Week 56 -Brain Scans OK

As I’d mentioned previously I have been having constant headaches early each morning for over two weeks.  The doctors organised a brain scan on Wednesday which fortunately showed no signs of tumours or other abnormalities.  Interestingly I initially tried to book the scan through the public system at Peter McCallum hospital but was told there would be a 3 week wait.  So we headed across to the private radiology service at Royal Melbourne and found that I was able to get in immediately – no time like the present! (as John Preddy said to me “private medical services are always motivated by a credit card!”).

Given the clear scan the medical team have now ordered a lumbar puncture test as the next level of investigation.  This will happen later this week.

My blood tests this week were once again excellent, giving me some hope that the Bone Marrow has finally kicked into gear.

White Blood Cells – 6.6.  Platelets up to 148 (finally  in the normal range), Neutrophils 2.5 (also in the normal range) and both magnesium  and potassium in the normal range.

My Red Blood Cells had once again dropped below 80 meaning a transfusion is required.  Usually the medical team would ring to advise me of this but this time I advised them that a transfusion was required! (they must have been busy on Tuesday). This will be transfusion no 17 for the year.

Other things

Of course with Grand Final Weekend Melbourne went mad with excitement, we chose to go for a walk and view the madness on Saturday morning.  Melbourne was certainly alive and the atmosphere was electric.

My brother, Tony, was invited by  Nufarm to join their luncheon at the MCG to watch the game. On Sunday we took Tony for a “picnic at hanging rock” near Mt Macedon. (Luckily we all survived the outing to tell the story!).

Claire and Toby dropped in to cook us dinner on Sunday night and to fill us in on their week walking and camping in the Grampians.

We enjoyed the company of Katrina Weir on Monday night.  “Millsy” was down for a few days of work at the Medibank Private office in Docklands which is only 5 minutes walk from here.  I am a (neglectful) godfather to her daughter Harriet, who is now studying at Sydney University.  I generally miss most birthdays and special events but of course keep up to date via Katrina on her progress through life!

Jan’s parents, Helen and Allen, visited again on Tuesday night, the conversation is always interesting when they come to stay.

We visited the Johnston Collection House museum in East Melbourne on Wednesday morning.  This is a fantastic collection of art and historical artefacts left to the people of Victoria by wealthy businessman William Johnston in the 1980s.  You have to book  for tours but this is certainly a great place to visit.  This replica of Marie Antoinette is made of recycled plastic bags!

We spent a great afternoon out at the National Equestrian Centre,  Werribee on Wednesday catching up with Rachel Scarlett and her daughter Imogen who was competing for NSW Schools in the National competition.  Rachel worked with us as an area manager in our NurtureOne childcare business and still works in childcare and has just taken a new job with Gowrie NSW.

Whilst there we also ran into Claire’s friend Sophie Sutherland who works as the marketing  manager for Marcus Oldham college.  Soph was at the event manning a stand to espouse the benefits of studying at Marcus.

By way of an update for family and friends Claire has just spent the weekend up at Wagga with boyfriend Toby, attending the Wagga Picnic Races.

And Dougal met up with Cousin Georgie Sheridan at OktoberFest in Germany.  He will be back in Australia mid October – hopefully to become a little more grounded with life!

STOP PRESS

After 15 years Jan has decided that she likes coffee again (thanks to the Piccolos served up by the Clarkes during our weekend at Point Lonsdale).  Miracles never cease to amaze!  And as a special celebration for her birthday on Thursday (4th) Claire is taking us to the ballet.  Should be a good night.