Through stormy waters

Message from Lynne:

Peter started chemo last Wed and sailing conditions deteriorated over the weekend. Peter developed a harsh cough, headache, had no energy and was unable to eat or drink very much at all. By Sunday evening Peter was hot and listless and his temperature shot to 38.2 degrees. The next port was Calvary Hospital Emergency Dept which was very quiet and had few other clients waiting and Peter was seen quickly.

Xrays were taken, and pneumonia was the diagnosis. Blood tests came back much later and were fine. Peter was given antibiotics and settled for the night. The following day he sailed into a four bed ward, (which has proved to be a much quieter environment, with a more comfortable bed than for his previous vist to the Canberra Hospital for surgery in Feb).

Each day has brought further improvements. The antibiotics are working well with the cough is in retreat. Peter is eating and drinking more each day of his small portion meals, and going for walks around the ward and the building. He is looking thinner, but so far the wardrobe still fits. Today the Zita Mary team, Dr Yip and nurse James, paid a visit and decided the chemo treatment would continue as planned. Peter walked down to the clinic a few floors below this afternoon. The emptied 5FU pump was discarded and a new one installed for week 2. We were pleased with this outcome, as Peter wants to continue thru to the end of the 9 week cycle.

The medical team are pleased with Peter's recovery. If all goes to plan, he will sail out of the ward during tomorrow and into home port again.

Footnote: Peter has ordered king prawns with cashew nuts and rice ( from the local take-away) for his first home meal. Salty foods (rather than sweet) seem to be the preference during this chemo cycle.