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"