Update on Mae

Mae is feeling better in some ways, being back home with her animals. Her three cats and two rabbits continue to be a comfort and a distraction. Since she and Nick came back from being away so long, the longest they have ever been parted from their fur family, all the pets are being super-affectionate.  These are all rescue animals, all having been saved by Mae from various traumas. She is fiercely protective of them. Nick is just as dotty about them as she is, it's sweet to see.

Today we spent the afternoon at Canberra Hospital, a consultation with the radiation oncologist who may be involved down the track after surgery, and also the clinical nurse practitioner who is connected with the home based palliative care team. They were quick to point out that palliative care is not just for people who are expected to lose the fight, but for all those who are fighting.  Still, the term is a bit chilling. At last, some useful advice about better managing the pain and nausea Mae is suffering, plus some new medications that we hope will help her get through the chemotherapy still to come. There will be an appointment with the chemotherapy specialist on Wednesday, and it is likely the doses will start early next week. Most of it is delivered at hospital on one day per fortnight, the remainder is delivered over the following two days via a pump that goes home with her. The date of her surgery will depend on her response to the chemotherapy. The ACT team will maintain communication with the treating team at St George.  A lot of ongoing tests and decisions will need to happen.

We were also told about some of the bewildering array of support services that are out there for people in Mae's situation. She will have an appointment on Thursday with a palliation specialist doctor to assess her for free access to new non-PBS special medications for cancer patients, via the Eden-Monaro Foundation. On Wednesday, she and Nick will meet with a colo-rectal specialist nurse, with a social worker attached to the home based team, and possibly some others in the team such as volunteer visitors. Carers ACT is there for Nick and the Warwick Foundation coordinates peer support for sufferers and their families. I have organised a recliner chair to be delivered from the equipment support services, and tomorrow, Nick and I will tackle Centrelink to organise some income support.

A lot to take in for just one day, but a lot of the days have been like this recently. Mae and Nick are both exhausted tonight. But at least it feels as if something is happening and some supports are out there to ease the process. Tomorrow, David and I leave and drive back to Sydney, where David is to have surgery on his hand on Wednesday.  This is to do a "carpal tunnel release", a relatively simple procedure that we are very hopeful will ease his neuropathic arm pain situation.

Sorry, no photos tonight. Didn't seem appropriate to whip out the camera today. I will update the blog again when there is more news. Thanks once again to all those who have been in touch with caring words. It really is appreciated.