As promised. a pic of James indulging his mother's youthful fantasy! Two beauts?The week has gone well. Tim has managed to be with me throughout the treatments and his resolute and calm presence makes all the difference in the world. A strong team. Starting again on Tuesday was tough, knowing exactly what I was in for, and we remain concerned that the chemo may weaken me to the point where I will be unable to take the seemingly successful, but still experimental Ipi.
The trend has been that the white cells have diminished with each round and we were delighted to find they had recovered well. This is why CT and our lovely bush experience were so much less taxing than anticipated. I feel strongly that this is to do with our fascinationg and, 100% out of our comfort zone, experience at a remarkable Christian healing service with Pastor Louis in Deep River in CT last Tuesday. Di Utton arranged it, Nicola (snr), Anna and James all accompanied us on the challenging adventure. We were surrounded by goodness and people of remarkable faith. Dr Mafafo was also interested in what I'd been eating, as I'd put on 2 kg!
The cancer world is inescapable and we had bad news about a lovely young man, Brett,28, whose treatment is not working and he has deteriorated. We have had several treatments simultaneously and shared many secrets about alternate meds, so it is a blow. I had particularly requested not to be treated in a facility where I would be exposed to children with cancer, my passion for teaching kids would make it too hard. I have classified Brett as "almost a child". The chemo ward was a grim place yesterday.
I know the next few days will be tough. Trish, my homeopath, has been able to access me some very good support meds, which make a huge difference. Happily, our home is full of positive energy; Nic is back from a highly satisfying and successful training session at Phakomane Bank in White River, Al did some challenging and pleasing painting in an adult class this morning and has taken pics for a charcoal portrait. James has to be parted from his new toy MG for a few days as he comes home for a weeks study break on Sunday. Although he finds the chemo regime gutting, Tim has managed to juggle work with his particular efficiency this week too. It's so much easier to be the patient than the support team.
I look forward to coming up for more quality time next week.
Margi - that photo of your dishy boy made me wish I were young again (and I don't often feel like that as I love the self-confidence that advanced years bestows). What a dish. IMAGINE having been at university with a car like that! I always remember Tim Nash in his Alpha - and Mike Freund in his fried egg...
ReplyDeleteLove and kisses from Fiona and Georgie in Londonium
Hi Margi - it was wonderful being able to chat to you while I was in Jhb - you are such a special lady. Augs told me about this update site which is such a good idea - I have been able to really catch up with the past few months. I love the idea of James and you whooping around in the MG with the top down and music blaring. I didn't realise that Al is an artist - perhaps taking after his uncle?
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Karen x
Dear Margi, that sleek black MG is a far cry from my Rhodes boy friend's little green Singer with the roll-down canvas top -- equally glamorous in its day, especially at Rhodes, where few people had cars. Had a lovely chat with your Mum the other day. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Good luck and much love, Liz
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