After a pretty good night (about 5 hrs broken sleep in between multiple blood tests, observations, toilet steps etc etc) the day started well.
Best shown by pictures:
- Managed to convince the Physio team to put a warning notice on the dangerous gym equipment!
- Finally got a Zimmer Frame
- Claire’s lovely Moroccan meatballs
- Pills glorious pills!
- Minestrone – homestyle sure beats hospital any day!
I have learnt a few interesting things with this Chemo business – they give you a massive cocktail of drugs. 2 major Chemo Drugs (as explained previously in HIDAC + 3) but there are the wide range of “Antis” – we have been writing this down each day and now have the “Anti-Board” which lists the anti-ulcers, anti nausea, antiviral etc.
At last count there were 5 different pills to take in any one day and up to 7 different IV Drugs – although this vary day by day. And on top of that there are up to 9 different “on demand” drugs such as cough medicine, and Allopuranol (for uric acid removal).
So on a not so good day you might be putting 21 different drugs through your body and of course the more volumous ones lead to bloating and a large fluid increase (still seeing up to 3-4 kgs extra in a day!)
But guess what the best drug so far I’ve found to lower temps and reduce pain is Panadol! 4 x per day and it keeps you sane!
- Dougall managed to find some old and new family snaps to liven up the room. The whiteboards collect the daily medical information (blood counts, procedures for the day, new drugs added to the cocktail etc etc). The Clock is an essential found by Claire – silent ticker!
- I’ve finally made old age – Zimmer frame and nappy!
- The nasty ugly ones are mine
- Lots of napping in between drugs and drugs
- And one benefit is the return to childhood of lemonade and other sweat treats – think jelly, custard, ice cream etc etc.
I can’t thank my darling wife enough for being (literally) by my side during the process. She’s been keeping one eye on me and the other on the medical staff, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
This funny looking machine on is a platelet agitator which has been storing one of the many strange bags of liquid I’ve been putting through my body.
Platelets
Having such a low platelet count means I’m constantly in danger of bleeding or bruising excessively from even the most minor injury. Had the first nosebleed today but thankfully it didn’t last too long.
The final prognosis from the Physio was “you’ve over done it” and it will take 3-4 days to get back to normal. No major damage just a bloody sore calf muscle.
If you have a nice pic of yourself and me/Jan I’d love to add it to my Glory wall so email it on to me or Jan.
Geoff Beats Leukemia 
Hey Geoff – you continue to ‘Miyagi’ us from your Zimmer frame … I’ve learnt so much from you … you cured my fear of small-ish planes …. and now I’m off to conquer my other fear and donate blood for the first time!😳
Wishing you so much love and good vibes and thank you for sharing your hard and heartwarming time with us all. Jode x
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Surely Neil will hold your hand!!!
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Yes he will!! X
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Keep up the fight Geoff, Jan and family. Always assistance of any kind available here in Wagga Wagga, so just yell out to any of us. Spoke to Padgett today and he sends his best – Hall of Fame is on in November at HARS.
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How are you with crosswords, they are a great distraction. I’m a gun at Sudoko it makes a change from reading or Patience – as opposed to patients 🙂
All power to you guys – love from the West xx
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Hi Geoff, since MM sent an email to the staff I have been thinking of you and your family and wondering how you are going.
Then the link for your blog popped up on our aviair pilots Facebook group.
It’s 5am and I’m about to start the Pilbara RASS dropping off the mail but once I started reading your blog… I couldn’t stop reading it!!! (Don’t worry I’ll still be on time to drop the mail off)
With such a scary event suddenly taking place, a huge shock to the system and everyone around you. I salute you for taking on the bull by the horns!! The way you are dealing with this is the most inspirational thing I have herd in a long time.
Cancer could have not picked a worse person to fight with. (Knock it out)
I have no doubt in my mind you will come out on top. The power of positive thinking and love are the best drugs and you seem to have lots of that!! I’m sure there will be many hills to climb but it seems you have already climb over Everest!! Keep doing what your doing! I look forward to the updates on this blog!!
Stay strong and the Pilbara sends you positive vibes!
Lance
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Hi Geoff, I just sent a message through the contacts portal but thought I’d post here as well. I’m the manager of the Blood Bank in Wagga, I met you a few years ago once. I’m a good friend of Jodie Coles and as she said above, she has been petrified of needles and now has overcome her fear and donated blood today in Wagga. Your blog is so inspiring that she felt compelled to help in a very personal way. The red cells, platelets and plasma made from her single donation can assist in the treatment of at least 3 patients like you. I’ll attach a photo of her donating blood (I’m unsure if it will work) but hopefully you can see the photo of her efforts. I wish you all the best and I’m sending you positive vibes down through cyberspace. Regards Neil
PS: Let me know if you can’t view the photo.
/Users/tricia/Pictures/Photos Library.photoslibrary/Thumbnails/2017/09/08/20170908-020541/YfjBhJyzTSqvJXeRBcC7oQ/thumb_IMG_5364_1024.jpg
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Hi Geoff, So sorry to hear of your illness. As a Rotary friend and also a Red Cross Blood Bank nurse who has seen you donate both your blood and plasma on many occasions, I wish you well in this great challenge. I have no doubt that your strong , positive attitude and the love and support of Jan, the kids and all your family and friends will see you through. Much love to you all Angie and Gerry Gerlach
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