Journey

It has been an intermittent fortnight.  Rory has a few health niggles which is always unsettling.  They could be the first signs of something serious.  He has been coughing and we have been up to him at night.  I dislike hearing him cough.  Rory has been in remission from osteosarcoma for three years.  Recurrent osteosarcoma occurs in 30-50% of patients with initial localized disease. The most common site to which osteosarcoma spreads is the lungs.  A chronic cough is a symptom of this.  Rory has been to Dr Morrison who said it is a viral illness but I am waiting to hear when his next chest x-ray is due.  Rory has also had another two episodes of chronic hiccups.  These lasted hours, even into the night when he was asleep.  They cause him distress and make it hard to eat.  Chronic hiccups can indicate a problem with the central nervous system i.e. nerve damage, tumour or bleeding.  Thankfully on both occasions they stopped.  I often feel neurotic about Rory’s health.  Most of the time niggles are normal everyday things.  Unfortunately we have been caught unawares too many times when something appeared insignificant but turned out to be life threatening.  Rory has had a visit from Physio Josh.  We discussed the deteriorating control of Rory’s feet.  On occasion they head off in random directions.  I think by the time we sort out a powerchair for Rory he will need it to stay independent (and safe) in the community.  It is good for Rory to see Psychologist Daniel every couple of months.  We have no idea what it is like living life with the challenges Rory has.  He really is inspirational.  The topic of discussion this visit was ways to help Rory control his emotions when he is annoyed by little brother Colt.

Rory’s wood mentor Peter is in a cast after an operation so has been absent from the NP Mens Shed.  Sean has been standing in but is poor substitute for the master!  We attended a funeral following the passing of my ‘Auntie’ Janet.  I always get upset at funerals and I felt my mothers pain at the loss of her big sister.  There has been joy as we have had additional opportunities to spend time with the time with people we love.  Grannie and Grandad Gardiner have been over for a visit and we hope they will move to Taranaki in the near future.  We had coffee and cake with some of Poppa Honnor’s family as my cousin Diana and her partner John were up from Dunedin.