Tuesday 26 July 2016
Good Morning and Happy Birthday to me!!!
I had a full on experiential Birthday!!! We always do experiences for our Birthdays... not presents & this was no different!!!
I started by cooking a very healthy brekky for Dave & I this morning as he was nil by mouth from 11am ahead of his scans, so wanted to ensure he had the right start to the day and to keep him going for a while. Four egg omelette filled with broccoli, red pepper, courgette, spring onion and grated cheese with a toasted crumpet. Totally delicious!
We then popped in for a hug & to say farewell to Shannon & Brian as they are off overseas for a while, on their long awaited honeymoon!! Going to miss them so much!!! Lots of face time happening ahead!!
Again an initial scan was done after which a contrast dye was put in through the cannula in my arm and the final scan done. Again I kept worrying that I might choke on my saliva due to mouthpiece, but I was okay and managed to swallow occasionally.
After the scans were complete the cannula removed and I went to the changing room. While there the next patient arrived with the questions sounding very familiar - got your PEG? Teeth removed?, anything metal... I got changed and was free to go and help Suzie enjoy the rest of her birthday, that part of the experiential day was over at least.
...
To nicely finish off our day we enjoyed a lovely walk along the new Anzac Memorial Bridge at Bar Beach in Newcastle. The sun was still out and it was still slightly warm but there was a bit of a cool breeze in the air. The sun was setting over the city in the distance, which was so beautiful to watch. The view of Bar Beach from the top is spectacular too!!
The bridge opened on 24 April 2015 and it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915 and the commencement of steel making in Newcastle. The walk is certainly a must for all visitors and locals.
I love being by the sea, I feel, in fact we both feel such a sense of calmness about it. Just leaning over the rail and looking out to the vastness of the ocean is breathtaking!! We also like counting how many boats, ships, yachts etc are out on the horizon.
I phoned my Mum and Dad in England to thank them for my card and present. Also letting them know how Dave was going. It was nice that they could speak to him too!
After our walk we enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner together at Paymasters in Bond Street, Newcastle. We had been there once before and enjoyed our meals so were happy to return to celebrate my birthday.
Dave is able to enjoy his food a bit more now but still has to choose softish types of dishes. He enjoyed his selection of Goats Cheese Croquettes as an entree and Fish Pie for a main. I enjoyed Salmon Sashimi as entree and Duck Supreme for my main. We shared a dessert. We wanted lemon cheesecake but the chef had a disaster in the kitchen with the one he had just made apparently!!! So in the end we ordered the special of the day which was Pavlova. They offered this for free which was nice of them!!
Paymasters is a small restaurant with a lovely ambience
Wednesday 27 July 2016
Dave is feeling much better since having the PEG inserted. Its taken him two weeks to feel this comfortable. He can now dry himself off after having a shower, dress him self and even put his own shoes on. He is also sleeping more comfortably in bed now too.
Thursday 28 July 2016
This morning we both didn't wake till 9.30am!!! Both of us having a good undisturbed 10hrs sleep :-)
We had a light breakfast of cereals and off we went as we were running late as we needed to pop into Cessnock first to fill up the car up with gas before heading out to Newcastle Private Hospital again for an educational meeting with the chemotherapy nurse. On the way to the gas station we popped into Gundog's Cellar Door for a quickish coffee and muffin. Just love their gundog ornaments!!
Dave's expert navigation around the back roads to get to the freeway meant we still managed to get to our appointment on time!!
We met with Lisa our chemo educator. She was really lovely and very informative going through everything we needed to know. Lisa also showed us around the chemo unit, where Dave would be staying overnight and the day centre if the treatment changes to just a few hours.
Dave starts radiotherapy (9.00am) & chemotherapy (Cisplatin (cis-plat-tin)) (10.00am + overnight stay) on Monday 15 August 2016!!! So we have two weeks to fatten Dave up and for him to get fit and strong ready for the next phase of this journey, based on what we have heard from others he is likely to lose a lot of weight through this process!!
