Christmas Season

Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated my Blog. I guess some times I don’t want to think about Multiple Myeloma(MM), and so avoid writing about it, but then on the other hand it is very much part of my life. The thing about MM is that it’s a disease that is very much hidden, it affects your bones, kidneys and immune system. And so, when on treatment, one really does not look too bad. I although I must say, the treatment really gets to me, especially as I have to work in a high stressed and pressured environment.

Since April this year so much has happened. It has been an amazing and challenging year. So many highlights, at the same time looking into next year so many new challenges and changes.

On the health front, I have been on treatment since. I have been on Revlimid for awhile, and did not give the desired result, so have I been back on Valcade and dex, and seems that my levels are under control although not as low as needed. My ‘m’ spike is around the 14 mark, and is very slow to come down.  I have really struggled with dex/cortisone, as really affects me quite badly. Dr T has agreed that I can take some time off until end of January, we will then assess the way forward, it does however seem that another SCT is immanent.

On the work front this has been a hectic year, we finally open Menlyn shopping centre on the 24th November, this being the largest mall in africa. Extremely busy time, with lots going on. It really did open well, and was glad to manage a project of the size and scale. Next year will most probably be just as busy, as we plan further developments during the year. I would have loved to have spend more time this year on exercising and keeping fit, I hope to be able to catchup in 2017, learning to prioritize and manage my time better. Although, I must say that the ongoing treatment, has hampered me.

This year was a year of milestones, as Chloe completed her Matric, and plans to study next year. Dominique also doing well with her studies and will be 3rd year next year. So for the Marais family, next year is going to be a new experience, with both girls being at university, Chloe being in the Cape, its going to be new and interesting. 

On the Spiritual side, the Lord has done so much in my life, He has taught me so much this year. One of the main things I have realised, is living by Faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. I also realised that many of my decisions that I made was made out of fear. I read a quote by Nelson Mandela, about letting your life be driven by our hopes and not our fears. We should make decisions, and live our lives out of our hopes and dreams, and trust the Lord for them.

2017 is going to be a big year for me, as I’ll be 50. It has come so quick, I’m grateful for every year that He has given me. 

Cycling in Cape Agulhas National Park

View from the Mountains to the Sea

Blessings for 2017!

Easter Weekend to Remember

It was so great spending time, with familiy and friends, in the Cape. This holiday came at the right time, especially when I needed a break. Also, spending time on the beach contemplating "life"' finding time to breathe. Also being reminded, the importance of easter, and what it all means. 

    Viewpoint overlooking Cape L'Agullhas, with my girls (most southern point of africa)

   Dad and the Girls!

Some more adventure, I decided to do a day hike from Struisbaai, to De Monde Nature Reserve, along the beach. Water, fruit, some warm clothes, and off I went. Turns out that it took me 3 hours to arrive at my desitnation, and then to return back, leaving at 8:30am, I got back home around 3pm, total of approximately 30km! The time alone, the scenery was amazing. Really what I needed to clear my mind.  My legs are still stiff, next time, I think better to rather cycle.  

   Map showing, start and end points (yellow stars)

   The weary traveler, (sun was very bright, and sand white, therefore the squinting)

   Half Way there, and the begining of the nature reserve

He Has Risen!!!

Tomorrow is easter monday, and we are reminded the Christ arose from the grave!

Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Amen!

4 Years Post SCT

I was reminded that it has been 4 years since my stem cell transplant. I amazed that it has been so long ago! In some respects it feels like the other day, in another, years ago, so much has happened in this time. Starting a new job, in the corporate world, after being in my own business for 15 years. My daughter going to study, getting her drivers licence, getting a car. My other daughter in Matric, head girl, and planning her studies for next year. How time fly's.

Met up with friend in Bloemfontien, purely by coincidence, had a great time sharing Gods word, a real blessing. 

We are blessed, to be at Struisbaai for the easter holidays, with our good fiends and their girls. We had an amazing trip down to the Cape, and travelled route R62, for the first time. Really most amazing part of South Africa, which I had not yet travelled. We stayed on a Karoo farm, called 'The Vale' really had a great time. We braai'd Karoo lamb chops, 'lekker'! We also stopped off at Barrydale, something like Dullstroom, and stopped at a place called 'Dielsel and Cream', most amazing place, think it also attracts many bikers, as R62, is a bikers 'paradise'route (Marc, perhaps you and I should do this 😀, just need a bike.... )

Really enjoying the beach and time off.... 

The Lord had really been talking into my life. The last 2-3 weeks has been hectic, especailly with treatment...when I'm weak, He is strong.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP)

Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns,once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma

Great Video, Great Adventure!
http://www.movingmountainsformultiplemyeloma.com

Captain's Log 2016.03.01

Well, since my last post alot has happened. Firstly had a great holiday in the Cape, it was really fantastic having the time off, and spending time with the family!

In February my Dad came to visit from Oz, so it was great catching up with him. The last time he was is SA was when I was recovering from my Stem Cell transplant in 2012.

An update on the health front, I'm back on another cycle (excuse the pun) of chemo, happens every 3 months. I'm still on valcade and cortisone. The cortisone dose is high and really gets to me, especially with work and all, but just need to hang in there! We are still waiting for lenolidomide to be accepted in SA, so its a long wait, also obtaining medical aid approval seems difficult.

Sometimes we wonder why we go through trials in our lives, these can be health, work, family etc. We have been going through the life of Ruth a church, and the recurring theme that seems to come through, for me, is God's Sovernity. We sometime ask Him why this is happening to us, and we don't always get an answer or the answer that we want to hear, but at the end of the day, he is God, he gives and takes away. He is with us every step of the way, carry us through every situation, guiding us and leading us....above all, He is Good, all the time...

"But we are able to overcome all these things and more through his love. For I am certain that not death, or life, or angels, or rulers, or things present, or things to come, or powers, Or things on high, or things under the earth, or anything which is made, will be able to come between us and the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"- Amen!