Last Cab to Darwin

Writing this blog entry

Today, Friday 21 August, Barbara and I saw Last Cab to Darwin at Hoyts Cinema, Broadway for my diversion therapy:

“Rex, a Broken Hill [taxi] cab driver, has spent his life avoiding getting close to people.  One day, he discovers he is dying of stomach cancer.  He doesn’t want to be forced to rely on anyone so he decides to leave his home alone and drive 3000kms across the continent to Darwin, where the recently passed euthanasia laws lead him to believe he can be in control of his own death.  On this epic journey he does things and meets people who force him to re-evaluate his life.”

         Quote from website < http://www.lastcab.com.au/lastcab.com.au/Synopsis.html>

I have found the last week or so difficult.  This movie is an original story about someone with more advanced cancer than mine.  He thinks he wants the right to die on his own terms.  In addition to looking at euthanasia, it realistically portrays aspects of Australian society: outback towns; working class; aborigines; and doctors, nurses and the medical system – the main themes.  While some of the language is strong, again it is realistic and not overdone.  It is one of the best films I have seen.

I identified with Rex’s journey with cancer and wanting the right to choose life or death when you are so sick that there is only death ahead.  At times in the last week I felt that things were ‘terminal’ but I know this is my emotional reaction to a period of day-after-day discomfort.

Wednesday 12 August, the stent was inserted between my left kidney and bladder.  Yes, I walked home from hospital but, as advised by nurses, I passed some blood in my urine for many days, especially in the morning.  I also felt discomfort in my left back area, which is due to the left kidney.  This seems to have settled down now.  I have booked my follow up appointment with Dr Vasilaras on Wednesday 1 October.  Every six months the stent will be replaced.

Meanwhile, before fully recovering from the stent insertion, I had the first of my third round of intensive chemotherapy from Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 August.  As usual, I was well looked after.  Early Monday morning I had the required blood test before treatment.  This showed the creatinine level in my left kidney continued to be high.  My chemo treatment only went ahead after it was cleared by Dr Mahon, my oncologist.  In the overall situation the most vital thing is having chemotherapy for it attacks the cancer that is growing again in the liver.  Hence, I was very relieved when they told me the treatment would go ahead.

I had forgotten how this intensive chemo affects me: increased tiredness and nausea are two of the main things.  Late Wednesday afternoon I was able to participate in a Skype call with Canaan School to discuss building matters at their new primary campus site.  However, Wednesday night when our daughter came for dinner, I hardly said a word because I felt so blah.  Yesterday, Thursday, our daughter-in-law and two children were here – at least I said more during this visit.  I am glad that I am feeling more normal today and am able to write this blog update.

Later Thursday afternoon I saw my General Practitioner (GP) to begin the investigation of my heart.  This arises from the ECG test taken ten days ago in the pre-admission procedures before the stent operation.  The ECG taken at the GPs showed the same issue in the function of part of the nerves in the heart.  Now, I have an appointment with a cardiac specialist at 4.30 pm this coming Monday afternoon.  My hope is that my heart will not be an issue.

While I have been feeling sorry for myself over the last week or so I have deliberately thought about several of you my friends who read this blog.  Some of you have had chronic health issues for years, even decades.  Some of you experience pain that requires regular medication.  My cancer was diagnosed just over four years ago and I have only occasionally experienced mild pain.  I have been grappling in my mind to keep things in a reasonable perspective.  This is so much easier today because I feel much better and enjoyed an informative, challenging, excellent Australian movie – Last Cab to Darwin!  A bonus is that Barbara and I have visited most of the places featured in the movie.