After taking the kids to school, I headed into work for the first time since leaving Australia for Israel in August 2007. It was strange to be there, yet I didn't feel out of place with so many familiar and welcoming faces. Everyone I got to speak with was very warm and supportive.
I met with my HR manager to discuss "where to from here" with time off. Work has been a huge blessing and this support has continued with their receptivity to any requests I make for leave (including duration). The length of time I'll be off work will depend significantly on how Maria responds to upcoming therapy as well as a few other factors. For now I'll be off for the foreseeable future.
Apart from brief chats with a few former colleagues, I had a coffee and long discussion with a friend who happens to also be one of our staff counsellors (thanks Julie). I also got to meet briefly with my Tel Aviv successor. We hope to meet again on Thursday morning for a more detailed briefing and chat about life in Israel before she launches into her final training. I finished my 4+ hours in the building over another coffee, this time with our "sister" Trish. It was strange to be sitting and chatting in a "Canberra" cafe after having worked closely with her in Tel Aviv throughout our time there (we actually departed Israel only a day apart).
30 June 2009
29 June 2009
Mon 29-Jun-09 (still some pain, kids adjusting well @ school)
As there was only one nurse on today, we didn't see her until just before lunchtime. It is difficult to make any plans. Most of the day we both (mostly Maria) went through cartons of files and did some serious culling. It was hard work and wore her out. I think from our recent experience with culling in Israel we have both lost a degree of sentimentality.
Maria joined me collecting the kids. They were both very excited. Maria met with Gabi's teacher briefly and commented how she (Maria) feels quite "out of the loop". It must be difficult, considering her role up until she fell ill involved so much time involved in the kids' schooling, etc. I have to say that I'm still struggling to meet parents from Ben and Gabi's respective classes so I can connect them to children (whose names I'm still trying to get across).
We read the kids' diaries and discovered that Ben brought his maths tests home. We looked at them and were in awe of his results. Gabi has gone up a couple more levels in reading competency (after starting off at a very high level). We are very proud of both, as any parent would be, but for us it feels like more of an achievement given the circumstances and distractions they have encountered since our return. We're not ones to focus on their level of academic excellence (although we'll accept these bonuses). We just want to be able to encourage and praise them in trying their hardest. So far there has been a lot to praise!
The kids found a couple of very old skateboards in our shed. Since the weekend they have been keen to try and ride them and have been having a heap of fun doing so. They have been spending a bit of time kicking the (Aussie Rules) football together, with Ben teaching Gabi. It's nice to see those moments when they get on so well. I'm praying for more!
Maria was struggling a bit with head pain again later into the afternoon and evening, but she hasn't rated herself too high on the scale. I put it down to the effort she put into sorting today. She went to sleep a little early. This made it difficult for me to wake her for her final dose of medication @ 9pm, but unfortunately there is no luxury in skipping or delaying.
Maria joined me collecting the kids. They were both very excited. Maria met with Gabi's teacher briefly and commented how she (Maria) feels quite "out of the loop". It must be difficult, considering her role up until she fell ill involved so much time involved in the kids' schooling, etc. I have to say that I'm still struggling to meet parents from Ben and Gabi's respective classes so I can connect them to children (whose names I'm still trying to get across).
We read the kids' diaries and discovered that Ben brought his maths tests home. We looked at them and were in awe of his results. Gabi has gone up a couple more levels in reading competency (after starting off at a very high level). We are very proud of both, as any parent would be, but for us it feels like more of an achievement given the circumstances and distractions they have encountered since our return. We're not ones to focus on their level of academic excellence (although we'll accept these bonuses). We just want to be able to encourage and praise them in trying their hardest. So far there has been a lot to praise!
The kids found a couple of very old skateboards in our shed. Since the weekend they have been keen to try and ride them and have been having a heap of fun doing so. They have been spending a bit of time kicking the (Aussie Rules) football together, with Ben teaching Gabi. It's nice to see those moments when they get on so well. I'm praying for more!
Maria was struggling a bit with head pain again later into the afternoon and evening, but she hasn't rated herself too high on the scale. I put it down to the effort she put into sorting today. She went to sleep a little early. This made it difficult for me to wake her for her final dose of medication @ 9pm, but unfortunately there is no luxury in skipping or delaying.
Sun 28-Jun-09 (some pain)
The nurse came in the morning and Maria complained of some head pain, but was feeling better. The nurse emphasised that as they are accessible 24/7, we shouldn't hesitate to call if she really finds it difficult to manage.
Mid-morning Ben and I headed off for a birthday party. I left Ben at the Go-Karting party, while I had to do a little shopping. Maria and Gabi hung out together for some girls time.
When we got home later in the afternoon, Maria reported that she had struggled again with some head pain and for a period both her and Gabi just stayed together in Maria's bed. She eventually managed it, but it was a little on-and-off during the afternoon into the evening.
Mid-morning Ben and I headed off for a birthday party. I left Ben at the Go-Karting party, while I had to do a little shopping. Maria and Gabi hung out together for some girls time.
When we got home later in the afternoon, Maria reported that she had struggled again with some head pain and for a period both her and Gabi just stayed together in Maria's bed. She eventually managed it, but it was a little on-and-off during the afternoon into the evening.
27 June 2009
Sat 27-Jun-09 (another quiet day)
Another reasonably quiet day. Apart from the nurse's visit, we went to see our niece Maggie play soccer—her team was in Canberra today.
Later in the afternoon we made some cookies.
In the evening Maria decided to go through some old files. I got to do the shredding while watching the Wallabies (Australian Rugby Team) comfortably defeat the French. A good result considering the French just came off a win against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Maria is suffering some head pain now and then, but overall she is way ahead of where she was last time around (forgive me for sounding like a cracked record on this issue).
Later in the afternoon we made some cookies.
In the evening Maria decided to go through some old files. I got to do the shredding while watching the Wallabies (Australian Rugby Team) comfortably defeat the French. A good result considering the French just came off a win against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Maria is suffering some head pain now and then, but overall she is way ahead of where she was last time around (forgive me for sounding like a cracked record on this issue).
26 June 2009
Fri 26-Jun-09 (quiet day)
Not much to write about today. The nurse's visit in the morning was uneventful. Afterwards, Maria and I did some tidying up around the house.
In the afternoon a couple of dear friends came to visit Maria.
We had our usual Friday "family night". Tonight it was making our own pizzas, which we ate while watching a DVD in front of the fire.
The only frustration for the short-term is that we'll be restricted from venturing off too far because of the daily nurse visits. I should qualify that statement by saying we don't have anything against the nurses.
In the afternoon a couple of dear friends came to visit Maria.
We had our usual Friday "family night". Tonight it was making our own pizzas, which we ate while watching a DVD in front of the fire.
The only frustration for the short-term is that we'll be restricted from venturing off too far because of the daily nurse visits. I should qualify that statement by saying we don't have anything against the nurses.
25 June 2009
Thu 25-Jun-09 (4 months since first surgery)
Today is four months from the date of Maria's first surgery. Wow! looking back on it, it has been long and exhausting, yet nothing has slowed!
Today I was blessed to have read through three separate messages eminating from Australia and Israel where dear friends have passed our blog on to others they know (both directly and indirectly) who are going through the journey of battling GBM. We don't begin to pretend we have the monopoly or copyright on how to cope in this situation, but pray there may be something in there that may be an encouragement for them. To summarise the four months (to save them reading pages of blog entries), we are simply sustained by our faith in the Lord Jesus. It not only gets us through each day, but allows us have a different perspective on what people would call "suffering". In this time it can also be very simple to become self-centred. We have tried to use our situation to reach out to others. Have I lost you?
Maria had her first visit from the nurse this morning. Maria was so energised (far better progress than after first surgery) that she decided to accompany me on the grocery shopping trip. An hour and a half later we left the supermarket, exhausted. It is the first time Maria has been shopping since we returned to Australia, and quite a while since doing it at all. She did amazingly.
We got home in time to quickly have a late lunch and for me to head off and collect the kids while she slept.
Apart from the daily nurse visits, our next busy day will be next Wednesday, when Maria has her sutures removed, meets the Neurosurgeon and Infectious Diseases team (weekly appt - infection mgt).
I hope to visit work early next week as circumstances since returning has made it impossible to do so until now. This will give me the opportunity to discuss and negotiate my future leave arrangements.
I checked my current monthly mobile phone bill (only half-way through) to be completely horrified by the current cost. I contacted the company and after examining the bill, I was confident I had identified a serious anomaly (i.e. multiple SMSs sent to a number over a few seconds). After some investigation it was revealed that an SMS is charged per 160 characters. When given this information, I immediately realised that some of my daily updates from hospital were quite lengthy (as was the list of recipients). I admitted my naivety expecting that would be the end of it and I would have to honour the bill, regardless. To my pleasant surprise, they said they would will help to resolve this issue. I am very grateful.
Prayer point — This evening I spoke with my brother Mark. His father-in-law, Max, is in that tough stage of his own battle with cancer. Amongst all the difficulty, they have all had quality time together on-and-off in recent months. It is always hard to know what to say, except that we love them. After the call, Maria and I took some time to pray for Max and his immediate and extended family. While there were quite a few very personal prayer points I am not willing to share, I'd ask those of you out there joining us in prayer for Max and family that you please uphold them "as the Spirit leads you".
Today I was blessed to have read through three separate messages eminating from Australia and Israel where dear friends have passed our blog on to others they know (both directly and indirectly) who are going through the journey of battling GBM. We don't begin to pretend we have the monopoly or copyright on how to cope in this situation, but pray there may be something in there that may be an encouragement for them. To summarise the four months (to save them reading pages of blog entries), we are simply sustained by our faith in the Lord Jesus. It not only gets us through each day, but allows us have a different perspective on what people would call "suffering". In this time it can also be very simple to become self-centred. We have tried to use our situation to reach out to others. Have I lost you?
Maria had her first visit from the nurse this morning. Maria was so energised (far better progress than after first surgery) that she decided to accompany me on the grocery shopping trip. An hour and a half later we left the supermarket, exhausted. It is the first time Maria has been shopping since we returned to Australia, and quite a while since doing it at all. She did amazingly.
We got home in time to quickly have a late lunch and for me to head off and collect the kids while she slept.
Apart from the daily nurse visits, our next busy day will be next Wednesday, when Maria has her sutures removed, meets the Neurosurgeon and Infectious Diseases team (weekly appt - infection mgt).
