Can you help?

In a few weeks Alan needs to start a course of radiotherapy that will see him visit the hospital five days a week for six weeks! We are looking for house sitting or house swapping opportunities to make this process as easy as possible on Alan and Helen.

Ideally, we are looking for accommodation with easy access to the T1 North shore, Northern and Western Line. Their destination is the Macquarie University train station, so anywhere within a reasonable amount of stops from there would be perfect.

For potential swappers, Alan & Helen live on a small hobby farm in Northern NSW in a beautiful area. Easy driving distance from Byron Bay, Nimbin and the Gold Coast. We are happy to forward photos on request.

If you know anybody who may be interested in swapping, or anybody who needs their house sitting from roughly the middle of August to the end of September, then please contact David (0417479100) or Jill (0478494349).

If you're reading this post via Facebook, perhaps you could re-share this post to your wider group of friends to help with the search.

Recovery..Day 2

Alan hasn't been great since he left ICU. He is irritated by headaches and lack of sleep. He did manage to have a sleep at lunchtime and with some assistance, have a much needed shower and shave!

Out of ICU

Alan is out of the ICU and has been moved to the general ward 3 room 38.

Recovery..Day 1

It was good to see Alan almost back to his normal self this morning. Still a little groggy, but in good spirits and almost no memory of his comical behaviour the previous day. Alan is very impressed with the quality of care and professional staff at the hospital.

Good News

Alan is out of theatre and the five hour operation went well. The doctor was pleased with the procedure and was confident they had removed all of the visible tumour. He commented that, to the naked eye, their suspicions of the tumour type were validated, but we need to wait for the biopsy result in five working days. Alan will have another MRI scan this week which will form the basis of the radiotherapy strategy.

We were allowed to see Alan after another torturous thirty minutes. He was awake but drowsy and in very high spirits making embarrassing jokes to the nurse. He asked if he still had his accent! He is likely to stay in ICU tomorrow - I will advise when he returns to the general ward.

Thanks for everyone's support and good wishes. A battle won. A step forward.

No news yet

Still waiting, will post as soon as we hear something.

Seconds away..Round 1..

Alan's about to have some pre-op scans - the surgeons capture a 3D model of the brain to assist them during the surgery.

Operation scheduled for 8:30am. Will post another update on the other side. Go Alan!!