Chemo Round 4

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It is 2½ weeks since I had my surgery, and I’m pleased to report that the recovery has been uneventful. I was discharged from hospital 2 days post-surgery. I have had no pain since the first few days, and even on those days the pain was only moderate and required no more than a couple of Panadol to make me comfortable. I do get a little more tired than usual, but I quickly got back to walking – albeit shorter distances and not at the same brisk pace. 

For the first few days post operation I was only allowed 10 minutes of gentle walking, so Harry and I drove across the road so that I could do my ’10 minutes’ in my favourite venue, the Royal Botanic Gardens. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us, and we could sit for some time after the walk, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful view. 

On the first Friday night that I was home from hospital, thanks to Harry’s organisational skills, we had our usual Shabbat dinner at home. It was lovely to have the kids there, and in honour of Lulu’s first birthday (which she celebrated in New York), we had a birthday cake in her absence.

One and a half weeks after surgery I felt so well that we went to Daylesford for four days. The weather was magnificent. We went for a few short walks, had a great Japanese meal at a local restaurant and lunched at the Wombat Hill Cafe, set in the glorious Botanical Gardens, where we sat in the sun for a few hours reading the papers and enjoying a delicious lunch. We then came back home and went to Gary and Edna's, where Beck, Brad and the kids joined us for a family dinner. Bliss!

On Tuesday I saw my Oncologist, who was very happy with my progress and gave me the go ahead for my next round of chemo (Round 4 of 6). I am thrilled that my CA125 cancer markers have dropped even further to a 'normal' 18! In between my blood tests and seeing my doctor, Harry and I walked (from Peter Mac) to the Queen Vic Market, had a coffee and a stroll around the stalls. I absolutely love going to markets, so it was a perfect way to pass the time.


Yesterday I went out for brunch with Mum and my beautiful friend Judy, who, as most as you know, has only recently arrived home from an extended stay of 3+ weeks at the Alfred Hospital. It was so lovely to do something so normal and relaxing together. It really was fun. In the afternoon I did a short, gentle Pilates session and after a rest, I was thrilled to be able to attend Book Club, participating in a very interesting discussion about Jane Harper’s “The Lost Man” (which I highly recommend).


Which brings me to this morning…and my 4th chemo session. We were on our way at 7.30 a.m. and admitted at 8.30 a.m. The usual program: ice cap followed by intravenous drip. I have a lovely nurse called Jill. I had booked a foot massage with a trained volunteer, Emma. It was magnificent ... truly relaxing and uplifting! 

My beautiful husband has been waiting on me hand and foot, attending to my every need. He did a countdown for me at the start of my chemo, which helps me gauge how long I have to go before the intense pain subsides that I usually experience in the first 12-15 minutes.
He constantly brings me refilled cups of ice chips, which I suck on constantly to reduce my chances of mouth ulcers. He brings me drinks, snacks & anything else my heart desires! I am so lucky to have him. What a man!



At the time of writing this blog, I have just had a lovely chat on FaceTime with Dash and Leon in New York. I am so grateful for the wonders of this sort of technology enabling me to have the New York family by my side at times like this. Gary has also just dropped in while on his lunch break from working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It was so nice for both Harry and me to spend time with him. 





All has been going smoothly & it looks like we might get away by 3.30pm, even earlier than usual. Great news! As ever I am enjoying the snug heat from Eva and Philip's electric throw and the lovely family photos on Lorraine and Ray's throw, while I experience the cold ice cap during chemo. I feel truly blessed to have you all as friends and for your ongoing, constant care and support.

Onwards and upwards. 
‘The best way out is always through’



Comments

Unknown said…
Dear Robyn , fantastic news of your excellent recovery from surgery.
And even better the ca marker results .. you certainly are one remarkable cookie !!!
Well done to the whole Unglik Team .
Lovely to see all the smiling faces in the photos , please say hi to Judy from us
Keep up the good work
Love Marj and Wayne x
7 November 2019 at 13:48
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