Update 03/02/09

From Andi:

Hello All,

Well, it has been a busy and eventful week in the House of Hamilton......
Tim has had a very up and down week. Having chemo daily has certainly
taken its tole on his poor body. He has had terrible nausea,
headaches, has dropped 10 kg and also some hair. Most of the time he
just feels exhausted, this is exasperated by the 40+ temperatures and
sleepless nights.

On day 11 of the 15 day straight chemo regime, the doctors decided to
cease the treatment as Tim's liver is being damaged by the particular
drug they have been using for that 15 day schedule (Asparaginase).
This is very common, most bodies don't tolerate 15 days straight and
in patients over 50, Asparaginase is left out all together in the
Hoelzer Chemotherapy Protocol. The up side is that he has a two day
break from chemo and moves on to the next phase of treatment, which is
more chemo (through his picc line and intrathecal therapy) and
radiation.

This Friday Tim is having a bone marrow biopsy - this will give us an
indication as to how Tim's body is really responding to all the
treatment. This along with another CT scan in the coming weeks will
hopefully give us some positive news.

This week Tim received a surprise phone call from Tommy Emanuel! Our
friend Rod organised the call and it made Tim's day. He called from
the States to wish Tim all the best. Tim has also received some
signed and framed pictures and messages from Shane Warne, Elliot
Goblett and Hamish & Andy!! Such a thrill. We have hung them on out
bedroom wall - now known as " The Wall of Courage!". These little
things give Tim inspiration and really boost his spirits.

Other news - Ben took his first steps on Australia Day! He was doing
it for the country and was well praised by his brother chanting "Go
Benny Go" over and over and over and over.....Needless to say Ben is
EVERYWHERE now - even managed a topple and his first black eye! The
fun really begins....gggrrrrrrrr!

That's a wrap for this week. Never a dull moment.
Love to you all
Andi

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