I hope to visit work early next week as circumstances since returning has made it impossible to do so until now. This will give me the opportunity to discuss and negotiate my future leave arrangements.
I checked my current monthly mobile phone bill (only half-way through) to be completely horrified by the current cost. I contacted the company and after examining the bill, I was confident I had identified a serious anomaly (i.e. multiple SMSs sent to a number over a few seconds). After some investigation it was revealed that an SMS is charged per 160 characters. When given this information, I immediately realised that some of my daily updates from hospital were quite lengthy (as was the list of recipients). I admitted my naivety expecting that would be the end of it and I would have to honour the bill, regardless. To my pleasant surprise, they said they would will help to resolve this issue. I am very grateful.
Prayer point — This evening I spoke with my brother Mark. His father-in-law, Max, is in that tough stage of his own battle with cancer. Amongst all the difficulty, they have all had quality time together on-and-off in recent months. It is always hard to know what to say, except that we love them. After the call, Maria and I took some time to pray for Max and his immediate and extended family. While there were quite a few very personal prayer points I am not willing to share, I'd ask those of you out there joining us in prayer for Max and family that you please uphold them "as the Spirit leads you".
24 June 2009
Wed 24-Jun-09 (Maria is home)
I'm sitting here in front of the TV (something I have not watched for a long time), watching the 2nd State of Origin (for my overseas friends it is a rugby league rivalry between two of our states NSW -v- Qld). I am also working through all her new medication to ensure both that I'm familiar with it and it is correctly organised in her dispenser.
As the heading says, Maria is home. However, she has not been not discharged yet. Maria is now part of the Home in the Hospital (HITH) system, where she is technically still an inpatient of the hospital, but treated at home. When a nurse coming onto shift asked if Maria was being discharged, I answered that she is being transferred to a private hospital, which happens to be our home. The advantage of this is that should there be any issues, then she is immediately given a bed in hospital (but we are not expecting any such issues).
Maria had her PIC line inserted this morning with a double lumen attached (tubes - one usually to administer the antibiotic and the other to take blood), after some difficulty. She was away for four hours in total. They weren't able to push it right through the vein on the left arm (preferred) so fortunately the anaethetist, who was in charge of Maria in her surgery (and has visited her a couple of times since) turned up and put it through via the right arm. Maria was sedated, which I think helped the whole experience.
She is now hooked up to a portable machine that she has to carry everywhere in a small bag, which administers one of her antibiotics in two half-hour doses, twelve hours apart. A nurse will visit us every day to change the bag.
While Maria was out, the Social Worker and I had a long chat, which was nice. Maria and I have enjoyed our time with her. She has been extremely helpful and was also able to organise one of the onology social workers to visit us also.
It was time to head home. One of Maria's neighbours is a young guy who had a double dislocation of his neck in a rugby match last weekend. We got to know him and his parents a bit over the last week and a half. He had surgery yesterday and all seemed to go well. It is interesting when you feel a little sad moving on from neighbouring patients and staff, while at the same time looking so forward to leaving the hospital itself.
The kids were very excited to see their mummy. They were able to show off their individual "Welcome Home" masterpieces. We had takeaway for dinner to celebrate. Let's hope Maria can get some sleep without the usual hospital disturbances, while adjusting to the idea of having something attached to her for the foreseeable future (especially if she gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom!).
As the heading says, Maria is home. However, she has not been not discharged yet. Maria is now part of the Home in the Hospital (HITH) system, where she is technically still an inpatient of the hospital, but treated at home. When a nurse coming onto shift asked if Maria was being discharged, I answered that she is being transferred to a private hospital, which happens to be our home. The advantage of this is that should there be any issues, then she is immediately given a bed in hospital (but we are not expecting any such issues).
Maria had her PIC line inserted this morning with a double lumen attached (tubes - one usually to administer the antibiotic and the other to take blood), after some difficulty. She was away for four hours in total. They weren't able to push it right through the vein on the left arm (preferred) so fortunately the anaethetist, who was in charge of Maria in her surgery (and has visited her a couple of times since) turned up and put it through via the right arm. Maria was sedated, which I think helped the whole experience.
She is now hooked up to a portable machine that she has to carry everywhere in a small bag, which administers one of her antibiotics in two half-hour doses, twelve hours apart. A nurse will visit us every day to change the bag.
While Maria was out, the Social Worker and I had a long chat, which was nice. Maria and I have enjoyed our time with her. She has been extremely helpful and was also able to organise one of the onology social workers to visit us also.
It was time to head home. One of Maria's neighbours is a young guy who had a double dislocation of his neck in a rugby match last weekend. We got to know him and his parents a bit over the last week and a half. He had surgery yesterday and all seemed to go well. It is interesting when you feel a little sad moving on from neighbouring patients and staff, while at the same time looking so forward to leaving the hospital itself.
The kids were very excited to see their mummy. They were able to show off their individual "Welcome Home" masterpieces. We had takeaway for dinner to celebrate. Let's hope Maria can get some sleep without the usual hospital disturbances, while adjusting to the idea of having something attached to her for the foreseeable future (especially if she gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom!).
23 June 2009
Tue 23-Jun-09 (still in hospital, much revealed, VIP visit to kids' school)
What an interesting day. There is a lot to write, but I feel a little drained to devote the time needed. I will do my best to get out as much as possible in 30mins of typing.
The day started off with an early arrival so I could see the kids' work to date in their respective classrooms (called "learning journeys"). As they have only recently started there was not much to see, but it's about ensuring they don't feel neglected. It was nice to see what they had actually done in the three or so weeks since returning to Australia.
I was planning to head to the hospital, but as I was walking to the car park, I bumped into a friend who we happened to see at the hospital on 5-Jun when we were about to hop into the lift to see the Neurosurgeon, completely oblivious to the fact we were then about to receive the dreaded news about Maria's tumour regrowth. During our discussion I learned that the day she was at the hospital she was visiting her mother, who lives in a town about 1+ hrs from Canberra and that Maria's sister Effie was her mother's referring doctor! The world seems to shrink more and more.
As I was driving from the car park, a dear friend called and asked me to join her and her husband for a coffee nearby. Another mum happened to be walking by and joined us. That was an additional blessing as unexpectedly led to a conversation that affirmed God having us meet at that time.
Just when you thought the encounters were about to finish...When I got to the hospital, Maria and I decided to go to the Cafe before they hooked up the next antibiotic drip. Enroute to the lift we came across another dear friend and her daughter emerging from the bathrooms. We were able to go and hang out for a coffee.
We were just finishing up when I received a call from the nurse to say the Infectious Diseases team had arrived. We made our way back up, but not before bumping into another dear friend we hadn't seen since before we left for Israel in 2007.
They finally were able to narrow down the bugs. The slow growing (and therefore slow to identify) is in fact a Propionibacterium acne (p acne) bacteria, which we all have on our skin. In this case it developed inside Maria's brain. We had to absorb quite a bit of information about the plan and management of her treatment. The key thing for everyone out to know is that she will hopefully be home tomorrow after undergoing a procedure to have a PIC line inserted (under sedation). Maria also continues to defy statistics, on this occasion being in the 1-2% range of people developing infection in this case. I told her that she should buy a lottery ticket as most of the statistical categories she has fallen into have ranged from 1-2/100 down to as little as 5/100,000.
On the way out to collect the kids and return for a visit I bumped into the Neurosurgeon. We had our first one-on-one since the surgery. It was a helpful 10mins and in some ways a little shocking. All I can say is that Maria is firstly MEGA-BLESSED to have had the surgery that day, and secondly MEGA-MEGA-BLESSED to have come through it as she has. I was appreciative that he was willing to take measured risks. In addition to our case, I was also able to share some independent feedback along the same lines after speaking with the parent of someone who he had just operated on. In this case, he performed an extremely complex (yet successful) spinal surgery that at least one other neurosurgeon had avoided.
Gabi was again very disappointed, but was less emotional today. The kids and I came back for an "afternoon at the Cafe" visit. The kids were excited to report that the Prime Minister (PM) had visited the school (we actually already had inside knowledge of this from a "source"). Gabi was disappointed as the PM spent a lot of time in the other Year 1 classroom, but none in theirs. He dropped by Ben's classroom briefly. Ben says he remembered Mr Rudd's face from when I had spoken with him at Sydney Airport before we left for Israel (we were on the same flight from Canberra to Sydney and I had worked closely with one of his key advisers). At that stage he was the Leader of the Opposition. I joked to the kids that perhaps his popularity rose after he was seen speaking with me (for the record that couldn't be further from the truth).
We had the mum of Maria's neighbour take a shot of us before we headed home.
We had a quiet night at home, trying to catch any glimpses of the kids on the evening news, but without success.
22 June 2009
Church
Friends from the church we attended before leaving Australia as well as other friends through school (who attend other churches) have been kind enough to invite back/to their congregations when "we are up to it". At the moment this has been a topic far from our mind...please read on to appreciate why.
Since returning to Australia we have not been able to jump off our personal rollercoaster for a real break. We went from surgery to radio/chemo, then packing to return to Australia while having 11th-hour meetings to ensure Maria's fitness to travel. When we got back we were straight back into appointments and scans. Our hope was that when Maria was to commence her 6mths of chemo, the four of us could have what is our priority as a family: quality/precious time together. Unfortunately we find ourselves reliving events of four months ago.
These circumstances naturally dictate each of our decisions, which I should add we carefully think through. Albeit we really enjoy fellowship with other believers and listening to solid bible-based teaching, we certainly don't feel any further from God because of this decision. If anything, the last four months has brought us even closer to Him.
As I mentioned in a blog some time back, my plan will be to focus on doing more church at home, with the kids perhaps "very occasionally" visiting their friends' respective churches to hang out together at Sunday School and get some independent teaching.
One thing I was struck by when overseas was that the many passages of the Bible emphasising the unity of believers under Christ was actually realised, albeit at a micro level (approx 50 of us). For me it was a huge sense of freedom.
It is interesting to hear responses when I write "Christian" in answer to 'religion' on an official document. I'm usually asked to be more specific (i.e. denomination), but there is nothing more specific. Sadly over the centuries the enemy's successful division of the church has led to where we are today. I'll hop off my soapbox for now.
Since returning to Australia we have not been able to jump off our personal rollercoaster for a real break. We went from surgery to radio/chemo, then packing to return to Australia while having 11th-hour meetings to ensure Maria's fitness to travel. When we got back we were straight back into appointments and scans. Our hope was that when Maria was to commence her 6mths of chemo, the four of us could have what is our priority as a family: quality/precious time together. Unfortunately we find ourselves reliving events of four months ago.
