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

Looking Back at 2019

I can't believe that it's been another year, that has gone past. So much has happened this year. So I guess it easier to share photos than write an essay. Starting off, Yvette bought be tickets to see Joe Bonamassa in Amsterdam for my birthday. What an amazing gift. We travelled Holland in May, and had a fantastic time. This was all in between my various treatments. I did have to go for radiation in February, as I had lesions on my hips and lower spine.

With ongoing treatments this year, my cancer levels increased to the highest they have ever been. This was at the time, when I was extremely busy at work. I finally made the call to stop working from July 2019, so that I could concentrate on getting better. After the fact, I realised how much stress I was under. Although I had stopped working in July, it seems that all health challenges started stacking-up....I ended up in hospital in August with pneumonia, and have had extensive problems with my back. I went for a second round of radiation for my hips of radiation in September, but have had continual problems with lower and upper back, to the extent that some days I cant walk properly. My latest x-rays show some more broken ribs, which is common with myeloma. I plan to see my spinal doctor in January to see what can be done.

Another highlight, is that my work threw a going away function for me, a black tie event, it was absolutely amazing! I'm so grateful for all the complementary words from my current and past colleagues. I also had a chance to jam with Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, which was absolutely amazing!

Jamming with Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels

Other highlights was attending the Dire Straights Experience concert. I'm glad to be enjoying our end of the year holiday at Struisbaai, although I have had a lot of bed time, and also ongoing treatment.

Blessings for 2020!

And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient

Travelling to Amsterdam

Dinner with my good budd, Tom ;-)

The Dire Straights Experience Concert

Beach Picnic

On our way to Amsterdam

Dire Straights Experience - The Guys

More Chemo Treatment

I've still got the Blues ..

Happy travelling to Holland

Amsterdam

Visit to Keukenhof

Streets of Amsterdam

Joe Bonamassa Concert in Amsterdam

Before the Joe Bonamassa Concert

Our Visit to Utrecht

Cousins

My Farewell Party, Jam with Dr Victor and Rasta Rebels

The Girls and I - Farewell Party

Struisbaai Vista

Struisbaai evening walk 

Enjoying the fire during the cold winter days - Struisbaai

Struisbaai Winter Walk to the Beach with Dominique

New member of the family - "Mila" ;-)

Cycling in Struisbaai

Beach Cycling - De Mond - Struisbaai

Agulhas view with Chloe

The Family