Suspicions
On Tuesday 4 May 2004, Eric was scheduled to have an ultrasound of his gallbladder. Eric had been experiencing some severe shoulder pain for a few weeks. Leonie his partner and love, recognised the symptoms as possible gallbladder pain...yes we know it is not in the gall bladder area...but it is a referred pain...and suggested that Eric see a the family GP. Our good family doctor, Tony Best, examined Eric ...yes there was a distinct possibility of gall stones. While examining Eric Tony found that Eric had a rather enlarged liver-hence the Tuesday ultrasound.
The results of the ultrasound came back. A rather impressive 3 cm (1 1/4 inch) gall stone in the gall bladder was very evident. What we did not expect was the 20 cm cystic mass that was found on the liver.
CT Scan
CT scans were scheduled for the next day - Wednesday. While in the CT process, the operator did three scans 1)pre contrast, 2) contrast 3)post contrast. All this meant was that Eric drank some interesting liquid and then had a scan without any die injected into his veins.. then one as the die was injected and then the last scan after the die was being absorbed. There was some discussion and it ws also decided that a further scan of the right kidney was called for.
Thursday morning while at work we received a phone call from Dr Best's colleague Dr Gavin Riches asking us to come in to see him that afternoon - as Dr Best was away until the next day. ( We could have waitied to talk to Tony on Friday but we were most anxious to learn the results of the tests...apologies Tony) From the phonecall we knew that the situation was serious.
Preliminary News
At the appointment Gavin explained that at least three lesions had been discovered in Eric's right lobe of the liver. For the technically minded one was at least 7 cmdiameter in segment 7, the next was 15 cm in diameter in segment 6 and the third at least 18 cm probably in segment 5 with further smalllesions adjacent to it.. (liver segments and resection info) . Thankfully the left lobe of the liver appears relatively normal.
The only other point of interest (as if we wanted more!) was that the common bile duct is dilated from its origin down to the head of the pancreas. We dont currently know what this means.. I am sure all will be revealed at a later date.
The tumours have enlarged the liver in such a way that the poor right kidney is displaced by about 6 cm but there appears to be no damage or tumours present.
Possible diagnosis at this stage was mulitfocal hepatoma (liver cancer)or large liver mestastes.
An appointment was made for Eric with Dr Harsha Chandraratna in Perth for Thursday 13 May. Many of the liver speicalists and surgeons were attending a major conference in the Easetern States and so we have had to play the waiting game for an appointment. When Dr Chandraratna read the CT reports Eric's appointment was brought forward to Tuesday 11 May. we undersood the need for speed on this one.
Blood Tests
Eric went for blood tests Friday morning before work. These tests were looking for liver function, liver tumour markers (AFP), general cancer agents-most importantly colorectal cancer markers (CEA), and signs of chronic disease (ES1). there were others but these were the main ones we were concerned with.
Tuesday 11 May 2004
The results of the blood tests came back today and things are looking better...if not a little confusing. Liver function is slightly impaired...but far from anything to be concerned about. How impaired would you feel if 80% of your mass was taken over by an alien? The reading was 117 where someone with hepatitis would have readings in the vicinity of 600 to 700.
AFP was within normal limits, CEA was low.. thank goodness for that ..Eric was not too impressed with the idea of bowel cancer with liver secondaries. Haemoglobin was on the low side of normal which while not fantastic but is quite reasonable given the circumstances. ES1 was 4 which was surprising as chronic illness would be signalled by readings between 50 to 70. So all in all a good result all round.
From our current reading of the situation we feel that we may be dealing with a rarer type of liver cancer called HepaticFibrolamellar Carcinoma (HFC)which only accounts for 1% of all primary liver cancers. HFC is a form of the more common Heptocellular Carcinoma (HCC) but with a better statistical prognosis.
Anyway all of this is jumping way ahead of the game. We will have to wait until Thursday and the appointment with Dr Chandraratna to find out if we are on the right track.
Tuesday 11 May 2004:
Eric was to see his specialist today but unfortunately as we were about to leave for Perth, Joy from Dr Chandraratna's rooms called that our appointment would be delayed because the good doctor had succumbed to the flu!
