By Gillian
I now have a copy of the scan report which was faxed from the hospital to the hospice. Chris has a new secondary tumour in the left cerebellar hemisphere. This is very likely to be the cause of the dizziness, unsteadiness and nausea that he has been experiencing. It is also probable that pressure from the tumour on the surrounding brain is the cause of his severe visual disturbance (basically, he has not been able to see clearly since Saturday).
The main treatment option is steroids. He has been on those since last night and I have seen a marginal but definite improvement since then. He is much more himself and knows who I am. Phew! He spends most of the time dozing due to the sedative side effects of many of the drugs, and is not currently well enough for visitors.
The consultant oncologist will call in on Wednesday afternoon to see us after the end of his Worcester clinic. But I understand that he is surprised by the rapid progression of the disease, considering that Chris was well enough to go on holiday in June. Apparently, such rapid disease progression is associated with a poor prognosis for subsequent radiotherapy, so it is unlikely that will be a preferred option.
So steroids and palliative care it is. At least Chris is comfortable here. He seems to be making progress on the steroids, and they will review that at the end of the week. It seems as though he could be here some time…..
{ 9 } Comments
My thoughts are with you both, dear Gillian and Christopher. I count Christopher as one of the most important people in my life.
I hope you can both be made as comfortable as possible. God bless you both.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both – we have both been following the developments each day. Please remember that Q (according to J!) has nothing to do all day now so if you need anything – fetching, carrying, menial tasks a speciality – then please just phone or email or text.
Q
P.S. I am in Worcester occasionally, eg tomorrow (Tue) and will be at the Countryside Centre on Thursday this week.
Dear Gillian and Chris, You are both very much in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Chris and Gillian,
Just to let you know that you are both in our thoughts and prayers – we are thinking of you both and send much love. Elly, Duncan, David and Jennifer x
Dear Gillian
I am in Worcester just down the road from the hospital. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask even if it is just a place to park – I know what the parking up there is like. I would not mind visiting Chris if he is up for it.
Take heart
Our very best wishes to you both.
Chris & Gillian, we’re so sorry to hear the news.
Thinking of you both.
It’s very sad news. I’m so sorry. Sophie and I send our love. Stay strong, Gillian. You’ve been wonderful.
Alan
It is incredibly sad and absurd in fact that you are both facing this. I’ve felt from day one that it was not fair or kind and it has proven to be so. Gillian, thank you for keeping me informed – it means so much. I’m not too good with the written word but I hope you both understand that I am praying for you both.
Sophie X