Great time for a catch-up- really enjoying watching the Olympics - it has come at the right time. Besty friend from Sweden has departed so there is a big hole in my heart to fill....
Had the CT scan last Friday - with a complication - I seemed to have a reaction to the Contrast or the fluid in my stomach - I was in a bit of pain leading up to it. A simple test turned out to be a bit of a saga as I had breathing problems and a stomach issue. We were stuck at the hospital for a while for "observation" requirements....
Monday - I went in to Peter Mac today for a physio appointment- I need to pay some more atention to my edema issues: elevate, exercise,compress and lymphatic massage are all to be priortised. This is my main physical impairment so it deserves a focused approach - come on Georgia- get your act together!!!
Following this, thanks to Sarah, I also had a Podiatrist appointment. My feet are like alien beings so they needed some attention as well. Apparently, they just need a bit of TLC and they should come good soon as well.
The big one on our minds is this coming Wednesday's appointment at the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Clinic at Peter Mac; the verdict from the CT Scan. I am hoping to see Dr Desai- the top Sarcoma Specialist so that I can look at future possibilities of treatments with him.
In addition, I am about to spend some Team Georgia funds on a getaway to Daylesford- just a little bit of luxury for a couple of days!
Love Your Life,
GEORGIA
Sunday 29 July 2012
Monday 23 July 2012
Treatment continues
An update for everyone:
A successful visit to Peter Mac Hospital: On Friday I finally got a PICC line back in- this time on my right arm. Apparently it was difficult to find a vein big enough , so another doctor was called in to do the task. I then had bloods taken, which needs to occur before chemotherapy takes place.
I was then put into Ward 9 and given a bed straight away! What progress!
Then, the blood analysis machine broke down, which meant a long wait before I got the go-ahead to have chemo. 7pm came round and everyone was nervous, my chenmo is worth thousands of dollars and with a restricted shelf-life, and blood results not back, we still went ahead at 7:30pm, and started the 24 hour process.
Eventually, results came through and my electrolytes needed some attention, but all other factors were in the safe zone.
On Saturday morning, I woke up with sunshine streaming onto my face as I watched balloons floating across the city. It was an incredible sight. I had a good day in hospital and was glad to eventually leave at 7:30pm Saturday evening. So Cycle 2 of Yondelis (trabectidin) is now done.
The next big event is the CT Scan- we all know how much I look forward to these. The worst part is the drink which makes my stomach ache given the tiny amounts I put into it these days.
Realistically, we know that the last two scans have been negative and that this is a big deal. It is one scan at a time, so this could have huge implications:
If I need to state the obvious:
-it could be good news- chemo is helping, your tumours are stable lets continue to be on Yondelis: yey!
-it could be not good news:- chemo is not helping, your tumours are growing lets stop this chemo
-what are the other possibilities? I don't know if I have many other options, but I will ask and I will let you all know.
How am I? I am now able to walk a little without assistance. When I go out, I tend to rely on the walker and most of the time, people drive me around. I am "able to drive" according to the doctors, but have so much fluid in my legs it would probably take a bit of confidence to get it to happen. I am still in good spirits and am hopeful that I can continue to improve physically from the position I am now in. Again, I am on medical leave from work- this came at exactly the right time, and am able to focus on being as well as I can be.
Today, Sarah and I took a trip to Geelong and visited Rachel's puppies; 6 gorgeous border collies - too cute!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
A successful visit to Peter Mac Hospital: On Friday I finally got a PICC line back in- this time on my right arm. Apparently it was difficult to find a vein big enough , so another doctor was called in to do the task. I then had bloods taken, which needs to occur before chemotherapy takes place.
I was then put into Ward 9 and given a bed straight away! What progress!
Then, the blood analysis machine broke down, which meant a long wait before I got the go-ahead to have chemo. 7pm came round and everyone was nervous, my chenmo is worth thousands of dollars and with a restricted shelf-life, and blood results not back, we still went ahead at 7:30pm, and started the 24 hour process.
Eventually, results came through and my electrolytes needed some attention, but all other factors were in the safe zone.
On Saturday morning, I woke up with sunshine streaming onto my face as I watched balloons floating across the city. It was an incredible sight. I had a good day in hospital and was glad to eventually leave at 7:30pm Saturday evening. So Cycle 2 of Yondelis (trabectidin) is now done.
The next big event is the CT Scan- we all know how much I look forward to these. The worst part is the drink which makes my stomach ache given the tiny amounts I put into it these days.
