After the medical meeting.. News of sorts..

Had a very drawn out and long meeting today with every professional who had letters behind their name about the biopsy and future medical options for Age.

Cutting straight to the chase - The Good News- the biopsy shows that tumour is still a grade 2... Even though it is huge. So big victory dance deserved here!!

Bogus news is that its pressing on a number of places in his brain, behaviour, decision making, maths reasoning ... As well as motor on the right side and speech - making surgery not such a great option.

Bad news is based on the medical options available is basically chemo.. Which we are both violently against. 

Surgery and radiotherapy not safe options as far as they are concerned. The whole team meets on a Thursday to discuss cases, with. Adrian's one of the first on the agenda as he is up for 'release' yay!

Once he is discharged, he will be transferring to the rehab centre at Eden Private hospital. I was supposed to meet with the team today, but they got caught up and we didn't end up crossing paths.

I finished off taking the rest of his stubble and beard. I'm sure everyone will get used to his new look.. I caught a few shots of him after kidding round with him..

Age keeping chipper

Ask anyone who has been in hospital for any length of time, and they'll tell you there is a point you want to climb walls. Age has been in for over three weeks now, and though feeling ok, has no definitive  discharge date yet.

He has had a few minor set backs with recovery, but remains positive... A hard thing to do in any situation, exasibated by  the lack if information disseminated to him. As he is not able to speak at a regular rate, people not used to it will just limp him in as non verbal - which is, as you can image, very frustrating for him. I can vouch that he is absolutely himself in his thoughts, it just takes time and patience for him to express it.

As he is not able to shave to his high standards - and upkeep his beard, he has decided to lop it all off. So despite my protests, i helped him shorten it. I'd hoped he would keep it short at least, but in the shower, he decided to have another go at it. He will know I am teasing him now as I tell you that he looks like he has been in a scrap with a tomcat.. Anyway, the next photos I take of him will be him clean shaven. I need to get some good blades to do it.

He says by tomorrow that he will have it completely off.

His scars continue to heal. So perhaps its time for him to begin the rumours of a bear or shark attack..

Anyways, he is still chipper, loves visits by friends - even if he cant say much.. Bring a story and or some chocolate!

Update on Age

As frustrating as it may be for followers of this blog, its triply annoying for us not to have any definitive news or updates.

Adrian sounds stronger on the phone each time we speak or see each other. He has had a number of varying medications for seizures - some have left him feeling like he had cotton wool inside his skull and just being super tired.

He has enjoyed the challenges the medical students study on him and his case has brought him every day, and will report with a grin if he 'passes' another step toward recovery.

His metal staples have been removed, which has been a big relief for him.

He feels really well in himself and at one point today, the possibility was there for him to be moved into a general ward. He thinks this may still be in the cards, so watch this space.

His next step after discharge from the neuro ward is to talk about treatment plans and rehab. There is a strong possibility for him to be admitted into the Cooroy rehab hospital - sounds bad but its for folk who have had accidents etc.. I've looked into it and it looks really nice.. As much as a hospital I guess can be. Regardless of where he will do rehab, its a live in thing where he will be another few weeks.

So still a long journey in front of him, strengthened by those who live and care a great deal about him, fortified by all those visits from lovely mates.

So.. No news here.. Simply means no news.. 

Chilling out

Great mates, Bec and Xander came to visit this weekend. Apart from lots of long talks and walks, we took time just to chill and read on the verandah. Well, thats to say Lilly and Bec are.. 

I am still having issues concentrating and am unable to follow a storyline. I am hoping the blurryness in the text is just a temporary thing as , at the moment, thought I'd love to read, I cant see well enough to do so.

Making cubbies

The kids have had such s great time this week making cubbies from sticks and vines down along the creek.

Everyday, they take Murphy on a lead, along with a backpack of goodies and disappear for a few hours. Such bliss fir the kids to be running freerange!!

So glad they can have a country life experience throwing sticks and stones into the creek, getting muddy and just being outside.

Feeding the dolphins.. Again..

With good mates, Bec and Xander come to visit, we decided to go to Tin Can Bay and feed the dolphins again, this time I paid for the kids to get a fish and get into the water with the dolphins. Morgan was just about beside himself....

