Last Thursday I had a CT scan. Monday morning I had a blood test. Midday Monday, Barbara and I saw Dr
Lisa Horvath. Good news! The cancer remains dormant. The two cancerous lesions measured in
the liver remain the same – one exactly, one reducing 2mm. There is no sign of cancer in the lymph
nodes or other parts of my torso.
Apologies for taking a couple of days to write
this but Barbara and I have had a virus.
We blame Will. With six of
us living at Club 55, we finally fell victim to one of the several viruses that
have infected one or more of the household at a time.
Additionally, I have hurt my right shoulder
digging in the backyard. So,
though the news is so good, I did not feel overly great. Now that I am on the mend and seeing a
physiotherapist, I am starting to feel physically better.
My response to awaiting news on what is
happening with the cancer has been interesting. I have felt like I am ‘hanging around’ waiting for the news
the cancer is on the move again. I
know this is a pretty useless approach.
I know it is very good that the cancer is dormant and that the blood
tests show my liver is functioning normally. So, I need to talk to my mind to concentrate on the positive
– I am able to live normally – enjoy it while you can. So, this is my aim going forward.
From time to time some of you forward me
cancer ‘cures’ suggested on the internet.
A friend forwarded an internet article about the benefits of lemon
juice in attacking cancer cells. I
have decided that it is OK to have a tablespoon of concentrated lemon juice in
some water once a day. At a
minimum there is the vitamin C benefit.
Turning
Sixty – Part 1
We have taken several opportunities to
celebrate Barbara’s 60th. The
first weekend in August Lesley and Steve hosted us at the Audrey Wilkinson Winery in the Hunter
Valley – luxury, scenery, delicious food and fine wine!
On the first weekend in September we enjoyed a
wonderful celebration of Barbara’s 60th birthday at the old Quarantine Station,
North Head, Sydney. All the
Hey-Cunninghams and their partners including my brother from Wilpena Pound were
there. We stayed in two of the old
staff cottages, walked into and dined in Manly admiring the prevalent wild
flowers along the way, indulged in an elegant afternoon tea with superb
birthday cake, enjoyed birthday dinner at the Boiler House Restaurant and a Father’s
Day breakfast in Manly.
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| one type of wild flower |
 |
| the spectacular birthday cake |
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| Barbara trying on her new watch |
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| At the Boiler House Restaurant |
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| At Father's Day breakfast admiring my delicious chocolates |
A
Worthwhile Week on the Gold Coast
My week on the Gold Coast staying with Matthew
(16) and Jacob (13) while their parents, Lynn and John enjoyed a week’s holiday
on the Sunshine Coast was one of the most worthwhile things I have done for a
while. All went well. I had the middle of Monday to Thursday
to myself while the boys were at the school. This helped me maintain my energy as I was arising earlier
and retiring later than usual. Did
about four hours of driving practice with Matthew. On the Tuesday we drove in to Brisbane to have dinner with
their sister Rebecca and Pete and Camilla at a Mexican restaurant. Enjoyed catching up with Lynn and John
before and after their week away.
Cairns
Week
At the same time, Barbara continued to
celebrate her birthday by spending a week with fellow 60th birthday celebrant,
Pat. Their present from the Heyco
siblings and partners was skydiving.
They did this early in their week so that the anxious anticipation was
over and they could relax. This
means six members of our have jumped jumped.
44th KHS
Anniversary
Saturday night I attended the 44th anniversary
of finishing at Katoomba High School in 1968. Our year’s anniversary is combined with 1967 year. Just as well, because they are the ones
who organise it. The previous
reunion was held five years ago but I was overseas and before that, in
1985. The dinner was held at the
Fairmont Resort Leura with about 60 people attending, most of them 1967
graduates. I enjoyed catching up
with people I had not seen for up to 44 years. I did notice that we all look old – being 62 instead of 18!
Turning
Sixty – Part 2
My brother turns sixty in October. Our entire family are joining about
forty others to celebrate with him at Wilpena Pound, The Flinders Ranges in
South Australia on Saturday 20 October (actual day is Thursday 18). This is our big event between now and
Christmas.
My next blood test is at the end of
November. If it shows all is well,
then next CT scan will be late January.
So, the next update is due at end of November. But if I get excited about anything else along the way, you
will hear from me sooner.
