heading home, and then away

Hi all,

Well, the latest is that David is doing quite well lately, he has been eating full meals and everything! Really good to see him enjoy a steak dinner :)

The medical and hospital staff have been working together to prepare David for his trip away and are comfortable with his trip and the support he has set up. They have been wonderful. 

God willing, the plan is that he will 'check out' of the hospital tomorrow sometime (Tuesday), then we all leave for our family holiday in Kangaroo Valley (2.5 hours away) on Wednesday. He will be well set up with all his medications to manage pain and nausea and our dear friend/nurse Helen O on 24 hour call if we ever feel we need more advice (as well as all his other medical support staff of course!). We will also get a wheelchair for getting out and about if he needs/wants it.

The plan is to try a round of chemo when we get back. David is just going to see how his body responds to it. 

We have lots of contingencies and support in place for while we are away. The awesome cancer care coordinator is even checking into finding a local palliative care nurse to come check in on David. The original plan was for us all (11 adults, 9 children) to stay for a week but we are going to take it very much on a day by day basis. It will be whatever it is, supporting David and Mum will come first, we may cut it short if he isn't going too well, and that will be ok. 

The place we are going is a very peaceful little 'farm stay' type place in an olive grove! Lots of animals, wide open spaces, and pools and playgrounds for the kids, and best of all, peace and quiet in the bushland for us to just hang out together. We are very much looking fwd to time to be together, make memories and support each other.

Appreciate your prayers for David and all of us over the next week. Please be aware that reception is likely to  be very patchy up there so may not be many/any phone calls or blog updates till we get back. (The owners of the cottages is aware of our situation and we have use of their landline for any medical situations).

Thanks everyone, for your ongoing support. How blessed we are to have such a caring community. We are truly grateful.

Love, Kate

photos!

Today at the hospital, we were sitting outside in the courtyard, enjoying a rare moment of sunshine and lovely breeze, just having a little chat.

David suddenly said 'Are there any photos of me up on that blog?' 'No...' 'You can put some up'.

I had to chuckle because David is so not the type to want to put up photos of himself :) I didn't ask why, I'm just doing it!

Taken at their home a couple weeks ago. Watching the magpies eat the oats, with Miles. Mum and David treat these magpies like pets, it's so cute :) They come calling every day, asking for oats :) Miles loves watching them with Papa too.

Papa and Miles playing cars. 

Enjoying a bit of sunshine and 'glorious fresh air' with David in the courtyard. He loves the chance to be
outside and glory in God's creation. He takes pleasure in every leaf and flower, every scent and gentle breeze.
(Taken today)

He still knows how to relax :) (Taken today)

A quiet moment between a couple who love each other so very much. (Taken today)

Nibbling on some energising protein balls I made :)

I took this pic for Lily, this is David holding up some writing she did, her telling of the story
of Genesis :) David loved it! He had such a chuckle and smile about all her precious writing.

Sorry, these are just grainy iPhone snaps but I think they show through David's beautiful, positive, peaceful spirit. He said again today 'I know I am going to a good place'. Very true, but we are still going to miss him so much. We won't stop praying!

Well, David gave me a job and now it's done?? :)

xx

decisions and plans

Hi all,

Well, I have an update though the update has changed about four times since my last update! The messages we are getting seem to change regularly! I will just cut to the end result to save all the to and for-ing.

*Please note again my lack of medical training, I try to convey this stuff as best as my hasty note taking allows but probably don't have everything right!*

Basically, the advice made this morning was to not put a stent in as it was not deemed feasible to insert it for various reasons (basically, it was too much of a mess in that area, I think). The next plan was instead to do what is called a 'laprascopic bypass' where they join up the bowel to the stomach, bypassing  the obstructed area. However, this afternoon we were informed by the Gastroenterologist that though they could do this, they didn't strongly advise it. It was likely to be a very temporary measure as it would not be long before the tumour once again impacted on the area. It was also likely that they open him up and find more cancer than they can see on the scans and can't do it anyway. PLUS the very real possibilities of complications, infection, etc, and a six week healing time. So, the decision was made to not do the procedure.

As it is currently not a total blockage, he can still eat and drink in small doses and in fact last night ate a full dinner! Which was great :)

The more practical info is things like, the main tumour is now 15x15cm, with multiple other tumours around the peritoneal lining and other areas. All things considering, they are pretty amazed at how well he is doing :)

The medical team are focused on keeping things 'moving' through the body as best they can through other avenues. And they are doing a great job managing his pain and nausea. This afternoon we had a great time in between doctors visits. David was quite lively, we even went out into the courtyard, he took a little stroll, and we had a good chat and laugh.