Though it was raining, there was still a pretty big crowd.

Lilly wasnt too pressed with the fish or that she had to pick it up.. But when the moment came, she did.. And they both floated back to shore.

Get Better Soon Dad

This was Lillys message to Age this morning..

Age's swelling has gone down heaps with those awful looking metal clips really sticking out now.

He exhausts himself undertaking physio and is determined to be walking soon. I know his journey is serving as an inspiration to so many people and I am filled with admiration of his tenacity and commitment.

Still no definitive news on the biopsy, but we are taking it as good news..

Age Rocking his Scars

Its so great to see Age gradually regain his speech and movement. When Lilly saw him this morning she announced he looked like Frankenstiens monster.... Possibly a good description given the amount of metal stitches he is sporting!

He has really enjoyed peoples visits... And gifts of chocolate is always welcome!

There is no talk of discharge in the near future as he has alot of rehab and speech therapy to undertake. If you do visit or call during the day, its likely he wont be there as he is on an extensive recovery program. I am very proud of his continued commitment to positive healing.

Best Photo of Age yet... My fav

While we were in the UK, a friend who is a professional photographer asked if he could take some shots if Age, as he has such an interesting face.

I am sure you will be blown away by this shot, my favourite.. All credits and ownership of image to Pow Pow Pictures. Pop over and check out his site... Terry is amazingly talented. http://www.powpowpictures.com/

Dolphin Feeding at Tin Can Bay

A very rare breed of dolphin is found here in Tin Can Bay. The Indo Pacific humpback sousachinesis are rare but not (yet) endangered. They are shallow water estuarine living and don''t go into the ocean. They baisically  live at the mouth of the river. There is a pod of nine, one of them is 35 years old.

Its only been recently that the cafe which fronts the tiny beach where the dolphins frequent has started to charge people to come and look. Even on the miserable, cold, wet morning we came, there was a huge crowd, all willing to part with $10 a head and more if you want to get in the water or feed them... sheesh.. But basically,,,, how can you not after making the trek out here?

Kids doing Homeschooling

Its sunk in with the kids that we are not going to live a normal lifestyle ... For a while at least.

While we are in Gympie house sitting, and perhaps for much of the rest of the year, the kids will homeschool... At least, they will have core subjects and projects to do five days a week.

I've done the lazy thing, as I have very little brain capacity or thought processes at the moment, of buying pre set subject based activities. 

We conferenced on what the kids thought they needed to focus on with thier learning and any tpoics they wanted to explore. 

They have a checklist to tick off, so if they get stuck into, for example, maths, they can get a weeks worth of activities done over the space of two days... Or science in one sitting..

They have reading- with a review of what they learnt supposed to go on the blog, science with mini tests, comprehension texts, handwriting, grammar, maths, problem solving ( another maths based activity book) as well as good old 'horrible histories', ipad activites and a mini farm to care for - dog, cat, chooks, birds and vege patch.

Oh and writing up projects from our travels... 

So... I think we have most things covered.. Additionally, they have to fo 30 mins of WII fit everyday.. 

They love the idea of being responsible and in charge if thier learning program..

I dont think they are 'missing out'... Do you??

Can't keep a good man down..

Adrian continues to improve slowly.. So long as its continual and permanent, I don't  think anyone will complain.

At the moment, he is with a panel of medical students. He volunteered to be poked, prodded and examined as his case is so unusual and interesting. He is likely to be away with them most of the day.

His speech has not come back to what it was on Thursday morning, but his voice is strong, words slow but deliberate. His inner strength and determination both inspires and fills me with such hope and love. 

Those reading along will have noticed we don't normally gush about our love for one another, it has seemed unnecessary and neither of us need or want to buy into the superficiality of societal  expectations... But I've also come to the realisation, that in not acknowledging love publicly,  it has the danger of being missed, devalued, taken for granted and ignored...... So my message for you is shout it out on the rooftops, be outrageous and passionate... Love with your whole being..dont let those around you forget who you are... Because they may forget who they are in the process.

A little book of inspiration.. Can You Help?