Afterwards, to enjoy special time together we drove to the Newcastle foreshore and walked along the waterfront to the end of the Nobbyshead Lighthouse breakwater and back. The evening was very clear, cold and breezy with a stunning sunset. Rewarding ourselves with a Harry's Cafe de Wheels Tiger!! A Tiger (named after Harry 'Tiger' Edwards) is a beef pie topped with mashed potato, mushy peas and gravy... totally delicious. Dave's was a Tiger with bacon and cheese filling.
Then a good drive home. Changed in to comfy PJs and dressing gown and lounged in front of the TV, read our chemo literature and blogged!!
Also had to think about meals for the next few days!!! I really need to get my head around meal times going forward and what meals to cook that Dave will be able to eat. Will study this over the weekend and plan my shopping list and menus accordingly.
Friday 29 July 2016
Gosh it's Friday already!!!! The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment!!!
We're looking forward to a girlfriend of ours visiting from Sydney this weekend, can't wait to see you Miss Janice :-) Drive safely.
Event though we had a late start we still managed a walk up to the clubhouse and our daily coffee before heading out for lunch today to catch up with a close friend of ours, Sue. We went to my favourite cafe, Enzo's in the Hunter. Lunch was so delicious though I'm feeling a bit queasy now!! I had barramundi which was a bit greasy so not sure my tummy is agreeing with it!!! Dave and Sue enjoyed Linguini, Dave had prawns with his. I can't believe he ate it all as it was such a large serving!! Cause since having the PEG he's only been able to eat small meals often throughout the days. I just love how they delivered our drinks too... on children's books, so different!!!
Sat 30 and Sun 31 July 2016
Wow its the weekend again already!!!
Saturday we walked with the walking group and Dave also went out with his golfing buddies for a few holes, not playing still but walking and holding the flag for them.
Then for the afternoon we both attended an essential oil expo about doTERRA oils. We both found it really interesting and useful towards our wellbeing.
Our girlfriend, Janice wasn't able to come visit on Sunday in the end as she had car troubles :-( We were so disappointed!!! There will be other times Janice.
The rest of the weekend was very quiet and relaxing.
Monday 1 - Friday 5 August 2016
Wow!! Can't believe we're into August already!!! Five months to Christmas!!!
We've had a relatively quiet week. The only appointment this week was with the Dentist. We finally got around to registering with a local practice. The Happy Tooth. We had Dr Andrew Murphy who was fantastic. We both hadn't been to the dentist for a couple of years!!! Bad I know!!! Anyhow we have been now and that's the main thing!! My teeth were really good, but with a slight wear on the top two front teeth, as I apparently grind my teeth a bit!! But nothing major. I might have to wear a protective splint down the track. Dave on the other hand needs a little work done to protect his remaining teeth down the track - initially a protective splint (which we will both get measured up for next week), full crowns on his bottom molars and partial crowns on a few of his other teeth. Thank goodness for medical insurance!!!!
I've also been doing some research on doTERRA oils in regards to which are the best to diffuse and and apply for our wellbeing. I'm finding it so intriguing and becoming quite obsessed a little with it!! In a good way of course!!
It was really important to have this dentist appointment prior to Dave starting radiotherapy & chemotherapy. It now gives our dentist a starting point towards any damage occurring to Dave's teeth during treatment. Hopefully there won't be any!!
I also managed to get into our garden one day between the rain showers to do some weeding and planting of some agapantha plants that Maree kindly gifted to us from a friend of theirs who had removed them from their garden. Great day to plant as its rained ever since!!!
Our doTERRA home essentials pack also turned up which was very exciting :-) I couldn't wait to get our diffuser started with Frankinsence and Lavender. Our home smells divine!!
