alihutch

Well we have some good news, I think. He saw the oncologist today who said that he didn’t want to offer chemo without being more sure about the tumour. So they will be getting a look at it again in May to see if it has changed.
We’re happier about this approach and I think they are as well. My partner is still flying out tonight and this might give them a less pressurised time to talk about things. We’re also getting recommendations of names for a 2nd opinion etc. via our London based Aussie cancer nurse friend, so I may be able to offer those names out for others in WA.
Thanks everyone again and hello Darla

Thank you all. It really does help to know that there is somewhere that I can go and ask questions. My partner leaves for Oz tomorrow evening, so once he can actually talk to his parents face to face, it will help to see what is actually going on. His parents are very self sufficient reserved people, which can make communication difficult. I hope that he can find out all the options for treatment and support while he is there. His Mum is also 86 and sharp as a tack and also very active, but her mobility isn’t so great and his Dad helps her with quite a few things around the home, so we will have to consider that, she also doesn’t drive. However they live in a small country town which I think will give them a good support network.
Lainy thank you for the information. My partner used to live in Italy, so I understand a little of the Sicilian spirit. I will ask for that info nearer the time. I think that the more you know the better and I don’t find it frightening to talk about death. I lost my Mum last August and was able to sit with her when she died, which was a comfort. My Uncle also died in September.
The tumour is around the junction of the bile ducts. As I said, they’ve said that it is inoperable and although I think that a 2nd opinion is a good idea, I’m not sure about how someone of his age (however remarkable he is) would cope with major surgery.
I’m slightly concerned that no-one has spoken about lymph testing.
Gavin, we’re in Glasgow so at least we get Emirates flights direct to Dubai and on to Perth which is a help. It’s all rather surreal at the moment.
Thank you everyone.

Thank you, I really appreciate that and I’m sorry about your husband. My feelings are for quality, but it’s not my decision and his Dad will, in the end, make his own decision.
It’s all rather hard to come to terms with, as we saw them when they were visiting the US last August and he swam in the hotel swimming pool and drove few balls on the golf range…not your average 86 year old. He drove himself the 200 miles to Perth for his last biopsy attempt!
I’m just relieved that my other half is going out there to see for himself how things are and we intend that this is one of several trips this year which, at over 20 hours flying time, isn’t an easy trip.