One Year Down the Line....

Its hard to believe that its just over a year since I was diagnosed. I also feel a little guilty not updating my blog recently, but perhaps thats a good thing, as I get back into the swings of normal life. So much has happened in one year, which seems to have gone so quickly, although being such a difficult time. 

To sum up, diagnosed with cancer, going for a back operation where my T12 vertebrae was removed, and my back fused. 6 Weeks to recover, starting with chemo therapy, stem cell transplant, moving out of our house with a major refurbishment to our house (all at the same time)! Also still keeping my business running.....

There is no way that I would have made this without the support of my family and friends, but most of all, my Lord, Jesus Christ! 

It has been close to 8 months since my stem cell transplant, and and am glad to say that there is not sign of residual disease. The Lord is Good! I now go for blood tests and see the doctor every 2nd month, and still receive zometa, a bone strengthening product every month. I'm also back at the office, back in gym, and slowly have started getting back on my bike. I have entered the Sani2C for next year! I really look forward to it! I have an appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon this week, to get the all clear. 

In everything God is faithful. There are so many scriptures that the Lord has spoken to me in.

One of the scriptures that keep me going is Rom 8:35

 

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  

Birthday

Chloe turned 14 yesterday!

Bro's Birthday

We had a great day celebrating Marc's Birthday, great having him in South Africa! I think this is the first birthday we have been together in 13 years!

My Girl

Last weekend Dominique road in the Gauteng finals, I'm very proud of her!

David's Blog

Please pray for David, he is currently having a Stem Cell Transplant, also check out his blog.

http://davidcbsgoliath.wordpress.com

Its Snowing

It started snowing briefly yesterday, the last time it snowed in Pretoria was 1986, I was in grade 8. 

Gunther Holtorf's 23-year road trip

Very tempting!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-1891056

MM Update

FDA Approves Kyprolis (Carfilzomib) For Relapsed And Refractory Multiple Myeloma 
(From the Myeloma Beacon and the MMRF)

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved carfilzomib, which will be marketed under the brand name Kyprolis, for the treatment of people with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies. Specifically, Kyprolis has been approved for myeloma patients who have already been treated with at least Velcade (bortezomib) and either Revlimid (lena­lido­mide) or thalido­mide (Thalomid) and who have also progressed on or within 60 days of completing their last therapy.

“I am very pleased,” said Dr. Vincent Rajkumar from the Mayo Clinic. “Carfilzomib is an excellent new drug, and this is great news for myeloma patients.” Onyx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ONXX), which is the company that will market Kyprolis, announced during a conference call with analysts this afternoon that the drug will be available on the U.S. market August 1.

Also during its conference call today, Onyx announced the price of Kyprolis. The drug will cost $10,000 per 28-day cycle at the recommended dose for a patient of average size.At that price and based on FDA-approved dosing schedules, Kyprolis will be the most expensive drug approved in the U.S. for multiple myeloma. In comparison, Velcade costs between $4,000 to $8,000 per 28-day period, depending on the frequency of dosing, and Revlimid costs $7,900 per 28-day period at the FDA-approved 21-out-of-28-day dosing.

“The approval of Kyprolis is an immensely important milestone for the multiple myeloma patient community, which continues to face significant unmet need in terms of safe and effective treatments for advanced disease. While we have seen tremendous progress in the past decade, multiple myeloma remains incurable,” stated Kathy Giusti, Founder and CEO of the MMRF and MMRC and a multiple myeloma patient. “We commend the FDA and Onyx for their dedication to enabling patient access to Kyprolis..."

General Update

Its been awhile since I have wrote, I thought perhaps a good time to give everyone an update. I really much better. I was at Dr T, last week, and my blood tests are all good. No sign of myeloma, which is fantastic! My platelets are still on the low side, but guess will come up in time! At the moment the only treatment I receive is Zometa once a month, this for bone repair and strengthening.

I cycled last week-end for the first time is a year. I did 20km on Saturday and 20km in Sunday. Really amazing to be out in the bush, enjoying the fresh air. I have also been spinning this week, quite light, but doing well.

Overall thank the Lord for his grace over my life, without Him, I am nothing. I spend time thinking about living life differently than before. I also realize how short I fall from the things that God a taught and shown me. I thank Him for his blessing and provision in in my life, I also thank Him for my wife and family, and the blessing that they are!

