Update 19/01/10

Hi All,

We have had a very hectic couple of weeks. Tim recommenced chemo on the 4th of Jan. The very intense week began with 2 infusions of chemo through the PICC Line and a lumbar puncture on the first day and then continued daily with two infusions of chemo (Cytarabine and Teniposide) for a a further 4 days. We sincerely thank Macca, John, Dale, Callum and Sarah for taking the time out to sit with Tim during treatment. The days are long and depressing and having company makes the time go much faster and helps to relieve the angst and sadness that can consume you in Day Oncology. Tim honestly feels this whole journey is one big mind game and having distractions in day onc gives him a mental edge....even though he is terribly forgetful at the moment!

All the usual side effects presented post treatment and Tim laid very low for 2 weeks. This time Tim seemed to be knocked about more and upon reflection we feel the heat had a big impact on his well being. It was difficult for Tim to find comfort on these days, even when indoors and horizontal with the air con working overtime. Tim finally turned a corner when the cool change came through and has been in a better way since.

We have unfortunately had news since the New Year clocked over, that two of our 'Gawler' friends have passed. The news hit us both hard, as we have shared in their journey and left the retreat feeling empowered and with the hope that everyone can be healed. Unfortunately, our two lovely friends were very, very sick and we did know at the time of the retreat that this was something that we were to experience...the loss of friends. Very difficult to deal with, but it was pleasing to hear that both Brian and Karen went peacefully and are now pain free.

We are counting down the days to Joshua starting school. He is very excited and prepared. Got the uniform, been fitted for shoes, acquired all the stationary (can you believe preppies need a calculator!), is in a class with his two best mates and has a lovely teacher. I am also looking forward to my return to the classroom (drama studio!) and am currently in full swing of the College's production which hits the stage in March.

We are feeling positive that this year will bring much more happiness than the last. It is so nice that some aspects of our life are now relatively normal. Tim will have a repeat of the treatment he just received in the first week of Feb and then the PICC line will be removed...finally.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support. The 6th of January marked 12 months to the day since Tim's diagnoses. We are getting there slowly and are extremely grateful to all our family and friends who have stuck by our little family the entire time. It has been a roller coaster and I am personally so grateful to all my beautiful friends who have taken it upon themselves to do special gestures to help bring a smile to my face. It has been an extraordinary year and I thank you all for having the guts to truly listen to what it is like to live with this disease.

With love,

Andi. xo