Our appointment is now scheduled for 10.00 am Thursday 13 May. Further to this it looks like we will be staying in Perth for a number of days while they do investigations and hopefully start whatever treatment regime that is decided upon.
Needless to say we are certainly a little frustrated but it does give us a litlle more time to get the soap shop in order and further contingency plans in place.
Thursday 13 May 2004
We have just walked into the house from our trip to Perth and Eric's first appointment with Mr Harsha Chandraratna. (In Australia a surgeon is called Mr not Dr...don't ask me the reason why!) After viewing CT scans, blood tests and taking a comprehensive history the current consensus is we dont know what it is that Eric is dealing with. So there's quite a few more tests and diagnositcs to go through yet. Eric has a Colonoscopy booked for Thursday 20 May to be done here in Busselton. It is completed under general anaesthetic, much to Eric's relief! Eric has also had more blood tests and is undergoing a 24 hour urine test to check for hormones and other secretions. Mr Chandraratna would also like another more sensitve CT scan of the chest and abdomen and if possible a whole body scan. The latter is a little harder to organise as there is only one scanner in Western Australia and it tends to be difficult to get to use it. There are very strict protocols and requirements to be met first. The scans will be made next week after the colonoscopy and results of the blood tests are back. The scans will help determine if there are primary sites for tumors and the colonoscopy will help detect if there are any carcinoid tumours in the colon or bowel which could be throwing off liver metastases (secondary cancers).The testing is focussing on determining which of several scenarios Eric may be facing. First and the best case so far is that the tumours are in fact cysts produced by Alveolar Hydatid Disease. This is a parasitic disease which primarily produces large cysts in the liver and sometimes in lungs, brain and bone. The blood test for this takes a week to process so we have to wait and see on this one. The second scenario is that the tumours are caused by carcinoid syndrome. This is a cancer which secretes hormone like substances and may account for the flushing episodes and diarrhea Eric has been experiencing for some time... and here we were thinking he was going through male menopause and irritable bowel syndrome. There is still the possibility that the tumours are FLC or HCC, but this is not as likely as either of the above. Testing is looking for possible other sites of tumours primaries, secondaries etc. At the moment it isnt felt that a biopsy would be helpful. If it is hydatid or a cancerous disease then the act of taking the biopsy could spread both further.Given any of the scenarios Eric will still be a strong candidate for a right lobectomy of the liver depending on the positions and make up of the tumours.So the waiting game continues but by the end of next week we will know a heck of a lot more about these things and hopefully will be able to make a plan of attack.
Tuesday 18 May 2004
Each day brings us more information. While we are still not quite sure what Eric is dealing with here we are startting to be able to eliminate some things.
The blood tests from last week have come back and show that Eric is not dealing with Hydatid cysts so we are back to dealing with some sort of cancer. Primary, secondary, HCC, FLC carcinoid is still to be determined.
Dr Chandraratna called today to let Eric know that he was looking at operating on Eric within the next 10 to 14 days to remove the right lobe of his liver. This is necessary no matter what the diagnosis is at this point. To facilitate this and help define what we are dealing with, the following tests have been scheduled:
Thursday 20 May Colonoscopy Busselton Hospital
Tuesday 25 May Whole Body Bone Scan Imaging the South Bunbury Regional Hospital
Wednesday 26 May 8.30 am Liver MRI Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital Perth
Wednesday 26 May 10.15 am CT Scan at Perth Radiology Clinic Subiaco
So to sum up it looks like Eric is dealing with some sort of Cancer. We are still waiting the outcome of the Carcinoid Syndrome Urine test which would confirm that it is a carcinoid type cancer. The colonoscopy and imaging tests will determine if the cancer is confined to the liver, has spread from another site or has spread form the liver to other body parts.
