Discharge today

Turns out the show Mum went to the other night was "The Crucible" and all went well although she found it a bit hard to hear. Yesterday (Wednesday) she had her second chemo treatment which again is so far so good. No nausea. Main unpleasant physical effects at the moment - weakness, fatigue (possibly still due to radiotherapy and expected to improve), slight breathlessness and very burnt, painful swollen ears.

She is due for discharge today to Louis' care - both are feeling a bit nervous I think but will be fine I am sure. He has prepared a downstairs flat for her, painted in a favourite shade of yellow - "cowardy custard" I think it's called - and with a comfortable bed and a recliner for entertaining guests.

This morning she told me she was having a few units of blood transfused as her Hb remains ~10 but all her other blood parameters are fine. Hopefully that will ease the breathlessness a little.

Louis has found a nearby GP to see her while she is in Brisbane. I plan to be back up there again by the middle of next week. Any interstate visitors please liaise with Louis as he may be able to accommodate you in my flat next to Helen while I am away.

Despite her tiredness she is enormously better now than she was when we were in Darwin and I suggest visits and calls should be ok from now on. Just ask how she's going and if she's too tired go away again! Thanks to all those sending loving messages - Helen has been really enjoying them.