"The best way out is always through"

Just a quick update.  This week has been a little tougher than anticipated, with all sorts of mainly abdominal discomfort – due in large part to the chemo drugs and also the build up of fluid (ascites).   Apparently this build up is likely to subside after the second round of chemotherapy (in 2 weeks’ time).  Harry, the kids and the whole family are being amazing – and, all the positive wishes, love and care which have been forthcoming make it easier to focus on “getting through”. Love to you all – and much gratitude as always for your care and concern.  Robyn, Harry & family The Grandkids set up to watch a movie with me in my bedroom...at a healthy distance

Today was my first day of chemotherapy at Peter Mac…Day 1 of a 3 week cycle before the second cycle starts. 1 down, 5 to go (with surgery probably after the 4th cycle). Harry and I arrived at Peter Mac around 9.30 this morning. We ‘checked in’ and after a very short time we were taken through to the treatment area. I was then taken to my very comfortable reclining chair – my home for the day! It was a lovely bright room, with a big window and a gorgeous city view. I was the first patient of the day so it was quiet – and I had the full attention of the very experienced nurses, Craig and Anne. Then came the preparation for the ice cap, which aims to prevent hair loss. The hospital had given me information about what to expect of this treatment (which apparently is successful to some degree in 50% of cases), and I was also very fortunate to have spoken to 2 gorgeous and very generous women who had gone through the same experience, and they had prepared me incredibly well for what to...

As many of you will be aware, I have spent most of the last 2 weeks having tests and scans in an endeavour to find the source of my cancer. I had presented to my GP (my darling husband Harry) with a bloated tummy – which turned out to be full of fluid (ascites), a sign that I had cancer somewhere in my body. My very capable and caring physician, Robert Lefkovits, managed the workup, until we finally discovered that it is an ovarian tumour that has spread to the lining of my abdomen (the peritoneum). It is classified as stage 3 ovarian cancer. Fortunately there has been no spread to any other organs. Our cousin David Goldstein from Sydney, who many of you know is an experienced oncologist, advised that the best team we could have working with us is Oncologist Dr. Linda Mileshkin and Surgeon Prof. Orla McNally. I was very fortunate to have met with them without delay. They are all I could hope for….empathic, but matter of fact. I never feel like I am rushed with them...