A challenge

It has taken me a while to process the latest test results. The average diameter of the tumours has grown by 3%. While all 4 doctors agree that this is not a significant number in cancer medicine, I am strongly aware that the tide has turned and that the euphoria of the 30% and subsequent 7% shrinkage of the last two tests has not continued. I had been lulled into a false sense of security, assuming that the shrinkage would continue. It is impossible to live my daily life in that dark place, where the reality of Stage 4 Terminal Metastatic Melanoma Cancer dominates.It is too heavy a burden to carry, so, happily, it's business as usual and it seems that we are all much better than 'half full'. After some consultations and much thought, I decided that it would be senseless to react only when there was a bigger deterioration. So, I have had another Dendritic Vaccine treatment and will continue with that route of treatment every 6 weeks for a while. Gathering the 20 tubes of blood is a bit of a circus with risks of a blood clot, but it is worth taking. Dr van Rooyen, who is the mastermind of the vaccine is the only doctor I've consulted who offers a cure and a 20% one at that. Being in the minute statistic of survivors so far, this is an encouraging number. The vaccine makes absolute sense to me and there are no side effects as the vaccine consists of my own cells and saline. In the interim, there's no stopping us and our crazy lives continue unabated. Megan Maynard and I had 4 stimulating and thrilling days at the Franchhoek Literary Festival.

We attended 11 forum discussions, which had our heads spinning and left us with too little time to discuss all we had heard. While the speakers were all authors, many of the discussions were around the state of the nation and played to Megan's and my passion for Education. I was entranced by Prof Jansen and heartened by the sense of energy and unity among people willing to do a lot to resolve the crisis.

The weather was perfect and Franchhoek was exquisitely beautiful. We stayed in a tiny slave cottage, which had 2 minute bedrooms with views over the vines, which were in full autumn splendour. The bucket list gets continually longer with experiences so wonderful that they must be repeated, this among them. I was back in Cape Town to see James and his band of merry UCT men play a rousing game of hockey. What a delight to see him in his element.

My association with The Shine Centre is developing daily and it is a great source of healing and delight. have a look at the website of The Shine Centre and you'll be able to see a video clip of what we do.This term has seen the opening of 2 new literacy centres, one at Riversands Primary School beyond Four Ways and one at Yeoville Community School. The centre managers are of the best kind of people and their commitment and high standards are thrilling and inspiring. It was an honour to be the tour guide for Maurita Glynn, Founder and director of Shine, when she came up to see the fruits of her labour.

A fourth centre will open at HA Jack school in September. We meet termly and there is a great sense of community of purpose. This a a model that works and it is a privilege to be part of this fast growing movement towards better education for the disadvantaged in South Africa. With the help of Tim, Tania and Craig Steven-Jennings and Kerry Fynn, The Link Trust has been opened with a view to raising funds for opening new literacy centres on the Shine model and also funding broader educational programs. It has happened very fast and jetted this initiative to a whole new and exciting level. Nicola was home from London for 10 days in the beginning of June. James flew up and the 4 of us had 2 perfect days at Nottens, a private game reserve in the Sabi Sands area. Poor Ali was left at home to study for his Physics exam. The bush was absolutely beautiful and we were so happy to be wrapped up in blankets, absorbing the scents and spirit of Africa. We are all abundantly aware of how lucky we are.

I spent 2 days with James in the flat in Cape Town last week, being his chief study facilitator. He writes huge exams next week and needed to be fed and to have his fridge and cupboard filled, so that all his energy can go into studying.This GDA year is a tough one.Below is the view from the flat. Not a bad study environment.

Happily, my life runs from one high to the next. On Saturday, Ali and I fly out to England for Francesca Bashall's wedding. We've been looking forward to this since Easter last year. It is going to be a very special family occasion. Tim and James will join us next Friday, in time for Tim to don his morning suit and make a speech to toast the bride. What a thrill!