We are settling well at home, still have to un-pack un opened boxes, and sort out places like the garage, but getting there!

House Before (in Summer)

House afterwards - here is a pic of the house afterwards, totally new look an feel!

House Afterwards (in Winter)

Petra Classic World Tour

For all the Petra fans out there, I discovered that Petra got together to release a new concert dvd, doing all the old songs. I ordered the dvd from the US, and finally arrived, really amazing to watch, brings back so many memories of my early christian life as a teenager. Check out http://classicpetra.com/ for more info. I really recommend it. One of the songs that they played is "Grave Robber", this just a reminder that Christ has the victory, and through Christ, death has not sting. Here are the words of this song:

There's a step that we all take alone
An appointment we have with the great unknown
Like a vapor this life is just waiting to pass
Like the flowers that fade, like the withering grass

But life seems so long and death so complete
And the grave an impossible potion to cheat
But there's One who has been there and still lives to tell
There is One who has been through both heaven and hell

And the grave will come up empty-handed that day
Jesus will come and steal us away

Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite?
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize?
When the grave robber comes and death finally dies

Many still mourn, many still weep
For those that they love who have fallen asleep
But we have this hope though our hearts may still ache
Just one shout from above and they all will awake

And in the reunion of joy we will see
Death will be swallowed in sweet victory

Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite?
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize?
When the grave robber comes and death finally dies

When the last enemy is done, from the dust will come a song
Those asleep will be awakened, not a one will be forsakened
He shall wipe away our tears, He will steal away our fears
There will be no sad tomorrow, there will be no pain and sorrow

Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite?
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize?
When the grave robber comes and death finally

Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite?
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize?
When the grave robber comes and death finally dies
Finally dies

Fantastic News!

We have just seen Dr T, my bone marrow test show no residual disease. In other words stem cell treatment has been successful. MRI shows no further lesions. I have to go for blood tests every month to monitor.

Praise the Lord! For he is gracious and compassionate!

What a Week! Also a Full Circle....

Its been some time since my last confession :-) Just joking! This week has really been one to remember.

We have come full circle, in many aspects. Last weekend what the start of the "groot trek", we started packing, luckily we got more boxes from Stefan, this time we made sure that everything was packed. We did not want to drive bits and pieces ourselves. Going through this exercise, one realizes how much stuff we have. We are more intent than ever to donate things we are not using. This in itself is a massive exercise.

We physically started moving on Monday morning, and by around 3pm most of the things had been moved. Now we still have the task of cleaning and handover the rental house and also unpacking our things. What has made it most difficult is that we have had contractors in and out of the house finishing off things, while we are trying to sort ourselves out. We could not wait to try out our new fire place.

Chloe took this picture from the stair landing. We are so blessed to be back at home, except everything is new and different. Yvette did a fantastic job on the interiors, and I must say it has turned out to be great! (I will be taking some pics...so watch this space). In many ways this has been a full circle for us as a family. When I left the house I was heathy, and now returning to the house healthy. All my operations and treatments happened during the time we where out of the house. I really trust the Lord for my healing, and I believe this is symbolic of my new start.

As a family we are so blessed that the Lord has been with us this whole time. That He cares and loves us. We also so privileged and blessed to be able to stay in a nice house, and ever more than ever want to be blessings to others around us.

This week also marks the 3 months after my stem cell transplant. At the moment my head looks like a dirty tennis ball. I'm not sure if I should keep my hair short, or let it grow long? I guess I'm too old for the long hair thing. So this also means that I have to go for my checkup's, as I will be seeing Dr T, next week Friday.

Today was MRI day. I went for 4 MRI's, Full Body, Thoracic, Lumbar and Femur. We started about 8:15am and finished around 11am. The longest one was about an hour. I must say I was Ok for most of it, except towards the end, I became claustrophobic, I became hot and sweaty, and started hyperventilating. I rung the bell and the radiologist took the blanket off me, and told me I had another minute to go. Hectic!

I have briefly read the report, its very technical, so not too sure what to make of it, there does not seem to be any other lesions, which is a good thing. I'm sure that I will understand more when I see the doctor.

Its amazing how the Lord reveals himself to us. When I was lying in the MRI tunnel, there was some masking tape stuck in the tunnel, in the shape of a cross. This reminded me when I was receiving radiation, and they had a small wooden cross stuck to the roof (See my blog on this last year). Lying in the MRI tunnel, I was reminded of the Cross of Christ, and the full work that He completed on that Cross. In the His full work I place my trust, through His Grace and Lovingkindness.

