Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Check out the Awaking Album from Jesus Culture

http://www.jesusculture.com/jcawakeninglive/


Also Check Out -

http://bethelmusic.com/

Treatment Starts

Today is the first treatment day of my 3rd Cycle. I was feeling so much more positive today. Thank the Lord! There where very people at the treatment rooms today, I think a lot of people are on Holiday.

And so guess what....cant sleep....so I'm catching up on my blogging...I think I'll take a sleeping tablet, to help me get through the night. The strange thing about the treatment is that the quarterzone keeps you awake, I guess its a good time to get things done, one seems to have more energy...

I found this amazing scripture about sleeping, Psalm 127;

EXCEPT THE Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil—for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.

This scripture is so amazing, if we can realize, that unless 'the Lord builds the house' we labour in vain. Does this not apply to our every day lives, in everything we do. Don't we find ourselves laboring and toiling, without Godly purpose, without the Lord, out of our own selfishness, pride and desire for the things of the world. We get ourselves into things where perhaps He didn't want us to be, mainly because we made the decision, or did things without considering what God wants us to do.

But then where the Lord builds the house! Wow! This is where we find fulfillment and purpose in Him. Without the Lord leading us, in His will for our lives, we labour in vain, rising up early, sitting in the traffic for an hour each way. To find ourselves in anxious toil. I think this is stress! The stress of meeting our financial commitments, the stress of living beyond our means, the stress of being kept captive in the world system.

So the challenge is to get ourselves to the place, where we experience the Lords leading in our lives, out of seeking and fellowshipping with Him. In this place, our yoke's are light, we hear his voice, we understand His will for our lives. He leads us step by step, with His Word being a light unto our feet. A light that can only show the next couple of steps. Being in His will, He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep. Its as if being in the Lords rest, He provides for us, we don't have to toil in our own strength.

Oh Lord, how so often we miss Your will for our lives. The pull of the world is so strong, we are distracted from You. Please revive our hearts, in fellowship and in your Word that we should kindle the flame that is within us. Walk the narrow road you have called us to.

2 Tim 1:6 - That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [ with those of the elders at your ordination].

Am I still a Virgin Active Member?

I started go to gym for the first time in three months. I wasn't sure if my gym card still worked? 

No problem, still a member. So, I started with some cycling for half and hour, then swam for another half an hour. I used my heart -rate monitor to make sure that I was not over-doing it. 

When I was in hospital for nearly three weeks, my muscles virtually disappeared, especially my quads. on the spinning bike, I could feel my legs working over time. The pool was great, more upper body. By wednesday I was really feeling much stronger, and attended my first spinning class. Was great!

Unfortunately I woke up on monday morning with a slight cold, that seem to get worse. So I've stopped, until I'm better.

I really want to be fit during my treatment, it will help with my sleep and also with treatment. I want to be super fit, by the time I go for a stem-cell replacement, which would be around Feb/March next year. Doc tells me that I will be booked off for 2 weeks for the harvesting, and another 2 for the replacement. I'll have to start wrapping my mind around that one. 

What does the Doc Say?

Today was our followup appointment with Dr. T. Based on my last blood test at the end of my 2nd cycle, she confirm that my kappa and lambda light chains where 12 and 6, these are in the normal range of 3-19.

My M-Spike (Protein) counts where basically zero, or what they call undetectable. So as I understand it, my levels are all normal, meaning remission. The doctor was very please with my progress, as I have reacted very well to the medication. She said there are people that don't react well and their levels remain the same.

.....So the doctor says to me 'see...this is not a death sentence'...

Yvette and I are so grateful for these results, and really want to thank the Lord for his faithfulness. He truly is amazing...we see his hand in every aspect of our lives.

I was due to start with my next cycle today, but this was delayed to start on Friday, just be fore Christmas. Guess what I'm doing Friday night?.....(not sleeping thats for sure...)