Realistically, we know that the last two scans have been negative and that this is a big deal. It is one scan at a time, so this could have huge implications:
If I need to state the obvious:
-it could be good news- chemo is helping, your tumours are stable lets continue to be on Yondelis: yey!
-it could be not good news:- chemo is not helping, your tumours are growing lets stop this chemo
-what are the other possibilities? I don't know if I have many other options, but I will ask and I will let you all know.
How am I? I am now able to walk a little without assistance. When I go out, I tend to rely on the walker and most of the time, people drive me around. I am "able to drive" according to the doctors, but have so much fluid in my legs it would probably take a bit of confidence to get it to happen. I am still in good spirits and am hopeful that I can continue to improve physically from the position I am now in. Again, I am on medical leave from work- this came at exactly the right time, and am able to focus on being as well as I can be.
Today, Sarah and I took a trip to Geelong and visited Rachel's puppies; 6 gorgeous border collies - too cute!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
Tuesday 17 July 2012
First Week off Work
It is true, I haven't given work a second thought as I have been so preoccupied with my many health issues this week.
I still am battling with my complications experienced since I was in hospital, and my system is still not stable. Eating is a really big deal and so are all the other mundane basic functions- it is certainly is frustrating and again, I don't know if this is now the norm or if I am working my way back to improving for my whole digestive sysyem. I am still restricting myself to the diet I was placed on in hospital; a low residue diet, in the hope that this will assist me to get back on track. I don't have an appetite as such, but I am on chemo as well, and the taste buds have just slowly died again.
Speaking of chemo, the hospital called yesterday and cancelled most of my appointments for the week. I was due to try for the third time to get my PICC line in, but apparently the ultrasound machine has broken down, and it won't be ready until Friday. So, I will go in on Friday and get this done, then I will go onto the 9th Ward and have Cycle 2 Yondelis chemotherapy overnight for 24 hour infusion over the weekend.
I have had the most delightful Torens Family visit me from Sweden, what a wonderful time to have my besty in Australia right now!!!!!!!! So many blessings everywhere!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
I still am battling with my complications experienced since I was in hospital, and my system is still not stable. Eating is a really big deal and so are all the other mundane basic functions- it is certainly is frustrating and again, I don't know if this is now the norm or if I am working my way back to improving for my whole digestive sysyem. I am still restricting myself to the diet I was placed on in hospital; a low residue diet, in the hope that this will assist me to get back on track. I don't have an appetite as such, but I am on chemo as well, and the taste buds have just slowly died again.
Speaking of chemo, the hospital called yesterday and cancelled most of my appointments for the week. I was due to try for the third time to get my PICC line in, but apparently the ultrasound machine has broken down, and it won't be ready until Friday. So, I will go in on Friday and get this done, then I will go onto the 9th Ward and have Cycle 2 Yondelis chemotherapy overnight for 24 hour infusion over the weekend.
I have had the most delightful Torens Family visit me from Sweden, what a wonderful time to have my besty in Australia right now!!!!!!!! So many blessings everywhere!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
Sunday 15 July 2012
Fundraiser for Team Georgia
A heartfelt thankyou to all who came or were able to send messages of support on Sunday. For me, it was a celebration of all that is good about our community. The love and good intentions of all made the afternoon a great success.
I will be able to make a substantial donation to NLMS Foundation, as we have now sold the majority of the ribbons. From the count many people put in a more than generous contribution. Thanks so much for this.If you would still really like a ribbon, I have a few left; let me know and I'll make sure you get one.(thanks Carole and Bianca for your efforts here!)
I will aslo be able to cover some medical expenses through the support received as well. This is much appreciated.
I am still on a high in regards to all the folk who dropped in- you are all very special to me and the only negative was that I was unable to catch up with so many of you. From a distance, I hope you got the flavour of how I am travelling. The song was just something I couldn't resist- "....winter spring summer or fall, all you gotta do is call and I'll be there yes I will, you've got a friend!..."
The past two weeks have been crazy and I have been in hospital, but I am improving. It is a big lesson. I can have a medical crisis where I am completely unable to move, and then I can work towards improving again. Just because there is a problem, it doesn't mean it is locked in and it doesn't mean that a solution cannot be found.
My new Chemotherapy regime is to continue as planned. So Cycle 2 is this week, and it is full-steam ahead. As this week is going to be busy- in and out of Peter Mac Hospital Tues-Friday, catching up may have to wait for another week if that is OK.