These circumstances naturally dictate each of our decisions, which I should add we carefully think through. Albeit we really enjoy fellowship with other believers and listening to solid bible-based teaching, we certainly don't feel any further from God because of this decision. If anything, the last four months has brought us even closer to Him.
As I mentioned in a blog some time back, my plan will be to focus on doing more church at home, with the kids perhaps "very occasionally" visiting their friends' respective churches to hang out together at Sunday School and get some independent teaching.
One thing I was struck by when overseas was that the many passages of the Bible emphasising the unity of believers under Christ was actually realised, albeit at a micro level (approx 50 of us). For me it was a huge sense of freedom.
It is interesting to hear responses when I write "Christian" in answer to 'religion' on an official document. I'm usually asked to be more specific (i.e. denomination), but there is nothing more specific. Sadly over the centuries the enemy's successful division of the church has led to where we are today. I'll hop off my soapbox for now.
Mon 22-Jun-09 (still in hospital, taking its toll)
I called the hospital early to discover Maria had a good night.
On the way to school in the car the kids were praying for Maria, with the major emphasis on identification of the remaining bacteria, which would lead to Maria's discharge.
After a quick drop-off and running a few errands, I got in to see Maria. Not long after I got there, she was a very popular person, having the physio, pathology and a doctor wanting a bit of her time. All three meetings went well (although Maria continues to have problems around the canula entry areas (I continue to rotate her two pairs of pyjamas each day, washing the bloodstains out of one set while she wears the other), but is tolerating it to avoid another vein. We were told the veins are struggling in part because of one of the antibiotics she is on, which is quite potent.
The doctor from the infectious diseases department spent some time with us asking Maria a lot of questions about her history from the first surgery to try and better understand the abscess/infection. As she said about the infection, although it probably originated from the first surgery, that could have occurred anywhere. There is one final bug they are trying to identify, but it is so slow-growing that it is making it difficult to finalise their results. The turnaround is usually 3-4 days, so a week is not usual for this (many things throughout Maria's experience have been atypical from the onset in February). Maria may also have to be on antibiotics indefinitely, firstly to clear the infection, then to prevent any future incident. We are praying that if this is the case then appropriate oral antibiotics will be available.
The doctor said she'd return later in the day with a senior doctor with hopefully some more news. Maria and I continue to learn patience and to focus on the opportunities these delays present. It's certainly been a good opportunity to get to know the young man and woman neighbouring Maria with different ailments.
When I got to school to collect the kids Gabi came up to me excited, asking where her "mummy" was. When I told her that she would be in hospital this evening, she broke down. It is starting to take its toll. Ben was also disappointed, but acknowledged the situation.
On the way home Gabi asked some good questions like, “Why would God keep her mummy in hospital when we want her to be home?”, and, “Can’t God just have the bug grow quickly so they can send her home?” After some discussion she reluctantly accepted that perhaps there is someone God wants mummy to meet and their interaction may be important for that person's future.
Because all of the play-dates and having different carers around over the last week, we had a relaxed afternoon and evening at home. They worked on some "Welcome Home" posters after homework and I set them up on the futon sofa bed in the dining room (which I converted to a cubby over the weekend). Gabi was still highly emotional and sought prayer to help her sleep. They both drifted off quite quickly. As you can see from one of the photos below, they are exhausted, yet peaceful. It's been a long road, which we'll be on for a while to come.
21 June 2009
Addition to Sat 20-Jun-09
I can't believe I forgot to write about Effie leaving yesterday morning. I have re-posted th 20-Jun-09 entry to include a new first paragraph.
Sun 21-Jun-09 (uneventful day, however still in hospital)
Maria had some good patches of sleep. When she woke in the morning she had some brief head pain and nausea, but that passed. Her parents visited her for a while before their long drive home.
I have to say at this point that in my view Maria is comparatively doing much better than at this same stage after her first surgery. I re-read the 3-March entry to refresh my memory. Back then she had more facial swelling, was struggling with sleep (no doubt due to being on 4-times the dose of steroids than this time around - which was required then), and was not able to independently shower herself.
On the flip side, because of the need to have IV antibiotics, she has a canula inserted but has had a horror run with them not lasting for a long time. She has been a serious pin cushion [I'm not even addressing the additional daily blood tests (x2) and stomach injections (x2)]. Although she is in some pain and discomfort, she is certainly overcoming her needle phobia.
The Neurosurgeon saw Maria this afternoon while I was out doing playdate pick-ups. He told her that all but one of the nasty bugs had been identified and hopefully this would be resolved "soon" so she can be discharged. Maria feels guilty for occupying a bed that someone else "in greater need" could have, but the reality is that the onus is on the hospital to resolve this so she can be discharged with everything in order.
During my late afternoon/evening visit, I collected the kids and took them up for a quick visit. They are praying hard for Maria to be home ASAP.
Apart from family visits, Reverend Ron and Sue came through as did Denis from BTAA. All brought yummy snacks, especially for the kids.
I have ceased SMS updates today and will just continue with blog entries, unless there is a significant issue arising that requires some timely prayer coverage.
Hopefully tomorrow's entry is typed with Maria back in the house.
I have to say at this point that in my view Maria is comparatively doing much better than at this same stage after her first surgery. I re-read the 3-March entry to refresh my memory. Back then she had more facial swelling, was struggling with sleep (no doubt due to being on 4-times the dose of steroids than this time around - which was required then), and was not able to independently shower herself.
On the flip side, because of the need to have IV antibiotics, she has a canula inserted but has had a horror run with them not lasting for a long time. She has been a serious pin cushion [I'm not even addressing the additional daily blood tests (x2) and stomach injections (x2)]. Although she is in some pain and discomfort, she is certainly overcoming her needle phobia.
The Neurosurgeon saw Maria this afternoon while I was out doing playdate pick-ups. He told her that all but one of the nasty bugs had been identified and hopefully this would be resolved "soon" so she can be discharged. Maria feels guilty for occupying a bed that someone else "in greater need" could have, but the reality is that the onus is on the hospital to resolve this so she can be discharged with everything in order.
During my late afternoon/evening visit, I collected the kids and took them up for a quick visit. They are praying hard for Maria to be home ASAP.
Apart from family visits, Reverend Ron and Sue came through as did Denis from BTAA. All brought yummy snacks, especially for the kids.
I have ceased SMS updates today and will just continue with blog entries, unless there is a significant issue arising that requires some timely prayer coverage.
Hopefully tomorrow's entry is typed with Maria back in the house.
20 June 2009
Sat 20-Jun-09 (another good day)
Effie left before 6:45am (I woke to farewell her and she was already on the road). she has been a huge blessing over the past week. We really appreciate all she has done (again), and to Brian and the kids for releasing her to us. I'm sure she'll enjoy being back home (as will the rest of her beautiful family).
I called the hospital at 8am to see how Maria's night was. She was having breakfast and able to speak with me. She said the evening was quieter and she had some good patches of sleep.
Maria's mum went and spent some hours with her, while her Dad kept himself busy doing jobs around our home. I had some good play time with the kids before dropping them off on their respective play dates. That gave me a chance to get up to the hospital around 4pm. Maria and I walked down to the cafe for a milkshake and coffee. Unfortunately Maria has been having blood taken from her a couple of times a day and it is becoming more difficult for them to get a good vein.
Our dear friend Mel dropped the kids and a taco dinner off to us at the hospital before she took off for her own family dinner date.
Gabi was a bit nervous seeing Maria as she now is without her bandage and therefore her wound, stitches and pulsating soft spot (where titanium was placed) are exposed. I had to take a photo and show Gabi before she went in. She was fine from thereon in.
We were able to have our dinner in the Patients' Waiting Room while the kids watched a Spider-Man video. Got home around 8:30pm. Kids exhausted. They have some recovery time before launching into further playdates tomorrow.
I called the hospital at 8am to see how Maria's night was. She was having breakfast and able to speak with me. She said the evening was quieter and she had some good patches of sleep.
Maria's mum went and spent some hours with her, while her Dad kept himself busy doing jobs around our home. I had some good play time with the kids before dropping them off on their respective play dates. That gave me a chance to get up to the hospital around 4pm. Maria and I walked down to the cafe for a milkshake and coffee. Unfortunately Maria has been having blood taken from her a couple of times a day and it is becoming more difficult for them to get a good vein.
Our dear friend Mel dropped the kids and a taco dinner off to us at the hospital before she took off for her own family dinner date.
Gabi was a bit nervous seeing Maria as she now is without her bandage and therefore her wound, stitches and pulsating soft spot (where titanium was placed) are exposed. I had to take a photo and show Gabi before she went in. She was fine from thereon in.
We were able to have our dinner in the Patients' Waiting Room while the kids watched a Spider-Man video. Got home around 8:30pm. Kids exhausted. They have some recovery time before launching into further playdates tomorrow.
19 June 2009
Histology
Many have been curious to know whether what the surgeons had removed in surgery was in fact mostly infection and perhaps the tumour itself had not progressed as much as seen on the MRI (as it is not possible for them to differentiate between the cancer and infection until they get to the site as was the case on Monday).
The histology showed a combination of infection and GBM (her cancer). While I cannot quantify the amount of GBM present, it was not insignificant.
The histology showed a combination of infection and GBM (her cancer). While I cannot quantify the amount of GBM present, it was not insignificant.
Fri 19-Jun-09 (a much better day)
Maria had a restful night (apart from the hourly checks). As much as we adore the staff of the Acute Care Unit, she is looking forward to being moved for the sake of catching up on sleep.
Denis from BTAA (mentioned in yesterday's blog) visited. After the three of us had a chat, Denis and I spent some time alone over a coffee. It was nice to catch up with him.
Maria was keen to stretch her legs, so we went for a walk from the ward (Level 9) to the shop next to the cafe on Level 2 (a lift was used for the levels) to gather some essentials (chocolate, chips).
Maria's face was swelling a little more, but I still think she is looking much better than at this stage after her initial surgery. She is certainly a lot of active, talkative, less sensitive to sound, and able to read some literature.
We met with the Neurosurgeon, who is happy with her progress. He would be happy to discharge her but unfortunately the Infectious Diseases Unit staff have a big say as they are finalising all the pathology. They have identified some of the bugs, but are waiting for some final results. They will play a significant role in Maria's discharge. If Maria's antibiotics continue to be administered intravenously, they will insert a "peripherally inserted central catheter" (PICC or PIC) line. This will allow her to go home and come under a Hospital in the Home (HITH) situation, i.e. nurse visiting as required to administer the medication.