Want to help Adrian and I but don't know what or how? 

I'm collating a book of inspiration and would love your contribution.

Please email me (annie@annieevett.com) with up to three of YOUR favourite quotes ( with who they may be attributed to if you know) Ill print out or write the out into a beautiful notebook along with your name and read them out to Age as he heals. 

Quotes can be from anything, but ones you personally have drawn strength or light from. 

Any other messages of healing and love are also welcome.

It is a dark time for both of us, and even after he heals, we have a number of challanges to work through together.... But I have faith our grounding of trust and truth will carry us over the bumps in the road recently experienced.

Slight panic.. But all is well with Age

After seeing Age so brilliant this morning, and staff so delighted with his rapid recovery, the peeps and I went to the movies. Age was meant to be moved into the ward by midday, so we went there straight  away after the flicks were over.

Worried looks and furtive glances at me when I asked where he was sent alarm bells straight away, coupled with the 'there is nothing to be alarmed with, but they need you down at ICU straight away.'... Ekkk

When I got there, I wasn't allowed in as the medical staff were still working on Age. He had stood up and walked to a chair, waiting for the wheelchair to come and get him to take him to the wards, when he collapsed.

He was in a critical state when they got him  to the MRI, but thankfully came round enough to stop them putting a tube down his throat again.

So it was a welcome sight to finally see him when they finally let us in.

He was very drowsy and drifted in and out of consciousness . We stayed a few hours till the nurse told us to have a breather.

His head was a lot more swollen as well.

We returned after the kids had gone to dance practice and were delighted to find he had been moved to the wards.

He is in bed 21 - still in 8 A south.

Age is still very drowsy and has had a few minor seizures.we reckon that They aren't giving him his meds correctly and that they even lost one lot. Which caused a seizure.. Just as well i had some of his normal stuff on hand. I gave it to the nurse who put in the order at pharmacy to get it right .. Hopefully.. I know they are overworked.. And the nursing staff there have been so lovely.

 I got a photo of the kids talking to Age. He is fairly unresponsive, but I reckon he will be back to his cheeky self tomorrow.

Love, visits and good wishes are welcome!

Post Op Age doing well

We got up before the sparrows farted this morning and surprised Age in ICU this morning. His eyes are bright and he has a cheeky manner.. So delightful to see and soak in.

I've see his post op head before, but this time there is more and significant swelling. The photos don't do it justice. However, he is feeling good and we are both very positive.

Being the overachiever he is, his recovery from the op has surprised medical staff... So its possible he will be back in the wards tomorrow. Wow. 

I know his healing has a great deal to do with the positive energy he has surrounding him, sent from friends and loved ones.. So thank you for your blessings and holding us both strong during this time. And.. Lets not forget his own belief and commitment to his healing.. He is as tough as an old boot..

I'll keep you up to date as I have news.

Age out of surgery.

I have no other details except he is out of surgery and in ICU. 

The nurse I spoke with said everything looks great and asked me to call back in an hour after they have run more tests and  settled him.

At present, they said he cannot have visitors till possibly Friday, due to infection risks and the rest he needs.

I'll update as more news comes to hand.

Age off for surgery

Adrian is being taken off for surgery - for several hours and will be in the ICU for a number of days now - so if you were planning on calling or visiting, he won't be in the Neuro ward for a while. I am not taking phone calls, but will always answer an sms.  I am not really in the position to talk much - and I know you will all understand and give me space.

Although Adrian and I are very confident and at peace with the surgery, any extra prayers, healing energies and good wishes won't go astray either!

On Monday we discussed with the Neurosurgeon the options and possibilities Adrian faced. I just looked back on this blog and found the posts I put up when he had his major episode and was hospitalised for a week - and found its basically the same discussion - we have just put it off for three years.  Here is a link to one of them - but go back to 2010 to find them. Fortunately, technology has advanced a little more, giving even more options.

Below are photos of two slices of MRI scans done last week, after the swelling had been arrested and he was stable. Those first scans I don't have and were pretty scary anyway.