So that is it.. for the time being... Eric is feeling fine and we are taking each day as it comes. I suppose it is still a little surreal ...but with more tests and procedures on the books now it is becoming more real each day. Thankyou to everyone who has sent emails, phoned or called in to say hi...your love and support is very much appreciated. Hopefully I will have more to report this Friday (21 May)
Thursday 20 May 2004
Well it gets curiouser and curiouser ... Eric underwent his colonoscopy today and while three small polyps were found and removed for biopsy as well as samples from the ileum and colon ...there appeared to be no indication of any primary cancer sites. Eric is certainly happy that there appears to be no colo-rectal cancer. It is one cancer site he was glad to eliminate form the list of possibles. So we now wait for more imaging next Tuesday and Wednesday. We will post more as and when we find out ourselves.
Wednesday 26 May 2004
We have just walked into the house from two day of tests and imaging. Needless to say we are a little worse for wear.
Tuesday was the Bone Scan in Bunbury (45 minute drive from home). An injection of mildly radioactive material into a vein and then wait three hours, return and have an hour of scanning. Results will be available in 5 to 7 working days. This scan really is looking for further cancer sites and will have little impact on inital therapy but could impact on the mopping up techniques after surgery. It also lends itself to helping out with forming a prognosis. That is...if there is bone as well as liver metastasesthen there is more problems to deal with medically.
We continued on up to Perth Tuesday night so we were ready for the 8.30 am appointment at Sir charles Gardiner Hospital for Erics liver MRI. What was menat to be a 30 to 45 min examination turned into 90 minutes. Our theory is that the radiolographers got snap happy taking all these cool interesting pictures. The MRI will help Dr Chandraratna determine how much of the liver he can safely remove while identifying the exact locations of the tumours as well as veins and liver infrastructure. It is also very helpful in assisting with a diagnosis.
The next appointment was for a enhanced higher resolution CT scan at a nearby radiology clinic close to Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. Eric had to drink a litre or so of fluid over an hour and then was taken in for his CT Scan. Unlike his previous scan this only took 10 or so minutes. Apparently the scanner at Perth Radiology is much more advanced and is able to provide a lot more information on the tumours than the older style scanners available in Bunbury.
So while we do not have any further information we are well on the way to getting what is needed. All the imaging and reports should be available to Dr Chandraratna by this Friday or the following Monday (other than the bone scan). So we have our fingers crossed that Eric will be scheduled for surgery sometime next week.
To top it all off we have been informed that Moon-Haven has been chosed as a finalist in the WA section of the Small Business Awards. This means that sometime in the next week or so we will be visited by two judges and are required to give them a presentation of our business and ideas. Not as if we have anything else on our minds (Chuckling lots).
Until next time... love to everyone and thank you all for your love and support.
Monday June 1
Ok just had a phonecall from Dr Chandraratna. He has nearly all of the results back from the tests last week as well as the blood tests from the previous week. The only thing missing is the MRI of the liver ...which will turn up shortly.
The results are that Eric has carcinoid cancer - with the corresponding carcinoid syndrome, of which the liver tumors are secondaries. Eric's blood test came back high for 5-HIAA which is one of the products of the hormone produced by the tumours. Imaging shows that there is lymph node involvement in the mesentery (a double layer of membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and supports the various abdominal organs and structures) behind the stomach. The thinking is that this lymph node is most probably a secondary cancer from a primary cancer in the bowel near the stomach. This may not be the case as nothing has shown up on the imaging so far and the results from the colonoscopy were clear. We just have to wait and see on this one.
Dr Chandraratna has proposed the following surgeries and treatments. Eric is to be admitted to hospital on two days before surgery to prepare for an Octreoscan (take a look at this link as it is quite interesting). 24 hours later the scan is undertaken and this shows the tumour sites throughout the whole body! Amazing technology! Dr Chandraratna has asked that Dr Rao ( a pre-eminent surgeon) to work with him through the surgery/s. Stage 1 will be the removal of the mesentary lymph node and if it is found the bowel is involved (most probably in the transverse mesocolon for the technically minded) then that part of the colon will also be removed( an operation called a hemicolectomy). This would be ample for the first surgery and Eric will then be allowed to recover for 2 weeks and have a second surgery to remove the tumours from the liver- an extended right loblectomy. Of course if there is no colon involvement then after removing the lymph node the surgeons will move onto doing the lobectomy in the same session. Both of these procedures are fairly complex so hopefully only one will be needed!
