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Second round

Steve completed his second round of chemotherapy and once again coped very well. Each round consists of about five days stay in hospital. The first day is prep, second day the chemotherapy and the following days flushing out the chemo from his system. He is on two drips when having the treatment and one when being flushed out so it’s not much fun during his stay. We returned home yesterday, again laden with drugs to protect him from various infections and side affect. Steve has lost quite a lot of weight so we’re concentrating on building up his weight and strength ready for the next round. Fortunately his appetite has returned so this should be easier to accomplish.

Steve finds all this still quite difficult to believe. He’s always been healthy and the lymphoma came so suddenly. We both miss our life on Dignity and often feel quite bewildered with all the changes that have happened. Fortunately staying with Sarah, Russ and the children and being involved in their normal family life, makes all this a lot easier and keeps us grounded.

Dignity is now in Musket Cove. Peter collected her and Sam from Port Denarau and gave her a good four hour shake out and test sail and all was good. Peter is now waiting for a good weather window for the trip to Australia. Having looked at the weather ourselves this will not be for a few days yet. We are so happy that our son Sam is finally out of the port and able to enjoy a lovely island with clear water, beaches and a cruising community before he leaves Fiji. We are so proud of the way he has coped with the situation and the boat.

This morning Sarah took us out to an Australian bush reservation just on the outskirt of Melbourne. It was a beautiful sunny morning and perfect for a short hike, getting fresh air and exercise for Steve. Along the walk we were delighted to encounter a whole group of kangaroos. We saw a few young ones and also a mother and a Joey. Now we feel like we’re really in Australia.

9 comments to Second round

  • John and Jose Reyden

    Hi Steve and Helen, happy to hear the chemo is going well. Sounds like things are progressing with Sam and Dignity shortly on the way to Australia, will be nice to have your son and home with you again. Nice to see some photo’s of you guys out and about, that is how we know you! All the best, take care and love from all of us.

  • Anne Holland

    Great update and photos…

    The following is said with tongue in cheek… I went to the woods in NJ with Maggie and saw a dead skunk, tought that seeing Roos would be a better experience… And, also thinking that if only it were easy to donate a few lbs I’d send some of mine over for Steve in a heart beat…

    Still holding you all safe in my heart.

  • Lew Randal

    Hi Steve and Helen
    Glad to hear everything is progressing as it should. It is bewildering even for us, to think of you Steve, in a hospital bed with 2 drips in your arm.One day at a time I think, and one cycle of chemo at a time. You are in our thoughts and wishes. Look forward to better days to come.

  • Erin

    Hi Guys, glad all is going well and Steve is able to get out and about. I hope he does not react too much to this round of chemo – does he have a good selection of books to read during his 5 day stays in hospital? It will be great to know that Dignity and especially Sam will be reunited with you soon. Take care and thinking of you all. Love Erin and Robin

  • Laurie Brown

    Larry and I(Timeless)are putting out positive thoughts in your direction. We often think about you and have checked in on your blog from time to time. We often speak of our first meeting at the community lunch table at the Liberty Landing boat show. You and Helen were deep in discussion when Larry and I asked if we could share the table. Not sure if we told you this, but we were stood up that day by another couple. When we looked over the sea of tables, we saw the two of you sitting alone. Larry and I looked at each other and commented….”well, lets see if we can make friends with these folks”.
    Well….the rest is history that included the purchase of your first boat. We still look for her on the sound. Thoughts of her bring back so many good memories.

    Steve and Helen, I am happy to report that I have become a much more courageous sailor. I think you stated on your blog that it appeared I would much prefer to sit on our boat at the dock. I sit here smiling, because at one time that was true! Today I claim the proud role of navigator and cook for our wonderful adventures.

    Now to this nasty illness. Let me tell you from experience. Do not read the statistics. They are a bunch of nonsense. I have close family experience and those of others that prove them to be valueless. You are a strong and courageous man…..that’s most of the battle..and of course the love and support from your family and friends.

    We are thinking of you and Helen often.

    The Browns

  • Paul

    Hi Steve and Helen,

    Glad to hear that Steve is doing well with the kemo. You are both wonderful and strong people so hang in there and enjoy playing with the kangaroos 🙂 We are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.

    Paul and Christine.

  • Paul van Dinther

    Steve mate! You lost a few pounds? Awesome! This means guilt free snacks and beer. Nice to see you up and about in that photo. I am also very happy to read that Sam and Dignity will soon be re-united with you guys. You sure can be proud of Sam.

  • tracey

    Hi Helen, Steve. Tracey here on Lews email address. Hes at work, I am cuddled up on the couch with Lily watching a little of the Olympics. (yep, raining and cold here again) Love the photos above. You guys have gotta get out a movie = Kangaroo Jack, its a hoot. Bet you think twice about getting too close to those roo’s after that. Enjoy your time out of hospital jammies you gorgeous hunk you. Keep tight guys. kia kaha! Love trace xxx

  • mick sutton

    hi both, glad you are coping well with the chemo, (and losing a few lbs is a good excuse for future gluttony)
    all the best from me and the family

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