Only three to go!

Yes! Only three more chemos to go. Yesterday was number five and all went well. I was a bit anxious at first. I started on Taxol and sometimes (though very rare) you can experience bad allergic reactions. For this purpose, they gave me some anti-histamine that made me very drowsy so I took a snooze or two while I was at it. The side-effects are also less so I am hoping for the best!

On Tuesday I had appointments with the oncologist and the breast surgeon. Both of them are very excited - they can't feel the lump under the arm and are struggling to feel the lump in the breast. (After further tests they could see that the lump in the breast is more in the region of 4cm in diameter and not two). This is great news, I am responding very well to the chemo and we are only halfway. Praise the Lord for this wonderful news!!!

Our dear friend Hannelie arrived last Saturday and she is like a tonic to my system. Before her arrival I felt a bit down in the dumps. I was more ill than with the previous rounds and I think if your body is not doing so well, emotionally you are also a bit off. But that only lasted a day or two.

Don't know if I've told you before (sorry if I repeat information - blame it on chemo-brain. Much worse than preggie-brain!), my sister-in-law, Marianne, gave me this big bag full of prezzies. It is a clear bag with brightly wrapped chemo-gifts. After every chemo I am allowed to open one gift. This way I can see the pile getting smaller, thus fewer chemo sessions that remain. Thanks Marianne, this is always something to look forward to when I arrive home, looking grey and tired and off-beat after the session.

We are planning to go to Cambridge this coming Saturday. Hugo and Ivan have a birthday party to attend and we want to take a good stroll through the town. Everyone says it is really beautiful. I hope I feel well enough to join in on the fun.

Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes. I appreciate it so much! I hope you all have a great week and nice things planned for the weekend. We have a bank holiday on Monday, so it's a long weekend for us!

The two Camerons I know

Today I want to tell you about the two Camerons I know.

The first is Cameron Van Den Burgh, the SA swimming sensation. I used to teach him at Cornwall Hill College, back when we was in grade 9. Accounting and EMS (Economic and Management Sciences). He was always one of the most polite, well-mannered pupils I have ever taught. It doesn't even surprise me that he is doing so well. I am so proud of his achievements!

The second Cameron is Cameron Reyburn - My little BIG hero! Cameron is the first born son to our very good friends Murray and Dalene. He is only three days younger than Ivan.

Cameron was born with bilateral congenital cataracts. He has underwent many examinations under anesthetics and had operations. Always being so brave!

We "catch up" on news of his progress via his blog (where we got the idea of starting our own blog - thanks Cam!). He is doing so well and is reaching milestones right on time! He is even going to a mainstream play school. He is blessed with a bunch of great people that is helping him in so many ways. Every time I read about his daily life and all the things he is up to, my heart swells with pride. It is such a privilege to know this little boy. When I feel down in the dumps, I think of his bright smile!

Cameron Reyburn is indeed my little BIG hero - with a heart of gold and the courage of a lion. I learn so much from him. And maybe the most important lesson, to be like a child again. To enjoy the simple, little things in life. And to take these things on with a child-like enthusiasm and excitement.

Luke 18:15-17 'Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Let's all be like children again.

A cloudy start to the day

This morning it was clouds all over - in the sky and in my heart. My parents-in-law had to go home this morning. I cried. I don't cry a lot usually, but I already miss them so much. They were such a blessing, Mom for 35 days and Dad for two weeks. They helped me so much with the household and boys. But also on an emotional and spiritual level. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!".(Ivan being awake for two hours during the night and today my blue-Saturday after chemo and very good friends on their way back to SA after 10 years in the UK also didn't help with the tears!).

But, alas, the sun came out and I felt better. Life goes on and we need to 'Carpe Diem!', as my stunning husband would say. So that's what we did. After a relaxed late-morning we went for some quick shopping and that always makes me feel better.

In a week's time a very good friend is coming out from SA to help for two weeks. I can't wait to see her! We are probably going to be up most nights to chat and chat and chat. I've missed her so much!

Smiles from my toes

Chemo number four is overs-cadovers!! I am very relieved and happy that I've reached the halfway mark. I took cup cakes to celebrate this occasion and the nurses enjoyed every bit. They are all doing such a great job and try to make every patient as comfortable as possible.

Now I honestly have to say the chemo has not been as bad as the movie "Dying Young" with Julia Roberts. I feel a bit grey and look pale from the Wednesday of the treatment and this lasts to the Sunday. The Saturday is my low point. I think that it's because of the injection that I receive on a Friday morning to help build up the white blood cells and my immunity. By the next Wednesday I feel 100% human again and one week later when I feel in tip-top condition, they hit me with another session. Next time the doctor will add a drug called Taxol. This will add about three hours to the treatment session.

Speaking of Roberts-ladies, I made a cancer friend trough my dad-in-law, Fiona Roberts. They used to be colleagues at Sasol. She, as so many other woman are my inspiration. Their stories of courage and bravery warms my heart every day.

Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 30, busy planning her wedding. Her most beautiful day. She went through six sessions of chemo, the operation and radio therapy. At the end she had her big day and afterwards the blessing of children (which is a big thing because 50% of woman receiving chemo are left sterile after treatment). Today she is in remission (no signs of cancer)! I am so proud of her!

She sent me an e-mail after hearing about my situation. I was so glad that she got hold of me. She gave me invaluable advise and encouraged me so much before the road started. She also sent a gift - nail polish! She said to put it on my toe nails, so that every time I look down I will be receiving ten smiles back! So, while I travel this road of cancer treatment I'll be wearing my red nail polish and receiving my ten smiles a few times each day!