Tomorrow is another big day, I have to go for a Bone Marrow autopsy, not nice. I pray the Lord will go before me, and prepare my way.

So for now its unpacking and sorting out things at home. Cant wait for the weekend, and church on Sunday.

Update

So, it's been quite sometime since that I have updated my blog. No real excuse, except been very busy over the last three weeks.

First things first, I'm really feeling good, such a blessing not having symptoms keeping me down. I had a check up appointment with Dr T, and all my levels are normal, platelets are still on the low side, but this will come up slowly. The next step is all my scheduled tests coming up in in June. The doc wants a full body MRI and bone marrow tests. Ahh, I don't like the bone marrow test, it really hurts. The MRI is also a challenge, lying in the tunnel while the are doing it. All these tests are to determine the success of the treatment and stem cell transplant. I really trust the Lord for a good report. For He is able to do so.

I also have to start with Zometa treatment, which really strengthens your bones, this once a month. I will be going for the first of this treatment on Tuesday. I'm really not in the mood for more needles.

Yvette and I have been running flat out on trying to get our house finished before the end of this month. We have been on site every to make sure that things happen as planned. This has been an enormous task, so much detail, and things to sort out, kitchens, cubboards vanities, lighting, flooring, etc... The list goes on and on. We are planning to move in on the 31st May, so we really pray that everything falls into place. We are very excited, and look forward to a clean start, I guess on many levels, physically and spiritually. It has been as if every thing that has happen to us over the last 9 months, is now over and we can look forward to a clean start.

With everything that has been happening, we have missed contact with our regular friends, so we look forward to kick staring our social lives, in the new house. Yvette can wait to try out her new kitchen, and me the fire place.

Dominique and Chloe have also been flat out, Dominique has been involved in her Joseph school play, which has meant her going to many long rehearsals, some to 9 pm at night. Dominique is also taking an extra subject, Design, which is after school, so Yvette some times went to school 4 times a day to keep up with d&c's activities. Dominique is also going on a Grade 10 camp next week, and won't be here for the move, Also Chloe will be away. Hey it seems like we are moving on our own, this happened last time.

Chloe has also been very busy with her singing, she was in the NEA national finals, and also has entered into the BEELD competition. So between singing, school, violin and hockey, she is pretty much flat out.

Things at the office are well, the girls are doing a great job! I expect that I will be spending more time in the office once we have moved house.

I was also in the Cape the last couple of days, great seeing the Somerset Mall team again, also doing a great job. We pray for Mandy who had a lung operation, that she would recover well!

I also realise that there are so many other people that are going through tough times, we should really pray for them, and hold them in prayer.

I also pray for Phil who had a brain tumour removed, and pray for his speedy recovey.

I really appreciate all the support over this time, also the continued support. Blessings!

Stronger | Seattle Childrens Hospital

Check out this amazing Video (click on link)

Great Weekend!

Had a great weekend, nice to be out in the sunshine enjoying nature!

Didn't Know I could still play Tennis

First Cycle!

Great Picnic

Sani2C Watch Out! See you next year!

Kaal Kop! Lekker Picnic!

Bush Veld

Well, last week was hectic, as many of you know, we are trying to finish off the construction on our house. We where meant to move in at the end of this month, low and behold....
Well the pressure is on, and so it seems like everything happened at once! Balustrades, tiling, electrical, cupboards, cleaning, etc. I'm glad it's all coming together!

Was great to see Et, whocomae to visit on wednesday night. E'Gon and I had a great Jam session.

On thursday, amongst other things, I had an appointment with Dr T, my blood levels are looking good, with my platelets coming up from 30 to 50. I must say I can feel the difference .

We came through to Zebula for the long weekend, great to be in the bush again, would be nice if we could spend the whole year here! I guess hopeful wishes. Been able to start reading again, I must say all this time, I haven't really been able to read much, mostly emails, work stuff and the web. Started reading, or let's put is this way, continuing to read relentless by John Bevere, "the power you need to never give up". Really amazing book, I really must dig in and get it read. I started reading it before I was diagnosed, some how the Lord knew what I was going about to go through. One of the chapters relates to the life of Daniel, and how he shone out in the babylonian kingdom, and how we through Gods grace can also be extraordinary! One thing I realise is that the Lord has a purpose and plan for my life, for He gives and takes away.

