A Rollercoaster of Pain, Hospitals and More Cancer - But Still Undefeated 💪🏼
21 September 2022
I wish I had better news.
The relief from Spinal Decompression surgery on the Lumbar L2 Vertebrae was sadly short lived. Since then there has been pain, pain and more pain, two more ambulance callouts and at least four further hospital admissions.
The last visit to Dunedin Hospital, was scheduled to give Liz her first intensive round of chemo and a procedure to put a valve in so that she could have further chemo visits in Dunstan Hospital, which is much closer to home. Having scheduled chemo treatments was great news and a sign of hope. 💜
Things didn’t go as planned. What was meant to be a smooth procedure turned in to a 3 day event. After 3 hours into first chemo session, Elizabeth experienced a reaction with such severe pain that the chemo had to be abruptly cut short. After testing, another CT Scan revealed that the cancer had spread aggressively from just two weeks ago, now to the L4 Vertebrae, leaving this part of the spinal column also deteriorated. Cancer has also spread to her Ribs and Chest. Chemo was put on hold and instead urgent Radiation Therapy was needed to target these new cancerous areas intensively. However the backlog at hospital is so big that Liz cannot get Radiation treatment for another week.
So it was another ride home and nothing do do but wait... In the meantime, another emergency occurred. Liz had a chest infection, fever and was in a great deal of pain. Blood Diagnostics found her White Blood Cell count to be very low meaning a compromised immune system. An ambulance was called to take her to Dunstan Hospital to lessen risk of further infection, and receive antibiotics more effective pain relief. 💊
This is where we are at presently, Liz is in Dunstan Hospital and we are hoping the medicine and antibiotics provide enough protection to ease pain and provide comfort until the Radiation Therapy next week.
I pray the next update brings much more positive news. 🙏🏼 Through all of this, Elizabeth continues to fight so bravely and remains in good spirits. She is a fighter! ❤️
The Birley Family want to Thank each and every one of you who have donated and supported. The love, care and generosity is so much appreciated. As you can imagine, costs are through the roof, emotions are in turmoil and work is out the window. So, thank you so much.
You can also help by continuing to share Elizabeth's Journey with friends and community, so that we can spread awareness of this awful disease and keep rallying for this courageous beautiful lady! 💕
Much Love