The surgeons are now trying to coordinate schedules but initial ideas are that Eric will be admitted Sunday evening (6th June) and surgery will take place on Tuesday 8th June but this is subject to confirmation. Of course we have the Small Business Awards judging happening next Tuesday as well. mmmm something has got to give!
Update: Dr Chandraratna has just called to say that Tuesday may not be convenient for Dr Rao but he will get back to us within the next 24 hours.
As an aside a good site to look for more information on Carcinoid treatments etc is www.carcinoid.org and a this is a reasonable FAQ to look at.
4 June 2004
Frustration! Dr Chandraratna called today to let us know that the nuclear material which acts as a tag on the somatostatin which is attracted to the tumours, and is used in the Octreoscan will not arrive until late next week or early the week after. It has to come from Sydney and of course being a radioactive material must have special travelling conditions!
Eric must have this scan prior to surgery to help the surgeons pinpoint the spread of the cancer.
So the saga continues and as Dr Chandraratna says...... he is ready to go as soon as everything is in place...and that looks like it wont be until Monday 14th June at the earliest. So we continue to wait and watch the alien grow a little more each day! At least it means that both of us will be able to make our presentation to the Small Business Award judges on Tuesday.
8th June 2004
We have just received a phone call from Dr Tony Hayes, the head of the imaging department SKG Murdoch. Eric's magic radioactive tags for the Octreoscan will be ready for his appointment next Tuesday 15th June at 10.30.
It is coming all the way from Germany at a cost of $2000. Thankfully the government health scheme pays for most of this and all we will be left withis a $150.00 gap which should be taken care of by our medical insurance. We are so thankfull that we are in Australia at this time!
The "magic" (sounds so much better than radioactive) tagged somatostatin will be injected into Eric at 10.30 am and a the first scan taken several hours later. Then next scans are taken 24 hours after the injection and, if needed, a third will be taken at 48 hours after injection. If Eric's tumours are somatostatin receptive (fingers crossed that they are), then the Octreoscan should pick up all the tumour sites and spread anywhere in his body. The areas light up ...well will appear as dark spots where the somatostatin gathers.
Once this imaging is in place surgery is scheduled ASAP. Which is important as Eric is now feeling pressure and some discomfort in the right kidney area... we assume this is from the tumors pressing on the already displaced kidney to the point of discomfort. So yes the tumors are growing the sooner they are out the better!
8th June 2004
We have just received a phone call from Dr Tony Hayes, the head of the imaging department SKG Murdoch. Eric's magic radioactive tags for the Octreoscan will be ready for his appointment next Tuesday 15th June at 10.30.
It is coming all the way from Germany at a cost of $2000. Thankfully the government health scheme pays for most of this and all we will be left withis a $150.00 gap which should be taken care of by our medical insurance. We are so thankfull that we are in Australia at this time!
The "magic" (sounds so much better than radioactive) tagged somatostatin will be injected into Eric at 10.30 am and a the first scan taken several hours later. Then next scans are taken 24 hours after the injection and, if needed, a third will be taken at 48 hours after injection. If Eric's tumours are somatostatin receptive (fingers crossed that they are), then the Octreoscan should pick up all the tumour sites and spread anywhere in his body. The areas light up ...well will appear as dark spots where the somatostatin gathers.
Once this imaging is in place surgery is scheduled ASAP. Which is important as Eric is now feeling pressure and some discomfort in the right kidney area... we assume this is from the tumors pressing on the already displaced kidney to the point of discomfort. So yes the tumors are growing the sooner they are out the better!
Sunday 13th June
Octreoscan delayed until the following day- Wednesday 16th June. Pre-op appointment with Dr Chandraratna Tuesday 22nd June and surgery now scheduled for Friday 25th June.
