Thur 15 Oct

Morning visit with the medical oncologist: Dr C. Not actually the person we had planned the admission around (Dr M) but very patient and good to talk to. Spent an hour with us. Helen, Louis and I could all ask questions. Recommends palliative chemo - at least a trial. Says the focus is very much on quality of life. Would start after radiotherapy finishes i.e. in ~14 days. Treatment cycle is Day 1, Day 8 then a week off. Given through a peripheral line. Easy to do as an outpatient, could be continued in Darwin after initial monitoring. Main side effects are nausea, vomiting, immune suppression. Would not actually cause hair loss but the radiotherapy will so H feels that is irrelevant. Helen talked more about her multitudinous options - Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, Natimuk. Still wants to be in Darwin when she can - "I have things I like to do there, a beautiful home and some good friends". Doug and I are up for moving there if that's what happens and Louis too although he might have to come and go.

Helen much better today. I had a lovely visit with her - and got permission to share this blog! Louis then came back and accompanied her to the first brain radiotherapy - one down and 4 to go. Sounds pretty scary. They put the green net "death mask" over her head and then bold it to the table so she can't move. Really not good if you tend to claustrophobia.