Journey

ACC are undertaking an assessment to determine if Rory is eligible for Loss of Potential Earnings.  There are criteria he needs to meet to be eligible for this.  The assessment has an order to it and the first step is for Rory to meet with a vocational occupational therapist who will look at what vocational roles Rory has the skills for based on his education/training.  This week Sean took Rory to this appointment.  As Rory was first diagnosed with cancer aged 7 it is impossible to determine the career path he would have followed.  At primary school I wanted to work with animals, as a teenager I wanted to be a journalist and in my early 20s, while at university, I steered towards a career in conservation.  I am now a Programme Lead for Biodiversity at Taranaki Regional Council.  Sean always wanted a career in the outdoors, likely for the Department of Conservation.  He also secretly harboured a dream of being a pilot.  He left high school at the end of year 11.  Sean has learnt by doing, working for the Department of Conservation, himself and as an Environment Officer at Taranaki Regional Council.  He is now a Professional Hunter/Environmental Consultant.  At high school Sam passed academic subjects reasonably easily and had a bent for sports but didn’t know what he wanted to be.  At the end of Year 13 he refused to go to university.  After a couple of years trying different things he is now an apprentice plumber.  Rory was always more focused at school than Sam, but an increasing number of serious impairments narrowed his options and what he could achieve.  Incredibly with support Rory managed to pass NCEA level 1 in practical subjects.  Everyone we meet is impressed by the number and variety of activities he is involved in during the week in spite of everything.  Like Sam, we believe Rory could have been anything he put his mind to.

The letter from Dr Nick arrived this week and it appears he has spoken with Professor Mathy.  They have agreed on the conservative option i.e. not to operate.  The doctors are unsure whether surgery would result in substantial improvement in function or cosmetic appearance for Rory.  They are concerned he may not tolerate fixation of his jaw and there is a risk of worsening function.  I have yet to speak to Professor Mathy but it is likely, at this point in time, we will accept their decision.

On Tuesday night Support Carer Tash tested positive for Covid19 after she had been with Rory during the day.  This put us on high alert but so far we remain in good health.