Love Your Life,
Georgia
I will be able to make a substantial donation to NLMS Foundation, as we have now sold the majority of the ribbons. From the count many people put in a more than generous contribution. Thanks so much for this.If you would still really like a ribbon, I have a few left; let me know and I'll make sure you get one.(thanks Carole and Bianca for your efforts here!)
I will aslo be able to cover some medical expenses through the support received as well. This is much appreciated.
I am still on a high in regards to all the folk who dropped in- you are all very special to me and the only negative was that I was unable to catch up with so many of you. From a distance, I hope you got the flavour of how I am travelling. The song was just something I couldn't resist- "....winter spring summer or fall, all you gotta do is call and I'll be there yes I will, you've got a friend!..."
The past two weeks have been crazy and I have been in hospital, but I am improving. It is a big lesson. I can have a medical crisis where I am completely unable to move, and then I can work towards improving again. Just because there is a problem, it doesn't mean it is locked in and it doesn't mean that a solution cannot be found.
My new Chemotherapy regime is to continue as planned. So Cycle 2 is this week, and it is full-steam ahead. As this week is going to be busy- in and out of Peter Mac Hospital Tues-Friday, catching up may have to wait for another week if that is OK.
Love Your Life,
Georgia
Friday 13 July 2012
Great news today!
CARDIOLOGIST REPORT: Well, the tables are turning..... a top result from the echocardiogram- my heart appears to have made a comeback- and is performing up to capacity again. This is a significant development as it means that the side- effects of the first chemo are now back to level. I still need to stay on heart protection as a precautionary measure.
It also raises a new possibility again for me. I will be bringing this up with the oncologists as soon as possible- can I again gain access to PAZOPANIB if I need it in the the future as another possible treatment?
The more options I have, the better!
Another successful appointment today was with the Physiotherapist. We spent a lot of time setting baselines but also working on understanding the lymphatic system and what to do to work on my legs and mobility. I feel armed with enough information ansd strategies to really get my walking capacity back a bit more. In the meantime, I will use the supports I need to ensure I can get around and be safe.
On another note, we had to cancel the PICC line going in today - I have to make sure I don't do my injection clexane before going in - apparently that is dangeourous to do and could cause more difficulties. So, I am to go back next Tuesday for the PICC line. It seems that I will be in and out of hospital for most of next week!!!
It is all happening,
Love your Life,
Georgia
It also raises a new possibility again for me. I will be bringing this up with the oncologists as soon as possible- can I again gain access to PAZOPANIB if I need it in the the future as another possible treatment?
The more options I have, the better!
Another successful appointment today was with the Physiotherapist. We spent a lot of time setting baselines but also working on understanding the lymphatic system and what to do to work on my legs and mobility. I feel armed with enough information ansd strategies to really get my walking capacity back a bit more. In the meantime, I will use the supports I need to ensure I can get around and be safe.
On another note, we had to cancel the PICC line going in today - I have to make sure I don't do my injection clexane before going in - apparently that is dangeourous to do and could cause more difficulties. So, I am to go back next Tuesday for the PICC line. It seems that I will be in and out of hospital for most of next week!!!
It is all happening,
Love your Life,
Georgia
Thursday 12 July 2012
Team Georgia Fundraiser -Auction Items Updated (x4)
Auction Item No.1
Painting- Title: Spring 'Study No.6'
Artist: David Sichler
Acrylic on Canvas
Painted in 2001, this piece is part of a 12 piece series. It is No. 6 of the series. It's title & artist's signature are located on the back of the canvas. It's dimensions are: 760mm x 1010mm & the piece includes 3 layers of painting.
It's RRP is listed at $800- $1000.
Auction Item No. 2
Drill- Hitachi 12V Impact Drill
Model- WH12DMR
This drill kit comes with 2x 12V 3.3amp batteries, 1x charger & hard carry case
It's RRP is listed at $400-$500
Auction Item No. 3
Collingwood -'Dane Swan' framed & signed 2011 Picture
Replica Brownlow Medalion
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
Size: 860mm x 550mm
RRP is $600+
Auction Item No. 4
2x Schiavello contemporary Stools
Colour: Fuchsia/ Magenta
RRP is $520 (for both)
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Back home from Hospital
Hooray! I am back home, from Peter Mac. They eventually let me go home on Wednesday afternoon with lots of meds and injections of all sorts!
I am spending a leisurely day at home Thursday with loved ones.