The Head Radio-oncologist came to see us. Like Maria's Neurosurgeon and Neuro-oncologist, she was young and really nice. We (Maria and I) had an instant connection with her. She confirmed our understanding that further regular radiotherapy would not be possible as she has already received what one would consider a maximum dose. As we have been praying for doors to open and close, this was another door closed. We were not upset by this at all. In fact, Maria is looking forward in the near future to have a break from all the medical attention so we can just chill-out as a family, which has not been possible very much since February.
They expected Maria to be in for 6 nights (discharged Sunday), but as we are now commencing the weekend, infection pathology won't be finalised before at least Monday.
The Social Worker came to speak with us at one stage. Maria was quite chatty and even joking around.
The kids came up in the afternoon for a visit with Effie and Maria's parents. Gabi was a little freaked by "seeing mummy with a puffy face", so taking photos of Maria and showing her before entering helped as it did in Israel. they are really missing Maria and want her home ASAP.
I joined the others for dinner at the Hellenic Club as Maria was happy to stay alone.
Denis from BTAA (mentioned in yesterday's blog) visited. After the three of us had a chat, Denis and I spent some time alone over a coffee. It was nice to catch up with him.
Maria was keen to stretch her legs, so we went for a walk from the ward (Level 9) to the shop next to the cafe on Level 2 (a lift was used for the levels) to gather some essentials (chocolate, chips).
Maria's face was swelling a little more, but I still think she is looking much better than at this stage after her initial surgery. She is certainly a lot of active, talkative, less sensitive to sound, and able to read some literature.
We met with the Neurosurgeon, who is happy with her progress. He would be happy to discharge her but unfortunately the Infectious Diseases Unit staff have a big say as they are finalising all the pathology. They have identified some of the bugs, but are waiting for some final results. They will play a significant role in Maria's discharge. If Maria's antibiotics continue to be administered intravenously, they will insert a "peripherally inserted central catheter" (PICC or PIC) line. This will allow her to go home and come under a Hospital in the Home (HITH) situation, i.e. nurse visiting as required to administer the medication.
The Head Radio-oncologist came to see us. Like Maria's Neurosurgeon and Neuro-oncologist, she was young and really nice. We (Maria and I) had an instant connection with her. She confirmed our understanding that further regular radiotherapy would not be possible as she has already received what one would consider a maximum dose. As we have been praying for doors to open and close, this was another door closed. We were not upset by this at all. In fact, Maria is looking forward in the near future to have a break from all the medical attention so we can just chill-out as a family, which has not been possible very much since February.
They expected Maria to be in for 6 nights (discharged Sunday), but as we are now commencing the weekend, infection pathology won't be finalised before at least Monday.
The Social Worker came to speak with us at one stage. Maria was quite chatty and even joking around.
The kids came up in the afternoon for a visit with Effie and Maria's parents. Gabi was a little freaked by "seeing mummy with a puffy face", so taking photos of Maria and showing her before entering helped as it did in Israel. they are really missing Maria and want her home ASAP.
I joined the others for dinner at the Hellenic Club as Maria was happy to stay alone.
18 June 2009
Thu 18-Jun-09 (up and down pain day)
The morning started with a school drop-off, followed by a visit to the post office to collect a package. As I entered the post office the young lady commented that we had the same model phone. When I handed her the slip, she told me she lived in the same street (there are only a handful of houses in our street and we know some of our neighbours). It happens that she is two doors from us. She commented that the painting of the exterior of our house looks great. I haven't had a good chance to check it yet, with the early departures and late arrivals home.
The first two things I noticed about Maria when arriving at the hospital were: (a) that she was looking and feeling much better compared with yesterday. She had eaten breakfast without any problem; and (b) swelling starting setting in around the left eye (see photo).
This was similar to first surgery in terms of timings, but not on both sides this time round (so far). It appears the reintroduction of dex (steroids) had the desired effect. She took a walk with the Physio to the gym nearby and did some general exercise and testing of her balance.
A little while later one of the radio-oncologists came through to obtain some background on Maria. I explained that only five weeks ago she finished six weeks of radiotherapy (concomitantly with chemo), receiving the maximum dose of 60Gy. We were told in Israel that she would have to wait about 2-3 years before receiving such a dose again. He agreed, but was to check with his 'boss' so we may/may not have much further involvement with that team. There was a blessing revealed in this conversation. When I mentioned that in Israel they commenced regular radiotherapy but because of the tumour's proximity to her optic nerve they moved IMRT (far more targeted) to avoid long-term damage, he said that Canberra did not have those facilities at present.
I also got to meet with the Neuro-oncologist. We had a long worthwhile discussion. One thing that came out of the conversation (another blessing for the day) was that he said had Maria commenced the next phase of chemo (which would have happened had the MRI been deferred), there is a likelihood she would have gone septic.
Canberra is a small city and known for its "one degree of separation" as the example from earlier in the morning testifies to this fact. Well, to put the matter to rest we discovered through chatting with the nurse caring for Maria during the day shift that she grew up around one of the areas we lived in and to bring it closer to home, her husband is one of the primary/elementary school teachers at the kids' school!
About 1:30pm Maria started to experience severe head pain and after an hour of other pain relief, she was not better. She was asked to rate her pain on a scale from 1-10 (10 being worst). She rated herself as a '10'. When you appreciate what she's been through over the past four months and I have never heard her rate herself over 8, I could only imagine how severe it must have been! They gave her a morphine injection. Her temperature was checked @ 2:00pm and was deemed high (38.4). The doctor took further blood (had some taken earlier) for 'culturing'. She said that perhaps a post-op chest infection was setting in, albeit Maria's chest sounded fine. I told that about our dear friend who after a number of weeks in a critical condition in Israel was medivac-ed to the US. She suffered from at least one infection that took a while to identify as it was from the Middle East. After this mentionand the fact that the Neurosurgeon believed the infection was possibly introduced during the original surgery, she said she'd have the infectious diseases staff speak with us.
At 4:30pm Maria had a chest X-ray. Funnily enough, I completely forgot to chase up the result. the nurse who cares for Maria is quite good at explaining things in advance. As there has been no changes to her medicine regime, I can only assume they didn't identify anything.
Eventually her pain subsided a little. She felt she would manage without further morphine for now. Her temperature @ 7:00pm had come down to 37.7. She was still feeling a little hot and cheeks a little rosy. I kept ice packs on her head most of the day for the swelling and the pain. On my last look before Maria feel asleep, the swelling was still increasing mostly around the left.
After about a couple of hours of sleep, I decided to sneak off and probably call in at some stage later to check on how things were going.
To my friends in Israel - due to the frequency and number of people I'm SMS'ing updates to on a daily basis, my phone bill is increasing at a frenetic rate. My plan now is to give a single update each day (still after 8am your time), unless there is a significant issue that requires immediate prayer coverage. Thanks for your understanding.
After sending this entry, I plan to sit down and look through the MRI and MRI Stealth (pre-op) as well as Tuesday's post-op CT. I am going to have a copy of yesterday's MRI burnt for me tomorrow, which will be interesting to see.
I established email and SMS contact with the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA), the only national brain tumour patient and caregiver organisation in the country. One of the key members will be coming into the hospital tomorrow for some meetings, so we are both hopeful of a time of a meet/greet and coffee. In addition to the hyperlink, I've added BTAA to my 'web links' on the side bar of this blog.
Finally, I need to mention Maria's sister Effie, who has been doing a great job caring for the kids to free me up for the hospital. She has come into a role she is all too familiar with, having done the same thing travelling to Israel after Maria's initial surgery. On that occasion she stayed three weeks. She will probably leave Saturday morning. It has been a huge blessing for us to have her (and Brian and their kids to share her) for this time.
The first two things I noticed about Maria when arriving at the hospital were: (a) that she was looking and feeling much better compared with yesterday. She had eaten breakfast without any problem; and (b) swelling starting setting in around the left eye (see photo).
This was similar to first surgery in terms of timings, but not on both sides this time round (so far). It appears the reintroduction of dex (steroids) had the desired effect. She took a walk with the Physio to the gym nearby and did some general exercise and testing of her balance.
A little while later one of the radio-oncologists came through to obtain some background on Maria. I explained that only five weeks ago she finished six weeks of radiotherapy (concomitantly with chemo), receiving the maximum dose of 60Gy. We were told in Israel that she would have to wait about 2-3 years before receiving such a dose again. He agreed, but was to check with his 'boss' so we may/may not have much further involvement with that team. There was a blessing revealed in this conversation. When I mentioned that in Israel they commenced regular radiotherapy but because of the tumour's proximity to her optic nerve they moved IMRT (far more targeted) to avoid long-term damage, he said that Canberra did not have those facilities at present.
I also got to meet with the Neuro-oncologist. We had a long worthwhile discussion. One thing that came out of the conversation (another blessing for the day) was that he said had Maria commenced the next phase of chemo (which would have happened had the MRI been deferred), there is a likelihood she would have gone septic.
Canberra is a small city and known for its "one degree of separation" as the example from earlier in the morning testifies to this fact. Well, to put the matter to rest we discovered through chatting with the nurse caring for Maria during the day shift that she grew up around one of the areas we lived in and to bring it closer to home, her husband is one of the primary/elementary school teachers at the kids' school!
About 1:30pm Maria started to experience severe head pain and after an hour of other pain relief, she was not better. She was asked to rate her pain on a scale from 1-10 (10 being worst). She rated herself as a '10'. When you appreciate what she's been through over the past four months and I have never heard her rate herself over 8, I could only imagine how severe it must have been! They gave her a morphine injection. Her temperature was checked @ 2:00pm and was deemed high (38.4). The doctor took further blood (had some taken earlier) for 'culturing'. She said that perhaps a post-op chest infection was setting in, albeit Maria's chest sounded fine. I told that about our dear friend who after a number of weeks in a critical condition in Israel was medivac-ed to the US. She suffered from at least one infection that took a while to identify as it was from the Middle East. After this mentionand the fact that the Neurosurgeon believed the infection was possibly introduced during the original surgery, she said she'd have the infectious diseases staff speak with us.
At 4:30pm Maria had a chest X-ray. Funnily enough, I completely forgot to chase up the result. the nurse who cares for Maria is quite good at explaining things in advance. As there has been no changes to her medicine regime, I can only assume they didn't identify anything.