Zebula has been great, the bush veld is wonderful, Chloe and I have played tennis, cycled, and even hit golf balls on the driving range. I'm try to take it slow, don't want to hurt my back. I have also realises how unfit I have become, Chloe cycled away from me today. This treatment really is hard on your system! My leg muscles and feet get very so

re and ache, I guess a combination of building up my leg strength and side effect of the treatment.

I'm still 'kaalkop' can't wait for my hair to start growing, else it's going to be a cold winter.

I really want to thank all have prayed for me and continue to pray for me, also those who have supported me over this time!

Check Up

I had my follow up appointment with Dr T, blood tests as usual (dont think I'll ever get used to it). Good news is that my white Blood cells are all in the normal range, as usual my palettes are low. These take the longest to recover! Other good news is that I can gain more access to public places, although, still must be careful. So, all in all I'm getting there. Must see the doc in a weeks time. After 3 months, they will do all the usual tests to see how how effective the treatment has been. I trust the Lord for full healing!

Two of my friends are going through treatment at the moment, please pray for David Crew Brown, who is going through heavy treatment at the moment, and Johan Klienschmit, who is in the middle of a stem cell transplant. Thanks!

More Blood Tests

Went for more blood tests today, I'm glad to say that may levels, even though slightly lower than normal, is starting to look a lot better. My white blood count and neutrophils are just below normal, which is good. My platelets are still low, although it seems that I don't need further infusion, unless the doctors decide other wise. So all in all, getting there! Slowly Slowly!

Lekker Braai!

Its been a long time since we had a 'braai', must say it was good! Cant wait to have friends over, its getting pretty lonely, one of these days....

Angus Buchan's Ordinary People Official Movie

The new movie "Ordinary People" has been released, I really can't wait to go and see it. Having been to three Mighty Men conferences, I know the impact that it has made on my life. When I saw the trailer, it brought back memories of these events, and all the emotion that came with it! The Lord really did some thing in my heart! It amazing that the simple truths of the gospel, can change our lives forever! I was also so privileged to attend last years conference with my Dad, what a blessing. I missed this years one, but really look forward to next year...

See the Trailer, Click on this link, or click trailer below....

The Road to Recovery!

On Wednesday, saw the doctor, my blood levels where much better, although palettes still low. Had to go for an platelet infusion on Thursday. I must say I'm starting to feel a lot better. Took the dogs for a walk on the golf course today, felt good to be out in the fresh air. Also spent time at the new house, it's really starting to look good! Can wait to move back home.

At this stage I'm still staying clear of public places, to avoid getting sick. I really miss going to church, especaiilly over Easter weekend. Can wait to get back to normal, although I think normal has been redefined.

I watched the Cape Epic last week, and must say, really look forward in getting on my mountain bike. Spinning will also be good. The 94.7 is later this year perhaps thats some thing to aim for, I'll see.

Another thing, I can't wait for my hair to satrt growing, although I see some fluff on my head.

I was reading Jude, which ends off with this scripture. It's always quoted, but some times we should stop and understand what it says and means....especially over this time of the year when we celebrate our Saviours death and resurrection.

Jude 1:24-25
Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight] —
25 To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).

How is it that he is able to keep us from stumbling or slipping, and present us with out blemish? This can only be by the complete work of the cross, Jesus died for our sins, and through his blood has cleansed us, whiter than snow, and though his blood He will present us, as our advocate to the Father, blameless. He is the Passover lamb, that caused the angel of death to pass over the children of Israel in Egypt. To Him be the glory and honour, power and majesty, forever and ever! Amen!

Captains Log - Star Fleet - 20120403 ;-)

As you can tell, I'm starting to feel better...

Still not out of the woods but much better. Last Friday, I had to go to hospital for a platelet infusion, they also gave me an injection to stimulate my white blood cells. I must say that I was pretty flat over the week end, not really being able to do much!

My blood test on Monday showed my white blood cells jumping from 2 to 14 (Normal Range 4-10), however my patlets are still low around 21 (should be 300+). I'm seeing the doc tomorrow, for another checkup. I must say, I'm not sure I can take any more iv's, my arm veins are wrecked! 