Thank you all again for my lovely messages - this, together with prayers from all over are really carrying me trough this journey! XXX

Tea Time!

Today I went for some tea. Not just any tea. High Tea. And it was High Tea fit for a queen!

My dear friend Liezel Lotz deserved a treat from me after helping so many times with the boys during the first days of the cancer diagnoses and chemo sessions. So we went for High Tea at The Ritz in London (yes, thé Ritz!).

It was WONDERFUL. Everything so grand that we truly felt like royalty. First you are greeted by friendly, yet very professional staff in white blazers and black bow ties. They then show you to your seat at a beautifully decorated table in a glamorous tearoom. You can choose from about fifteen different teas and then your tier of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats are delivered. And don't forget the strawberry jam (o, excuse me, preserve) and the loveliest clotted cream.

For two glorious hours we pretended that we are so used to this kind of thing. Drinking our tea, eating our scones we chatted the time away. After we took (sneak!) pictures, everyone else also took out their cameras and started taking photographs. This to me was an indication that all of them where also not used to this kind of thing, although I though they were by the looks of things.

Thanks Liezel for a wonderful afternoon. Tomorrow night we are doing cocktails at sunset!

On Wednesday I am having another chemo session. I am taking cup cakes to celebrate the halfway mark. XXX

Weekends

We had such a great weekend. The weather was perfect South African summer sunshine and relaxation was at the order of the day! Andries took me to the Marriott Hotel in Canary Wharf. We had a grand "studio room" and was allowed access to the executive lounge. There we could dig in - snack, drinks, a very fancy coffee making machine, canapes, deserts after dinner and much more. We were also able to go see a movie (Taking of Pelham 123 - very edgy!), drink some cocktails in the hotel bar afterwards and slept till 9:30am. Thanks again to Oupa and Ouma!

When spending some time alone with your spouse (which I think should be a weekly date, but difficult with small children in the house) you have time to reflect on a lot of things. The big change in our lives is definitely making us focus to think and talk about the things we really want in life. Although we are enjoying London and all its offerings so much, we miss home and the wonderful things South Africa has to offer. One big priority on our list is our family and friends.We are blessed with the most wonderful friends anyone could ask for. From all walks of life. And that really enrich our lives!

Holidays are also big on the list. Boy, Andries and I would be able to be on holiday every day of the year! We think it is important to make memories, where ever you are, and not just "tick off places" that have been visited. We started making mental notes on where we want to spend good family holidays. One or two things on the list is rowing down the Orange River and doing a few good hikes (Otter, Tsitsikama, Fish River Canyon). And our favourite place in South Africa (and probably the world) is Nature's Valley. And the boys would love camping. Hugo is also reminding Ouma Ronel on a regular basis that he is going to the Kruger National park with them.

So, I hope you are planning your next great holiday - where ever in the world. Or at least making plans for a great day out with friends! XXX

Amazing people

The last week was a good week. The highlight was Oupa André's arrival on Monday morning. We were very lucky in finding him at the pay phones at the Canary Wharf Tube station, where we also went to M&S (Marks & Sparks as the South Africans like to say) for a bag of cherries and white flesh peaches. Hugo saw Oupa and screamed from the top of his voice "Oupa! Oupa!",running towards him and grabbing him by the leg. Oupa was very surprised! Hugo was so happy to see Oupa André after him and Ouma Ronel have been counting the sleeps since two weeks ago.
It is so nice to have him here. We've send Oupa and Ouma off for a day or three of relaxation in the Cotswolds area. It is such a beautiful time of year to go there - everything green! But the boys are missing them and Hugo keeps asking when they'll be back. They sure deserved the break. Oupa finished a major project at work and Ouma needed to rest a bit after being busy with the kids and household 24/7. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to cope as well with the treatment if it wasn't for her. After a Wednesday chemo, it takes about seven days to feel 100% human and myself again. She makes it possible to stay in bed all day if I need to and to really rest and look after myself. I know that the people involved in my life is part of the medicine-regime that is making me better.
Speaking of people, I really need to mention my amazing husband (again and again and again!). There is no other partner I would want to travel this cancer road with. He is the epitome of positivity! He is so caring and always putting his own needs aside to make sure everyone around him is comfortable and happy. When home, he plays and takes care of the boys, makes bottles, have never had a problem in changing any kind of nappy, gets up at night for Ivan (long before the cancer diagnoses!) and in the mornings he will greet you (early...) with a wide grin and ready to do his part at the office. Andries, you really are amazing and I thank God every single day for you!

XXXX

Watch out Demi, here's the real GI Jane!

Today I took the plunge! The hair went!! I woke up this morning and decided that I am ready for the GI Gane look. My hair, or the little that was left, irritated me immensely, so the decision was easy.

The whole hair-cutting session went very quickly and I felt free afterwards. I have always wanted to know what I would look like without hair, and now I do. On asking Hugo what mommy looks like, he replied (in no uncertain terms) "... so sexy!". Boy, little ones can be so honest....

Afterwards he helped me to put cream on my now exposed dome. I think I ought to wear sunblock in the future as well.

I know for a lot of people this might be a lot to bear so forgive me for baring all. But this is a part of my life I need to remember. I know that I've grown on a personal, emotional and especially spiritual level. And although daunting at first, I am not afraid to travel this road. All my loved ones (even the ones far away in beautiful SA and other parts of the world) are surrounding me with encouragement, support, laughter (and tears as well) and have been the wind beneath my wings. Thank you all for that!! XXXX