The Big 'One Nine'

Today is our wedding anniversary, 19 years! Next year is going to the big one! Will start planning some thing now already. Yvette has been so amazing, she has really supported me all the way! I don't know how I would have done it! Love You!

Holiday and Ten Days Off!

On the 8th December I had my last treatment, which marked the start of my 10 days off.

We where so glad to be able to spend a couple of days at Zebula, we really had some time to relax, although it rained over the week end, so we spent time in doors. I was able to go for some long walks, really being determined to get some exercise! I was feeling the built up effects of the treatment, my feet where swollen, and could feel a nervous feeling in my feet, which is one of the side effects. And of course, my sleeping patterns where 'out of whack'.

Zebula 72

The fresh smell of the bush and clean air was great, we some times don't realise how we get used to the rat race.

The most amazing thing, we had giraffes coming right up to our house, this being a first! Amazing!

Our friends, Marc and Viv joined us for a couple of days, it was great catching up. They where on route to Stellenbosch, their new home.

Charl, Chloe, Yvette, Dominique, Vivienne, Marc

Ice Cream!

The Big 44!

Yesterday was my 44th! Thanks to everyone who called and sent messages! I really value and appreciate your friendship! I look forward to length of days, that the Word promises.

Trip to Cape Town

Another mile-stone, my first trip to the Cape after the operation and treatments. Good to see everyone at Somerset Mall!

With travel time, I've started reading "Battle Field of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. Really amazing book, very appropriate for my walk at this stage. Our fight is spiritual, and the battle field is in the mind. I really can recommend this read!

His Word is Alive!

During the week, while waiting to attend a meeting, I was able to scan through my bible on my phone, going though Psalms, and then onto Proverbs. Then Proverbs 3! I was blown away how the Lord spoke so specifically to me, and was amazing and so encouraging that the Lord has me in mind, even though these words where written thousands of years ago.

"For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two- edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart" Heb 4:12

So I thought I would share what the Lord revealed to me, it may be of encouragement to some this read this entry. [Ps. I had treatment this morning, and so can't quite sleep yet.....] I enjoy the amplified bible, so most of scriptures are from this version.

Length of Days - The Lord promises us "length of days" and "old age" in his word. I want to stand on these promises for my life. So Proverbs 3:1-4 starts, My son, this talks about Him being our Father, the one who cares and loves us. Forget not my law and teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments. For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility (peace) [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these they shall add to you. Let not mercy and kindness and truth forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. And so you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

The Lord wants us to honor and obey his teachings and commandments, as our Father. Also not forsaking mercy, kindness and truth in our lives.


Trusting in the Lord - Proverbs talks about us trusting God [with all thy heart!!], and not leaning on our own understanding! How often do we want to understand things. I have found myself researching my diagnosis, in order to gauge my prognosis, and when I do this, I limit God. He is not able to perform the miraculous, if in my heart I limit Him by my own understanding. Trusting in Him, in everything! Wow!    My own understanding comes in the way of my faith in Him, but, when I lean on, and rely, and trust in "His understanding" or promises about me, it builds faith and trust in Him.

Acknowledge Him - "In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths". This scripture reminds me of Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every on who believes. In everything we do, we need to know Him, recognize Him and acknowledge Him

Health to your Bones - This is the scripture, that God revealed to me, regarding my circumstance. Amazing!!! "Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your [navel (kjv)] nerves and sinews, and marrow [and moistening] to your bones" Prov 3:7-8. 

What an amazing scripture, God cares about my bone marrow. [This is where this cancer occurs, in my blood and bone marrow]. Not being wise in my own understanding and the reverent fear and worship of the Lord, including the turning away from evil, shall be health to my marrow and my bones. Wow!

My Prayer - Thank you Lord that you care for me, that you loved me so much that you would through your Word, think of me. Lord you knew me before I was conceived in the womb, and you set out your plans for my life. You know me better than I know myself. And You left me a promise in your word, that I would stumble on, in my time of need. Thank you!