When we were out and about a week ago at the organic cafe Momo we bought an Acid/Alkaline Food Balancing & Food Combining chart so we have both been studying this to understand what foods are best to eat and avoid now and in the future in order to make our diets more alkaline and healthier.
So far we are both doing good, just a waiting game before Dave starts treatment!!! The calm before the storm we say! Talk again soon xxx
I had a full on experiential Birthday!!! We always do experiences for our Birthdays... not presents & this was no different!!!
We then popped in for a hug & to say farewell to Shannon & Brian as they are off overseas for a while, on their long awaited honeymoon!! Going to miss them so much!!! Lots of face time happening ahead!!
Then had to whisk Dave off to meet his medical oncologist Dr Mallesar for an 11:45am appointment at Newcastle Private Hospital to discuss his chemotherapy treatment. The meeting went well and we both had a good vibe about the Dr.
Dr Mallesar has recommended Cisplatin (cis-plat-tin), to be administered by a drip via Dave's vein. Each session will take 4 hours. Dr Mallesar also suggested to administer this as an overnight patient so Dave can be monitored and be administered IV fluids prior, during and after as this type of chemo can be harmful to the kidneys if fluids are not kept up!
We were also advised about all the possible side effects of the chemo:
Immediate (onset hours to days)
The chemo will also be administered every three weeks. Up to 3 times instead of a weekly dose. Reports indicate that having chemo every three weeks with a high dose is more beneficial than having it at a lower dose weekly.
Dave's blood will be constantly monitored during this treatment to ensure that his blood count has returned to normal.
We are also to monitor Dave's temperature closely as if his temperature rises above 37, he feels unwell, develops chills, shivers or shakes and feel short of breath we have to immediately take him into hospital so he can be checked out and possibly be provided with antibiotics to treat the infection.
We were advised to stay away from crowds and sick people and that Dave will be most at risk of getting an infection 10 to 14 days after treatment.
After meeting with Dr Mallesar we had to dash over to the Mater Hospital which is about a 10 minute drive as Dave had a CT scan scheduled. This CT scan session was to also have Dave's radiotherapy mask made and measured up. You have to wear a mask to ensure your head stays extremely still and the treatment is as accurate as possible.
First up though was for Dave to get a cannula inserted into his arm, he had been fasting since before 11am and was dehydrated so they couldn't find a suitable vein to put this in his hand. We were then taken through to the area where the CT scan and mask fitting will be performed. I asked if I could watch and take photos as I said I was writing this blog. The team were very accommodating of this.
The above photo is how the mask starts off. Its a very special type of plastic which is put into a warm water tank to soften it. While this is being cooked they mould a neck piece so Dave will feel comfortable each time he has his treatment. The below is a soft squiggy bag, a bit like a hot wheaty pack... it gets sprayed with a solution, can't remember what, might even have just been water... then moulded around and under Dave's neck.
Once its moulded it becomes very hard.
The next thing that is made is the mouth mould with a fitted air tube so Dave will be able to breath through his mouth as well as his nose. Dave found it particularly difficult when they had to make this mould as he was worried about gagging on his saliva as he has overactive saliva glands in his mouth, with this mould being in place right up until he'd finished the CT scan's.
The red circle on the mask represents where the radiation will be a lot higher. Its the location of the main lumps in Dave's neck region. Another piece gets fitted on top of this circle to raise it away from the skin and help the radiation beam focus on the right part of Dave's neck.
I found it totally fascinating to watch. Dave did very well as it was a bit of a fiddly procedure and he had to lay completely still throughout. He was then ready for the CT scan so I had to leave the room. An initial scan was done after which a contrast dye was put in through the cannula in Dave's arm and the final scan done.
All up it took about twenty to thirty minutes.
After the CT scan we met with the Radiotherapy Nurse to discuss how they will support us through this and all the possible side effects...
Again, each person is different and some people experience a few, others all and so forth!
We then enjoyed a quick coffee & snack before Dave had his MRI scan with the made to measure mask. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed in during this session.
