While not without its discomforts, Sue sailed through her 'invasion by minute camera probes' yesterday. Other than being very tired by the time we got home late afternoon (having been admitted before 8.00am) she was her usual positive smiling self. There is something to be said in favor of suffering personal indignities while unconscious.

We are able to speak with the surgeon before leaving the hospital. He advised that the colonoscopy revealed that what's left of the bowel is still clear of any visible sign of tumor. This is good news. On the other hand, the gastroscopy confirmed the existence of a tumor in the stomach wall. It is apparently about 3cm diameter and 2cm deep and looks ulcerous, ugly and necrotic (thus fulfilling the job description for a tumor!). This is no doubt the cause of bleeding Sue experienced on Christmas Day, and the daily ongoing pain and discomfort.

The location and nature of the tumor, (and the fact that it is not the only presence of the cancer in the body) means that there is much risk, and no great value, in operating to try and remove it. The risk vs benefit just doesn't stack up. There is a moderate danger of future serious bleeding and a more remote chance of perforation of the stomach lining at some point in the future. Either of these would constitute 'an emergency' that would require surgical intervention. Of course, they may also never eventuate. However, if emergency intervention is required, we now know what and where the issue is so can expect a very targeted response! We even get to take a summary away with us when we travel so we can quickly educate an interstate surgeon if necessary. Talk about being prepared!

The way forward in terms of treatment is a return to chemotherapy. We see the oncologist again on Tuesday morning and expect that Sue will likely have a session next week before we go away on Sunday 8th. The next round or two may be interstate while we are way in Victoria and/or Adelaide. That could be interesting..... 

It occurs to me that Sue is now in the strange position of having colorectal (bowel) cancer, but not having it in the bowel anymore - only the liver and stomach. Even so, it is not now liver cancer or stomach cancer as these have different make-up.  

I was thinking about a suitable analogy and realized that it is akin to me who is born and bred in Australia and of 'Australian ethnicity' (whatever that is) going to live permanently in another country. I remain Australian, but have taken up residence in a foreign land. I now realize that Sue has expat (expatriate) cancer - born in the bowel but now permanently residing elsewhere! Unfortunately it seems that it is going to be one of those 'ugly expats' we hear about who tend abuse their adopted home and make a thorough nuisance of themselves.

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