Blog post # 7 - at home

(Grr, this is my second attempt at this post, the computer swallowed up the first.)

Philip has now had the first two of five radiation treatments, with no obvious "sunburn", some internal burning feeling and a lot of fatigue. We now have a disability sticker for the car, which should make attending appointments less tiring.

It has been challenging managing the 8 packets and bottles of medication Philip was sent home with, especially for someone who never took medicine before. Fortunately he does not have to take all at the same time.  Pain relief has been the most difficult as there was a glitch in communication between the hospital doctor and either the pharmacist or the nurses' station.  He is gradually getting on top of it all and fares much better when pain is controlled.  Jocelyn has drawn up an Excel medication chart. One can only wonder how patients with literacy problems or learning deficits cope.

Another challenge is to fatten Philip up as the radiation works better if he has some flesh between skin and bone.  His appetite is much improved since returning home and eating home cooked food.

It was great to have Jocelyn's physical and emotional support over several days this week. She drove down from Sydney earlier in the week and came back on Friday with Griffin and Vida, then Jason bussed down after work.  He stayed with his mother Robyn and thoughtfully took the children there to sleep. While it was a delight to see them, Philip found their high spirits tiring. I would love to have some of their high octane fuel!

Many many thanks to you all for your good wishes and offers of help, visits, assistance with transport, flowers, meals and goodies. They are very much appreciated.

So, three more radiation treatments, possibly a session with the dietician, then the oncology clinic at Calvary hospital. We have fingers and toes crossed that all will go well.