We were greeted by the professor, who had opened up just for Maria. He is very down-to-earth. For example, on the previous evening when he met us he only introduced himself by name - not title - and without prompting gave me his mobile phone number to contact any time, which is something no other doctor has been willing to do. He is also a cool dresser, and greeted us also with some delicious muffins he had purchased from a patisserie enroute. He even made me one of his special non-hospital coffees (a friend for life!). He was very openly communicative throughout and had the knack to explain things in simple lay-terms. Two of his staff also arrived (who were both lovely) to prepare and treat Maria. As a result of the preparation, Maria now has four permanent tattoos on her neck and back. After our many discussions with the kids about "needle tattoos", it was now up to me to try and explain that mummy had—contrary to her advice—gone and taken the plunge!
The whole process took just under three hours. They are going to open up again in the morning to give Maria her second dose. There will be 25 sessions in total, which by my calculations will take Maria up to 23-Dec. We are so blessed that they have decided to act so quickly and fit Maria in for treatment (apparently they are stretched). Great praise point!
After driving Maria in her wheelchair back to her room, I headed off to grab Gabi for a birthday (pool) party. I was fed lunch (thanks Gary & Gill) beforehand. It was so hot and humid (the latter being unusual for Canberra) that the kids enjoyed 2+ hours in the pool. In the interim I got some washing done to replenish Maria's suitcase. Our dear friend Paul came over to finish off the lighting for our kitchen and adjoining rumpus room. That was another blessing.
I took Gabi from the party back to our dear friends' place—both are staying for a sleepover and going off to church with them in the morning. This will allow me to get to the hospital early tomorrow.
It keeps going...our sister-in-law Cass was in town so she got to visit Maria then come over and drop off a meal she had prepared at a friend's place earlier in the day. Thanks Cass!
Maria developed a relationship with another lady across from her and she headed off earlier than expected which was a blessing for she and her husband as they live outside of Canberra. They got to say their goodbyes with the intention of keeping in touch.
Maria's current oncologist visited during my absence. She said that he said she could pop home for a few hours tomorrow (as there won't be any visiting specialists/teams) and that they will aim to discharge her after Monday's treatment, providing she shows no negative responses to the radiotherapy.
I went back to the hospital at dinner time. We hung out in the hospital cafe (which was so quiet) and chatted about all sorts of things. I read over some special emails we've received. We've appreciated the words of support, and especially the prayer. We then did a huge walk (Maria walked the entire way) around the hospital, then hung out in the Neurosurgery Ward visitor's lounge for a while. I'm hopeful that this exhausted her enough for a good sleep.
Because of the treatment, Maria's dexamethasone (steroid) dose was increased again from 8mg to 16mg. It's hard to believe that she was on only 1mg a few days ago and the last time she was on 16mg was months ago in Israel. That said, we understand the need and benefit, albeit it comes with so many adverse side effects.