There is some much more in Prov 3, to be continued ...........

The Next Cycle (thats not Mountain biking ;-)

Today I started my 2nd cycle of treatment. We also saw Dr T, she had my results of the 1st Cycle, my m spike levels where down from 7 to 5, and kappa light chains down from 28 to 19.80, of which 19.40 would be normal. The Doc is very happy with my progress after such a short time Thanks to the Lord!

Last Radiation

So glad, today is my last radiation!

Radiation and the Cross

Today was my 5th radiation session. There is something about lying under this huge machine, that shoots particles through you. How can this be good for you?

So every time I go, lying there, I would call out to the Lord, some times I pray, other times I would sing 'show me your glory' (Jesus Culture). When the treatment starts the machine is above you, it then radiates from the top, and then moves under the table and radiates from my back under me. As the machine moved under me, I noticed a small wooden cross that has been placed on the ceiling of the room, right above me. It was as if, in that moment he reminded me of Him, that he was with me, that he did care, he sent his Son.

Oh the cross! That took all of our sin, once and for all! Through the cross, Christ conquered sin and death. The complete work of the cross! That we might have life in Him, our advocate, that pleads for us, before the Father night and day on our behalf.

Lying there seeing the cross above me, reminds me that he is with me, he will never forsake or leave me, even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he will never leave me or forsake me. Psalm 139 - He new me before I was formed in my mothers womb, He had already already written all the days of my life! How precious and weighty are Your thoughts to me! If I could count them. They would be more in number than the sand!

Thank you Lord for the Cross, Your grace is more than enough!

6 Weeks - Allowed to drive

Today it's been 6 weeks from my last operation. Doc has given me the all clear to drive! Went for a spin today, great to be mobile, although didn't drive very far. The last time I drove was 23rd September.

Radiation

Yesterday was the last day of chemical treatment, this being the end of my first cycle, three more to go! I started my first radiation today. Another reality check, as I now experience another aspect of this disease. Lying under this big machine, that accelerates particles though you, is quite a thing. You don't really feel anything, however the thought of this being done to you is daunting. The whole procedure is very quick.

Later in the week I was not feeling too good, very tired, a little nausea. And of course the hot weather we have been having is really bad. Especially if you're trying to recover. I fortunately only have to go for nine treatments...5 to go...

My First Treatment

Today was the day for the follow-up meeting with our Oncologist. Yvette and I had spent time reading, and had much more intelligent questions, this time around. The results of my blood test where also available, and M-spike level around 7, this should be 0. We discussed the treatment route, also stem cell replacement. Dr T, explained that this cancer is very treatable, where 10 years ago, there would be nothing they could do for you. So with Valcade and a stem cell transplant, there was a good chance going into remission, which could be for years! The study of the disease seems to be advancing all the time. So I would expect this to be like treating a chronic illness. Radiation would also need to start, however I needed my wounds to heal first. Being positive over the prognosis, I had my first treatment on the same day. I must say, when sitting there, I said to myself, "this is not happening to me" I never would have thought, I would be sitting there being treated, it was always going to be some one else!

The first treatment was generally painless, except it felt like cold ice being pumped into my veins, with this feeling then moving through and across my body. That evening I felt a bit shaky, the worst was that I could not sleep, I think it was the cortisone that kept me awake! 

Time to blog - not being able to sleep that night, I decided to start my own blog, so I spent most of the night going though it, setting it up etc.... 

Busy Day - Wow I feel it!

My assistant Joké came to see me today at home, to bring the post, accounts etc. It was good seeing her her again after a week. The girls at the office where running flat out on new and existing projects. I thank the Lord for his provision! Straight after the lady assisting with our house alterations arrived to discuss finishing options on the house. The builders also came to visit to discuss certain aspects of our house alteration. The progress on the house was good! I really was wrecked at the end of the day. It really took a lot out of me! Slept well that night!