Dave's experience...
I was shown through to the preparation area where I got changed into a lovely white gown (made a nice change from the respective green and blue gowns I'd recently tried on!) I was then asked the questions to confirm that I didn't have anything metal in my body so that I would be safe in the MRI machine.
While I was being asked the questions the previous patient emerged from the MRI room so I was then taken through and positioned on the bed/board that slides in and out of the machine. After having just completed a CT scan this process felt very similar, with the same neck support, mouth piece and mask fitted to ensure that was in an identical position, allowing the MRI and CT scan images to be overlaid for the oncologist to assess.Dr Mallesar has recommended Cisplatin (cis-plat-tin), to be administered by a drip via Dave's vein. Each session will take 4 hours. Dr Mallesar also suggested to administer this as an overnight patient so Dave can be monitored and be administered IV fluids prior, during and after as this type of chemo can be harmful to the kidneys if fluids are not kept up!
We were also advised about all the possible side effects of the chemo:
Immediate (onset hours to days)
- Nausea & vomiting
- Changes in Sense of Smell and Taste
- Increased risk of infection
- Low platelets and increased risk of bleeding
- Sore mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired
- Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes
- Impaired kidney function
- Low red blood cell count
- Hair thinning
The chemo will also be administered every three weeks. Up to 3 times instead of a weekly dose. Reports indicate that having chemo every three weeks with a high dose is more beneficial than having it at a lower dose weekly.
Dave's blood will be constantly monitored during this treatment to ensure that his blood count has returned to normal.
We are also to monitor Dave's temperature closely as if his temperature rises above 37, he feels unwell, develops chills, shivers or shakes and feel short of breath we have to immediately take him into hospital so he can be checked out and possibly be provided with antibiotics to treat the infection.
We were advised to stay away from crowds and sick people and that Dave will be most at risk of getting an infection 10 to 14 days after treatment.
After meeting with Dr Mallesar we had to dash over to the Mater Hospital which is about a 10 minute drive as Dave had a CT scan scheduled. This CT scan session was to also have Dave's radiotherapy mask made and measured up. You have to wear a mask to ensure your head stays extremely still and the treatment is as accurate as possible.
First up though was for Dave to get a cannula inserted into his arm, he had been fasting since before 11am and was dehydrated so they couldn't find a suitable vein to put this in his hand. We were then taken through to the area where the CT scan and mask fitting will be performed. I asked if I could watch and take photos as I said I was writing this blog. The team were very accommodating of this.
 |
| This is how the mask starts off, a solid piece of plastic |
Once its moulded it becomes very hard.
The next thing that is made is the mouth mould with a fitted air tube so Dave will be able to breath through his mouth as well as his nose. Dave found it particularly difficult when they had to make this mould as he was worried about gagging on his saliva as he has overactive saliva glands in his mouth, with this mould being in place right up until he'd finished the CT scan's.
 |
| the mask is ready to go over Dave's face and neck |
 |
| It took a few hands to get the mask in the right place and moulded |
The red circle on the mask represents where the radiation will be a lot higher. Its the location of the main lumps in Dave's neck region. Another piece gets fitted on top of this circle to raise it away from the skin and help the radiation beam focus on the right part of Dave's neck.
I found it totally fascinating to watch. Dave did very well as it was a bit of a fiddly procedure and he had to lay completely still throughout. He was then ready for the CT scan so I had to leave the room. An initial scan was done after which a contrast dye was put in through the cannula in Dave's arm and the final scan done.
All up it took about twenty to thirty minutes.
After the CT scan we met with the Radiotherapy Nurse to discuss how they will support us through this and all the possible side effects...
- Sore mouth and throat
- Difficulties in swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Hoarse voice
- Nausea & vomiting
- Tiredness
- Skin reaction
Again, each person is different and some people experience a few, others all and so forth!