Eventually her pain subsided a little. She felt she would manage without further morphine for now. Her temperature @ 7:00pm had come down to 37.7. She was still feeling a little hot and cheeks a little rosy. I kept ice packs on her head most of the day for the swelling and the pain. On my last look before Maria feel asleep, the swelling was still increasing mostly around the left.
After about a couple of hours of sleep, I decided to sneak off and probably call in at some stage later to check on how things were going.
To my friends in Israel - due to the frequency and number of people I'm SMS'ing updates to on a daily basis, my phone bill is increasing at a frenetic rate. My plan now is to give a single update each day (still after 8am your time), unless there is a significant issue that requires immediate prayer coverage. Thanks for your understanding.
After sending this entry, I plan to sit down and look through the MRI and MRI Stealth (pre-op) as well as Tuesday's post-op CT. I am going to have a copy of yesterday's MRI burnt for me tomorrow, which will be interesting to see.
I established email and SMS contact with the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA), the only national brain tumour patient and caregiver organisation in the country. One of the key members will be coming into the hospital tomorrow for some meetings, so we are both hopeful of a time of a meet/greet and coffee. In addition to the hyperlink, I've added BTAA to my 'web links' on the side bar of this blog.
Finally, I need to mention Maria's sister Effie, who has been doing a great job caring for the kids to free me up for the hospital. She has come into a role she is all too familiar with, having done the same thing travelling to Israel after Maria's initial surgery. On that occasion she stayed three weeks. She will probably leave Saturday morning. It has been a huge blessing for us to have her (and Brian and their kids to share her) for this time.
17 June 2009
Wed 17-Jun-09 (a rough patch)
It's 7:30pm and I'm sitting by Maria as she sleeps. She had been out for an hour now. She really needs sleep. You'll appreciate why as you read on.
About 8:30am I called the hospital to learn that Maria had a rough night with a lot of vomiting. Doctors saw her this morning and changed her anti-emetic drug.
I went to see Gabi's class host assembly(they did an awesome job. Gabi read her bit fluently, I was very proud) followed by morning tea. I got into the hospital about mid-morning. Maria was very unwell and agitated. She wasn't even up to seeing her mum.
Further changes were made to her medications to see whether they could determine why she was feeling so nausea. She was quite agitated, probably because of the inability to rest due to the nausea, pain and lack of sleep.
She had an MRI @ 4:30pm (2hrs later than planned). This scan is not related to how she is currently feeling (i.e. planned prior to surgery).
About 5.45pm the Neurosurgeon saw Maria. He immediately put her symptoms of vomiting, nausea, headache and dizzy spells down to her complete withdrawal from steroids. They wanted to be careful reintroducing it while awaiting the final infection pathology, but have decided now to introduce a low dose. Although the infection pathology is to come, he said the initial indication was that they were very nasty bugs. He is happy how she is currently responding against the infection.
He said from looking at the MRI he estimates he removed the bulk of the tumour and infection. The residual tumour was glued in by infection around the main arteries. When starting to clear those masses, Maria's speech started slurring and she was feeling faint (she doesn't recall that). Making a judgement call (a sound one), he didn't proceed any further because of the increased risk of stroke or paralysis.
About 8:30am I called the hospital to learn that Maria had a rough night with a lot of vomiting. Doctors saw her this morning and changed her anti-emetic drug.
I went to see Gabi's class host assembly(they did an awesome job. Gabi read her bit fluently, I was very proud) followed by morning tea. I got into the hospital about mid-morning. Maria was very unwell and agitated. She wasn't even up to seeing her mum.
Further changes were made to her medications to see whether they could determine why she was feeling so nausea. She was quite agitated, probably because of the inability to rest due to the nausea, pain and lack of sleep.
She had an MRI @ 4:30pm (2hrs later than planned). This scan is not related to how she is currently feeling (i.e. planned prior to surgery).
About 5.45pm the Neurosurgeon saw Maria. He immediately put her symptoms of vomiting, nausea, headache and dizzy spells down to her complete withdrawal from steroids. They wanted to be careful reintroducing it while awaiting the final infection pathology, but have decided now to introduce a low dose. Although the infection pathology is to come, he said the initial indication was that they were very nasty bugs. He is happy how she is currently responding against the infection.
He said from looking at the MRI he estimates he removed the bulk of the tumour and infection. The residual tumour was glued in by infection around the main arteries. When starting to clear those masses, Maria's speech started slurring and she was feeling faint (she doesn't recall that). Making a judgement call (a sound one), he didn't proceed any further because of the increased risk of stroke or paralysis.
16 June 2009
My lack of responses to SMSs and emails
Due to the current situation, overwhelming support for Maria, and continuation of SMS and blog updates, I have chosen to conserve my energy by not responding to the many SMS and email replies. It doesn't mean I'm ignoring you. In fact it is nice to sit in my quiet time and sometimes catch up on reading those messages. I know you all understand. Thanks.
Tue 16-Jun-09 (out of ICU)
Maria had some vomiting during the night (anaesthetic-related) and was very tired by the morning because of the busyness and noise in ICU. In the morning Maria had all her lines removed (apart from a single canula). She had breakfast, slowly got into her pyjamas and by 9:30am was ready to go for a walk to the bathroom. She did it under the watchful eye of the physio. They wheeled away the bed and replaced it with a recliner. As they were happy for her to head to the Ward, we were hoping to hear good news from the morning meeting about 15mins later. Unfortunately there was no space in the Neurosurgery ward but anticipated there may be space as the day continues. The ICU staff were amazed by her level of activity and general appearance.
Most of the morning was spent hanging around, chatting with Maria and in-between spending time in the ICU waiting room with a couple of families I've come to know who have seriously ill family members.
Maria had very brief visits from her parents, "Doudou" (i.e. Maria's aunty Ralou), my parents, Effie & Brian. We then received news around 12:15pm that Maria could go to the Ward after a CT scan, which had been confirmed for 1:00pm. That all went smoothly, as did her transition to the Neurosurgery Ward. I have to say I was very impressed with the ICU nurses, who apart from doing a great job were really genuine and caring.
Maria was looking forward to the change of scenery, which may be more conducive to sleep. She is currently in an Acute Care room (like a High Dependency/ICU) of four with a couple of guys. She will need to remain there at least 24hrs, then a determination will be made when to move her (which is also dependent on bed space).
Maria slept a little while I hung out in the waiting room. The Social Worker came and saw me and we had a great chat, during which she was interested in our faith and journey. Another awesome opportunity to share, which I did not hesitate to do in a humble way.
Maria's blood pressure was tested and as it was quite low, it was double-checked by the nurse using an older, more traditional device. A doctor came and went through the same process, asking a number of questions. As she otherwise seems fine, a decision was made to put a drip in and the increase in fluids may help alleviate this issue.
Our very dear friend, pastor Ron, came by to visit briefly. It was great to see him after nearly two years. This was followed by the Anesthetist who was popping in, in her own time. She is so lovely. She couldn't believe how Maria looks and that the three types of antibiotics she is taking need only be orally administered (she ssid that was a great sign). She described how nasty the abscess was (she has her own photos, which I hope to see in the future), yet in awe that Maria smiled all the way through the awake portion of the surgery! Focusing on the underlined text, as her smiles were not anesthesia-related, let me ask you where do you think that came from, considering the awake sections of surgery was her single fear? Well, I believe it was the "peace surpassing all understanding" that came from the Lord through your prayer.
Maria sent me on my way around 6:00pm. She is exhausted and is hoping for some sleep. As I left they were planning to change her canula as there was a problem. I'm praying for minimal pain. I'll find out till later in the morning as Gabi's class is hosting Junior School assembly tomorrow as she is involved.
I spoke with the painter who had planned to paint our house, but I had put off upon return as we were otherwise distracted. Because of our change in circumstances with Maria is hospital I contacted him at short notice to see whether he was able to arrange to have the house done this week. It was a blessing to learn he has moved other jobs around to accommodate us and had three guys here today to work on it. The first coat looks great.
Most of the morning was spent hanging around, chatting with Maria and in-between spending time in the ICU waiting room with a couple of families I've come to know who have seriously ill family members.
Maria had very brief visits from her parents, "Doudou" (i.e. Maria's aunty Ralou), my parents, Effie & Brian. We then received news around 12:15pm that Maria could go to the Ward after a CT scan, which had been confirmed for 1:00pm. That all went smoothly, as did her transition to the Neurosurgery Ward. I have to say I was very impressed with the ICU nurses, who apart from doing a great job were really genuine and caring.
Maria was looking forward to the change of scenery, which may be more conducive to sleep. She is currently in an Acute Care room (like a High Dependency/ICU) of four with a couple of guys. She will need to remain there at least 24hrs, then a determination will be made when to move her (which is also dependent on bed space).
Maria slept a little while I hung out in the waiting room. The Social Worker came and saw me and we had a great chat, during which she was interested in our faith and journey. Another awesome opportunity to share, which I did not hesitate to do in a humble way.
Maria's blood pressure was tested and as it was quite low, it was double-checked by the nurse using an older, more traditional device. A doctor came and went through the same process, asking a number of questions. As she otherwise seems fine, a decision was made to put a drip in and the increase in fluids may help alleviate this issue.
Our very dear friend, pastor Ron, came by to visit briefly. It was great to see him after nearly two years. This was followed by the Anesthetist who was popping in, in her own time. She is so lovely. She couldn't believe how Maria looks and that the three types of antibiotics she is taking need only be orally administered (she ssid that was a great sign). She described how nasty the abscess was (she has her own photos, which I hope to see in the future), yet in awe that Maria smiled all the way through the awake portion of the surgery! Focusing on the underlined text, as her smiles were not anesthesia-related, let me ask you where do you think that came from, considering the awake sections of surgery was her single fear? Well, I believe it was the "peace surpassing all understanding" that came from the Lord through your prayer.
Maria sent me on my way around 6:00pm. She is exhausted and is hoping for some sleep. As I left they were planning to change her canula as there was a problem. I'm praying for minimal pain. I'll find out till later in the morning as Gabi's class is hosting Junior School assembly tomorrow as she is involved.
I spoke with the painter who had planned to paint our house, but I had put off upon return as we were otherwise distracted. Because of our change in circumstances with Maria is hospital I contacted him at short notice to see whether he was able to arrange to have the house done this week. It was a blessing to learn he has moved other jobs around to accommodate us and had three guys here today to work on it. The first coat looks great.
