Genostics - the new name in Cancer treatment

We wont bore you with the detail, but I've just had a Genostics test done, which basically is a blood test that gets flown to Greece for analysis (no kidding!)  and comes back with pages of highly technical 'med-speak' that lets you know what chemo, if any you should be having. Very cool! My tests have just come back, and show a very good result considering I was grade 4 when I was diagnosed, which in laymans terms means the cancer was very advanced. So I'm confident when I come back from my Oz jaunt in the outback I have the info I need to make a good decision on any further treament.
Its been great this week to have had  the opportunity to spend time with some of the wider family, a few old friends, and some not not so old, all who have been a great help and support in my 'cancer journey'. We even had the PM John Key come and speak to our Mens  Group at Church last week - now that was a blast!
My book is almost done (thanks again to Terry for all his hard work) and my first Childrens Book should be ready for print by the time I get back. Move over Dr Seuss!
Only a couple of days now to countdown time, and we hit Perth, then the outback. Blog time will be nil when we loose communications - but I'll do my best to keep you in the loop. Keep the faith, keep praying, and together we'll see this through. In my eyes, you're all winners!

Move over Priscilla - here come the Kiwis!

Its all go! Yes, the wonderfully supportive chemo doctor has given his blessing to the CSR trip in June, so its full steam ahead! Many thanks to all the faithful 'prayer warriors' out there, and the others who have guided my diet and 'supplementary food path' - the scan and xray showed little if any growth in the size of the lung tumors, and the chemo specialist was confident I could delay any ongoing treatment until I came back. We're now down to the final planning stages of the Big Trek, where for over two weeks our only contact in the outback will be by sat. phone - very expensive, so it will only be used in emergencies. Fay would appreciate your calls and 'invites' during this time, although I know she has a lot of her own plans in the pipeline!
If I return feeling as good as I do right now, then I am blessed indeed.
If I return singing 'Waltzing Matilda' then you'll know to send me back!

To Oz or not to Oz?

That is THE question. Today I have scans and Chemo doctors appointment  to find out if I'm fit to go to Oz for my 4WD advernture with Jim and the team. If the tumors in the lung are significantly bigger, I wont be going. If there has been little or no growth, I'm good to go, albeit there is a risk factor. But then, isn't life one big risk?
Apologies for the lack of 'blog activity' - the week in Melbourne with the family was full on, but a great experience none the less. Visited the magnificent Tutankhamun exhibition at the Melbourne Museum, and a very nice Waterfront restuarant courtesy Mike and Gina. Aus seafood cuisine at its very best!
My book is in its final stages - hope to have it pretty well finished before I leave. We even have a couple of Childrens Books on the go, also in the 'illustration' stages. These (hopefully) will be our new income source, depending of course on future cancer prognosis and treatment. Much work to be done yet!
Pray for the best outcome this avo when I see the specialist,and any future treatment - chemo, vitamin C, or whatever I decide. The new diet, supplements and fitness regime are keeping me in good nick - I almost feel normal again!
In the meantime, google the Canning Stock Route, Wiluna and Halls Creek. These names will mean nothing to you, but they are the starting and finishing points of our Big Trek.(excluding the travelling from Perth and to Darwin before and after the CSR) Longer than Cape Reinga to the Bluff, just not quite as green!
More to come....

Decisions, decisions...

Next week - off to Melbourne for a few days to catch up with Gina, Mike and the grandkids. This week - decisions on a very expensive test to help determine the best chemo treatment to take when I start in July. Results may show a specific drug, or drugs, or even no treatment. Or have alternative treatment. Plenty of prayer and wisdom needed here to make sure I make the right decision. No medical insurance cover for this one!
Great weekend as we joined the blue-rinse brigade at the Andre Rieu concert on Friday, complete with surprise appearance from the Seekers! Remember them? Almost needed walking frames to get on stage, but Judy Durhams voice was as powerful and magical as ever. And the Viennese orchestra was fantastic. Many thanks to Bruce and Ruth for the tickets - courtesy of the Cancer Society! Vey appropriate.
Beautiful Mothers Day on Sunday as the 'family' took us out to Western Springs for lunch and a walk in the sunshine. Great reminder to look after our mums, daughters and wives, who have enriched our lives so much.

And 'My Story' is just about  finished! Once Terry has put all the pics in place (thanks mate) all systems are go! This is the autobiography you've all been hanging out for, advance orders accepted, signed copies available! (how much more PR sales drivel can you handle?).
Have a great week!

Tornados and 4WDs...

Just when you thought it was safe to go shopping, the tornado strikes! Fay and I both happened to be in the Albany Mall at the time the tornade struck - neither aware that the other was there. Pretty freaky stuff! I left the car with bits of iron, trees and debris falling out of the sky on cars all over the carpark and rushed to one of the stores for cover- thankfully I chose a spot away from the centre of the action (quite by accident) but it was all over so quickly. We ran up and took a few shots on our cellphones, unaware of the injuries and fatality that had already occurred. The scene was pretty horrific - debris and roofing iron everywhere, ripped up trees, cars smashed and on their roofs, people rushing around frantically trying to find loved ones. Thankfully the fire service, police etc were on the scene very quickly, and quickly cordoned off the area. Little did we know then  the path of destruction the tornado would cause as it tore through other housing areas on the Shore.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the construction worker who was killed, and the others who suffered serious injury - looking at the scene it was a miracle more weren't killed.

Other News! my next round of chemo was planned for late May/early June - a 6 month 'mother of all chemo courses' which is bound to leave me shattered. HOWEVER, I have prevailed upon the very wise and understanding chemotherapist to delay it for 6 weeks or so, and he doesnt see it being a problem. Reason? We have been planning for almost a year now to do a 4WD trip with good friend Jim and a few mates through the Canning Stock Route, Perth to Darwin, the 'mother of all off-road tracks' in WA. (thats two 'mothers' in one paragraph!) in June. Crazy? perhaps, but I've never been a safety first person, and if I dont do it now,I may never get to do it. I'll be ultra well prepared, well, as much as one can be in the Outback, and I know you'll all be praying for the 'crazy man'. I'll promise to behave, and bring you back a boomerang or stuffed dingo. Family and friends will be looking after Fay while I'm gone.
More news coming - keep in touch!