Gary was discharged from hospital today with a rather daunting bag of medication and a chat from the oncologist who explained that the oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is even rarer as it has neuroendocrine features (which according to Chris’s research is less than 1% of oesophageal cancers). The nurse came in and taught him how to inject himself with whatever it is he has to inject – which hopefully will only be for a few weeks.
Gary’s apparently put all the weight back on that he lost. Doesn’t look like it though so will need to go on some walks to build his muscle tone back up. However his colour is looking much better and he is looking a darn sight better than he was three weeks ago.
The boys were very happy to see him home and Benny ran out to the top of the steps of the veranda to give him a big hug.
Gary asleep now lulled into slumber with the BOSE noise-cancelling headphones that a friend of John’s has lent him. He says they have been brilliant while in hospital and I suspect it may somewhat dull the squeals of children (or more than likely Josh’s cries of disappointment whenever I take the remote off him or take away Ben’s chair as he uses it to climb up to all the places he’s not allowed to).
So more blood tests to follow and another ultrasound to see what’s happening in the liver so that they can tweak the next round of chemotherapy to suit.
Lots of weekend visitors which Gary enjoyed now that he’s feeling much better than he was. Uncle Chris came round to watch the boys while I went in to see Gary in the afternoon. Cam and Andie came in Saturday arvo, joined by Brian and Davey and then Janine, Lauren and Sarah, so was rather convivial around the bed.
I took the boys in to see Daddy on Sunday morning (just in case he wasn’t coming home Monday and Benny had been asking after him). Did I mention that the boys had managed to give their cold to almost every babysitter (Nanny, Uncle David, Auntie Andrea, Auntie Carole, Auntie Jennifer and Godmother Jodie – which effectively wiped out a whole raft of visitors in one fell swoop! John and Richard and Jeff C dropped in yesterday afternoon and Foss last night.
Thank you to Janine and Rachel and Sarah for looking after the boys yesterday while I went to the hospital and to Scott and Ronnie for dropping off some meals. I’m wondering whether to be concerned that Scott, wrote in the card,
“Hell, I’ll even give Gaz a sponge bath if he wants one!!”