On Sunday I went for a walk on the golf course, it was so nice getting out, enjoying nature and the fresh air! 

Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it! 

A little Low

Went for a blood test and saw the doc today. My white blood cells have come up, although my platelets are low and have come down. I have go a platelet infusion tomorrow. Haven't really felt good today, I suppose there will be ups and downs. Over all I'm getting there, I think it's going to take time.

Getting There!

Great to be home, I must say each day I feel a little better, I guess it's a slow process to recovery. I can't believe how the Chemo effects your body, and how long it takes to work out of my system. It seems my hair has stopped growing, not sure how long it will take before it starts up again. Slowly but surely...

I see the doctor tomorrow, will also get an update on my blood levels....

Home Sweet Home!

I'm finally home, no longer stuck in a air conditioned room. Nice to breath the fresh air! Being stuck in a single room for 3 weeks has really affected my strength, getting up and down the stairs is like going to gym. I'm sure I will regain my strength quite quickly, although I can still feel the effects of the treatment on my body. I guess it will take time, at least I'm on the road to recovery!

I wanted to thank you guys for all the support, the sms's, whtazapp's, emails, calls, skype's and visits! It really got me though what could have been a very depressing three weeks. Thanks for your encouragement and prayers...I really appreciate it!


Rom 8-38 - For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A visit from the Girls

Homeward Bound

Today my drip came out, hipee!! The doctor has said that I can go home tomorrow, very good news! I have been given a diet to follow, as I can't eat all foods yet. I'll also have to hang low for the following month, at the risk of being exposed to infection, as by resistance levels will still be very low. Can't believe its been 3 weeks!

Still Here

My blood counts are still coming up slowly, I received more platelets last night, feeling a lot better today. Doctors will be coming past for their ward visit, and so will hear what the latest results are? Not sure when I'll go home, but I guess it will be soon.

In the mean time "busy, busy....so much to do...." ;-)

Slowly but surely

Late yesterday I received platelets to help my blood count, my levels are marginally up today, so thats good. The doctors expect these levels to increase day by day. It's bit of a waiting game....Hopefully I will be able to go home later this week.

Thanks for all the prayer and support, really appreciate it! Blessings...

2 weeks and counting

Today I have been in hospital for 2 weeks, it's gone quick, but on the other hand also feels like a life time. My blood levels are closely monitored, with my levels still decreasing. In transplant terms of days is on day 9, the doctors expect to see an increase in levels from day 11-14. So it looks like I'm here for a couple of more days, I pray my levels miraculously jump to the right levels. Thanks for your prayers and support....

Aye Aye its Friday

Well Friday has finally come, this week has really been bit of a blur....I'm feeling better, progressively every day..so I'm getting there. All is good, thanks for you prayer and support, I hope I'm set free next week some time..will have to see how my blood counts are doing (still too early to comment on these it seems)
Today is a raining cold day in Pretoria, I'm busy looking out onto misty golf course...nice day for tea and scones...

Back on Track

Just an update on my progress..yesterday was a bad day for me, but can really testify how your prayers pulled me through. Feeling better today, hope to have a good nights rest. The Lord is Good! Thanks for all the support.

See you Through the Window

The Lord is Gracious, Compassionate and full of Mercy!

The Lord pressed on my heart, that song we used to sing, the "Lord is Gracious and Compassionate and Slow to Anger and and Rich in Love". As far the east is from the west, that's how far He has removed our transgressions from us!

There are some amazing scriptures:

Isaiah 30:18

 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving- kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving- kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
14 For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy and loving- kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children—

Psalm 145

8.The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving- kindness. 9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created]. 10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your loving ones shall bless You [affectionately and gratefully shall Your saints confess and praise You]!

11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,

12 To make known to the sons of men God’s mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait for You [looking, watching, and expecting] and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.

17 The Lord is [rigidly] righteous in all His ways and gracious and merciful in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them. 20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him, but all the wicked will He destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless (affectionately and gratefully praise) His holy name forever and ever.

Video - Lord is Gracious and Compassionate....(click) 

Keeping in Contact

I can't receive visitors under 16, so Chloé and I have been Skyping each other.

 

Also Chloé send Love from a friends birthday party.

The Transplant - The Big Day

Well yesterday was the big day! I had my stem cell transplant. Using my own stem cells, harvested 2 weeks ago. All went very well. They sedated me for the procedure, so I was kind of awake during the procedure, but after awhile I crashed! Slept the whole afternoon. Also had a good nights sleep.

