Settled in hospital and Searching for Answers

Geoff is currently having an MRI which requires lying very still for an hour. When asked if he was claustrophobic, Geoff replied that he’s done caving. The doctor’s response, “... caving with constant noise”. Personally, I wouldn’t be so keen on spending an hour in this machine, but then Geoff has been rather enjoying his scans and all the information discovered about what’s happening inside his body to the amusement of some family members!

Praise the Lord for excellent care here and prayers answered regarding his pains that occurred on Monday evening. Since a second hefty dose of morphine wore off the pain hasn’t recurred and less extreme medication has kept his usual pains at a reasonable level. He’s been sleeping fairly well and eating more than he was at home. So although initially very reluctant to be here, hospital seems to be having a positive effect. For the first time since his diagnosis, Geoff even felt up to do some life-organising tasks on his computer this morning!

An excellent oncologist is managing Geoff’s case with his team of registrars. One of the doctors knows Geoff through church and hearing him preach and there have been some lovely connections with nursing staff. A raft of tests are in process to understand various symptoms such as the severe pain and his temperature fluctuating from over 38°C to below 35°C. Thankfully, culture results showed no evidence of infection.

The really important test is a biopsy, hopefully to take place tomorrow. This should enable a specific diagnosis of the type of cancer and options for the pathway ahead.

Zeke’s just been in to encourage Geoff who is now pretty wiped out after the MRI took nearly one-and-a-half hours. Our children are all so wonderfully supportive from doing important paperwork and running practical errands to processing the medical onslaught and taking bedside shifts to give me some moments of sanity.