We then enjoyed a quick coffee & snack before Dave had his MRI scan with the made to measure mask. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed in during this session.
Dave's experience...
I was shown through to the preparation area where I got changed into a lovely white gown (made a nice change from the respective green and blue gowns I'd recently tried on!) I was then asked the questions to confirm that I didn't have anything metal in my body so that I would be safe in the MRI machine.
Again an initial scan was done after which a contrast dye was put in through the cannula in my arm and the final scan done. Again I kept worrying that I might choke on my saliva due to mouthpiece, but I was okay and managed to swallow occasionally.
After the scans were complete the cannula removed and I went to the changing room. While there the next patient arrived with the questions sounding very familiar - got your PEG? Teeth removed?, anything metal... I got changed and was free to go and help Suzie enjoy the rest of her birthday, that part of the experiential day was over at least.
...
To nicely finish off our day we enjoyed a lovely walk along the new Anzac Memorial Bridge at Bar Beach in Newcastle. The sun was still out and it was still slightly warm but there was a bit of a cool breeze in the air. The sun was setting over the city in the distance, which was so beautiful to watch. The view of Bar Beach from the top is spectacular too!!
 |
| view of Bar Beach |
 |
| Hi from us! |
I love being by the sea, I feel, in fact we both feel such a sense of calmness about it. Just leaning over the rail and looking out to the vastness of the ocean is breathtaking!! We also like counting how many boats, ships, yachts etc are out on the horizon.
I phoned my Mum and Dad in England to thank them for my card and present. Also letting them know how Dave was going. It was nice that they could speak to him too!
After our walk we enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner together at Paymasters in Bond Street, Newcastle. We had been there once before and enjoyed our meals so were happy to return to celebrate my birthday.
Dave is able to enjoy his food a bit more now but still has to choose softish types of dishes. He enjoyed his selection of Goats Cheese Croquettes as an entree and Fish Pie for a main. I enjoyed Salmon Sashimi as entree and Duck Supreme for my main. We shared a dessert. We wanted lemon cheesecake but the chef had a disaster in the kitchen with the one he had just made apparently!!! So in the end we ordered the special of the day which was Pavlova. They offered this for free which was nice of them!!
Paymasters is a small restaurant with a lovely ambience
Wednesday 27 July 2016
Dave is feeling much better since having the PEG inserted. Its taken him two weeks to feel this comfortable. He can now dry himself off after having a shower, dress him self and even put his own shoes on. He is also sleeping more comfortably in bed now too.
I'm so pleased how he is doing and how he is dealing with all of this!!
Thursday 28 July 2016
This morning we both didn't wake till 9.30am!!! Both of us having a good undisturbed 10hrs sleep :-)
We had a light breakfast of cereals and off we went as we were running late as we needed to pop into Cessnock first to fill up the car up with gas before heading out to Newcastle Private Hospital again for an educational meeting with the chemotherapy nurse. On the way to the gas station we popped into Gundog's Cellar Door for a quickish coffee and muffin. Just love their gundog ornaments!!
Dave's expert navigation around the back roads to get to the freeway meant we still managed to get to our appointment on time!!
We met with Lisa our chemo educator. She was really lovely and very informative going through everything we needed to know. Lisa also showed us around the chemo unit, where Dave would be staying overnight and the day centre if the treatment changes to just a few hours.
Dave starts radiotherapy (9.00am) & chemotherapy (Cisplatin (cis-plat-tin)) (10.00am + overnight stay) on Monday 15 August 2016!!! So we have two weeks to fatten Dave up and for him to get fit and strong ready for the next phase of this journey, based on what we have heard from others he is likely to lose a lot of weight through this process!!