Heat Wave

Being at home, we have an extremely hot day, its un-bearable in the bed room, here we take some time, and cool off our feet in the pool....

First visit to the Oncologist

Today we met with the Oncologist, and discussed all treatment options with her. We had a lot of questions around the treatment type, stem cell replacement and what this all means? The treatment of this type of cancer has advanced substantially over the last ten years.  Where ten years ago there was not much they could do for you, now there are new drugs and stem cell replacement, which is apparently very effective method of treatment.  We also understand multiple myeloma as being highly treatable. She explained a 4 month treatment regimen, and how stem cell replacement works. We hope and trust the Lord for a full recovery from this disease!

Girls from the Office come to Visit

Today was a Great Day, the Design C girls came to visit. They brought me nice goodies and get well balloon, and the coolest get well card!

I must say I was quite emotional seeing them again! They have been great, holding the fort while being off so so long! Thanks Girls!

Visit from Oz

Mom flew over from Australia to visit me in hospital, and at home. Thanks Mom, really appreciate it. Also for you having your anniversary away from home!

Time for Faith

I started journalling, and seeking Gods face. I made notes of my thoughts and feelings, also scriptures that the Lord started giving. I started reading His word and seeking out His promises. I thank the Lord for my home group that has supported me during this time, they prayed for me and anointed me with oil. I recall some of the prayers that we prayed that night. 


..in time I will look back and see how the Lord has been with me, and see his hand in my life;
..the Lord still wants to do so much more in my life, and still has a great purpose for me;
..my daughter prayed "that Gods holy waters would pour and wash over me;


I really also wanted to trust the Lord for the completed work of the cross, through what Jesus did for us, and that we can stand in complete redemption and healing at the foot of his cross. Jesus in dying for us on the cross, paid the ultimate price for our sins. The work of the cross was full and complete! Jesus broke the curse, and gained the victory over the evil one, and in this victory I stand.


Another scripture that really spoke to me while being in hospital, is Rom 8:38 For I am convinced that neitherdeath, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, ⁴²  nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


What an amazing scripture to read, It does not matter what, nothing can separate us from the love of God  in Christ Jesus our Lord! It does not matter what you are going through, whether good or bad, there is nothing in this universe or in the spiritual realm, that can separate us from Gods love. All I need to have is faith in Him!


Psalm 23 - Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.


I was also seeking the will of the Lord for my situation, and believe that "to Him be the Glory, Honor and Praise", and that I will look back and see how he guided me and lead me to the "Glory of His Kingdom, and the extension thereof". There is also a boldness that has come about in me, "for I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation"


"Surely you will never leave of forsake me!"

"Eph 3:19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to ⁴⁴  all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the Divine Presence and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God himself]. 

[3:20 to Him, by the power that is within us, is able to carry out his purpose and do super abundantly, for over and above all that we dare ask or think (intentionally beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes and dreams] - Amplified

Reality Sets In, also another Curve Ball

As I start my recovery at home, and then reality dawns, that we have not yet even started dealing with real cause of my illness. I have just merely had a operation to repair the damage that was done to my spine, now I have to get my mind around the reality of possible treatment and radiation.

At this stage, we are under the impression the disease was plasmacytoma, that only occurs in one place, and has not spread any where else.

While liaising with Doctors for a quick appointment with a Hematologist / Oncologist at Pretoria East Hospital, we get news of a bone marrow biopsy, that took 2 weeks to analyze  (which we had forgot about), showed indications of multiple myeloma. Although all reports that no other lesions where evident, it showed that there was activity.

I was quite shocked and emotional, as the disease was more progressed than what first indicated, albeit at the early stages.

Going Home!

I finally was allowed to go home, after being in hospital for close to 3 weeks, from start to finish!

Driving home in the car, I could feel every little bump in the road. It was great to be at home! Roxy really missed me! And now sleeps next to my bed every night. 

It was great to be home again, out of the hospital, in familiar surroundings. The first couple of nights where rough, getting used to the bed, getting up in the night. 