The stem cells where administered by an IV, they had to get them transplanted in a certain time, there where two bags that they have to administer. Most amazing how you can see the small cells in the pipe of the drip line. Towards the end it was difficult to get the last bit in, as some of the fluid was quite thick.

So now the count down begins, yesterday being day 0, they now expect the stems cells to grow and take within the next 10-14 days. The effects of the chemo, also takes a couple of days to kick in. I really pray the Lord will get me through the next stage.

Being in one room all the time is challenging, I try and get into a routine. So up with a wash, make my bed, cleanup a little, do some breathing exercises, do some stretches and weights for my arms, try and get my heart rate up a little. Oh... the other thing I have put on 5 kg, I think mostly water, I'm constantly on a drip, up to know I was getting 2l a day, which adds up. I see the drip rate has been reduced, so hopefully this will come down. My hair is still falling out, I think we will be saving it today. Not sure when it will start growing again. It think I'll have to get a nice "beanie".

Thanks for all the prayers and support, I really believe that I have already been healed, and this is really a formality. Through Christ and the cross we have full access to the Completed Work of Christ, which includes salvation, healing and all the blessings and inheritances He has for us! Shalom!

Ready for Action, before the Transplant

Yvette, always there to support me!

And so it begins

There you can see the stem cell bag that gets re-infused

"Uit soos n' Kers"

Dr T, supporting and checking up on me

Precious clean stem cells

Assisting nurse helping getting the cells into the drip

The Big Day!

Well today I get my stem cell transplant, they are planning it for 2pm today, apparently I will have to take oxygen for the procedure. I pray that I won't have any side effects. They apparently preserve the stem cells in a chemical that smells like garlic, so I don't think that will be nice...

The doctors say that once I have received my stem cells, I have to be in hospital for 14 days. The effects of chemo kick in on day 5, apparently one feels very tired, etc.

Blessings!

So it Starts...

My new room is much better the previous one, I have a view over the golf course. And for the first time saw a "midget", playing golf. The room is comfortable, I had been spending my time with emails etc. There is always some action, nurses, cleaning staff, etc. coming in and our of the room. I have got used to the drip in my arm, it was quite uncomfortable, but is much better.
The nurses need to take my vitals every 2 hours, through the night this is quite disturbing, so you don't really sleep through. I guess its like having a baby, although not half as demanding.

In the mornings I try to get into a routine, getup, get cleaned up, dress, then go to the office (check emails etc.) Then I try and do some exercises, there are some small weights int the room, try and do as much as I can, jog on the spot, etc...try get my heart rate up a little.

The last remnants of hair on head are falling out, so I'm thinking of shaving it off...will see. The chemo that I get in hospital also lets your hear fall out, so why fight the inevitable. I always wanted to shave my legs for cycling, perhaps this is an opportunity to do so......   ;-)

I started with my first chemo yesterday, and I start my next chemo session in an hours time. I have to suck ice doing the chemo, apparently this freezes the capillaries in your mouth, and stops the chemo from getting there. Normally the chemo effects you mouth quite badly, this seems to work very well.

So far I'm feeling pretty good! Thanks for your continued prayers and throughs...here as some pics of my room's view...

New Room

I was able to move to a new room, with the view of the golf course. It was great seeing the sunset, where previously I looked into a court yard. Here are some pics of my old room. The new room is very much the same in layout.

And so it begins - The Transplant

Well, this afternoon I checked into hospital, (ward 20 at Pretoria East).

The room is nice, although did not get a room with a view, but a courtyard, I have been promised a room with a view, as soon as one becomes available. Nurses did all the pre-checks, my vitals are great. They didn't waste time putting me onto a drip. So now I'm typing with one hand, kinda like sms'ing.

So this is my new home for 3 weeks, I think I brought enough videos, books, to keep me busy, also brought mt guitar, although, didn't think about how I was going to play with a dripping my arm.

Tomorrow I start Chemo Treatment, and so it all begins. I will post some pics of the room.

Also my Skype address Cfm.skype
Call me, if u see me online....

This last week was fantastic, I must say I tried to pack in as much as I can, Prayers from friends, Jesus Culture concert, etc., the Lord has really been stirring my heart. I just want to live for Him.
When I get a chance, I'll blog on some of these..