I have to return back to hospital on Friday for a series of appointments:
Firstly an appointment with the cardiologist as a follow-up from the Echocardiogram test I had on Wednesday.
Then a physio appointment to check out my progress with my body, legs etc.
Thirdly, I actually have to check in to hospital for a few hours to have a new PICC line put in again, this time on my right arm as I now have a DVT in my left arm.
It looks like I am definitely good to go for the Team Georgia event on Sunday at 3pm and so am excited at the prospect of catching up with many folk I have not seen in quite some time. Don't forget to bring some loose cash... there will be a few exciting things up for grabs. We will put a few items on the blog Friday that will be put up for auction just to allow folk to check for interest. I will also continue to sell LMS ribbons on the day. I am looking forward to some special musical items as well- wow!
Next week I am due at the hospital for Wednesday through to Friday- again, lots of appointments to be had. Chemo Cycle 2 of Yondelis is to go ahead on Thursday/Friday in hospital! It is good that there will be no delay in my treatment plan!!!!!
Feeling great to be here!
Love Your Life!
Georgia
I am spending a leisurely day at home Thursday with loved ones.
I have to return back to hospital on Friday for a series of appointments:
Firstly an appointment with the cardiologist as a follow-up from the Echocardiogram test I had on Wednesday.
Then a physio appointment to check out my progress with my body, legs etc.
Thirdly, I actually have to check in to hospital for a few hours to have a new PICC line put in again, this time on my right arm as I now have a DVT in my left arm.
It looks like I am definitely good to go for the Team Georgia event on Sunday at 3pm and so am excited at the prospect of catching up with many folk I have not seen in quite some time. Don't forget to bring some loose cash... there will be a few exciting things up for grabs. We will put a few items on the blog Friday that will be put up for auction just to allow folk to check for interest. I will also continue to sell LMS ribbons on the day. I am looking forward to some special musical items as well- wow!
Next week I am due at the hospital for Wednesday through to Friday- again, lots of appointments to be had. Chemo Cycle 2 of Yondelis is to go ahead on Thursday/Friday in hospital! It is good that there will be no delay in my treatment plan!!!!!
Feeling great to be here!
Love Your Life!
Georgia
Sunday 8 July 2012
Transferred to Peter Mac on 7th July 2012
Hi to all,
I am travelling well and am now at Peter Mac Hospital. To my delight I have been put on a "Low Residue Diet" to basically see if my system can handle some food and still process and deal with it.
It looks like another few days in hospital to see if the bowel blockage can continue to improve without surgery. Here's hoping!
I have day appointments this week at Peter Mac anyway: Wed - Echocardiogram + Frid- Cardiologist. It will be interesting to see if I get to keep these appointments.
Whilst at the Austin Hospital, I formed a DVT- Deep Vein Thrombosis near my PICC line. It had to be removed. Now, I am also having injections for this. What a shame, another complication!
Looking forward to our little Sunday Team Georgia Fundraiser Event. I hope to actually be there!
Love your life,
G.
I am travelling well and am now at Peter Mac Hospital. To my delight I have been put on a "Low Residue Diet" to basically see if my system can handle some food and still process and deal with it.
It looks like another few days in hospital to see if the bowel blockage can continue to improve without surgery. Here's hoping!
I have day appointments this week at Peter Mac anyway: Wed - Echocardiogram + Frid- Cardiologist. It will be interesting to see if I get to keep these appointments.
Whilst at the Austin Hospital, I formed a DVT- Deep Vein Thrombosis near my PICC line. It had to be removed. Now, I am also having injections for this. What a shame, another complication!
Looking forward to our little Sunday Team Georgia Fundraiser Event. I hope to actually be there!
Love your life,
G.
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Update- Ambulance Trip
I ended up in hospital on Sunday the 1st July via ambulance at 6am. I was experiencing lots of abdominal pain & could not move.
CT scans showed blockages - (it was bound to happen) in my small intestine. Pressure from all tumours is not helping.
Since then I have been in the Austin hospital. Conservative treatment has meant no food until bowels behave.
I am waiting for a bed at Peter Mac. If things don't settle, then I may need surgery. Will keep you posted.
Love Your Life, Georgia.
CT scans showed blockages - (it was bound to happen) in my small intestine. Pressure from all tumours is not helping.
Since then I have been in the Austin hospital. Conservative treatment has meant no food until bowels behave.
I am waiting for a bed at Peter Mac. If things don't settle, then I may need surgery. Will keep you posted.
Love Your Life, Georgia.
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