This post comes direct to you from the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre. It would be fair to say that things have ramped up considerably in the last week.

The most significant change is the level and consistency of pain that Sue has been experiencing. The 'increasing discomfort' that she had in her left side (like 'side stitch' as mentioned in a recent post) became 'full on' to the point that, at its worst, Sue was unable to walk freely (or at all) and could not even lay down. This resulted in her sleeping in her (very comfortable) chair all night on a couple of occasions. This was at its worst over the weekend so pain management options were limited to over-the-counter drugs (paracetamol and codine) unless we escalated it all by a visit to the ER/ED. Given Sue's high pain threshhold and stoic nature, and a covering of prayer, she persevered until we saw the oncologist yesterday. She is now in a pain management regime of a regular 'base level' slow release narcotic (opioid) dose augmented by further 'short acting' narcotic as required. Early days yet, but there is already some improvement (slept in the bed for half of last night!). Good for her - nice for me.

The other outcome from yesterday's visit was a swift response to the presence of the tumour/ulcer in Sue's stomach. The oncologist strongly recommended an immediate start to a new chemotherapy regimen - hence our presence in the AWCCC today. We guessed that this may be the outcome so were happy to roll with it. The new cocktail is delivered by infusion only on a two-week rotation with three visits in each two week period. Day 1 (i.e. today) sees the infusion of 3 drugs and associated 'supporting fluids' and the setting up of a take-home pump that continues the infusion of one drug over the following 48 hours. We return to the Centre on Friday for the Day 3 'decoupling'. Day 8 (Wednesday next week) is a repeat infusion of one of the drugs. The following Wednesday it all starts again! There are some interesting new potential side effects which we will share with you if they become relevant. Hair loss is one of these.

You probably think that that is enough 'ramping up'. Yes? Actually "no"!

We have had airfares booked for a few months to travel to Yarragon VIC on Sunday 8 February and return to Darwin on 5 March. The plans for the time away include 'retreating' at our cottage, spending time with Tessa and Jim, meeting up with Sue's two sisters (and their husbands) and Sue's Mum and Dad for a few days together, our annual (nuclear) family holiday with our three kids and spouses (including seeing the Lion King in Melbourne), and a side trip to a wedding in Adelaide!

From our point of view, these things are at least as important as chemotherapy, arguably more so. We have therefore also spent the last couple of days sorting out how to continue the chemo regimen at the cancer centre at the Latrobe Valley Hospital at Traralgon. This is an easy 30 min drive from our cottage in Yarragon. Enquiries have been made and referrals sent. It is apparently all doable. What a blessing it is that we do not have to fight to convince the oncologist or other medicos of the importance of family!

No doubt the travelling will be somewhat challenging, but armed with the greatly improved pain management regime, a stash of drugs (shhhh!), a strong will, and some flexibility and perseverence, we are pretty confident of pulling it all off and laying down some significant and precious memories in the process.

How humbling it is to have so many people (medical and non-medical) lavishing their loving care and attention on us. It is a profound experience of grace toward us - an unmerited gift - for we have done nothing to deserve it. As one of those who dispenses this grace to us (even just by reading this blog and sharing the journey) our prayer is that you too may be aware of the reality of grace in action in your lives. Bless yuz all.