BLOG 16
8 May 2009
Just a quick update on how things are progressing with my health and some other important matters. I was in the RBH, in isolation for 9 days with Pneumonia. It was quite an awful illness and apart from have the initial stage 4 Lymphoma, I don't think I have ever felt so sick. Nine days of rest and many, many anti-biotics, got me back on board. I came home on Saturday, 26th April and have been slowly getting back to full health and trying to rest. I have been preparing for the continuation of my chemotherapy (fludarabine), as I have 2 more doses left and then an MRI. We are praying and praying that this works, the disease be cleared and a transplant is not in the immediate future.
But, my doctors keep an eye on my R leg, as I do also to ensure that my health and leg are good at all times. Today, I have just been at the hospital for 12 hours straight (as is pretty normal and you get used to long days at hospitals, when your a cancer patient). I have just had a dosage of Mabthera which is the prelude of the next 3 days of chemotherapy treatment. After, the next three days, I will be out of action for about 10-15 days, as I recover and my blood counts dip and come back up again. We have help when we need it, lifts to the hospital, respite care for Julia from Commonwealth Carelink Respite Centre and meals, on occasions. We are grateful & thankful, for everything we receive.
Also, now that it's all in writing, I can let you all know that after 2 years of investigations, talking with commissions, medical boards, executives, politicians, internal reviews, lawyers and listening to advise (whilst fighting for my health)--the QLD medical board will now work on disciplinary action against a clinician, whom I visited 13 times, during my 11 months of searching for help. This was during the 11 months prior to me being diagnosed with the initial disease. When people around me would not encourage me, I decided to continue, no matter how I felt, because I knew that I was not cared for properly.
For the safety of our state medical system and the best we can provide for our families, when it comes to health and safety, we all have a responsibility to blow a whistle (however hard it may be), when something goes wrong, for yourself or someone else. I felt I needed to do this to protect others. The whole thing is very complex and involved. However, I will update, as we know follow what happens now between the board and the clinician in question....if it goes to the medical tribunal, it will be public. It will be an interesting process to watch and I have learnt so much about medical negligence and court proceedings, etc through this whole endeavour. Thank you all for your constant prayers, love and support.
Love & Blessings, Jodster.