5th cycle over!

Steve has just completed his 5th cycle...
He started out feeling pretty well after the Part A treatment - in fact he felt good enough to watch the crows game on the Saturday - but by early Sunday morning (about 2am) the side effects from the chemo really kicked in and he felt like crap!
For some reason this time felt really tough - probably because it was another on top of another...
Anyway that's history now because 5 days later he has picked up a lot - but he does wish he could just feel normal again...
This next week we'll be picking up his health even more so that he feels a lot stronger. So back on the shakes, good food, lots of fresh air and lots of laughs.
His next cycle will be Part B and so far this treatment has been very tough on him.
After that cycle he'll have more tests to determine if he needs the extra 2 cycles of treatment.
We are anticipating he will -because anything less will seem like a bonus!
Anyway, he's keeping busy - thanks Melissa for the jigsaw and the fun gadgets from the staff (I"m really enjoying them too)
Thank heavens also for the football season (and the TV show 'The Voice').
Thanks everyone for your calls, emails and visits on his good days,
Steve said thanks Enza - it's great to hear the staff at Blow are doing a great job,
Hope all is well for everyone,
He misses you all,
Tricia
PS I hope to bring some positive reports next cycle

Steve's surprise

It was Easter Monday that Steve received a big surprise.

The surprise had been in the making since the beginning of the year when Harold and Josie visited us at Maslins Beach. 

Aware that Steve would have no energy to do any outdoor gardening, they thought it would be a great idea to organise some sort of working bee to help him out.

They left that day with an idea which in time became a well crafted plan that included hairdressing industry, family and friends.

It became the most well hidden secret. Ongoing coordination by Harold and Josie over the months resulted in a 'master piece!'.

It was the landscape design and work of Cameron Polgreen Contractors who eventually transformed a piece of dirt into an amazing garden sanctuary.

A permanent memory of the love from his family, friends and colleagues now exists close to his heart.

A small gathering of family and those involved in the planning were there to witness the wonderful moment when Steve arrived at his ‘Garden of Wellbeing’ (aptly named by Harold).

It was an amazing effort by Harold, Josie, Shannon and all others involved to create another uplifting moment for Steve during this tough period of his life.

Steve was overwhelmed by it all – as you would imagine...

Lucky it was a ‘small affair’ on Easter Monday – unlike the full attendance of all contributors planned for the week prior but cancelled due to Steve’s health.

He would have been really ‘blown away!’ (not sure if that would have been too good for him at this point!)

So the last few days he’s found some energy to potter in his garden and enjoy the plants and beautiful weather.

Another ingredient I’m sure for healing and wellbeing.

His health has picked up a bit more now – just in time for round 5 on Monday.

Fingers crossed that he has a smooth run...

Once again thanks everyone for your ongoing communication, calls and emails - they truly do lighten his spirit...

Home in time for Easter

Well it was a long week in hospital for Steve but he is finally home.

Such a lot happened throughout that time - Steve went through a roller coaster of tests, bloods and procedures.

Bottom line his temperature was due to a bug his body got from the chemo but fortunately he responded well to the antibiotics.

His low blood levels as a consequence required lots of support – thank you all you blood donors!

We were a bit concerned he would miss the window of opportunity to catch his stem cells that was a procedure planned to take place at the QEH on Friday.

It wasn’t until the following Wednesday that his body was actually in the perfect state for the procedure so although a few days late, they successfully collected an abundance of stem cells that will be frozen for a rainy day.

So last night he came home and he had his best sleep for weeks!

Despite what feels to be a rocky road the doctor reassured us he is doing extremely well.

As per his usual form, Steve has tackled the challenges with strength, courage, humility and humour – and right now as I write this I can hear him chatting to someone on the phone with lots of laughter in between!

He’s really happy to be home in time to enjoy Easter with family.

By the way thanks everyone for your messages – we may not respond to them all but we are certainly receiving them with much appreciation,

Thanks again