DHC Hope: April 2016

Today, Barbara and I Met with Doctors Adrian and Kate and nurse Linda, the nurse now in charge of my experimental treatment. The CT scan I had last Thursday shows that most of the cancers being measured in my liver have grown slightly. I have now been on the experimental drug, called BGB-283 Trial, for six weeks, about two thirds of the time since the previous CT scan. This means it is too early to tell if the new drug is working.

It is a good sign that the cancers have only grown a little. Perhaps all the growth occurred before I started on the drug. On the other hand it might be the ‘calm before the storm’ and the cancers may grow significantly.

Another encouraging sign is that the bumps on my forehead and scalp have increased. Although not very visible I am aware of this. This is a side effect of the drug. One observation with this drug is that the greater the skin eruption, the more likely the drug is working.

Therefore, we have to await the next CT scan and its comparison with today’s scan to really find out whether or not the experimental drug is working, that is, stopping the cancers growing.

The CT scan also shows that the tube between my left kidney and bladder is slightly blocked again. Today’s blood test shows my kidneys continue to work the same as when the stent was inserted and before then. The kidney function will continue to be monitored and if things continue like this, I will remain stent free. It seems my right kidney is making up for the functional problems of the left kidney. It seems the left kidney is working OK but is processing more slowly than normal.

I continue to feel much better after taking the antibiotics for fifteen days. However, my cough has returned to a degree. The doctors suggest I again take two puffs morning and night of Symbicort® 200, my asthma treatment and use Ventolin when I have a coughing fit. This situation will continue to be monitored too!

I am so glad I can now easily walk to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and other places near home. Today’s blood test shows that my liver continues to function normally, which is a very critical factor and key reason for me continuing to be able to live such a positive life.

With my grandson at yesterday's birthday party

The Tough Times

I feel that I have emerged from a dark tunnel. A wracking cough began two days before the stent was removed from between my left kidney and bladder. That was 3 March. Now on 18 March I am feeling much better. I had antibiotics to prevent infection on removal of the stent but it did not reduce the cough. Breathing became difficult and my asthma was the worst it has been for decades. Now on the fifteenth day of antibiotics aimed at the chest, I am a renewed person.

I was at my lowest around Easter. On Tuesday March 29 I walked home from seeing my oncologist Dr Kate at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. It took me four hours to recover. The next day Barbara and I travelled to Seven Hills RSL Club where we had lunch with our friends Pam and Allan and two of their friends Peter and Eve. The air-conditioning was very cool. When we left after two hours I felt very uncomfortable. It was good to feel the warmth of the outside air. When we arrived home I shook violently. It took me until 9.00 o’clock at night before I recovered. I am making sure that I am not letting myself get so chilled.

After nights of coughing fits, it is great to feel so much better. Last Monday I was OK walking to and from the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

No Bad Side Effects from Experimental Drug

Throughout this time I have been taking the experimental drug. This Thursday I will have a CT scan that will show whether or not this drug is stopping the cancer from growing. Dr Kate will let us know next Monday and I will write a blog update. The only side effect has been some rough skin on my forehead: so far, so good on this treatment.

Renewed Enthusiasm for BezCan

Feeling so bad, I was finding it difficult dealing with The BezCan Project matters. However, at Easter I experienced a renaissance. I began catching up on matters. We have now submitted applications to two Australian organisations through which we might be able to offer tax deductibility for Australian donors. One of these organisations specialises in working with different groups providing support to overseas organisations. I lodged our application with this group on early Friday (April 15) afternoon and we were given a provisional project number within a few hours.

My thanks to The BezCan Project Governance Group whose effective review of the draft applications meantswe submitted a well-prepared and comprehensive application. There is now much work to be done to move to being accepted as a project. We are hopeful of success.

Canaan Junior School has begun digging the foundations for the construction of the ‘shells’ of the two classroom blocks at their primary campus. We are financing the building of the foundations, concrete floors, un-rendered brick walls, roofs, electrical installation and the finishing of the office area to make it secure. Next, our hope is to attract significant funding once we can offer tax deductibility so we can, at a minimum, complete the primary campus of Canaan Junior School.

The Good Times

These photos share some of the joy from some of the good times I have enjoyed through this difficult time: Easter egg hunt on Good Friday; celebrating with friends from a former client on Saturday; and our eldest granddaughter’s third birthday party yesterday here at Club 55.

Easter Egg Hunt