Mum (Catherine) has been doing an amazing job caring and supporting David and taking copious notes to track the information from the countless doctors we see. At last count, we see several different levels of Doctors from Oncology, Surgical, Palliative, Gastroenterology.... you get the drift! Not to mention the Cancer Care Coordinator (this woman is SUCH a blessing!! She helps coordinate everything and explain things to us. So helpful!!). And all the nurses, etc etc.

We have a family holiday planned for next Wednesday, with the five kids and their families, and Catherine and David in Kangaroo Valley. This is very important to our whole family, and all the medical team have been wonderfully supportive and determined to help us make this happen. We are so grateful for this, and hoping and praying it is able to happen, as all the siblings (in total, 11 adults and 9 kids!) travel from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney for this special time together.

Also, David is now also considering/planning on trying a round of chemotherapy. We are not yet sure when this will commence, we will speak to the Oncologist again on Monday. He may have a dose before we go on holiday, or start when we get back.

Right now the plan for David is to stay in hospital at least till early next week. They are taking good care of him there and keeping a close eye on how things are progressing and managing his pain and nausea really well. David is enjoying the stream of visitors too :)

I think that's everything for now, will update again when there is more news.
Thanks everyone xx Kate



"the task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you"

still in hospital but doing better

Hi everyone,

Sorry for delay in update, this is my first chance now to write something as it's been a big day.

Ok, well to backtrack, David got admitted to a (shared) room last night, I think it was about 8pm (on the Oncology ward). He had been able to keep taking sips of drinks and bites of food every now and then which was a good thing. Also, things seem to be functioning better in his body which I think indicates that the blockage between stomach and bowel is not total but just partial?

This morning he was feeling a lot better. Well, better in that the butterfly needle (which slow releases anti-nausea meds over 24 hours) is doing a great job in helping him not feel so sick. Also the pain management is working really well so he is not in too much pain either - BIG relief! He is mostly very weak and tired now. But he has been getting small bites of food and drink all day and seems to be perking up a bit which is great! After a few days without really eating, he has a lot of catching up to do ;) Catherine, he and I even had a nice chat/laugh earlier and he enjoyed a few other visitors too in between naps.

So, the situation is that he is still admitted into hospital, and waiting to see the Gastroenterology (GE) team about putting a stent in, which is like a tube that helps dialate the tube between stomach and bowel so he  can eat and drink more/better. We have been sort of told by the Oncologists that YES, the GE people can and will do this procedure - yay! (But we haven't had official meeting with them yet). When the Gastroenterology team will turn up, we don't know - David's case probably not seen as super urgent. We also don't know how long he will be admitted in hospital for or when the stent will be done. Apparently it's a fairly minor procedure (keyhole maybe?) done under local anesthetic (??) or something stronger than that but I know it's not general anesthetic anyway. It seems likely this won't happen till early next week...

So, that's where things are at for now. We are so thankful he is in less discomfort and pain, and hoping that he can keep up the nourishing food and liquids so he can regain some strength and energy.

On behalf of Mum and David, I would like to say a HUGE thank you for the outpouring of love, support and prayers, they are truly grateful for them and feel very loved. Thank you all for being so kind and understanding as we muddle through this with all the stress, exhaustion, and emotion involved. Having a supportive team cheering them on and ready to lend a hand makes a huge difference.. how blessed they are :)

As for how long he will be in hospital, we don't really know yet. He could be discharged any minute or stay there till they put the stent in. But for now I think it's a good place for him to be as they are taking good care of him and making sure to manage his pain/nausea and everything well.

If you would like to visit, you can either call/text Mum or myself to find a good time, or try your luck just dropping in (just be aware that someone else may already be there too!). David doesn't have his phone with him in hospital, FYI. Even if David is resting (as he frequently is), it can be nice to just read a book near by or whatever while he sleeps :)

Anyway, I am not a doctor so not sure if I have conveyed all the medical stuff correctly but that is roughly where things are at. I will update again when we have more news.

Love, Kate

Hospital

Hi all,

Writing this on my phone from hospital so excuse poor typing!

David has been feeling unwell, nauseous and unable to keep anything down for the last couple days. He was having lovely time at the coast w his family but started vomiting and since returning home unable to eat or drink. He had a pretty bad night. Catherine brought him into emergency dept today about lunchtime after checking in w the palliative care doctor who advised it and called ahead. I got here about 4pm after mark came home from work early. 