On the first scan - where the doctor has drawn - you can see two main white patches - thats his tumour. the back part is where motor control and speech sort of lay - so its heavily intwined over the top of it - which is why in 1999, we chose not to go ahead with surgery as the danger of altering or cutting this off was - and still is far too high.

The scan underneath is a 'slice' higher up and shows how the tumour is pushing alot of the left side over and squishing it.  The edema had totally squashed parts, so this is why its going to be a long rehabilitation and timeframe for healing, while things settle down and get back into their normal spot.

So back to the surgery right now - which is happening - like right now as I type.

They will do a biopsy and gathering a sample about the size of a 20c coin. this will be done from the front part of the tumour and will be tested immedialty. They want to know what grade and type of tumour it is and what if any changes have happened since the last one - in 1999.

Depending on the results will depend on what they will do from there while he is still under.

If the tumour is still a grade 2 and has no changes - they will close up and do nothing.

If the tumour has changed, but not yet a grade 3 - they will debulk - and only the front bit - basically remove as much as they can without doing any harm. This will just give more time and space.

If the tumour is a grade 3 - it will be debulking, and then we will need to discuss radiotherapy options.

If its gone to a grade 4 ( which the neuro said he highly doubts) it will be debulking and some major decisions on other surgeries and medications.

While we are both at peace with the biopsy and possibility of debulking, we are both in agreeance that further surgeries, radiotherapy and chemo are not options.  Age and I feel that healing of the tumour had begun and some major changes happened on his spiritual path on the Camino where he utilised a number of tools to gain peace and clarity. These tools are no longer needed for his journey as he now steps into new insights.

Along the way, we have been presented with more options for healing, which only Adrian can decide which is best for him and his healing.  I know and trust that everything will be alright.  I also know its going to be a hard journey for the whole family and that trust and love will carry us onward.

Plans that went astray

I am constantly delighted as things as 'meant' to be are guided into our paths. I do try to find the glittering gems in every situation, and even now, a very dark time for both of us, I have faith that all is well.

Age and I took a leap of faith earlier this year. We both knew his health was diminishing and that our suburban lifestyle had become a prison. Don't get me wrong, I loved my home, I loved the  school the kids went to and our street, with its wonderful neighbours was incredible. I miss and mourn that time gone. But we had known for at least two years   that things needed to change and we needed to stretch our legs again ... But its that old rut. ... The complacency of comfort and the allure of just letting thing lay.  

It was such a blessing that we were able to sell the house so quickly, a bit of a heart wrenching activity for us to have to be apart while I worked and he trained for the Camino with Morgan, but one we knew would be worth it. It was the longest time in 24 years that we had been apart.... And then they went off to Spain... My heart was wrung out every day just waiting to hear or see a blog post from them. With Age off on his spiritual journey, I kept my distance - giving him space to find his path. gahh......... but enough of that.

We'd planned to come back from Europe and come straight into this house sitting role in Gympie just to rest and to reaffirm where we were going together and as a family. I had planned to work in supply teaching while up here - there are 7 school just in Gypmpie alone do I knew Id have no worries there. Age had planned just to kick back and enjoy the solitude of the trees and birds for the month.

 From there, we had planned to do  other house sits in areas along the Northern New South Wales coast to get a feel for different towns and where we might like to settle for a while. I'm a step away from getting full registration in NSW teaching.. I may still complete that process - its taken months already!

I guess that is still happening, with a few more complications thrown in for good measure.. But everything is possible..

 I obviously cant work as the kids are with me and no-one to look after them if I go off to work. I do worry about finances, but at this point at times, I struggle to find my way  round the house, so am in no position to be teaching in a classroom.

Despite all this....Feeling pretty blessed to be where we are in Gympie. Its a wonderful home with so much good energy. I'll do another blogpost with photos about it soon. The shame of course, is that its just over three hours drive one way to see Age in hospital. He can only manage ten mins or so before he flakes out. So.. The kids and I do alot of driving and I am getting to know this part of the highway well.

This post is a bit scattered.. Like my mind at the moment.

Know that I am ok.The kids are resilient and been such a support to me. I trust intuition and know Adrian is fine too. 

We will work through all challenges as we always have, with open hearts and souls, honesty and each others best interests at heart. 

