I was reading Wazza's last blog I posted for him on the 2nd of August, 2009. I thought, I should finish his journey for all of you who haven't read my Blog. "Merkel" (Wazza's wife). Wazza passed away peacefully at home, on Saturday 22nd August, 2009, at 10:55am. Aged 61yrs. RIP. ... View more

Hi Everyone, I'm sending an update on Wazza's Blog for him. Last Wednesday Wazza had his first CT scan since starting chemotherapy. He's had four cycles of chemo, Cisplatin & Gemcitabine. His CT report has been very disappointing. There has been further tumour increase in the pelvis area. There are more lymph nodes involved. He has multiple low attenuation lesions present throughout the liver, multiple metastases. The largest of these measures 4.2 x 6.3 x 7.5cm. The liver metastases has developed within five months & that's with chemo. We see his oncologist on Monday? I'm Wazza's wife of nearly 42yrs My Blog in under Merkel. Wazza & I would like to thank all of you for your compassion & prayers. Take care, Merkel & Wazza ... View more

Hi Butterfly, Sailor & all members, Thank you all for your support. I have been popping in and out of this site, I haven't had time to respond, sorry about that. Wazz, is having a few problems with his treatment. He's still on Cisplatin & Gemcitabine chemotherapy. He's now finished four of his six cycles, two to go. He's only ever completed one of the four cycles. Problems with his blood. The side effects you can suffer from these drugs. Poor Wazz seems to be experiencing the lot. I'm not sure if I mentioned, he had a stroke about six week's ago, he's now fully recovered except his mouth still droops a bit. He's kidneys aren't working too well, he's had them flushed a few times. He now has DVT, deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. Extensive thrombosis of the superficial femoral, popliteal and all the calf veins. He's in a lot of pain, I had to take him for chemo in a wheelchair he couldn't even stand never mind trying to walk. We have medication coming out of our ears at the moment. I've typed up a chart on what medication he's on. Name of medication, dosage, quantity & time taken, otherwise I'd be lost. He has his CT scan next Wednesday, results on Thursday, first scan since starting chemo, fingers crossed. We see his oncologist the following Monday. The staff at The Mater Newcastle have been wonderful with him. Take care all, Merkel & Wazza ... View more

Hi Guy's I'm writing an update on Wazza. He's travelling OK. He's still weak from chemo, even with the lower dose. His nausea is the biggest problem, were copping with it, we have too, don't we. Yesterday Wazz had an appointment with his oncologist. An hour before we left home, Wazz was having trouble coordinating his left hand (his left handed), we put it down to him having had a hot shower & still weak from chemo. On the way into the hospital he was having funny feeling in his left hand & his left arm kept falling off the arm rest. Wazza's oncologist did some basic tests on him, he told Wazz he was having a mild stroke. Sent him off to have a CT scan on his brain straight away, to confirm his cancer hadn't spread to the brain. Results were all clear. His oncologist then put Wazz on aspirin to thin his blood down. He told me to keep an eye on his condition, if he became worse to take him straight to emergency. Last night having dinner his left hand kept falling in his dinner which made him mad, because he couldn't control his left hand. His still sleeping. I'll see how he goes today. Take care all, Merkel & Wazza ... View more

Hi everyone, It's merkel with an update on Wazza. Wazza's been off chemo for nearly two weeks now. He's picked up a lot, still weak & a little unsteady on his feet. He's put on 3kg of the 6kg he lost. Next thursday he starts his second cycle of chemo. His oncologist has cut back Cisplatin & Gemcitabine by 25%. Were hoping he won't be as ill as last time. I'll let you know next week how he's coping. It's a tough road to travel, no matter how positive we try to be, we still have our down times. Take care all, Merkel & Wazza ... View more