee for free. One pie, one cake and coffee or soft drink.
Went to the Ole Lolly Shoppe. Bought a few bits I hadn't seen or tasted in a long time.
By the way lunch was 2pm so we were very hungry so easily ate the pie and cake.
Arrived home in Hervey Bay around 5.30pm.
Haven't got around to the impending radiation yet but it is 1am. So will post that story in the daylight.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Friday 15th of July 2016 01:09:21 AM
Hi happywanderer, wow, you r going through thw wringer. Hang in there. We r heading north soon, r u in hervey bay or biggenden. C if we can meet up. Rocket
Bass
Thank you Bass and Rocket. Yes I am in Hervey Bay at my sons Rocket. Let me know when you are going to be in the area.
Think this is going to be a rough week. Didn't sleep well last night, finally getting to sleep at 4am and up again at 7.30am. Tried for a nana nap this arvo but too many interruptions so hopefully will have an early night tonight.
Update on my visit with Dr Lane. He said " Now, we haven't discussed radiation, have we?" Nooooo! says I .
Well his opinion is after a bit of a break from Chemo he would like me to have a dose of radiation. The reason being, the chemo will get rid of the mass but the radiation will stop it from coming back. If it did come back because of no radiation, the chemo would have no effect the 2nd time round.
I will have to see the radiation team for tests, scans and measurements to work out the logistics. So hopefully I will get a break long enough to go up to Sapphire for a while and relax and smell the fresh air, listen to the birds and wildlife and recupe from this first round.
Had a busy morning today which didn't help my body much making me more tired. Grandson Connah arrived yesterday for a long weekend so this morning I took him clothes shopping. That took till 12 noon when we then went to "Eat" The restaurant owned by Dan and Steph, previous MKR winners. Meeting up with sister Lois, and Max her hubby and the other couple travelling with them. Steve and Jaz also came so we had 8 for lunch for a final catch up before they leave for Yeppoon tomorrow. Hope to see them again on their way south on their way home.
So only two more rounds of Chemo left, No:7 and 8. Next week having extra blood test to make sure my blood count has gone up. As well as blood test the day before my next chemo.
Also a scan late next week to see what is left of my Abdominal Snowman.
Bass good luck with the next part of your treatment. I'm still get four different infusions each time, would be nice to get some reduced, who knows. Hope all goes well with yours.
Cheers
Joe
Ken
No point heading near Sapphire at the moment Ken. Lots of roads flooded and closed. Definitely would not get up the track to my block till it dries out now.
Hi Marj, I would also like to wish you all the very best for the future,
Take yourself out to Sapphire , ( when the roads dry out ) and smell the Country air, best cure for everyone.
Take care, we are following your progress, best of luck from all of us,
K.J.
Hopefully will get a month in before I'm needed back here.
Certainly catch up again. Meeting up with Pricey43 tomorrow.
Marj - say g'day to Robyn and Ted from us!