Philip was transferred to Canberra Hospital around midnight last night in order to have some low dose radiation therapy to lumbar spine to relieve pain. He has a private room with plenty of space (Room 1, Ward 14B) and his pain medication is being much better managed. Today for the first time in ages he has been close to pain free. He is learning to ask for relief at the first signs of pain breakthrough and the hospital is happy to give him as much as he needs.
From today he is also receiving anti-nausea medication via canula and that is working much better than the tablets; so that he has at last been able to eat and enjoy some food.
The hospital consultant spoke plainly and honestly to Philip today, telling him he has not got much time left and that any treatments are aimed at his comfort rather than improvement of his condition. This was a shock after the cautiously-expressed opinions Philip has heard up until now and which he interpreted optimistically. But he has accepted his dismal prognosis with fortitude and grace, and is determined to make the most of what remaining time he has. He cherishes his family and friends and they are now his priority.
Today he had his family with him (Maureen, Jocelyn and Lisa) and visits from four friends. And this afternoon he began telling his life story, which Jocelyn video-ed and Philip recorded on his phone with the Cogi app. We will type it up later.
Jocelyn returns to Sydney tomorrow morning and will return on Saturday. She is a source of strength for us all.
Tomorrow his much-loved family from Gippsland - brother Graham, Graham's wife Thelma and their daughter Alison - visit. They will stay overnight before returning on Thursday, so Philip will be able to spend quality time with them. Then on Friday his cousin Barrie Smith and Barrie's daughter Catherine visit from Melbourne. Philip and Barrie travelled to WA last year to record some family history documents.
Philip's five radiation treatments are being accelerated a little in order to have them finished by the weekend. Hopefully this will facilitate his move from the busy and clinical hospital atmosphere of TCH to the hospice, Clare Holland House, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. It has a much more restful and homely atmosphere, and they have a reputation of giving wonderful care. But of course it depends on whether they have a vacancy so we will see if this move comes off.
Philip is in remarkably good spirits considering, and is mentally alert. He welcomes visits but does tire and generally has more energy in the morning. He has a really busy schedule for the next few days so perhaps any other visits could be left until after Friday.
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