Israel Update

This has been one of the most challenging things Yvette and I have done. Making our way in a country where we don’t speak language, but also receiving treatment. But the Lord is good, faithful and true. I hope you had a great Christmas. Mine was not so good for us, as I had a bad nose bleed on the day and ended up in ER on the 26th, to receive blood and platelets.

Fortunately that is under control now. We have also moved to another apartment, much better than the last one. Israel is also in lockdown, so we spend most of the time indoors, but are allowed to walk around. I’m seeing my dr tomorrow, and hope to have more news as to whether the treatment is working. My next treatment is on the 10th. For the New Year, I pray to know him more and more. Greetings Charl

Anniversaries and New Beginnings

Anniversaries and New Beginnings- on the 17th we spend the whole day at the hospital for blood tests, I also saw my ophthalmologist for a pre check on my eyes. I have also have have 3 different types of eye drops, all at different time intervals, this combined with my normal meds, hectic. We then ran out of time and could not start with my treatment, it was rescheduled to Sunday. 18th - 28th wedding anniversary. We spend the day walking in the old city of Jaffa, down to the beach. Very busy day, had a good time. 19th Shabbat Shalom, took it easy, 20th treatment day!! It's been a long road to to this point, with lots of planning, and doors that have been opened by the Lord, from Passport's all the way through being able to fly, obtaining permissions etc. the list goes on. We met lady called Lyn that organized the treatment drug on a compassionate basis, she is outstanding and has helped us so much, speaks good English and has a brother living in Durban. So I taken the treatment and over the next 21 days, will monitor my progress. I see the dr on Tuesday to see if levels have shown movement.

I really hit a low on Wednesday, ready to pack my bags and come home. But then talking things through, also realising , what it has taken to get here, Hope started stirring in my heart, it brought with it new stronger Faith. He lifted me up from the Mirey clay and set my feet upon the Rock.

There are so many people supporting and praying for me, thank you, my deepest gratitude and love for you all!

Quarantine v 2.0

 Hi There, another up date. Spending 12 days in quarantine and being at the hospital is pretty grim. We spend a couple of days in the apartment without going any where. My bloods were holding well and didn’t need a topup. I then had another blood test 2 days later, more blood need. In total I’ve had 4 covid tests since being here (can’t they see I’m COVID negative, they don’t get it 😄)

I am hospitalised for 4 days because my kidney function was not good. Tomorrow is our last day in isolation, which meant that Yvette could not visit me in hospital, but will see her on Saturday. We move apartments on Monday.  It’s pre booked. But next apartment we plan to get closer to the hospital. I will meet my doctor early next week, and start my formal treatment. I think it’s going to be a long haul, it seems that I get my treatment every 3 weeks. Not sure what we will do to

Fill the gaps. I’m really trusting that the Lord will guide us step for step. Also, Im trusting for excellent response to the medication. 

                                                                                                                                           האל טוב כל הזמן

Music to my ears ....

POST Q....

Another update. I was released from hospital after 4 days there. My kidney function a lot better. On Monday we moved from our apartment, we are now staying in the old city, Jaffa, very vibrant and festive, the Architecture has tones of Arabic, we hear the mosque during the day, where normally we heard the synagogue. We still have not started with my treatment. I’m hoping to be able to start tomorrow. My myeloma levels are very high, and so need to get going with the treatment. I also need to have eye tests, as this is one is the side effects, which affects eye sight. 

I must say it has been very hard emotionally, being here with the language, sense of urgency and culture. Your prayers are highly valued. On the lighter side of things, we found this music shop, heaven....😉

Quarantine

 Shalom, Further update, we have settled well in our apartment , and have to stay in quarantine for 12 days, except for hospital visits. On Monday we met our coordinator, she helps us through the meetings and treatment. I had another COVID Test, and tested negative. On Tuesday we met with Dr Nagler, who is the head of department, we when through my treatment history over the last 8 years. I also went for a blood test my red bloods seem ok, platelets are on the low side. I will go for another test on Sunday (working day). Tel Aviv is a very large city, lots of taxis and 🛴 we use the taxis, but very expensive. Medical costs also expensive. Quite a few high rise buildings with interesting architecture. The old Buildings are interesting. They are great on the inside. But outside, unpainted, and wires and pipes running up and down the sides and on the roof. Having a good stay so far, things will be interesting once the start of my treatment. Best Regards Charl and Yvette

Landed

Shalom. Landed safely in Tel Aviv last night. We off to the hospital to meet our coordinator and another COVID test. Tomorrow we meet with Prof Nagler, to discuss the way forward for my treatment. Blessings Charl and Yvette

Good News

Good News, we have finally received approval for treatment in Israel. This door finally opened after being through an application process that has taken longer than a year. The Lord is good! What makes it even better is that the pharma company will be providing the drugs on a compassion basis, ie for free. Which is a huge saving. We plan to leave on the 29th and will be there for about 2 months. I still have an an expectation for full healing. So many friends and family have prayed for me at the western wall. I hope to pray there myself. There are quite a lot of details to run though before we leave, I prayer that it runs smoothly. Thank you for your friendship and support. Charl