Back to Maria—medical staff continue to be amazed at her progress from this surgery, considering how quickly she is up and about and looking so well. In fact, in one conversation with one doctor today, they used the word "miracle". I'm not jumping ahead of ourselves in terms of her overall healing, but given all the complications (e.g. the mess to clean up, and had the abscess burst at any stage prior to surgery she would have had a rapid decline) and when you see how she is 24 hours later, I proclaim this a miracle in its own right.
As Jesus said to one (of many) he healed, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:39)
15 June 2009
Mon 15-Jun-09 (Surgery #2, non-graphic photos of Maria included)
It has taken me over 45mins to even get this entry started as my laptop has decided to commence the end of its useful life.
I set up a mass email group in 'gmail' from the computer last night but unfortunately I have since learned that it does not work when accessed from mobiles. I then resorted to SMSs.
The day started with Maria and I departing home @ 5:30am, but not before bidding farewell to the kids. It was cold and the fog quite heavy. While waiting to be admitted, Janelle arrived.
Maria wanted me to take a shot of her in her designer outfit. When you see her, it is hard to imagine what has actually been happening inside of her head! She was wheeled off at 7:40am.
Janelle and I took over a section of the ICU waiting room for the anticipated arrivals. We then found the cafe for my first of what would be a few coffees for the day. For my Israeli friends, have to say I prefer 'Aroma'.
Effie arrived after having taken the kids to school. Maria's parents and Aunty came a while later, followed by my parents. It was then a long waiting game. It was good opportunity to immerse in the scripture, lean on His promises and have prayer time(s).
The Neurosurgeon met with me and Maria's parents about 2:45pm. He explained that Maria was amazingly tough, calm and relaxed (the prayer coverage). They had her awake in two sessions, of which she only recalls the second. She was awake for up to four hours of the operation. His summary was something like this:
- When they "opened her up", they found a significant infection.
- He is fairly certain the infection was introduced during the first surgery and then "sealed" in by the radiotherapy.
- The infection caused the whole area to almost glue together. This caused its own challenges when working through removal of the puss, tumour while moving around the major arteries.
- They had the infection tested immediately and the lab found it to contain a whole range of nasty micro-organisms.
- As the flap of skull from the first craniotomy was infected (possible initial point of introduction of infection) he replaced it with a piece of titanium.
- She was on large doses of antibiotics to control the infection, but as they planned to wake her shortly, that was the critical time. If she was having trouble, they would have to insert a shunt for drainage, which was not ideal because it is introducing a foreign body to her system.
- Given the circumstances her was happy with the amount of tumour and oedema he was able to remove. He only needed a smaller incision on the left. Another praise point (and they keep coming) was that there was no need to enter through the right (preserving that side of the brain).
- Neurologically she was consistently fine throughout until towards the end when she was slurring her speech. An increase in fluids and a position change seemed to help.
- As he films his surgeries, he is going to show it to me so I get a better appreciation of the extent of the infection.
As you can imagine Maria's parents were overcome with emotion, although we weren't "out of the woods" by any stretch. I was at complete peace because as with the first surgery, I always had a sense she'd come out of the surgery.
A little while later (some time before 4pm) the Anaesthetist came to me and said Maria was asking to see me in recovery before going into ICU. She said they made a special dispensation for me and I was able to see Maria briefly. Maria was lucid, looking so well and introducing me to all the nurses by name. They were amazed at her initial recovery. The Anaesthetist was also amazingly impressed with Maria throughout the surgery. It has been great to then use that and witness to those practitioners.
About 6:30pm I was able to sit in ICU with Maria. She was laughing, joking and praising God for the way she has come out of this critical surgery, especially when you consider the amount of infection present. She was eating a sandwich and was happy to see Janelle (who had to head back to the Blue Mtns) and the kids a little later, but was obviously exhausted.
During the late afternoon and evening I got to chat with some of the other families in the waiting room and have developed a rapport with them. Their family members have a range of issues, with some far more critical than others.
The kids came in with Effie around 7pm. They were a bit nervous, but relaxed some when seeing Maria. As anticipated, Ben was interested in all the instruments and nurses carrying big needles, while Gabi was focused on how she could get close to Maria without hurting her. The nurses allowed me to take a couple of photos.
At school today, Gabi won a football by answering a correct answer. I'm still not clear on the detail, but a footballer gave her the ball and a photo was taken of them. I don't know whether or not it was in any way connected with Maria's surgery. I suspect not, as Ben didn't have the same success in his sports lesson.
Maria kicked me out @ 9:30pm, wanting to get some sleep. ICU is quite noisy, certainly not the place for rest. The ICU nurses (like everyone else to date) have been very professional and helpful.
Maria mentioned to me that they were unable to implant the Gliadel wafers because of the infection. That is a closed door for now. Tomorrow an MRI will be done to see how successful the surgery was as it was quite a mess.
Thanks to all of you out there (and there are many) for your prayers to God for our immediate and extended family, but most importantly for Maria. Maria also asked me to pass on her deepest gratitude. We both pass onto HIM the glory and praise for where we are at right now. It could have been so much worse!
14 June 2009
Sun 14-Jun-09 (It was the night before...)
Our day started with a croissant breakfast in bed, followed by my focus on the book of John (chapter 3 to be precise, with a significant focus on verse 3:16). It was an awesome time of fellowship, especially after I was reduced to tears (of joy) with Gabi saying that she can't imagine never believing in Jesus, and asked us to help her stay on track. Ben also echoed similar words.
We had both sets or parents, Effie (Maria's sister) and Janelle (a dear friend) with us all of this afternoon into the early evening. We enjoyed a BBQ dinner. Maria was her usual glowing self, but quite exhausted by the whole experience.
We were blessed to have our dear neighbours Alan and Elaine invite my parents to stay with them. This was a "God" thing as it had only been planned for one night (Tuesday) as I had arranged a hotel for them for tonight and tomorrow. When I called the hotel to cancel, they advised that the booking wasn't in the system. Strangely, the lady I spoke with recalled making the booking and putting my credit card into the system but could not rationalise why it wasn't there.
Maria and I had prayer time with the kids before bed. The kids are astute enough to realise that this surgery is significant (probably partly through quitely observing Maria's mum in tears from time to time during the afternoon). We'll wake them just before walking out the door at 5:30am (less than 8hrs away).
Maria, Effie, Janelle and I had an awesome time of prayer and fellowship on Maria's bed. Maria realised at the end of our time (it dawned on me only when she mentioned it) that both Janelle and Effie were significant in us coming to Christ.
I will attempt to send out SMSs and/or emails from the hospital as news comes to hand (hopefully it will be only at the end of surgery to tell us everything went well). The surgery could take 6hrs, but it could be a little less or more. There is no telling. I'll keep people posted as best as possible. I'm happy to receive SMSs and emails, but would ask for minimal call contact to free up my mobile/cell line.
We know there are so many people out there reading this blog and holding us all up in prayer or through your own thoughts. For this (especially the prayer) we are humbled.
We had both sets or parents, Effie (Maria's sister) and Janelle (a dear friend) with us all of this afternoon into the early evening. We enjoyed a BBQ dinner. Maria was her usual glowing self, but quite exhausted by the whole experience.
We were blessed to have our dear neighbours Alan and Elaine invite my parents to stay with them. This was a "God" thing as it had only been planned for one night (Tuesday) as I had arranged a hotel for them for tonight and tomorrow. When I called the hotel to cancel, they advised that the booking wasn't in the system. Strangely, the lady I spoke with recalled making the booking and putting my credit card into the system but could not rationalise why it wasn't there.
Maria and I had prayer time with the kids before bed. The kids are astute enough to realise that this surgery is significant (probably partly through quitely observing Maria's mum in tears from time to time during the afternoon). We'll wake them just before walking out the door at 5:30am (less than 8hrs away).
Maria, Effie, Janelle and I had an awesome time of prayer and fellowship on Maria's bed. Maria realised at the end of our time (it dawned on me only when she mentioned it) that both Janelle and Effie were significant in us coming to Christ.
I will attempt to send out SMSs and/or emails from the hospital as news comes to hand (hopefully it will be only at the end of surgery to tell us everything went well). The surgery could take 6hrs, but it could be a little less or more. There is no telling. I'll keep people posted as best as possible. I'm happy to receive SMSs and emails, but would ask for minimal call contact to free up my mobile/cell line.
We know there are so many people out there reading this blog and holding us all up in prayer or through your own thoughts. For this (especially the prayer) we are humbled.
13 June 2009
Sat 13-Jun-09 (An afternoon tea with loved ones)
Today was another day where we were blessed by others in a BIG way at such an important time. Our dear friend Vivienne and a team of people prepared their church building in such a beautiful way, creating the perfect atmosphere for us to mingle with many of our dear friends from Canberra. Illness kept some people away, which I know was a challenge for them not being able to see Maria. At the same time I appreciate their sacrifice to ensure Maria is fully fit prior to her surgery.
Maria felt it important to see the maximum number of people in one go for two reasons: (1) She is become more fatigued each day. (2) She is fully aware of the risks faced with this surgery, not knowing how she'll come out at the other end.
As I wrote to those involved in today's organisation, since commencing this rough patch in our journey less than four months ago, we have been privileged to be on the receiving end of many acts of kindness. We have watched Christ’s light shine like a powerful beacon in the night. Today was no exception.
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. Luke 8:16
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Maria felt it important to see the maximum number of people in one go for two reasons: (1) She is become more fatigued each day. (2) She is fully aware of the risks faced with this surgery, not knowing how she'll come out at the other end.
As I wrote to those involved in today's organisation, since commencing this rough patch in our journey less than four months ago, we have been privileged to be on the receiving end of many acts of kindness. We have watched Christ’s light shine like a powerful beacon in the night. Today was no exception.
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. Luke 8:16
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Humbled and blessed again
Our dear brothers and sisters in Israel have organised a prayer vigil that will go around-the-clock from the day before surgery, through to the day after. Maria will be in ICU for 24-48 hours post-op, so this is greatly appreciated.
We also have dear brothers and sisters here in Canberra holding prayer meetings throughout the surgery. I know that this is also taking place in the US.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
In addition to the above, I know that there are many people out there across nations (known/not known to us) holding us up at this time. Regardless of where you are and the environment in which you pray, I want to repeat that we have always felt carried throughout our ordeal—you are part of that blessing.
In Genesis 12 the Lord promised Abram (later renamed Abraham) that He would bless those who blessed Abram. This is my prayer for you.
