17 July 2016
17 July 2016
Hi everyone! We flew to London on Sunday 19 June for Cory's treatment by Professor Edward Leen. Cory checked in to The Princess Grace Hospital on Wednesday 22 June for his first treatment, which was RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) to his liver tumour. We met Professor Leen who explained the procedure and met the wonderful anaesthetist Dr John Picard who filled us with confidence. The procedure involved a CT guided needle that delivered heat to destroy the tumour. Cory was in alot of pain afterwards which was managed and he was discharged as scheduled the following day nursing a couple of tiny puncture marks and feeling very tender. The week was spent recuperating in preparation for the Nanoknife procedure on Tuesday 28 June. During the set up for the Nanoknife on the pancreatic tumour, CT images were taken of the liver and it showed that tumour had turned black and that tumour was dying. Professor Leen saw a tiny tumour adjacent to the ablated tumour which he treated with the Nanoknife along with the primary pancreatic tumour. He also observed a cyst on the pancreas that was aspirated and tested negative for malignancy. Cory had ALOT of nerve pain after the procedure which is gradually subsiding. Once again, little puncture marks and discharged the following day. We now continue with chemo and have to patiently wait for the next CT scan which was recommended at 3 months post procedure. We flew back to the Gold Coast and went directly to the hospital for an oncology appointment. Cory was treated like a rock star! Everyone is so fascinated and full of admiration at Cory, he is an inspiration. The following morning we were back at hospital for a portacath to be inserted into Cory's chest and then straight onto chemo. 3 surgical procedures in 3 weeks...wow. After a day of rest Cory decided that he wanted to show his support to everyone involved in the Garage Sale fundraiser - BIG SHOUT OUT to Mel, Shane, Glen, Lena, Damo, all the incredible baking ladies, Peter, Jenny, Vicki, Ruth, Bridie, Terry's Panel Shop (if I have missed any names please accept my apology, but you know who you are and we love you) and the Quiz night organised by Port Taranaki. Cannot express how humbling and honoured Cory felt to know that he is loved and thought of. While we only managed brief visits at both events it did wonders for Cory's spirits. So now my job is to feed Cory clean, healthy food, keep his spirit strong and work to secure ongoing treatment in New Zealand. Cory and I are determined to help other people with pancreatic cancer by sharing Cory's remarkable story and how he is overcoming the statistics every single day. I have attached an image of the Nanoknife scan, the needles deliver electricity to the tumour. There are some interesting videos on youtube detailing the procedure for anyone interested. Once again, thank you for the continued support, we have a long way to go, thank for coming on this journey with us. Love Cory and Sherrie xxx
