I promised some more detail about the first chemo treatment in Victoria. Overall, it was the same as Darwin - only different!

In Gippsland it is normal practice to see the oncologist at the cancer centre on the day of chemo. In Darwin we saw him at his rooms the week before.

In Gippsland you are given private prescriptions for all your chemo-related drugs other than the infusions themselves. In Darwin these are supplied at the time of chemo.

In Gippsland you are asked what you want for lunch and have the option of a hot meal. In Darwin they come around with a crate of packaged sandwiches.

In Darwin, they offer to feed companions and carers. In Gippsland they don't.

In Darwin there are tea/coffee/fridge/microwave facilities facilities including 'help yourself' sweet and savoury biscuits. In Gippsland there is tea/coffee facilities but biscuits are delivered personally at morning and afternoon tea times and are 'for patients only'!

In Darwin, Sue's name was recorded properly as Susanne. In Gippsland it was variously recorded as Susan and Suzanne, and she was persistently called Susan.

[On this point, Sue usually let's the mispronouncement of her name ride. On this occassion, having seen that it was actually written incorrectly on her notes, she corrected the nurse and pointed out the error in the records. The nurse dutifully went away and then came back saying that the correction had been made and new stickers had been printed. She then attached a hospital writband to Sue that recorded here name as Susannne. This was a new variation - three Ns!! On this being pointed out to the nurse (with a laugh) she apologised and said (with a smile) "I can fix that" and proceeded to get her pen and scribble out TWO of the Ns. So Susan/Suzanne became Susannne then became Susane. Is it any wonder she sticks with Sue in normal circumstances? As a wryly amusing end to this little saga, it turned out to be 'quality audit day' in the chemotherapy centre so later a woman came around to check Sue's wristband, ask her her full name and date of birth and posed the question "Have the nurses asked you for your full name and date of birth every time you have been given a drug or infusion?". The simply answer was "Yes". Sue attempted to give the 'fuller' answer including an explanation of the scribbled out Ns on her wrist band (which was never corrected) but the auditor seemed non-plussed and had no box on her form for that. She left a bit confused saying "well you know who you are, right?" We think/hope that she was making a little joke!]

Other than these minor issues/differences, the chemotherapy proceeded as expected including the connection (and removal 2 days later) of the 'pump' (the focus of earlier blog post).

Despite the differences, both Gippsland and Darwin share important characteristics including staff skill and knoweldge, personality and 'bedside manner', competence in the practical stuff of delivering the chemotherapy service, and genuine care. We couldn't ask for more really. It is wonderful to have the sort of health care system in Australia that allows us to confidently travel and still get quality care - with all but small amounts covered by Medicare. In this at least we are still 'the lucky country'.

Sue is enduring the consequences of the chemo OK. The most significant visible side effect is an itchy acne-like skin rash on her face and scalp. This is absolutely common for the particular drug, so much so that the oncologist gets worried when patients dont develop it as he think that drug may not be having any effect! The chemo nurse asked Sue whether she already had 'a pack' for the rash. Sue didn't really know what sort of 'pack' she was talking about (a poultice? playing cards? rucksack? hyenas?) but knew the answer was "no". The response was to be presented with a very nice and well made 'wet pack' full of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock, lip balm and special moisutrizing cream together will a booklet, CD and USB drive full of information about the treatment, the side efects and how to manage them. This was a gift from the drug company. I guess if I was selling a product that make you feel crappy and develop an itchy skin rash and sun sensitivity, I might try and 'sweeten the pot' with some freebies too!!

The collage below captures a bit of the recent experience including what Sue has for breakfast instead of muesli now!

As I sign off, Sue and the rest of our family sleep very nearby. It was a big night last night as we travelled by Melbourne tram to the Regency Theatre to see Lion King. What a production! What a joy to share it with our children and their spouses. What a relief to survive 'big city' commuting!

We join in declaring 'HAKUNA MATATA' and affirming that in and through everything 'life is good, it is good indeed'.

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