As I have said before, there is no sides to take and no judgement. We have an 'is'. And all we can do is to work from there.

Thank you all our beautiful friends who have loved and supported us over the last  week. The depth of my gratitude for your understanding and selflessness runs miles underground. 

Age improving every day

Just a quick note to thank everyone who has called and visited Adrian while he is in hospital. He may be there sometime both healing and rehabilitating. While he is off the dreaded drips, he is still heavily medicated - which we have both agreed is not optimal - but necessary for recovery at the moment.

He enjoys the short visits - and his attention span is still only a few mins - the effort of talking really takes it out of him.

His physio is merciless - and we joke with him every day about all the training he is doing.  Adrian is bloody minded and if anyone is going to start running round the wards, it will be him. His presence and humour brightens the ward - even in his state.  I know the nurses will miss him when he (finally) gets discharged.

I'll post new info as it comes to hand - so if there isn't anything - there simply is no new news... as frustrating as that is...

Neither Age or I are under the impression that the next few months will be easy. Notwithstanding the emotional rollercoaster this episode has taken out on both of us, the ripples from Europe and decisions made there still need to be addressed. We are confident together we will be able to work it out and ask for support and understanding while we go through the processes necessary - for both of us.

Our wonderful home for the next month

I know I keep saying it.. But things really do happen for a reason. Though Gympie was not on our list of areas we wanted to check out on our search for somewhere to settle when we got back to Australia after our travels.... this house sitting job came up and it was hard to say no to the cutest cat around...


Mr Darcy is a ragdoll cat - who is obviously adored by his owner - and just as loved immediately by Morgan and Lilly.

The house sits on 20 acres of land - overlooking a creek and fields of pasture all round. ( they have cows and horses in there usually - but they are in different paddocks at the moment)

Its peaceful and very quiet - normally anyway. Though on the road to Tin Can Bay - there are only a few timber trucks which go through during the day and not much other traffic otherwise.

With a gorgeous wide verandah overlooking the gardens and lawns, we are looking forward to lazing our winter days away and soaking up the sun as it peeps out.

We do have our work cut out for us, with Mr Darcy, the cat to look after, a very energetic 10 month old puppy, Murphy - who is enjoying eating all the shoes and the couch out on the verandah, thee pens of chooks, a peahen, two peacocks and two parrots.... phew!! but its going to be great for the kids -who have emphatically said they want lots of pets... well... here goes - all at once.

Morgan has bonded immedialty with Murphy and is busy teaching him to fetch, sit and lay down.  Lilly just wants to spend all her time with the cat....oh no.. the chooks... no.. the parrots... darn it - everything!!

I love the enthusiasm they both have with the chooks and collecting eggs.  We had better start eating a bunch of them everyday is all I think!

Below is a picture of Peter, one of the owners before they left - showing the kids how to get the eggs and change the litter tray etc from the bantums chook tractor.

The kids have a bedroom each - such a luxury!! and I have a huge bed... all to myself.. not so great on long nights.

We will be homeschooling while we are here - and see how we go with the rest of travels around.

I've done up a schedule of things the kids need to do every day (5 days a week) and its up to them to ensure its done before 4 pm every day.  I have covered the main things - handwriting, English (stuff on grammar, word building, sentence structure etc) Science, Maths and reading. They have to reseach on the internet and blog about what they have learnt in many of the subjects and the science program I have even has little tests to complete..  I've looked into some web based maths and english stuff too.

On top of this - they have 30 mins of wii fit to do every day - and as much wii games as they want to afterwards... whats not to love about homeshooling?  They get to munch away on nuts and dried fruit as they go, stop for a wii game, pat the dog or brush the cat whenever they want.

I'm pretty confident that they won't be missing much from 'school'..

anyways - keep an eye out on their blogs... 

As for me... I'm just going to hang ten. breathe and get up every day. I don't think I have much else I can handle at the moment.

Update on Age.. Thursday

Not much to report over the last 24 hours- well a few bit...But to be fair he has improved every day. Its going to be a long road to recovery.. But if there is one person pig headed and stubborn enough to undertake it... Its Age.