Tuesday 15th June
All the ducks are now lining up in a row. We leave for Perth tomorrow morning to commence the Octreoscan procedures. Appointment at SKG Murdoch at 10.30 am for the injection of the radioactive tagged sandostatin- return 4 hours later for the first scan. At 24 hours after introduction of the media, the second scan takes place and then if needed another scan is taken at 48 hours (Friday).
Eric has appointments with his anesthetist, Dr John Storey on Monday 21 June at 4.30 pm and with Mr Harsha Chandraratna, his primary surgeon at 1.15 pm on Tuesday 22 June, for the preop consultation.
Eric will be admitted to St John of God -Murdoch Thursday morning for preparation for surgery on Friday. Hopefully by Tuesday we will know a lot more about the places the alien has invaded and the proposed plan of attack . Watch this space for updates as they happen.
Thursday 17th June
Well here we are in SKG Radiology with Leonie on the laptop writing in real time as Eric is undergoing his second Octreotide Scan. Yesterday Dr Tony Hayes injected the Indium III radioactive tagged somatostatin in Eric, we then waited four hours and had an initial scan of the whole body...3 cm at a time. Given that Eric is 182 cm (6 ft in the old money) this took nigh on an hour to complete. Mmm there are some advantages to being vertically challenged! Today is the most important scan. Whole body once again and then a 360 degree scan of the abdomen. Hopefully these will pinpoint all the carcinoid sites.
Yesterday we found out that the left lobe of the liver is also host to some small carcinoid tumours...infant aliens. This means that these will have to be monitored and removed at a later time if they increase in size. The extended right lobectomy of the liver will be enough liver surgery for anyone in one go. We have to leave something for Eric to abuse...ahem... we mean filter blood and do the things the liver does as it regrows.
Eric has just emerged and has been told that the doctors appear to have located what they think is the site of the primary tumor. The scans have highlighted an area just to the right of the midline in the abdomen next to the liver and most probably in the small intestine and mesentery. This is the same spot that showed the enlarged lymph node on the CT scan. This is good news if it is in fact the primary site as it will allow for better control of the cancer if we can remove the primary as well as the liver mets.
Eric is a little sore in the right shoulder at the moment from the post ions he had to move into for the360 degree abdominal scan- arms above the head for nigh on an hour. As you will read above this leads to an exciting little detour to the emergency department a few hours alter. It is excitement we really do not need in our lives...but one we deal with as it comes along. The only thing we can do!
Friday 18th June
Well what a day/night we have had. Eric has just spent time in Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital after an emergency admission late Thursday night.
After the scan Thursday, Eric's right shoulder started to do it's familiar aching and the occasional sharp pain but this episode got progessively worse during the afternoon. By 5.30 panadeine (equivalent of tylenol plus for our US readers) was not covering the pain and after a second ineffectual dose, given only a couple of hours later we decided to phone Mr Chandraratna.
Mr Chandraratna has given us his mobile phone number with instructions to contact him any time of day or night if we are at all concerned. Of course we feel very privileged to have such access and only use it when we feel it is absolutely necessary. Last night was one of those occasions and Mr Chandraratna was gracious and helpful despite being interrupted at night at home. I think there was a party going on!
We were sent to Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital Emergency department with Mr Chandraratna calling ahead and arranging for the on call consultant and his department registrar to meet Eric. Such excellent service. We had only just registered and Eric was whisked into the treatment area and seen to. A drip was given and morphine for pain administered. Eric's blood pressure was 220 over 80 (average bp is 120 over 80) The high reading is an indication of the pain Eric was experiencing. Despite the administration of morphine it took several hours to get Eric's pain somewhat under control. He was quickly transferred to a high dependency ward where he was monitored and cared for throughout the night. The care received was exemplary. With 2 nurses to care for 4 patients Eric received the best of attentions.
Just a small political comment here- all the above was undertaken as a public patient, provided as part of the Australia-wide Medicare and public health system. Although there has been extensive criticism of its operation and the ongoing failures within it, Eric and I both have experienced nothing but superb medical care when needed. If its a medical emergency, then appropriate help is at hand. Of course if you are turning up to an emergency department to have say a heavy case of the flu treated, then do be prepared to wait. We now return you to your scheduled program ming...