Catch Me - Lord Catch Me!

After being send from high care to a normal ward, I had to go for x-rays. I was pushed down to the x-ray room in my bed. I was asked if possible to stand for the x-rays. Being confident that I was able, I stood for the first x-ray. When it was time for the next one, I told the sister that I was feeling faint. She said she we do it quickly. While standing there, I started shouting, "I'm going to faint!". She was still around the corner when I blanked out.
When I started coming too,  I realized that she had caught me just in time, and was busy slowly putting me down on the ground. They then need 6 people and a stretcher to pick me up again...I really thank the Lord for protecting me on that day!

The next round!

The excitement of making it back to the general ward was short lived when I had to start preparing for the next round. The doctors operated from the back, leaving a new fresh cut down the middle of my back. The operation took around 3 hours and was successful. After the operation I was admitted to high care, and felt a lot better than the first operation. Although, this was sore! It was a back operation pain was uncomfortable. This would be the pain I would struggle with for the next couple of weeks.

While is high care, I was able to watch the rugby, and watch the Bokke loose against  Oz! High care had a nice view, so I could see outside and at least see what the weather was doing. Once again, I had so many visitors, really appreciate it!

From high care back general ward, and slowly I could start being unplugged from the matrix, great feeling, being wireless!

The next challenge was to start walking, it seemed harder this time. I could only stand for a couple of minutes and then sit down, then walk around the bed, double pain, double wounds, and very weak....not nice. Eventually I was able to walk around the ward, and also up and down stairs. the quicker I get this right, the quicker I can go home!

I made it!

So I finally made it from ICU to High Care to a General Ward! I'm starting to feel like normal, less pipes and drains! The one thing about being in High Care and ICU are the amount connections. I felt like I was connected to the matrix! 3 drips, two drains, catheter, ekg connections, etc....One can't move!

The other thing was getting back onto your feet, the physio visited me every day, got my lungs back to normal, help me stand, then small steps to start walking, until I could walk the full ward. This would be short lived as the next operation was just around the corner.

Die Man van Staal!

So what does it look like?

Thanks for the Visits!

I really was amazed by all the visitors that came to see me in ICU and High Care. You guys are amazing!
Some days I was totally out of it, but you where there, I really appreciate it! Yvette was there faithfully during every visiting hour, Thanks, I love You!!

Living on a Prayer!

When I was in ICU, I was not able to listen to my iPod, I really missed listening to worship music.
I started thinking about songs that I new, and the Bon Jovi song, "Living on a Prayer" came to me, it was like a revelation. Here I was in ICU, half way there! I was living on a prayer, the prayers of all my family and friends!

There was another song by Lady Antebellum, called "Hello World", about a man whose life is in ruins, he sees a beautiful little girl in car next to him, in the traffic, and waves and smiles at her. Further down the road this car is in an accident, and he sees the little girl lying there, apparently dead. One can see the expression on his face, and how sad he was. Fortunately she is saved, and this mans life clearly is changed by what happens. In the same way, my life has been changed by what has happened, what will I do differently? How will I change my life, for his Glory, this is the road that I seek and pray the Lord will reveal to me.

The First Operation - ICU

My first operation was scheduled for the 30th October. The operation was to remove the inner portion of the T/12 vertebrae and fuse my spine. Little did Yvette I and know on how huge this operation would be! The operation lasted around 6 hours, I lost around 4l of blood. When I starting coming out of anesthetic in ICU, the pain was incredible! I was also freezing cold, and shacking madly. Yvette says all I said was my rib is sore and I'm cold. I also remember being extremely thirsty, my tongue felt dry and wrinkled.

ICU is really not a nice place to be, there where no windows, so you could not see outside. I just watched the clock on the wall, for those 4 days. I was determined to get out of ICU as soon as possible. I also felt I could not pray, or I felt it hard to do so, perhaps this was this the medication. I asked Yvette to please hold me up in prayer. Little did I know that there where armies of people that where praying for me! Thanks you Lord!