We also have dear brothers and sisters here in Canberra holding prayer meetings throughout the surgery. I know that this is also taking place in the US.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
In addition to the above, I know that there are many people out there across nations (known/not known to us) holding us up at this time. Regardless of where you are and the environment in which you pray, I want to repeat that we have always felt carried throughout our ordeal—you are part of that blessing.
In Genesis 12 the Lord promised Abram (later renamed Abraham) that He would bless those who blessed Abram. This is my prayer for you.
Fri 12-Jun-09 (a few things to share)
The last two days have involved all day visits at the hospital as we meet every possible person to discuss Maria's upcoming surgery. The weather has been phenomenally cold, with a minimum of -6 on Thursday morning, and a maximum of only 4 degrees today! Ben lost his school jacket a couple of days ago—perfect timing!
Yesterday morning I woke to noise coming from the kitchen. Upon investigation, I discovered Ben emptying the dishwasher. He had already made his and Gabi’s sandwiches and had part-packed their lunchboxes. Even with all the spanners thrown in the works over recent months, both Ben and Gabi continue to show us that God entrusted us to care for two very special kids (can you hear the bias coming out?).
Maria is finding is extremely exhausting to see anyone—even in small doses. We therefore we be having a small function over the weekend to try and get friends (school, church, neighbours) in one place at one time. Maria keeps stressing the get-together is for us (as a family) as she will feel quite uncomfortable if she is the focus. However, given that the kids and I are more mobile and Maria will be even less so after the surgery, I’m not sure that this will be avoidable.
.
We have had to hand the whole surgery situation over to God. The surgeon cancelled another planned surgery on Monday to allow him to devote as much time as possible on Maria. The surgery would normally take up to four hours, but he expects it could take around 6 hours to complete. In addition to the aggressive nature of the tumour, it is quite sizable, measuring roughly 6cm x 5cm x 5cm (unfortunately not in one single round mass like a ball that would make it much simpler to remove).
It can be so tiring with all the emotion, energy and issues compounding fatigue like finding it difficult to sleep or rest. Isn’t it great at times like this that we can reach out and find Him always there to carry and sustain us? It's just another of His many perfect promises. Let me share a relevant verse for us at present:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40: 31)
Yesterday morning I woke to noise coming from the kitchen. Upon investigation, I discovered Ben emptying the dishwasher. He had already made his and Gabi’s sandwiches and had part-packed their lunchboxes. Even with all the spanners thrown in the works over recent months, both Ben and Gabi continue to show us that God entrusted us to care for two very special kids (can you hear the bias coming out?).
Maria is finding is extremely exhausting to see anyone—even in small doses. We therefore we be having a small function over the weekend to try and get friends (school, church, neighbours) in one place at one time. Maria keeps stressing the get-together is for us (as a family) as she will feel quite uncomfortable if she is the focus. However, given that the kids and I are more mobile and Maria will be even less so after the surgery, I’m not sure that this will be avoidable.
.
We have had to hand the whole surgery situation over to God. The surgeon cancelled another planned surgery on Monday to allow him to devote as much time as possible on Maria. The surgery would normally take up to four hours, but he expects it could take around 6 hours to complete. In addition to the aggressive nature of the tumour, it is quite sizable, measuring roughly 6cm x 5cm x 5cm (unfortunately not in one single round mass like a ball that would make it much simpler to remove).
It can be so tiring with all the emotion, energy and issues compounding fatigue like finding it difficult to sleep or rest. Isn’t it great at times like this that we can reach out and find Him always there to carry and sustain us? It's just another of His many perfect promises. Let me share a relevant verse for us at present:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40: 31)
10 June 2009
Maria's surgery on Monday 15 June
Today we received confirmation of the time of Maria's surgery, being 08:00am on Monday (i.e. 1:00am in Tel aviv, midnight in Germany, 6:00pm Sunday in Washington DC).
She checks into the hospital only two hours beforehand. This presents a number of challenges for Maria:
She checks into the hospital only two hours beforehand. This presents a number of challenges for Maria:
- It is difficult enough for her to get up in the mornings.
- Today's weafrother forecast is 0-8 with snow. While I've seen some on the mountains from our house, it hasn't reached us, but you can certainly feel it in the air.
- Our bathrooms are all ice-boxes at present until I get around to having the old windows fixed (they were built many years ago with a grilled mesh that allows airflow - not good for winters).
Anyway, tomorrow we have to visit the hospital for a pre-admission clinic and on Friday Maria is booked in for an "MRI Stealth", which from my basic understanding is combining a 3D MRI with CT to create the best possible imagery to assist the neurosurgeon with his task. After the "MRI stealth" we have a final pre-op meeting with the Neurosurgeon.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
09 June 2009
Tue 9-Jun-09 (A message from MARIA)
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Dear dear friends, family, and dear ones we don’t even know…
there are so many of you out there who love us and think and pray about us, I can’t even begin to comprehend it.
I wanted to write to thank you personally for all your prayers, support, messages, gifts, loving thoughts, phone calls, emails… the list could go on and on. I know Troy has been communicating with God’s strength so amazingly with you all, and it has been such a blessing to our family. I have had trouble with reading the computer because of my eyes and headaches and can’t last very long, but finally the other night got the opportunity to catch up on the blog Troy’s been keeping (he increased the font and put it in a word document for me!) He has just done such a wonderful job. God has truly blessed myself and my children with such a loving, God-honouring and serving husband and Daddy.
As you would all probably be aware, the MRI scan I had last week showed that the brain tumour has grown back and aggressively so it seems. We knew there were cancer cells still left in my brain as they couldn’t cut them all out back on February 25th without causing brain damage. But we were all hopeful that the 30 sessions of radiotherapy and 42 doses of chemotherapy would shrink the tumour. However, it seems to enjoy the conditions of my brain… Anyway, my neurosurgeon here, whom we had just met for the first time straight after the MRI, was done, told us he was shocked by the regrowth and recommended surgery within a fortnight. What a first meeting! Troy and I were both shocked, although knew this conversation would be coming, maybe just later in the year. My doctor suggested getting another opinion quickly, but he’s the second neurosurgeon I’ve seen now (the first in Israel) and we knew we just needed prayer and spiritual guidance. So thank you once again for covering us with your committed and loving prayers and 24-hour prayer rosters over the weekend as we prayed for guidance. We were so covered and I just felt so honoured and anointed.
So our decision is to go ahead with this second surgery. I do feel anxious this time around as I’ve had so much more time to think about it and it will be AWAKE surgery!! I won’t be awake for the whole time but I do feel nervous about it.
We have spoken to Ben and Gabi about it all and they responded very naturally with fears, worries, questions, tears, anger. They are beautiful and amazing children and I love them dearly. We counted with Gabi tonight that it is 6 sleeps until Monday. They pray for me daily with Troy.
We have the rest of the week for appointments to plan for surgery. I think that will help the time pass.
I just want to finish here by saying that I love you all and thank you for loving me and my family. From the beginning in Israel we have been carried in God’s hands throughout this whole challenge. We really felt it and still do. We have been carried through dreams, visions, words, the Bible, other believers in God and those who know the truth about Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah, and those who don’t believe but love us. God uses us all for His purposes, and what a blessing for us all to be part of this awesome perfect spiritual plan whose purpose we have no idea except to bring honour and glory to the Father, turn hearts and eyes to Jesus, and souls to the Holy Spirit. I have no idea what will result after Monday’s surgery, but my heartfelt, no, my soulfelt desire is that you will be called to turn your weary bodies, spirits, hearts, eyes to God, drink in the joy of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, live your lives with the Holy Spirit as your daily companion, and join us in Heaven for eternity. I finish on this heavy but peaceful note
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
With my love,
Maria
Dear dear friends, family, and dear ones we don’t even know…
there are so many of you out there who love us and think and pray about us, I can’t even begin to comprehend it.
I wanted to write to thank you personally for all your prayers, support, messages, gifts, loving thoughts, phone calls, emails… the list could go on and on. I know Troy has been communicating with God’s strength so amazingly with you all, and it has been such a blessing to our family. I have had trouble with reading the computer because of my eyes and headaches and can’t last very long, but finally the other night got the opportunity to catch up on the blog Troy’s been keeping (he increased the font and put it in a word document for me!) He has just done such a wonderful job. God has truly blessed myself and my children with such a loving, God-honouring and serving husband and Daddy.
As you would all probably be aware, the MRI scan I had last week showed that the brain tumour has grown back and aggressively so it seems. We knew there were cancer cells still left in my brain as they couldn’t cut them all out back on February 25th without causing brain damage. But we were all hopeful that the 30 sessions of radiotherapy and 42 doses of chemotherapy would shrink the tumour. However, it seems to enjoy the conditions of my brain… Anyway, my neurosurgeon here, whom we had just met for the first time straight after the MRI, was done, told us he was shocked by the regrowth and recommended surgery within a fortnight. What a first meeting! Troy and I were both shocked, although knew this conversation would be coming, maybe just later in the year. My doctor suggested getting another opinion quickly, but he’s the second neurosurgeon I’ve seen now (the first in Israel) and we knew we just needed prayer and spiritual guidance. So thank you once again for covering us with your committed and loving prayers and 24-hour prayer rosters over the weekend as we prayed for guidance. We were so covered and I just felt so honoured and anointed.
So our decision is to go ahead with this second surgery. I do feel anxious this time around as I’ve had so much more time to think about it and it will be AWAKE surgery!! I won’t be awake for the whole time but I do feel nervous about it.
We have spoken to Ben and Gabi about it all and they responded very naturally with fears, worries, questions, tears, anger. They are beautiful and amazing children and I love them dearly. We counted with Gabi tonight that it is 6 sleeps until Monday. They pray for me daily with Troy.
We have the rest of the week for appointments to plan for surgery. I think that will help the time pass.
I just want to finish here by saying that I love you all and thank you for loving me and my family. From the beginning in Israel we have been carried in God’s hands throughout this whole challenge. We really felt it and still do. We have been carried through dreams, visions, words, the Bible, other believers in God and those who know the truth about Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah, and those who don’t believe but love us. God uses us all for His purposes, and what a blessing for us all to be part of this awesome perfect spiritual plan whose purpose we have no idea except to bring honour and glory to the Father, turn hearts and eyes to Jesus, and souls to the Holy Spirit. I have no idea what will result after Monday’s surgery, but my heartfelt, no, my soulfelt desire is that you will be called to turn your weary bodies, spirits, hearts, eyes to God, drink in the joy of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, live your lives with the Holy Spirit as your daily companion, and join us in Heaven for eternity. I finish on this heavy but peaceful note
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
With my love,
Maria
08 June 2009
Mon 8-Jun-09 (A decision reached)
Today Effie, Brian and their kids (i.e. our niece and nephews) came for a visit to talk over this whole matter and to especially have a time of prayer. It was an enjoyable, yet emotional time.
