CT scans, oncologist visits, vitamin C drips, and the rigmarole around the Dendritic Cell Vaccines are a minor part of my happy existence, which fit in relatively easily. My sessions with Sarah, my counsellor have become a very positive part of my life and I look forward to them and enjoy the time with her enormously. I feel that the backbone she said I needed to get at our first session over two and a half years ago, is coming along well!
December brought two scary bumps. The first was a massive reaction to the vaccine, which unlike the previous round, lasted 4 whole days. I was really ill with high temperatures, huge body aches, headaches and bad flu like symptoms. This was a classic immune reaction, which while desirable in terms of the vaccine, was difficult to manage. I also had a sharp pain under my sternum, which was relieved by the anti acid drug Nexium. I recovered well and we went down to Cape Town for James' graduation.
On our return, the sharp pain started again and after a couple of scary nights, a gastroscope, some sonar scans and consultations with doctors, it became apparent that the tumor that had grown over the year was pressing on my oesophagus and causing gastric reflux. It is in a bad position. Tim was with me through all this drama. What a remarkable man.
But it was Christmas, and there were good things to do and luckily the Nexium has kept the symptoms at bay. So, knocked down, but back up again.
We had a perfect two weeks in Plett. The weather was amazing and we enjoyed being in a house with a lovely view and everything we needed.
Ali had some delightful medic friends to stay and Nic had Nomi with us for a few days. Nic was having physio daily for her sinus', which had been acutely and chronically infected for 5 months.
We did the 'great trek' across the beautiful Karoo home and Nic flew back to her London life. The next day I whipped down to CT to steady the board writing crew. James had 2 friends studying with him at the flat and my role was of cook and bottle washer and to be quiet in-between. They really worked hard. We did have one small break to take Michelle out to dinner for her 21st.
Within minutes of returning to Joburg, I had the call from Nicola to say she had seen her ENT in London and that the only way forward with the sinus', following 7 antibiotics and a CT scan, was surgery. So 4 days later, I was on the plane to London.
I was there for three weeks. I knew she needed me. I was delighted to find that I could enjoy my daughter's company so much under very trying circumstances. She has had a dreadful time. The operation became complicated and took double the time planned, she had bad pain, horrible reactions to pain killers, a trapped nerve and a second anaesthetic, significant fatigue and a long and jagged recovery period. We were so lucky to be supported by the family and good friends, which made it a lot easier to manage. The Bernsteins had me to stay the night of the operation, having popped into the hospital at 10pm, while we were struggling to get Nic's pain in control. I arrived to stay at 2pm. Is there any reason why there isn't a pediatric mothers' room when ones' child is 25?
Tess and Nic
The Bremners lent us their car to drive down to Katie's cottage in Suffolk. What an experience, driving in London.
The cottage was charming and the perfect, warm and beautiful place to be for recovery. Nic watched all 3 seasons of Downton Abbey. Big Nicola and Anna Bashall came to stay with us to cheer her along, bearing healthy food and good humor in quantities. Martin and Nicola drove down again the following Sunday and got us through a horrible day of bad health. Katie called from SA daily and made sure that oil for heating was delivered pronto and that the charming neighbors kept a good eye on us.
Nicola, Nic and Anna Bashall
Tim was in constant contact and shared the anxiety with me. He had a lot happening at work at the same time.
Nic, Grace O'Malley and Frankie Ross-Smith
Frankie met us at Holy Trinity Brompton, where we had the privilege of hearing Nicky Gumble preach.
Nic, me and Francesca
Francesca met us for lunch near her office. Lovely to see our bride so happily settled.
Snow on one of my walks .
Nick and Suzie both made time to meet us for cheering breaks.
I didn't have a moment of illness in all that time. Sarah says that caring for another can be healing and I know that to be true.
Nic is back on her feet now, thank goodness.
In the interim, Tim represented us at the ceremony where Ali and his friends took the Hippocratic oath. Second year, with the delights of Doris, the cadaver, and the huge anatomy and physiology textbooks is in full swing. He never seems to have a day off and is constantly surrounded by his med student friends. They are in and out for study sessions, which is lovely for us. The house buzzes with constructive activity and good humor.
James is now fully employed at UCT doing his first year of articles as an Academic Trainee. He is doing his masters in Finance and tutoring for the year. A wonderful situation altogether!
I need to gather the energy to do another round of the Dendritic Cell Vaccine in the full knowledge that I may have another huge reaction. It is difficult to plan for it as there is so much happening with The Link. There are 5 centres up and running now and a 6th one to open in April. I am teaching 3 mornings a week and loving every minute of it. There are also many good and interesting meetings in-between. There are about 250 volunteers working in Joburg now and we are reaching about 500 children a week. They are incredibly responsive and the results from last year are fabulous. This work is healing.