In this time I was determined to get off the morphine as soon as possible. They give you a little button to press for self medication. Although I guess it takes the pain away, one feels drugged. I found that I would want to sleep, but my senses where so active, that the slightest noise, or movement or what ever would wake me up. Sometimes I would "skrik wakker" (good afrikaans expression).

I made every effort to eat well, drink water, reduce my dependance on medicine just to get out of there. I was also very uncomfortable, as I had 2 drain pipes that come out of my ribs, which I felt like I was lying on them, sore! Soon I was going to make it to High Care...

The Body of Christ

It was amazing to see how how the Body of Christ was engaged! Prayer support started pouring in, prayer chains where formed, cell groups prayed, individuals prayed. So much prayer need, so much pray offered.

Prayer that was felt, Thanks so Much. Also the support offered in this time was amazing, from help with lifts for the children to food in the evenings, Thanks so Much!

Yvette and I really, felt the the Body of Christ was stirred into action, and as a body would, just started functioning as such. If one of its members is hurting, it will send re-enforcements for healing and assistance.

The Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

The curve ball! How did this happen? I'm so young (43), have so much more of life to live, so much more to give! Another 40 years + of life to go, had just grind to a halt! What now? I was faced with my own mortality. 

I found myself constantly listening to worship music on my iPod, seeking the Lords face, crying out to Him. I think the people in hospital though I had lost it, but I really need to connect with the Lord. His Word my comfort, my sure help in time of need. Scriptures that came to me, with new meaning! 

Music that really touched me, and kept me going was Jesus Culture, pure worship, keeping my mind focused. I felt that I didn't want any other external influences, I just wanted to connect with my Lord. I could not bear the thought of switching on the tv, it just felt like a waist of time, being distracted by the "things of world".

The strange thing was the peace I experienced, total peace, I knew no matter what happened, He was with me. The two concepts that came to me was "to Gods Glory" and "the extension of "His kingdom", I stood in anticipation that no matter what, God will get the Glory, and through the path I must walk, that His kingdom would be extended.

And through it all, there was a pillar of strength right next to me, Yvette. She stood by me, comforted me, held my hand, cried with me. I thank the Lord for her. 

Friday was the day!

Friday at the office, I get a call from Yvette letting me know that I had been booked into hospital.
She had taken my x-rays to our local GP for comment, with an appointment she had for Chloe. When the GP saw the x-rays, she immediately called the Radiologist, who confirmed the severity of the situation. As stability in my spine was critical.

I immediately left the office and came home, packed my overnight bags, and was admitted to Unitas Hospital. For the next 4 days, I underwent various tests, including blood tests, mri, c-t scans, etc. The doctors also then confirmed the treatment options. The stability of the spine was the most crucial aspect, as it could collapse and damage the spinal chord.

The doctors confirmed, at that point in time that it was a plasmacytoma blood cancer which attacks bone, and had only occurred in one place. There was no other evidence of any other lesions. The treatment course was confirmed to remove the vertebrae and fuse my back. The operation was schedule for the following Friday. The doctors also confirmed that I would need radiation and possible therapy. But first the operation.

Somethings Wrong?

So, I'm off to Unitas Hospital for x-rays and soft tissue scans. Afterwards waiting for the reports in the waiting rooms, the doctor comes to me with the reports and x-rays with a worried look on his face. I was oblivious anything serious.
The doctor, not being very clear what the problem was, suggested that I urgently see a Orthopedic Surgeon, so I immediately went upstairs to book an appointment, and could only get a appointment for the following Tuesday. The report received from the Radiologist spoke of legions on my T12 vertebrae. At the time I had no idea what this was?

Think it was time to see a Physio Therapist!

My lower back pain didn't get any better, Yvette wanted me to see our doctor, but I thought rather to go and see a Physio Therapist. 