Afterwards, to enjoy special time together we drove to the Newcastle foreshore and walked along the waterfront to the end of the Nobbyshead Lighthouse breakwater and back. The evening was very clear, cold and breezy with a stunning sunset. Rewarding ourselves with a Harry's Cafe de Wheels Tiger!! A Tiger (named after Harry 'Tiger' Edwards) is a beef pie topped with mashed potato, mushy peas and gravy... totally delicious. Dave's was a Tiger with bacon and cheese filling.
 |
| Another 'Dave', this one jamming on the drums by the waterfront. |
Then a good drive home. Changed in to comfy PJs and dressing gown and lounged in front of the TV, read our chemo literature and blogged!!
Also had to think about meals for the next few days!!! I really need to get my head around meal times going forward and what meals to cook that Dave will be able to eat. Will study this over the weekend and plan my shopping list and menus accordingly.
Friday 29 July 2016
Gosh it's Friday already!!!! The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment!!!
We're looking forward to a girlfriend of ours visiting from Sydney this weekend, can't wait to see you Miss Janice :-) Drive safely.
Event though we had a late start we still managed a walk up to the clubhouse and our daily coffee before heading out for lunch today to catch up with a close friend of ours, Sue. We went to my favourite cafe, Enzo's in the Hunter. Lunch was so delicious though I'm feeling a bit queasy now!! I had barramundi which was a bit greasy so not sure my tummy is agreeing with it!!! Dave and Sue enjoyed Linguini, Dave had prawns with his. I can't believe he ate it all as it was such a large serving!! Cause since having the PEG he's only been able to eat small meals often throughout the days. I just love how they delivered our drinks too... on children's books, so different!!!
Sat 30 and Sun 31 July 2016
Wow its the weekend again already!!!
Saturday we walked with the walking group and Dave also went out with his golfing buddies for a few holes, not playing still but walking and holding the flag for them.
Then for the afternoon we both attended an essential oil expo about doTERRA oils. We both found it really interesting and useful towards our wellbeing.
Our girlfriend, Janice wasn't able to come visit on Sunday in the end as she had car troubles :-( We were so disappointed!!! There will be other times Janice.
The rest of the weekend was very quiet and relaxing.
Monday 1 - Friday 5 August 2016
Wow!! Can't believe we're into August already!!! Five months to Christmas!!!
We've had a relatively quiet week. The only appointment this week was with the Dentist. We finally got around to registering with a local practice. The Happy Tooth. We had Dr Andrew Murphy who was fantastic. We both hadn't been to the dentist for a couple of years!!! Bad I know!!! Anyhow we have been now and that's the main thing!! My teeth were really good, but with a slight wear on the top two front teeth, as I apparently grind my teeth a bit!! But nothing major. I might have to wear a protective splint down the track. Dave on the other hand needs a little work done to protect his remaining teeth down the track - initially a protective splint (which we will both get measured up for next week), full crowns on his bottom molars and partial crowns on a few of his other teeth. Thank goodness for medical insurance!!!!
I've also been doing some research on doTERRA oils in regards to which are the best to diffuse and and apply for our wellbeing. I'm finding it so intriguing and becoming quite obsessed a little with it!! In a good way of course!!
It was really important to have this dentist appointment prior to Dave starting radiotherapy & chemotherapy. It now gives our dentist a starting point towards any damage occurring to Dave's teeth during treatment. Hopefully there won't be any!!
I also managed to get into our garden one day between the rain showers to do some weeding and planting of some agapantha plants that Maree kindly gifted to us from a friend of theirs who had removed them from their garden. Great day to plant as its rained ever since!!!
Our doTERRA home essentials pack also turned up which was very exciting :-) I couldn't wait to get our diffuser started with Frankinsence and Lavender. Our home smells divine!!
When we were out and about a week ago at the organic cafe Momo we bought an Acid/Alkaline Food Balancing & Food Combining chart so we have both been studying this to understand what foods are best to eat and avoid now and in the future in order to make our diets more alkaline and healthier.
So far we are both doing good, just a waiting game before Dave starts treatment!!! The calm before the storm we say! Talk again soon xxx
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