He had a minor set back yesterday when all the intro lines were finally taken out. They had forgotten to give him his anti  seizure meds.. Id harassed them in ICU about it every time the alarm went off on his phone, and always been assured it was   taken care of.... An oversight in the wards, but caused Age to collapse and have a bit if a set back in recovery    .

He has had physio and speech therapy every day. He can now get up out if bed and walk the three steps to his chair and sit unaided.  

Tonight, he walked to the shower on his own ( about ten steps) all small victories

He tires very easily and any visitors or phone callers need to know he only has a ten min MAX ability to stay awAke and focus.

The kids and I drive down from Gympie today to see him. Nearly three hours there and three back ..  Kids got to tell him about the chooks and dog ..( more on our house sit place in another post)

I had a few mins alone with him, but he faded quickly.

We will go and see him again on Saturday  afternoon.. I'll leave any other updates till then, unless there are significant alterations

Thank you so much to all who have called left messages and visited. A huge shout out to mate Justyn who flew from Geelong today yo visit.  So grateful.

 

Age is overwhelmed with the support and love he is getting..  Thanks. Everyone. 

Age now out of ICU.

Some great progress for Age today. He walked -assisted-three steps and was able to stand on his own for a few mins.

With his blood levels looking great, he was slowly taken off the five drips and oxygen, and moved in the afternoon to the Nuro ward.

 He is in 8 A south in nuro ward - bed 7 . ring the switchboard on 36468111 and ask to be put through.

Visiting hours are strict. -So if you are in Brisbane they are 10 till 2 and 4 till 8

The kids and I will come see him at 4 tomorrow. 

Here are some picis of him there. 

Age now Stable

Age stable now - so big cheers..

After very tense first 24 hours, it was a relief to see Age sitting unsteadily admit ably up in bed with his cheeky eyes checking out all that was going on.

While his speech is still a little slow, he is taking everything in and is now stable with the brain swell. There was no need for a further MRI today, which means surgery is even further away. Yah!!!

He is able to speak in halting sentences but inserts weird unrelated words into sentences and not know he did it. He is really working on it and its wonderful to see such determination in his eyes. So proud of him.

He is still in ICU,  - sadly you cant call as you not allowed phones in there. May be moved to neuro ward tomorrow but will let you all know. He still has nurse who sits by side to monitor every second and check every change. He has eaten very small thing ( rice pudding) for first time. 

So basically, its all great news. Its a bit distressing to see all the tubes and lines all over him, but very necessary..

Some photos snapped of him snoozing.. Which is what he needs to do lots of to recover..

Adrian is critical but stable

Not your everyday welcome home. Forgive the spelling and terrible grammar. Very tired but so many people want to know whats been going on.

My last post was done in Singapore. All was going well, but Age had another headache and was feeling pretty drained.

its been a very emotional 24 hours.. Since landing back in Aus...considering too, the last time I slept was Friday very early am in London. As far as eating.. I think I had something in Dubai.. I dont even remember.

 Anyway....Some background and hindsight gives more clues.. as it always does. Age had been getting headaches for about two weeks, they came in waves but manageable with nurophen... But alot of it.  And again, I didnt realise how much till  now..We didn't think too much of it as I had been getting migraines too - all emotionally based responses.. As well as we both had fevers and coughs- flu perhaps? And were effected by motion sickness from the boat. So bla bla.. Lots of reasons why we didnt think to much about them as being more serious than it was .

Back to the last 24 hours...

About an hour into the flight to Brisbane from Singapore,  Adrian's migraine got worse, so he chugged the new megga dose ibufren tablets I picked up in Dubai.. I shudder to think how much he had in his bloodstream. I forced him to drink lots of water but he got dizzy and delusional.  He says he doesn't remember much at all.

One of the air-hostesses suggested dome oxygen would help and over the next few hours as he slipped in and out of conciousness, Age was hooked up on a mask and bottle with regular obs with the medical team on the ground in Brisbane.

There really wasnt much else to go but fly faster...

Though he seemed ok and refused to get further help when we landed, when I saw a spare wheel chair, i ordered him into it. Still protesting he was fine, after he nearly fell out of the wheelchair, i got a police escort through customs and into an ambulance.  I knew this was no ordinary headache and something very wrong was going on.

