Reality Check

It has been a more difficult Chemo Cycle this time. I have felt the effects of Cycle 3- perhaps I was taking the nice run of chemo cycle 1 and 2  for granted.

I have been lying low, just going through the motions and responding to all my appointments. It is hard to guage progress as I have had no formal testing done. I am still working on the whole digestive process and it is always a delicate balancing act to stay relatively well. I have to try to eat enough and in particular, try to eat/drink an adequate amount of protein.

I now have contact with Melbourne City Mission- Palliative Care. They are visiting me every fortnight and it is great to have a team independent of the Peter Mac Hospital who offer advice and practical support. At this point, I am accessing advice on pain medication and bowel issues, but will also get support from their allied services as required. They will aslo step up when I require specialised furniture at home to assist me to remain as comfortable as possible at home. They will also cover the cost of large items which is great to know!

At the moment, I am OK, but we have had to adjust the bathroom slightly so I can get in and out of the bath to have a shower. We have also raised the toilet seat so that it is easier for me to get up and down. The edema in my lower torso is persistant, but I do get relief from the lymphatic massages.

This week the problem has gotten slightly worse, and I am not walking as freely- small changes in mobility for the worse are huge for me. I am definitely worried about the progressive loss of physical independence and it will be a challenge for me to face not being able to walk in the future.

I have a big week coming up - a series of appointments which will all be helpful. On Sunday, another lymphatic massage, Monday the podiatrist, Tuesday cousin arrives from the US- yey!,Wednesday the  sarcoma soft tissue clinic with the Sarcoma Specialist to discuss progress and the next treatment cycle amongst othe things...., Thursday a Palliative Care visit, then another nurse visit with Peter Mac at home service for bloods to be taken and the PICC line dressed. Finally, should all be well Cycle 4 Chemotherapy will take place on Fiday/Sat with an overnight stay at Peter Mac hospital.

Finally, a dedication from me must now be given to another fellow-blogger and LMS'er. To Karen who shared her amazing life experience and her 4 year long journey with LMS- thank you for the humour and the wisdom, you are amazing. May you rest in peace!

To Karen who loved her life,

Georgia