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caring_partner

Hi Mrs Elton. I havent been on this site for awhile but as I was driving up to Perth today for lunch with friends I was thinking about you and wondering how you were going. When I first came on this site after my husbands diagnosis in August 2009 I followed your story all the time. So when I came home tonight and decided to log on I couldn't believe your entry was there. It has been 16 weeks today since I lost my darling husband and I can relate to your story so much. I am devistated, so very lonely and the lying in our bed all alone each night is heartbreaking.Wishing you all the best in Your Bed. Widowhood sucks.

caring_partner

My darling husband lost his 27 month battle with bowel cancer on Sunday 20/11/11. His funeral is tomorrow and I am devistated. I dont know how I will manage to go on without him but promised him I would.This cruel, cruel disease has taken away one of the very best. Goodbye my love Gail.

caring_partner

Hi Jules. Yes we had a lovely time in America and as you say made lots of good memories.It was a trip we never thought we would get to have but seized the moment when friends asked us to go with them. We had 8 weeks before they were going and decided as my husband was quite well at the time would just go for it.My husband was on chemo tablets at the time and only needed Avastin intravenously every 3 weeks. He had a lot of problems with side effects with his feet but that only meant he stayed in the hotel a couple of days resting. We had 3 weeks and stayed in Santa Monica, Toronto -went to Niagra Falls, Knoxville Iowa for Speedway racing then 5 nights in Vegas (awesome place) and 1 night in Beverly Hills before returning home.When my husband was first diagnosed in August 2009 I read somewhere that you shouldn't wait to get well to do the things you wanted to do but do them while you can. I hope you get to have a lovely holiday and make many happy memories for you and husband.

caring_partner

Covermore only automatically cover you for the cancers if you haven't had chemo in last six months and have no secondaries.When we applied for assesement a year ago to travel to America my husband had bowel cancer with mets in liver and they wouldn't cover him at all even if we were prepared to pay a higher premium. We just got cover from another insurance that covered everything else except anything to do with his cancer.We decided to take the risk and hope if anything did happen we could pay Qantas to get us at least back to Sydney for treatment.

caring_partner

My husband has private cover in a private hospital and has only had to pay small amounts like $90 out of pocket for scans and small amounts every few months for the oncologist.As he now has a pension card I have been told scans will be bulk billed. The only problem we have is he is having peritoneal drains now every few weeks and as he is classed as an inpatient and the ultrasound people charge 4 times the schedule fee and so we are out of pocket $270 each time. This wasn't such a problem when it was 3 months between drains but it is now down to 2 weeks. I did ask the diagnostic centre if they could review the charges but they said as it was inpatient that was what they charge. It has been suggested we book in as a public patient as it is the same site and uses the same diagnostic facilities. Its not that I am complaining about the care as it has been excellent but after paying for private health and then still having to outlay more every 2 weeks than a public patient seems unfair to me.

caring_partner

I'm glad I didn't read this before we were sent to our oncologist as after googling his name found quite a lot of reviews from people who didn't like him. May have had second thoughts about going to him from these but we have found him to be fantastic and up with all the latest research and treatment.We have found the exact opposite with regard to his manner and information he gives but that could just mean that only people with a gripe send forward reviews and not necessarily the people who are happy with their oncologist. I will now make a point of putting in a favourable review for him. People are often reluctant to thank people when they have done something good but are very quick to let you know when they haven't. I think thats the nature of the human race. Regards Gail.

caring_partner

We were expecting the worse as husband was feeling so sore in the stomach and CEA markers had risen. Results from MRI are that Liver is really good almost normal and tumour in bowel has shrunk and they may be able to do radiation on it as this tumour may be sending out signals raising the CEA blood markers.Feels like this is a step forward as they were unable to do any radiation or operate on the bowel when first diagnosed.Fluid around the peritoneium is about the same and as hubby was so sore and bloated he went into hospital last night to drain out the fluid.They drained out 7 litres and he has lost 7 kilos.Feeling extremely tender in that area at the moment but they say this will improve as all the blood vessels and organs find their place with the extra room.We felt like we had won 3rd Division Lotto and are feeling like we have had a reprieve for awhile. We sold our business that we have had for 18years and it settled last Wednesday.This is good news but also a bit sad as hubby loved going to work each day but the work had become too hard for him. I am looking forward to a good birthday tomorrow and a great Christmas with family & friends. Take care Gail

caring_partner

Hi everyone. I have been reading all the blogs but haven't posted since going to America in August.Quick update.Had a lovely time in US. Travelled to Santa Monica,Toronto in Canada (Niagra Falls)Iowa for speedway, Las Vegas (a place you have to see for yourself,photos and videos don't do it justice) and then Beverly Hills.Did the walk down Rodeo drive but the fantasy is better than the reality. All in all a great time although husband had a few days where he could hardly walk but we have had the holiday we never thought we would have. We had my daughters wedding in October which went off without a hitch and went to Adelaide for our grandsons Christening in Nov which was a fun time.Stepson and Daughter-in-law are having another baby in May (Grandson will be 14 months old) so something else to look forward to. Since returning from US hubby has been on a new regime of intravenous chemo (this time through a port instead of picline)It makes him a lot more tired and he has lost his hair.CEA cancer markers are going up and looks like this lot may not be working. Had an MRI today and will get the results on Thursday and find out what is next.Oh how I hate the waiting. Have just consumed too many chocolates and dont feel any better. Well thats the update since August. Take care Gail

caring_partner

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caring_partner

My love and thoughts go out to you and your family on the passing of your dear husband.Please take care of yourself and your little boy and treasure the love and kindness of family and friends. Regards Gail

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