They have done several different types f scans, given him two bags of fluids for dehydration and some other meds including some butterfly insert needle thing for managing nausea. 

The expected issue (that we discussed w palliative care dr a couple weeks ago as possible to occur) is that likely the tumour is blocking the tube that goes from stomach to bowel making it hard for him to digest things. They are not sure yet if the blockage is partial or total. We are waiting for the gastroenterology team to Come talk to us about it and whether it's 'worth' putting a stent in - this is a procedure to dialate the tube. 

The ct scan did reveal that the tumour has doubled in size since December scan. The tumour is pushing against the stomach and somewhere else too, I'm not sure. 

Anyway, not too good :( 

David has been admitted and we are just waiting in emergency to be moved to a proper room and to see what's next. He has had a few small sips of drink and bites of food which is good. Will keep everyone updated when I can. Prayers and good thoughts greatly appreciated 

Xx kate

Family Time

Hi everyone,

Another small update. Catherine and David just left today for four nights away at the coast with David's four siblings, their partners and his dear 94 year old father. It will be a very quiet but special time for them all to be together, especially in an area where they all used to holiday together as children.

There is not much else to update except more of the same. He is very weak, tired and usually has pain to some degree. His newer pain meds seem to be helping keep things more level though which is a blessing. The Doctor at our last palliative care apt said that the pain doesn't necessarily keep getting worse and worse - so that was a BIG relief to us all as we kinda assumed it did! He is not going out of the house much except when necessary for appointments or for church which he always makes a priority if possible. Riding in the car is pretty uncomfortable for him (the bumping is quite painful) and as things can turn quickly he does like to stay close to home for the most part.

The delicious variety of meals that keep being delivered really helps encourage him to eat, which helps give him strength and energy, though he isn't able to eat a lot. Thanks to everyone at church who helps out with this!!

He gets easily tired just from talking, so if you are popping by for a visit I suggest limiting it to 30-45 minutes, unless he is having a super good day - he will tell you if this is the case :) He does get a lot of encouragement from visits, when he is up to handling them, we are just trying to space them out to a manageable amount.

Thanks for your prayers, for your support and for reading along :)

God is good and comforts us greatly through this journey.

xx Kate

Appointments Etc

Hi everyone,

Just an update on David. He had a busy few weeks with lots of visitors, including his dear friends Grant and Chrissy from NZ for 5 days.

This week there have been quite a few appointments. Yesterday we met with his Oncologist and today with the Doctor at the Hospice. Both were very kind and supportive. Really, it is about managing the pain at this point. Previously David has been in quite a lot of pain but has increased his dosage recently and it seems to be more under control which is a blessing. There are side effects to the pain meds, particularly sleepiness, so he spends a lot of time sleeping. He has up days and down days but there is a visible decline happening. He needs to rest a lot after short visits or appointments.

There will be more home care/respite/support service available in the future but for now they are going ok with attending appointments as needed (but not too many!). He is also doing a few natural therapies to help with his pain and energy levels.

The church meal roster has been working well, with so many delicious and lovingly prepared meals being dropped off twice a week by our caring church community. Catherine and David send a huge thanks to everyone for this. The variety (and extra love in the meals) is I think enticing David to eat more which is great as he often doesn't feel like it. But he needs to eat for his energy! Meals prepped and ready to go is a huge load lifted from Catherine too as she is already so busy with full time caring and a hundred other things that need to be done.

Family and church have been supportive in so many ways, it is all so very appreciated! Today when I took my parents to the Palliative care apt, Peter M from church was there, pruning back the whole garden - what a kind thing to do!! (Three trips to the tip, I believe!!). There are so many lovely things like this, I won't try to mention them all but they are all so appreciated.

David's wonderful family are helping out with taking David to some apts and are going to start doing some 'respite' sessions, so Mum can get some time out too. We are all on a learning curve here and thank everyone for their love, patience and understanding.

David is still strong in his spirits and faith. He had to fill out a survey at Palliative care today on his various levels of distress about what is happening and he kept saying 'I'm in pain but I don't feel distressed about it!'. He is very resilient through all of this.

Texts and emails are still the best way to get in touch. The home phone can often be off the hook when they need a break, mobiles are probably a better way to get in touch when needed - please understand that though they are not always up to taking calls though they very much appreciate your love and care.

At the end of next week, Catherine and David will be going to the coast with his family for a (very quiet, low key!!) few days, which will be a very special time of togetherness.

Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.

xx Kate