The last test – we hope.

Friday 15th September

Since my last posting we have been back down to Adelaide again. We were supposed to have a heart scan here in Whyalla but that had to be cancelled because she was unwell. We have the equipment but not the people to run it so there is someone who comes up from Adelaide every three month or so which means a very long waiting list – and even then, there is a chance that you won’t be called and have to wait until the next visit. Flinders needed that heart scan completed so that the results could be included in their decision regarding the operation. I called to make an appointment and was told that it would not be until Late November, so I asked if it could be done in Adelaide and she was able to give me a date tomorrow!!!  No – I didn’t take it and asked for a few days and she gave me a date for 12th September. I told Annabell and we organized things for that date including accommodation at the Cancer Lodge.  For me it will take three days to undergo this test – Monday drive to Adelaide, Tuesday Hospital, Wednesday drive home. My days of driving 600 miles in a day and have a hospital appointment are long since gone. Apart from which, it would be too exhausting for Annabell. Anyway, other than the hospital on Tuesday we had a quiet three days. The drive down was quiet and uneventful although there are roadworks everywhere as  the  main highway is being upgraded. However,  I was able to get into the city and get the medical bills paid – mainly ambulance, which is covered by Medibank. Fortunately, I have unlimited Ambulance cover, which is just as well considering the times I have had to call for one.

Has anyone any idea where I could buy a smile? Annabell seems to have lost hers – and if it comes with a spare sense of humour, that would be good.

Yesterday (Thursday) we had a temperature of 31c and gale force winds. Really bad day with wind speeds of 85 – 95 kph. Blew a number of the ariels down and damaged them.

Mine included. Thankfully it was the local service ariel and not the internet and Foxtel antenna.  I have been back and forth to the electrical shop trying to get bits for the blooming thing but without a lot of success. And it is not only hot outside there are flies by the million. Struth two days of warm weather and the flies are out in droves. That’s the thing about Australia – no one tells you about the flies. Anyway, for Annabell I need to get this unit repaired because Annabell watches TV – she says that her body is in a bad state so she might as well get her brain that way too then all the units will be in sync.

I have been working on the TV ariel without a great deal of success. I just can’t get the parts I need and those that are available just don’t fit. Poor Annabell – she will have to spend the entire weekend trying to decide between all the Foxtel shows- or do you call that Cable TV.  No family this weekend.  Andrew and Rachel are in Adelaide this weekend. I think they are doing some sort of marathon. Better them than me!  John is unwell and will be staying at home for the weekend – so no chance of any help with the ariel.

The run down to Adelaide and then to Flinders and then the drive home has taken a lot this time. I just seem to be taking a while to get over the stress this time around. She has a bad few days, so I have been called on to assist several times during the night, so sleep has been broken and limited.  I have meetings  on Wednesday to discuss what equipment I would like to assist Annabell and make her more comfortable. I believe I have all that I really need although I would like a pressure cushion if one is available, since she is in the recliner a lot and it would also help with travel in the car.

All-in we just have to wait now that the heart scan is completed, and the necessary medical people get together and discuss  whether or not the operation can go ahead. I dare say they will let us know —” in the fullness of time.”