Our trip to Sydney had already been booked weeks prior, but each day, Mark grew weaker and his mobility became more and more impaired. Determined to get him there one last time, I contacted the airline to ask for wheelchair support only to be told that this was already booked out for the flight over. I rang both airports and rang the airline several times, hoping that someone would have a solution. I tried calling the wonderful people who we stay with, but their phone line was out of order due to recent storms. I continually hit brick walls and when Mark said he didn't have the strength to have a shower (sitting on a chair), it was time to pull the plug and stay home.
As I watched the light of my husband's soul, slowly dim and flicker, I grieved and wondered if it was time to accept that I could not do more and that I should call for palliative care support. I looked over all my notes and scribbles and decided I would make a few more phone calls. With doors slamming, I was almost ready to admit defeat....but then, one by one, I started receiving phone calls of cancelled appointment slots with doctors with long waiting lists.
At times I admit, I did push Mark to get to these appointments and he showed aggression for the first time in his life. I grew scared, felt that it was too late, the man I love was gone and he was now a different man and only a shell of who he once was.
Carer support finally started to filter through and I could confidently send Mark's sister home with the knowledge that professional help had now arrived. We hugged at the airport, with the shared knowledge that there may now be little hope, but still I was determined to ensure I had researched and reviewed every last treatment option.
Monday brought one last appointment with two Chinese Doctors. This was one of the original doctors I had spoken with back in February, but we had chosen the Sydney doctor instead due to his history of success with brain tumours. I had no expectations and I felt that it was unlikely to hold much hope for us. The day before was Mother's Day. I purchased my own flowers and booked a table at the local café for lunch for us, my Mum and her partner. Just getting there was a struggle as Mark's mobility had further deteriorated and he was now using aids to walk even short distances. The mood was sombre and while we ate an ok meal, it was a far cry from the healthy, full flavoured Indian dishes I had been preparing at home.
So we attended the appointment, armed with a long list of failed treatments, supplements and tests as well as a urine sample. Within minutes, these amazing doctors reviewed the paperwork and assessed Mark by feeling his pulse. Immediately they started producing some answers and more importantly, some solutions.
1. Brain and Kidneys are directly related and Mark's Meridian or pathway was completely blocked. So much so, that no herbs, supplements, nutrition or chemo would ever reach the desired location. This needed to be unblocked immediately.
2. His blood/body is full of heavy metal toxins due to his kidneys not filtering correctly (despite blood tests and heavy metal tests not representing this). This was determined by the urine sample showing zero signs of heavy metals. Our kidneys have the most important job of filtration and passing the toxins through the urine. There should always be something in the urine if the kidneys are functioning correctly. Kidney support + heavy metal detox required urgently.
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| Bruising from cupping |
We drove home somewhat elated that we finally had some answers and a treatment plan with doctors who not only were not only incredibly skilled, but who wanted a daily update of his condition. By the time we arrived home, some half an hour later, Mark seemed different. Not physically, but his internal light was shining again! Conversation was different. My husband was back! The man I love was back from the brink!
That night he had the one drop of detox remedy and went to bed but by 2.30am, he was in great pain. His knees and ankles feeling as if sharp needles were jabbing him. Standard pain killers, massage and homeopathic creams failed to bring any relief. By 5am I started to dose, exhausted. At 7am, Mark decided he would not wake me, but attempt to go to the toilet unassisted. Big mistake.
In my dosed state, I felt him get up and listened as he went to the toilet. In the knowledge that he needed to produce a sample for me to test, he stood while doing this. Before long, his tired, weak and painful legs gave out and slowly he slid to the floor. Still dosing, I waited to hear for him come out of the toilet, but he did not. I soon discovered him crumpled on the floor, wrapped around the toilet bowl, unable to get up. In desperation I squeezed in the door and foolishly tried to lift him. Nothing worked and I needed to get help, so I rang for an ambulance. I gave him pillows and reassured him, sent Sebastian to the neighbours and waited for help. Everything seemed to take for ever but eventually we had him up and out and wrapped warmly in the lounge room. I cooked him a warm solid breakfast, found some stronger pain relief and put him back to bed to get some sleep while I dosed on the couch nursing my strained back.
That was yesterday. Today is a new day. The sun is shining brightly and both Mark and I have had a full night's sleep. That in itself is a miracle as we have not experienced this in weeks. Mark's spirit is shining as bright as the sunshine outside and while his body is still physically weak, there are signs that his body is starting to improve and he is no longer in pain. The improvements are subtle, but they are there. It's Wednesday today, two days after seeing the Chinese doctors. All the different practitioners we have seen have provided small pieces of insight to Mark's condition and everything is starting to fit together, like a big jigsaw puzzle. My hope has been rekindled and I think I will leave the palliative care phone call for another day!
