Dad progressing

Hi again,
It's April 28th, Steve's 14th birthday and a special family day (celebration and lots of tears, too).

Dad progressing

Dad has been finding it more and more difficult to get his words out and is now struggling with writing as well. It is very distressing for him to know what he wishes to say when it will not come out well, verbally or on paper.

Not sure how helpful the Dexamethasone is...(steroid to reduce brain swelling and irritation from the lesions). Uncertain if there is much benefit or if it is in fact keeping things better than they would otherwise be. But in any case, he is fully aware (and all of us too) of the fact that communication is becoming less successful.

But we are relating closely and loving each other more deeply, and in emotional communication there is no need for lots of words. We have been doing lots of talking and crying.

It's a shock, even though we've known about the diagnosis since December (when he had pet scan, showing lungs affected, head was OK then). It's biting bad now because everything is changing, you know, affecting things.

And the driving now must stop. Sad blow to him, not because he's a bad driver or made any mistakes but too dangerous. It takes away his independence, dignity and familiar habits. Retiring from the road before he goes 'off' so to speak. But it hurts.

Loving and living, all good. Powers of eternity, good, and legal powers of attorney too. All the financial stuff, daunting.

So love and cherish each other, waste no time.

With our love to you

Ron's latest results (24 April)

Ron has had some trouble with his words in the past week or so, despite seeming so well for these past 4-5 months. Words not coming out the way he wants them, and diffuculty speaking clearly - very frustrating for him. He saw the doc and has had a CT scan today. It's not good news, as there are multiple metastatic melanoma lesions in the brain.

The Gp will refer to radiologist for opinion, and Ron is back to the oncologist in about 3 weeks. In the meantime, he has started on steroid (Dexamethsone) tablets to reduce the swelling and brain inflammation. This should allieviate the symptoms for a while. He will also be unable to drive as it would be dangerous with the mixed up signals and risk of sudden changes.

We would love your continued support and prayers.

Family Lake Cruise

To celebrate Joan's birthday we booked a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin, in Canberra. The day was raining, so we postphoned it until the next pleasant day all 10 of us could make it. Sunday April 1 was a lovely sunny day and we enjoyed lunch and afternoon tea around the lake and along the river.

Joan's 80th Celebrations

Lang lineup
6 siblings.
John, Anne, May, Gwen, Joan, Vera

On the day before Joan's birthday, Anne hosted a lovely luncheon for Joan's siblings.

It was wonderful that they could all be there.
Thanks to each one.

Surgical scar great

Happily, within 10 days, Joan's facial scar was diminshed and almost invisible. Very clever plastic surgery, and very pleasing results.