It is thought that Eric experienced a bleed in one of the tumours. This caused the referred pain to the shoulder, arm, neck ad jaw as well as the tenderness and pain in the liver area itself. This can be a serious circumstance and the words 'emergency surgery' were being bandied about at one time. Eric stabilised over night and the pain was controlled to the point where he was able to get some light sleep.
Eric was discharged at 9.00 am to attend the last of the Octreoscans at SJOG Murdoch. He was suitably dosed up with Panadeine Forte and Oral Morphine and I think spent most of the time drifting in and out of sleep while on the table. Given that Eric has adequate ongoing pain medication he has been allowed to leave hospital on the proviso that we contact Mr Chandraratna if we are at all concerned.
We are now at Broadwater Resort for our weekend away from it all and Eric is still snoring away with the occasional moan when the pain breaks through a little. Eric has been looking forward to going to the Fremantle Dockers football game (Australian Rules footy) on Saturday night so we are working on the pain medication logistics for that one!
So all in all an event filled 24 hours but it has given both of us a taste of things to come. It looks like it will be a long haul.
Wednesday 23 June 2004
Eric was admitted to St John of God Hospital last night, earlier than expected, as we were unable to control his pain and blood pressure issues at home.
Luckily when we phoned Mr Chandratana he was in mid-way through his operating list at SJOG Murdoch and he recommended that Eric be admitted so that he could commence treament that night and get his pain under control. Isn't it amazing how modern technology and mobile phones have changed the way we do things? Being able to talk to a surgeon who is working in theatre to get immediate results, is nothing short of miraculous.
He has a very nice private room, phone and ensuite. He has just phoned and is already requesting the laptop so he can do some work. Full of pethadiene, I wonder how much work will get done?
Tuesday 22 June 2004
We visited Mr Harsha Chandraratna (Eric's surgeon) today after several uncomfortable days and nights where Eric has been using strong pain relief to control his shoulder and liver pain. This hasn't always been effective and Eric is quite ready to get the surgery show on the road.
Eric is to be admitted to St John of God Hospital Murdoch (in Perth, Western Australia) tomorrow Wednesday 23 June. Besides getting his pain under control, Eric will be placed on Octreotide (sandostatin) as well as prepared for bowel surgery. He is also scheduled for several scans, imaging, blood tests and cardiac monitoring/tests.
Surgery is booked to commence 1.00 pm Friday 25 June.
The Proposed Surgery Basically Harsha and Mr Sandarkha Rao( a preminient surgeon who will be working with Mr Chandraratna in the operating theatre) have 3 objectives to achieve when they open Eric up.
1. The first is to ascertain that there is or is not any bowel involvement. All current imaging suggests that there is no involvement, but the surgeons want to be sure. So they intend having a good look see when they start the surgery. If there is some involvement then they will perform a right hemicolectomy.
2. The next objective is to deal with some lymph nodes and a small mass in the root of the mesentery which have lit up on last weeks Octreoscan. These are in the root of the mesentery and along the main vena cava vein. This is the tricky part of the procedure as the lymph nodes surround the vein and it can be tricky to remove them safely.
3. The third objective is to remove the right lobe of the liver - an extended right hepatic lobectomy.
The surgeons are reluctant to do both a hemicolectomy and a hepactic lobectomy in the same surgical session. Of the three options they will only attempt to do two procedures out of the threeie 1&2 or 2&3. We are really hoping that there is no bowel involvement and that procedures 2 and 3 can be performed on Friday without the need for a second surgery.
If a right hemicolectomy has to be performed then the removal of the mesenteric lymph nodes and mass is still on the cards but they will only tie off the blood supply to the right lobe of the liver so that the right lobe and the liver starts to die off and shrink. This should mean that by the time Eric undergoes the liver surgery it will be a lot less complicated and easier to remove the lobe.