Blessings! Thanks so much for your prayers!

East London

Nice to have Hendrik and Olivia visiting from East London, we went to the Jesus Culture Conference together.

Jesus Culture Conference

The Jesus Culture conference at Rhema was really amazing! Many people where healed, and the worship was great! I really couldn't believe that there where so many passionate worshipers out there! After the Saturday morning session, we hit the streets, and went to a shopping centre and prayed for people, Wow what an experience! The Lord really is good!

Samantha & David

It was great meeting up with Samantha and David. We have so much in common with them, its quite scary! Our children are in the same school, they now live on the house that I grew up in Irene, we have both done the the Sani2C and cycle, David and I are being treated for Cancer, and we both know and server the Lord! It was so good to finally get together and connect on many different levels. 

David is in the throws extensive treatment, I pray the Lords blessings and healing for him!

Hang in there David, your nearly there!

Life Song!

After attending Jaques (Van Wyk)'s new CD launch, he sung a Casting Crowns song, called Life Song. Not listening to this song for a long time, I was reminded that our lives are like songs unto the Lord. What song does our lives sing? Does the song of our lives bring glory to Him? Or does it bring glory to ourselves? I have been pondering on this the whole day.

Eph 3:19 - [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto 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]!

Lifesong
  Empty hands held high

Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You

And Now my Life Song Sings (see the Video)

My Love

Movies with the Girls

It was great to go to the movies with the "Girls", had a great time. I guess after 3 weeks in hospital, I'm really going to want to get out.....look forward to our next movie... :C)

Its about "Getting Up"

Eagles

Part of the word that was given to me was about how an eagle at a certain age in life, would strip his beak, talons and feathers, and that for a time he would be naked and exposed, but after he healed he would fly higher than ever before. It really was so applicable to what has been happening in my life.

Yvette received an email this week of the exact same thing, for me a confirmation.
See the following link: http://charl-blog.blogspot.com/p/eagles.html

I also received an email from my Mom, with the following extract:

"There is a lesson for us to learn from the eagle who sits on the edge of the precipice who watches the dark clouds over head filling the sky with blackness. He sits perfectly still, turning one eye then the other towards the storm as the forked lightnings play back and forth. He never moves a feather until he feels the first burst of the breeze. It is then when he knows the hurricane has struck him. With a scream he swings his breast to the storm. It is the storm itself he uses to to soar upwards into the black sky. God wants this experience to take place in every one of His Children! He wants us to "soar on wings like eagles". We can turn the storm clouds into a chariot!"

She Loves Me! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

[Before] and After

I didn't think that my hair would actually fall out, but when I woke up this morning, I realized the time had arrived! As a good friend of mine said - The Japanese believe those without hair will become very wealthy, Russians believe those without hair are more intelligent and woman know that men without hair are "stronger".

Stem Cell Surprise

On Monday morning, I had to go for blood tests, to check my stem cell levels. According to our schedule,  my stem cell harvest was due on Tuesday morning. I received a call around 11am on Monday from the doctors rooms, to say that my response to the medication was very successful and that they wanted to harvest the cells, that afternoon. Yvette has to scramble all the arrangements with the kids, and take me to hospital.

So my harvest happened on Monday instead of Tuesday, the good news is that I had more than enough stem cells mobilized, which makes the harvesting process so much easier, and also shorter. The fact that I responded well to the medication was a blessing.

The worst part of the harvesting process was the "knitting needles" they had to put into my arm and veins. They first tried my left arm, and .... didn't work, I nearly went through the roof. Yvette tried to pinch my ear to relieve the pain....doesn't really work. Then they tried my right arm, which was fine .

The whole process including setting up the machine and harvesting took about 5 hours. Everything went well, I felt a bit lightheaded and hungry afterwards.

Thanks for all the prayers and support during this time, I really do appreciate it!

Before we started

Stem Cells being harvested, I've been watching "Strat Pack"
Music Video

Stefanie's 1st Stem Cell Transplant

Cecelia Cares!

Here is 110ml of life that I will receive
on the 8th March

6am and 6pm - Glad its over

At 6am and 6pm, Yvette had to inject me with these "babies",  all to mobilize my stems cells. I'm really glad this is over!

My Dad!

Dad came for a surprise visit from Oz! Really great seeing him and catching up!