The kids and I followed in the car.

At hospital they ran lots of tests and scans as he collapsed and looked like he had a stroke. He is in alot of pain so on huge doses of morphine and something else. It was heart wrenching to watch and be so helpless - but knew he was in good hands.

The kids were dead on their feet but wree really good about it sll.

the CT scans came back with very bad news. Significant brain swelling very very bad. He became unresponsive except for a squeeze of a hand in mine every so often as a yes to a question i may ask on what he wanted to do. But soon after, he was totally unresponsive.

He was on steroids as well to reduce swelling, but didnt respond to it well. 

Back to kids.. it was 1 am..Mum and Dad rock. They drove up in the middle of the night to meet me in Willowbank. Age was in as stable condition as he could be and I needed to look after the kids welfare.  

 I did not want to leave Ages side but knew too I needed to get the kids away so I could focus on him 100%.

With the swelling continuing and Age in significant pain, the next step was to look at surgery to relieve the pressure. I called Lisa - Adrians beautiful cousin at 4 am to be with me. Earlier that night when hed been lucid, Id asked him who he wanted me to contact and she was top of the list. He hadnt wanted anyone else and was pretty agitated when I suggested others. I really felt I needed to respect what he wanted 

Lis was  and is amazing. 

Age got wheeled off to an MRI and we believed onto surgery. A few hours later he was put into ICU and we sat with him. I was very happy the doctors were being cautious and not go straight in. 

The swelling had abated and although things were - and are touch and go, every hour he improves.

He opened his eyes at about four pm and was able to answer some simple questions in single words. A huge leap in condition.

I got a few hours sleep in a nearby hotel and returned at nine pm. So glad to see him looking about and speaking slowly. He has his own nurse- who is lovely.. And he has shown his cheeky side and sense of humour.. All good things.

He is still not out of the woods, its 2.30 am and I cant sleep, waiting for a call anytime.

He has another MRI tomorrow morning and i will meet with the nuros for an update. Ill update the blog as I have more news.

Short visits are allowed, but he can't speak on phone. He is in intensive care unit on level four of the RBH, you need to go through security to gain access and permission to visit. I know hed love visitors with positive energy. 

Singers

Urggghh. Have landed in Singers and have found we have no time for the relaxing shower and freshen up we'd planned to have.

I feel like I smell like an old billy goat and there is that yuck sheen of muck over my skin. 

Kids are whacked.. Age is very tired and withdrawn. I foresee lots of sleeping when we get back to Dalveen!

Off home!!

Will be out of contact for a bit. We are about to get on the Eurostar and head to London.. From there a bit of a kip before a plane in the morning and a few stops along the way till we hit Aussie soil.

I have promised myself to be gentle and not plan much ahead for a long time. I have promised I will show dignity and honour in all my dealings with this.. No matter how painful. 

I am not going to harp on or turn this blog into a misery guts saga as that is not only below me.. but not constructive for anyone. I intend that this is the only other mention I will make in public. 

But know that I am not made of granite. My brave face hides all the tears I will not share with  anyone. I just want to curl up and die. I wonder if its possible to spontaneously die of a broken heart.

Versailles Palace.

Leaving the last most extravagant and beautiful palace till last was both great and not so great. By now we are all pretty exhausted. Emotionally and physically. Everything is a little jaded and we are getting to the point of not wanting to bother with things that would normally excite us.

I know we were so fortunate - well we had planned it that way- but last time we did all our touristy stuff, we would have the places to ourselves basically. Despite getting here before opening time and having tickets, the crowds were absolutely  incredible. The lines snaked back hours long- but we managed to skip them all and see what we wanted in minimum fuss.

The hall of mirrors was just as incredible.. Photos below 

The king and Queens apartments every bit as stunning as I remember.  The cloth in the drapes are threaded with gold and I believe took 25 years to make.

We went to the temple if love and to Marie Antoinette's farmhouse - a disneyworld back then. Still quite lovely.

The biggest dolls houses around!

I was very disappointed that the fountains weren't  running. They add to so much..