Biopsy

In order to qualify for a new clinical trial, mum has shifted hospitals from the Royal Melbourne to Western General. She has retained the same oncologist who works at both.

With the shift comes new paperwork, many more blood tests, a biopsy, and the potential for hope. It's a fairly risky trial, with one in three patients given a placebo. There is also a chance that the drug could simply not work for her. It's a long shot, but at least it is a chance.

As well as listening to the advice of doctors, mum has also been taking natural herbal medicine. Although I initially didn't mind the smell, it has managed to permeate through the house. Everything smells of herbal medicine. So much incense is being burnt to mask the smell.

Sitting in the waiting room of the day procedures ward at Western General. Mum is reading through other new and potential future cures for cancer which her sister has sent her. 

Purchasing and packing herbal medicines, Footscray. 

New hospitals = More paperwork. 

Mum upon arriving home from her biopsy. 

Mum used to take the dogs for a 4 km walk 3 or 4 times a week. She managed to go for one today, but with great difficulty. She had to sit and rest over the course. To her complete credit, she completed it, came home, and started gardening (after drinking herbal medicines).