First Treatment Finished, Freedom and Fresh Air 4WD

 Attempting to recover some semblance of normality, Geoff decides to begin the day more like his pre-cancer routine with a shower followed by breakfast. However, the wardsman arrives ahead of schedule and whisks him off to the Cancer Centre with breakfast only half-eaten. While we’re in the treatment waiting area, the radiation oncologist drops by to check how Geoff is faring. He’s heard about the diplopia and makes sure that it’s being properly investigated. He enquires about symptoms associated with the metastases causing thickening of some lumbar nerves and is glad to hear of improvement, particularly the disappearance of strange sensations in the soles of the feet. We’re heartened to know there’s a team of specialists working together for the best outcomes.

Finishing the fifth session of radiation is cause for celebration especially in view of the positive signs of some healing of the damaged nerves. Family company makes for a pleasant wheelchair outing in spite of the overcast weather. Searching for a place to share the cafe treats gives me an excuse for an off-road detour - tackling a dirt track with a gully is the closest we’ll get to four-wheel-driving for a while!

Building on Geoff’s progress with mobility, we enjoy the freedom of our first walk together, down to the main foyer of the hospital. Back in the ward, trying to work on the computer is a frustrating exercise. Later on, catching up on a missed WPCB service provides soul nourishing encouragement.

The professor visits with his entourage of young doctors. Perhaps Geoff is a novel patient due to the atypical pattern of metastases including the impact of the leptomeningeal disease on the central nervous system, plus lung cancer rarely spreads to the pancreas. A transfer to a specialist lung oncologist has been arranged. We are also informed that ‘brain fatigue’ commonly affects late diagnosis patients. The professor checks that the targeted drug therapy has commenced. A follow up scan in two months’ time will provide a definitive indication of the effectiveness. Right now, two months feels like an eternity of waiting.