Port Elliot here we come.

Sue and I head to Authenticity Spa Resort at Port Elliot for a weekend get away.

Nothing like some retail therapy, a massage, some nice meals and wine, lots of laughs and an attempted “selfie” to take your mind of things. Like major surgery. Damn, where did that come from.

Apparently my stomach will be significantly um, relocated, and Sue and I are hysterical when we realise that gives a whole new perspective to patting your head and rubbing your tummy. Something Sue reminds me of later in the week…

We head for home on Monday, and the closer I get, the greater the feeling of foreboding at what’s ahead. Another appointment with the surgeon on Friday to finalise things. Would like to turn around and go back.

#whatarethosewomenon #thanksagainsue

More appointments

The Dietitian is impressed that I haven’t lost weight.  Have put some on – thanks to all that Sustagen probably. Have to get some special supplements to drink for 5 days before surgery – hope they taste better than the extra protein Up and Goes, and protein powder.

Won’t have to worry about filling in menus in hospital. Not going to be eating a steak for a while.

If I could have up and gone from the  Anaesthetist’s rooms I would have. “This is big surgery. You’re going to feel like you’ve been hit by a truck for 2 – 3 months. 4 – 6 hours of surgery.” Thanks for that. Waaaaaaay too much information about preparation, drips and lines. But comforting to know I’ll have an epidural for pain relief. Just like having a baby really.

#I’llhavemysteakthruastrawthanks #justputmeoutanddoit

Down to the serious business

I should be over the moon that the tumour has shrunk and surgery is viable, but it’s hard to be excited when someone is talking about removing most of your oesophagus and a bit of your stomach.

Lots of discussion  about the whys and wherefores of surgery. Lots of whys actually. Mainly from me. Like “Is it really worth it?” “What are those stats again?” Glad Sue is there to keep me on an even keel.

Still when it comes down to it, there’s not much choice, and surprise, surprise, Justin already had a date tentatively booked – Feb 26. At least that works in with my busy social calendar coming up.

#that’sitthen #surgeryhereIcome

From VIP Parties to something a little less glamorous

I’m gradually working my way around the hospitals of Adelaide (can you rate them on Trip Adviser?). This endoscopy is at Wakefield.

Couldn’t find the anaesthetist at first (pleased they waited) and the skull and crossbone bandana the surgeon wore was perhaps a bit questionable, but once again, the procedure was over before I knew it.

Hopefully it confirms the latest Cat scan results.

Thanks for the delivery and pick up Daryl, and Virginia.

#sometimesshrinkageisagoodthing

A sneak peak

I collect the results of yesterday’s CAT scan and sneak a look. Great, great great –  it’s shrunk – by about 30%. Nothing showing up elsewhere.

Pop into see Sue to check I’m reading it correctly, and it’s hugs all round. Whew.

Next. Who’d have thought I’d need a haircut. But I do.

After a trim I put my photographer’s hat on for the  King William Road Party, and put it an appearance at the VIP function. A VIP, that’s me.

Next day is Stage 3 Start of the Tour Down Under on KWR. And I’m there.

#can’tkeepagoodwomendown

Back to Western for another CAT (computed axial tomography) scan,  to see if  the Chemo and Radio has achieved the desired outcome, ie shrunk the tumour.

Another cocktail of chemicals, a nice lie down, and this time I do get that sensation I was warned of earlier of having, er, wet myself. Nice.

An anxious wait now for the results.

#hopeitsworked

Can I get anything else?

Visit the GP who confirms that the blisters on my back, (as diagnosed by “Dr Clausen” aka Pilates Jackie) are in fact shingles. Good grief. What next.

Sam has come down from Whyalla to go to the surgeon with Tom and me and to take me back for a visit. I m worried about infecting Penny, so the Whyalla visit is postponed. Very sad. But Sam and I did have a nice breakfast.

The visit to Dr Bessell leaves us (well me anyway) very confused about odds, stats, and the best course of action. Bit upsetting.

Fortunately the shingles don’t spread and have minimal impact on me. Not the pain I was warned about, and clears up fairly quickly.

#sorryforthewastedtripSam #Imustbeatougholdbag

I’m still holding up OK, not bald, so it’s great to enjoy Graham’s 60th birthday at Ekhidna Winery, McLaren Vale.

Last Chemo the next Tuesday, last Radio the next Friday, and I have come thru relatively unscathed. Let’s hope the tumour hasn’t.

Thanks again to all who supported me thru this time.

I don’t feel as if I’ve done anything, but apparently this is an achievement, so a group of us celebrate that night with a meal at the Henley Surf Club.

#NoIamnotradioactive #noIdonotglowinthedark

Early in November, my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. There. It’s out. I can even spell it now.

This blog is a bit of a diary really and is for those who’d like to know where I’ve been and am at, (doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear from you though), and for those who don’t really want to know (frankly, that’s me), but who may find it useful, or informative. Or something.

It’s also for me. I think I may find it therapeutic. Or something.

I promise to avoid using the word “journey” and I’ll try not to be too self indulgent. Or wordy.

It’s taken a while for me to get it up to date. If you want to see the full story  – you’ll need to scroll down to see the first post  when it all started and then gradually work your way up to the most recent one.

#neverthinkitsjustindigestion

Go Strikers!

Zap in the afternoon. Then I head to Adelaide Oval with Gill and Graham to see the Adelaide Strikers take on the Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes didn’t have much puff and the Strikers won easily. Fireworks, concert et al was great.

10pm on New Years Eve – what to do now? We head to the Intercontinental for a drink and dessert. (Ask Gill about the dessert sometime). Sue and Daryl, fresh from being thrilled at Thriller, join us for the fireworks.

2014 : Sold a house, bought a house, went to New York and San Diego, moved, became a Grandmother, diagnosed with cancer. Well, four out of five ain’t bad. Let’s hope 2015  brings all good things.

#HappyNewYear #Kindof