Toby Cox | News and Information from the Hospital

I didn't manage to get a post out yesterday as it was taken up with travel from Somerset to London and also I was seeing him today so I thought I would leave it till now.

The first thing to mention here is the latest operation was about having a pockit of air removed from somewhere inside his head to allow the anti biotics his is on to work better. I am sorry but I am probably not explaining it that well. The air pockit was blocking the antibiotics to get through.

After speaking to the surgeons assistant and a head nurse with 30 years of experience of brain tumours . We were aked if we had any questions. These are some of the notes we took afterwards.

We they happy with the operation?
They are happy to report that he is making progress.

Are the antibiotics working?
He is responding but they are closely monitoring daily.Although they are high strength they do have other alternative strengths available.if it becomes necessary to do so.

What about his low mood?
Antidepressants could be a good idea because as often in cancer patients they help to keep them emotionally and mentally stronger.

Is there help with his mental state?
There is a very good psychologist on site who does wonders in helping to build up mental strength.
When he is released from hospital and goes to Clayponds which is a special physio clinic he will also have it available.

Is Clayponds the right place as he has been returned to hospital twice already? Is it clinically sound ?
Yes he needs to be active again as it will go hand in hand with his recovery. It is a balancing act between the post op healing and the physio to start and Toby will not be moved until the time is ok. It is very sound because of the liaison with the hospital.

When will they start the chemo?
They said that another appointment will be made in 2 weeks to discuss the start date,the form and the supporting drugs that will be required.

Should he have more visitors?
Yes interaction with people is proven to help and it is important that he sees as many friends and family as possible.

What about the piece of bone that was removed?
At some time they will put it back or a titanium plate but not in the near future.

Thanks for reading this update. I am delighted to tell you that Toby has given his approval for this blog and for the funding page. He has suggested that he could say something on it himself so I am hoping this will happen soon.

Thank you all
Greg Cox