Ritali worked on my back for couple of sessions, and I generally felt better. I had one more session planned on a specific Monday, and I must say, I was feeling much better. In this session pressed on a specific spot against a vertebrae, which was really sore. She worked on this area extensively, and by that afternoon, I was in major pain again. She recommended that I go for X-rays, and that is when my story really begins!

Now my back is really Sore!!

After many years of deliberation, September 2011, Yvette and I finally decide it is time start with alternations to our house. We also decided that if we are going to start a project of this nature, we should make all the changes we need to...and get finished! So moving out of the house was the only option for us. Being in our house for more than 10 years, this became a massive task! We rented a house down the road, and planned our move.

At the time I was recovering from mild flu, and had stopped all my gym and cycling at the time, really trying to recuperate. Although, the pain in my lower back was getting worse, and more pronounced, as I was not exercising at the time.

The move consisting of caring furniture, moving boxes, and everything else. Even though we had movers, I still ended up straining my back. During the move I used one of gym "kidney belts" to hold my back in place, as it was becoming excruciating.

Alterations to our house - September 2011

So, How did it all Start? First Symptoms, Sani2c

Well, thinking back on when I got the first symptoms... It was earlier in the year, in fact, on our December 2010 holiday. We really had a fabulous holiday in Mauritius and December.

Charl, Dominique, Chloe & Yvette

Lying on the beach, the water skiing really looked great, it reminded me of my youth. My Dad had a ski boat, and as young boys we enjoyed water skiing. So after close to 25 years, I thought I would go for it and see if I still water ski? And guess what it was like "riding a bicycle" you never forget. So I first tried with two ski's, no problems. Then I tried a slalom ski. this was much harder, I really battled to get up, and once up, the impact on back was very sore. "Enough of that, I thought, perhaps I should rather stick to cycling" (my favorite sport).

Water Skiing - December 2011

Back on the beach I said to Yvette, "my back really hurts, feels like a pain in my lower back and or perhaps kidneys". The rest of the holiday was amazing, something that we would never forget. (writing this entry months after the time, I realize how important it is to spend quality time with the ones you love. Our lives are so short, we need to live for the day, make the best of every moment, the Word of God talks of our lives being like the fleeting withering of grass, or the fading away of a flower in the field).

So, January 2011 starts with my rigorous training program for the Sani2C Multi Stage Mountain Bike Race. One of the most amazing staged events in the country, over 3 days, and 240km. The race starts in the Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg and ends in Scottburgh on the Natal South Coast. (see www.sani2c.co.za) The race event was in May 2011, so we had over 4 months of training, which consisted of 8-12 hours of cycling a week. Early mornings, really exhilarating, hard work, and very rewarding.  I guess you're wondering why I'm telling you all of this, well, lower back pain and cycling seem to go hand in hand. Especially in mountain biking, one is generally sore in your lower back, due to the time in the saddle, and also the terrain that we train on. The routes are generally, strenuous, rocky and hard. Cycling also shortens your hamstrings, and so if your stretching regimen is slack, as mine generally is, then you generally have a lower sore back. And so, I guess the underlying symptoms of my diagnosis, was largely suppressed by my cycling activities.

So completing my third Sani2c was great! Adriaan, my partner and I did relatively well, and we where happy with our result. I experienced minor lower back pain by nothing serious. (as I write this entry, still in my current condition, I'm determined to ride the race again, Lord willing, perhaps not this year, but the next)

Sani2c - May 2011

My First Post

I always wanted to start a blog, but never new what to blog about, well things have changed! There so much to blog about. The intention of my blog is not a technical one, but my life experience and the "narrow road" that I'm on. I would like to be an encouragement to all other's who may one day have to walk the same road. I also want to thank my family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the Lord for all their prayers and support over the last couple of weeks.

So, in starting this blog, I have already been through so much, and now being 5 weeks after my first operation, but have to rewind all the events to get the sequence right.

So thanks for everyones support and encouragement!