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Arrangements for our most recent Adelaide trip commenced mid-Wednesday and by Midnight Saturday we were back in our own beds having sorted out and attended an MRI Scan on Thursday and a lengthy consultation with the liver surgeon on Friday.

We are now back in Darwin, at least for a little while.  Our unexpected and very quick trip to Adelaide has left us tired, somewhat more informed, still waiting, but overwhelmingly grateful for the quality of medical advice and care that Sue is receiving and the amazing support that we are drenched with, and not only from family and friends where one might expect it (though we do recognize that we are also richly blessed in the nature and quality of these relationships - way beyond the norm). Although still 'bureaucratic' in nature and at times mystifying and frustrating, the variety of practical and financial assistance we have been receiving is astounding. So many things just 'fell into place' beyond reasonable expectation and explanation. Some may attribute this to divine intervention....

'It just so happened' that we were able (through family connection) to secure an MRI in Adelaide on Thursday when the best the oncologist's rooms could do was sometime THIS WEEK in both Darwin and Adelaide!

'It just so happened' that we were able to book flights out to Adelaide on 6 hours notice - still at reasonable rates.

'It just so happened' that both the MRI and consultation ended up being at Ashford Private Hospital - the most convenient location to where we were staying.

'It just so happened' that (according to the liver specialist) the MRI was exceptional and radiologist who interpreted it was 'the best in the business'.

'It just so happened' that the liver surgeon saw us at the end of the day and started by saying "We need to have a long talk about our options, and I have plenty of time" and proved he meant it by talking with us for nearly an hour!!

'It just so happened' that the surgeon knows our oncologist personally and had already had a number of lengthy conversations with him about Sue's situation.

'It just so happened' that Sue's case had already been discussed by the Flinders Medical Centre Multi-Disciplinary Team (doctors from a wide range of specialties who consider complex cases).

'It just so happened' that the surgeon charged us a ridiculously small fee and the Medicare rebate was in our bank account within 2 hours!

'It just so happened' that when we looked at return airfare options late Friday night (once it was clear that we did not need to stay for more tests or further consultations) we could get crazy low fares for Saturday night (less than half of what we could be Sunday or Monday).

I could go on (and back) recording all the amazing things that 'just so happened' but my stock of irony is running out and I can't keep writing with my tongue planted so firmly in my cheek! I have no doubt that we are being both humanly and divinely loved and blessed.

So, where are we up to medically? As a consequence of the MRI and consultation, the only option still open for consideration is a liver resection (operation). There are divided opinions about the value of such major surgery in a case like Sue's. If it were to go ahead it would be for 'local control' purposes (i.e. to prevent/delay the liver tumor growing to the point where liver function is compromised). There is a window of opportunity now for this while Sue is 'well' and there are no other visible signs of the cancer active elsewhere in her body. The matter is under discussion again today by the Flinders Multi-Disciplinary Team who will make a recommendation whether to proceed or not. If the surgery is offered, and we are comfortable about proceeding, it will likely happen on 21 November at Flinders Private Hospital in Adelaide.

We should know more tomorrow when we see the oncologist again.

The whirlwind continues....... but the breeze is nice!