Dormant State Continues

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.

one type of wild flower

the spectacular birthday cake

Barbara trying on her new watch

At the Boiler House Restaurant

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.