Greg's Journey

Today was a worrying day for me, in fact the last week, as I prepared myself to meet my oncologist for my first review since treatment ended.  Claire and I returned to the scene of the crime, St Vincent's Hospital. It felt strange to return here after nearly two months, with many memories, both good and bad. Actually, no, it was terrible, and I was metaphorically shaking on the inside. We parked the car in the normal place, then stopped in at the hospital cafe for a takeaway coffee for Claire. I'm still not on coffee as what I can smell is terrible, and it tastes even worse. To everyone who knows me, this is hard for me, as I love my coffee! Walking into Genesis felt like going home, strangely. I'd spent every day here for seven weeks, plus additional time while I was in hospital. The front of house staff recognised me and called out and made a fuss of me. I was surprised they recognised me, as Google photos no longer recognises me as "Greg"; I've changed so m...

Finally! I've managed to do three meals in a day! First time since early January. We're not talking about anything exciting here, but a boiled egg and yoghurt for breakfast, soup and bread for lunch, then some ravioli for dinner. All very soft food and not very large serves. On top of this, I'm still having three of the Ensure nutrition drinks a day (which I hate). It's amazing how much we take the ability to swallow for granted. According to my dietician and speech pathologist, there are over 30 muscles that have to work flawlessly to be able to swallow, and mine are way out of practice, and there is still a healing wound in my throat, and on my neck from the radiation. I'm so happy to be eating food again, albeit in soft and small quantities. I'm still not putting on any weight and continue to hover around the 65kg mark. A little bit of taste and smell is starting to return, some of it accurate, but most often not. I am very optimistic that it's coming bac...

It was great to visit the office again this week. There were so many happy faces with lots of hugs, and I must admit, a happy tear or two. As I had lost so much weight, none of my clothes fit; not even close! Claire and I did a quick shop for new jeans, shirts and even jackets as my old clothes not only looked ridiculous, some of them couldn't even stay on (jeans). My first day back in the office coincided with Easter morning tea. Our office coordinator, Nicole, had outdone herself with Easter decorations and chocolate eggs and hot cross buns to feed an army. It was lovely to be surrounded by my Datacom family again. I had no idea how much a trip to the office would tire me out. I was exhausted by 3pm and was in bed by 8pm. It was physically exhausting but so rewarding to see so many people who welcomed me back with smiles and big hugs. I want to try and spend two days a week in the office again but will just have to pace myself. Speaking of weight, I'm pretty much hovering at ...