Post-Op The surgery is expected to last anywhere from 6.5 to 8 hours. This is very dependent on what is found when they go in. Post op he will be transferred to ICU (Intensive care unit) where he wil be kept sedated for 24 to 48 hours while his metabolism stabilises and healing begins. He will have a number of intravenous monitors - drains,tubes, catheters, drips as well as a epidural in place for pain relief. While he is sedated he will have his breathing tube still in place and may be on a respirator for a period of time until they are ready to remove the breathing tube and lighten the sedation.
At this point in time it is expected that Eric will remain in hospital for 2 weeks, unless he needs to have the second surgery ...then it will be at least a 4 week hospitalisation. Something we are very much hoping to avoid.
Wednesday 23 June 2004
Eric was admitted to St John of God Hospital last night, earlier than expected, as we were unable to control his pain and blood pressure issues at home.
Luckily when we phoned Mr Chandratana he was in mid-way through his operating list at SJOG Murdoch and he recommended that Eric be admitted so that he could commence treament that night and get his pain under control. Isn't it amazing how modern technology and mobile phones have changed the way we do things? Being able to talk to a surgeon who is working in theatre to get immediate results, is nothing short of miraculous.
He has a very nice private room, phone and ensuite. He has just phoned and is already requesting the laptop so he can do some work. Full of pethadiene, I wonder how much work will get done?
"S" Day Friday 25 June 2004
Surgery Day today!
After three days of testing, more imaging and visits by medicos of various persuasions Eric is now ready for his surgery today.
We are very pleased to have the surgical team we do. Eric is in good hands.
I have to pass on how wonderful everyone at SJOG Murdoch is. Wedensday morning we were befriended by an absolute angel of a lady... a hospital volunteer by the name of Colleen. Having found out that we were from the country Colleen promptly arranged for meals for Leonie, help with getting some legal matters witnessed, organised Reverend Lindsay to visit so that Eric could take Communion and even arranged a visit and guided tour by the head of ICU for Leonie. Colleen and themarvelous Pastoral Care staff have also made arrangements for Leonie to be able to stay onsite while Eric is in ICU and she can later board in his room when he returns to the ward. The nursing staff have been extremely attentive and the meals are magnificent. (except when you are on Bowel Preparation!) All in all it is like being in a 5 star hotel ...only a lot friendlier.
Eric commenced bowel prep yesterday lunchtime. This entails drinking 3 litres of dubious salty tasting lemon drink which if fully gag material. He finally hitupon the idea of drinking a glass of this stuff and chasingit with lemon mineral water. Much better aftertaste. Unfortunately it took him 1 1/2 litres to come up with this scheme. Eric was, well we couldn't say complaining..cause Eric doesn't do this... but shall we say discussing the need to drink 3 litres of the prep when he was informed by friend Annie Faithfull that her prep entailed drinking 6 litres. Thank goodness for small mercy's. Our hats are off to you Annie!
Results from the echocardiogram of Eric's heart came back with yesterday recording spme damage consisent with the carcinoid syndrome. The surgeons are not overly concerned but are certianly aware of the issues involved.
Eric and Leonie would like to thank everyone who has phoned, called in, sent emails and thoughts over the past few weeks. We very very much appreciate your support. It is amazing to realise what a wonderful group we have that surrounds us from allover the world. Thius website was primarily set up to help keep everypone informed of his progress. In particular we wanted Eric's family in the US (Brother Tony , his wife Anne and their family, daughters Cyndie and Allyson and their precious families as well as Eric's ex-wife Joy) to feel like they were and are part of the healing process and Eric's life.
We would very much like to mention that Joy is also doing battle with cancer and request that healing thoughts and support be sent her way as she undergoes treatment for a secondary tumour. Joy, Eric is identifying with you daily as he undergoes similar processes. Both of our love and support is very much being sent your way.
For now Eric is undergoing final preparations- modesty and deocrum has flown out the door with the shaving of various intimate parts, elegant backless gowns and the surgical stockings (NOT)! Photos will be taken so watch this spot for updates!
Leonie will hopefully be able to make an update Saturday morning with the state of play post-op.
If you want to send a message to Eric you can either send an email to this email address or patient e-card can be sent to Eric via the SJOG Murdoch website