Hi everyone,
Well Tim finally finished all his IV chemo, however he feels he is really 'limping to the finish line.'
As expected, the final round of chemo left him bed bound with nausea, headaches and and in a fair amount of distress. I won't go into all the details, but briefly let you know that Tim had a terrible experience with a lumbar puncture this time round, where he was in so much pain and anxiety that he was in tears for fear he may have walked his last steps. Thank goodness the numbness in his legs disappeared however, action needed to be taken. We spent some time talking to other doctors and eventually went to see another haematologist outside the Austin for a second opinion. It was a great exercise to gain further clarification on the future treatment Tim requires. Unfortunately, lumbar punctures are a necessary part of the next 2 years, as the CNS (central nervous system) is a common place for relapse. The Austin has been great in addressing our concerns and have promised Tim that he can request his preferred doctor for the procedure in the future.
As we thought, Tim did require 4 blood transfusions and 3 platelet transfusions after the final round of IV chemo. It really did take him some time to bounce back and finally have that PICC line removed from his arm!!! Hooray!! He was kissed by all the nurses and applauded by the fellow patients when he walked from Day Onc for the final time. Certainly, a huge milestone! We are all so proud of what he has achieved. It is amazing what the medical world can do now with all the treatments on offer to help save a life. All that along with his very special, positive frame of mind has got him to still being here right now and with lots of hope for a cancer free future. We are reminded how lucky we are to have Tim responding to all forms of treatment so well, since hearing that more of our Gawler friends have passed. Four beautiful husbands and fathers and one gorgeous wife could no longer maintain the battle. It has been very difficult for Tim and I to say goodbye to 5 friends in the space of 2 months. We have had to mourn and then refocus back on our goal. A complete emotional roller coaster.
Tim has now recommenced chemo daily, but in tablet form. He has struggled more than he anticipated, having headaches and nausea. He has a total of 9 chemotherapy tablets over 7 days, comprising of 2 x methotrexate and 7 x mercaptopurine. These tablets are now a way of daily life for the next 2 years. We are hoping that Tim's recent side effects are part of an adjustment phase and not an indication how how he might feel over the next two years. Although, Doctor Turner has pre warned that if Tim copes well with the tablets and his bloods are all good, then an increase in dose is likely.
Just have to take it one day at a time...
Well, that is a wrap.
Lots of love,
Andi
Posts