Maria and I had pretty much already decided to proceed with the operation, but it was reaffirmed today. We have prayed for doors to open and close, which have been answered.
I am not going to mince my words, as that is not in my nature. I need to make it absolutely clear that proceeding with this surgery brings with it potentially serious risks for Maria. At the same time, the alternative (no surgery) was grim.
For those of you having followed the blog from early on, you would know by now that GBM is a highly aggressive, non-curable cancer. This does not diminsh our hope, but rather allows us to put everything into the necessary perspective.
Not long after Maria's initial surgery in February, we received some well-intended information from friends, asking if we had considered Dr Charlie Teo, who is a great neurosurgeon in Sydney and has developed a reputation for being "out there" and taking risks. He has become high profile for these (and maybe other) reasons, especially because he speaks his mind. As some of you may have just discovered, one of Dr Teo's famous cases was cancer surgeon Professor Chris O'Brien, who was diagnosed with GBM in 2006. He died three days ago (see article). From my understanding, he may have undergone as many as five operations in three years, with each one reducing his overall capacity. Dr Teo also operated on Stan Zemanek (controversial radio DJ in Sydney) who suffered a brain tumour (also GBM??). He died within a year.
I'm not publicising these stories to put a dampener on the situation or to even question Dr Teo's abilities. Our brother-in-law (Brian) knows him and vouches for his phenomenal surgical prowess, but rather I wanted to highlight two things: (1) GBM is a formidable opponent that doesn't like to take prisoners; and (2) like us, Dr Teo is human.
Those very small numbers of people who survive GBM have only done so because it's part of God's perfect plan. If a miracle is to be handed out to Maria, we would graciously and happily accept it with open arms. However, this may/may not be part of that plan. To many, it may not seem fair, but the reality is that His strategic plan is perfect (although it doesn't always feel like it) because we don't necessarily understand the purpose until perhaps we look back down the track. Even then, we may never know. This is why we seek His will to be done in our situation.
As Maria and I have been discussing even more often in recent days, if our situation has an impact one or more people who make the choice to put their faith and hope in our Lord, Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), then isn't that worth it?! For some of you I can imagine a degree of head-scratching by now. My prayer is that this entry is speaking into some of your hearts right now.
We know that our neurosurgeon, Dr Khurana, has operated on people who have otherwise been given litte/no hope. His operations have given these people extra time that they were not offered elsewhere. I believe he has the same tenacious personality and confidence of Dr Teo. We believe we are in the best possible hands (God's), who has given us Dr Khurana for this major surgery. That is one small part of God's perfect plan.
I want to finish off by thanking those of you who have prayed to our Lord over this decision and generally for us as a family. The prayer coverage has been truly felt (we have on many occasions experienced a peace that surpasses all understanding), as well as deeply and humbly appreciated.
Maria and I had pretty much already decided to proceed with the operation, but it was reaffirmed today. We have prayed for doors to open and close, which have been answered.
I am not going to mince my words, as that is not in my nature. I need to make it absolutely clear that proceeding with this surgery brings with it potentially serious risks for Maria. At the same time, the alternative (no surgery) was grim.
For those of you having followed the blog from early on, you would know by now that GBM is a highly aggressive, non-curable cancer. This does not diminsh our hope, but rather allows us to put everything into the necessary perspective.
Not long after Maria's initial surgery in February, we received some well-intended information from friends, asking if we had considered Dr Charlie Teo, who is a great neurosurgeon in Sydney and has developed a reputation for being "out there" and taking risks. He has become high profile for these (and maybe other) reasons, especially because he speaks his mind. As some of you may have just discovered, one of Dr Teo's famous cases was cancer surgeon Professor Chris O'Brien, who was diagnosed with GBM in 2006. He died three days ago (see article). From my understanding, he may have undergone as many as five operations in three years, with each one reducing his overall capacity. Dr Teo also operated on Stan Zemanek (controversial radio DJ in Sydney) who suffered a brain tumour (also GBM??). He died within a year.
I'm not publicising these stories to put a dampener on the situation or to even question Dr Teo's abilities. Our brother-in-law (Brian) knows him and vouches for his phenomenal surgical prowess, but rather I wanted to highlight two things: (1) GBM is a formidable opponent that doesn't like to take prisoners; and (2) like us, Dr Teo is human.
Those very small numbers of people who survive GBM have only done so because it's part of God's perfect plan. If a miracle is to be handed out to Maria, we would graciously and happily accept it with open arms. However, this may/may not be part of that plan. To many, it may not seem fair, but the reality is that His strategic plan is perfect (although it doesn't always feel like it) because we don't necessarily understand the purpose until perhaps we look back down the track. Even then, we may never know. This is why we seek His will to be done in our situation.
As Maria and I have been discussing even more often in recent days, if our situation has an impact one or more people who make the choice to put their faith and hope in our Lord, Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach), then isn't that worth it?! For some of you I can imagine a degree of head-scratching by now. My prayer is that this entry is speaking into some of your hearts right now.
We know that our neurosurgeon, Dr Khurana, has operated on people who have otherwise been given litte/no hope. His operations have given these people extra time that they were not offered elsewhere. I believe he has the same tenacious personality and confidence of Dr Teo. We believe we are in the best possible hands (God's), who has given us Dr Khurana for this major surgery. That is one small part of God's perfect plan.
I want to finish off by thanking those of you who have prayed to our Lord over this decision and generally for us as a family. The prayer coverage has been truly felt (we have on many occasions experienced a peace that surpasses all understanding), as well as deeply and humbly appreciated.
07 June 2009
It can only be God
Last night I went to bed quite late (nothing new), feeling exhausted and down. I knelt by my bed and prayed that God could lead me to a passage from the Word (i.e. Bible) for encouragement. I usually aim for the New Testament, so sometimes my random selections have been a bit biased(although the content has been mind-blowing on many occasions). Anyway, this time I closed my eyes and didn't realise the Bible was upside down at the time. When I opened them I found myself at an Old Testament passage (1 Chronicles 29:10-20) that jumped out at me from the first few lines.
Anyway, rather than link it, I've shared it below in its entirety. To put it in context, David was preparing the way for his son Solomon to: (a) take over as King; and (b) build the new Temple to honour our God. At the end of the passage I'll mention how it spoke to me.
The passage spoke to me in a number of ways (many of them just reinforcing what I suppose I already know, but I needed the inspiration at this time):
Anyway, rather than link it, I've shared it below in its entirety. To put it in context, David was preparing the way for his son Solomon to: (a) take over as King; and (b) build the new Temple to honour our God. At the end of the passage I'll mention how it spoke to me.
David’s Prayer of Praise
Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. “O Lord our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. “O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes. Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.” Then David said to the whole assembly, “Give praise to the Lord your God!” And the entire assembly praised the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they bowed low and knelt before the Lord and the king.The passage spoke to me in a number of ways (many of them just reinforcing what I suppose I already know, but I needed the inspiration at this time):
- We must keep on praising the Lord for ever and ever, regardless of the circumstances.
- Everything good comes from Him.
- We are here (on earth) for only a moment, so we should make the most of it.
- One of my poor motives for my recent anger was that I almost felt like we were owed some respite, because we had been faithful servants (especially in more recent times). The words, "...you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there..." made me realise the priority of putting Him first in our lives and living with integrity is not to expect a favour in return from Him because we can't give to Him what he has already showered upon us. His rejoicing and grace should be sufficient for me.
- It reinforced to me just how much our dear brothers and sisters from different parts of the globe continue to give their time and energy "willingly" to uphold us. This means more than I can express in a few (or many) sentences.
- Funnily enough, at the time—like the assembly—I was kneeling before our Lord in recognition of who He is, and what He does for each of us (even for those of you who don't know Him nor realise it) every day.
- I joyously await the day when the people of this world collectively bow in praise before the Lord.
06 June 2009
Sat 6-Jun-09 (Overwhelming response)
Since writing the last blog entry, we have received an overwhelming response of support. It has been very touching indeed.
It's just on 11:30pm local time and I happened to have just read an email circulating among friends from inside/outside our congregation in Israel, where they have decided to have 24hr prayer-a-thon (my terminology, in the absence of a more appropriate term) over our decision-making. Even though we have been carried in prayer over the past 3+ months and have felt it all the way through, it is hard to imagine that something like this would be done especially for us!
In a quick response to my brothers and sisters in the land of milk and honey, I half-joked that as there is a 7hr time difference, perhaps I should get some of our Aussie brothers and sisters involved to ensure no-one in Israel would need to wake from their slumber just for us.
I commenced the blog with the aim of keeping everyone informed of Maria's (and our) progression through this trial. Surprisingly, I have received a lot of feedback from both people we know and those we don't as to what an encouragement and testimony/witness it has been to them. I have to humbly say that firstly all the credit is our Lord's. I just sit here and type, usually without going back over it to check and make corrections—it has just flowed out. Secondly, we are the ones who have been encouraged by those of you who have so openly and honestly communicated with us as you have walked with us, whether you've been geographically near or far.
It's just on 11:30pm local time and I happened to have just read an email circulating among friends from inside/outside our congregation in Israel, where they have decided to have 24hr prayer-a-thon (my terminology, in the absence of a more appropriate term) over our decision-making. Even though we have been carried in prayer over the past 3+ months and have felt it all the way through, it is hard to imagine that something like this would be done especially for us!
In a quick response to my brothers and sisters in the land of milk and honey, I half-joked that as there is a 7hr time difference, perhaps I should get some of our Aussie brothers and sisters involved to ensure no-one in Israel would need to wake from their slumber just for us.
I commenced the blog with the aim of keeping everyone informed of Maria's (and our) progression through this trial. Surprisingly, I have received a lot of feedback from both people we know and those we don't as to what an encouragement and testimony/witness it has been to them. I have to humbly say that firstly all the credit is our Lord's. I just sit here and type, usually without going back over it to check and make corrections—it has just flowed out. Secondly, we are the ones who have been encouraged by those of you who have so openly and honestly communicated with us as you have walked with us, whether you've been geographically near or far.
05 June 2009
What is Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Back in Israel after Maria was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), I prepared some information for the blog. Obviously it was too early in the piece and after discussing it with Maria, the idea was scrapped.
Now is the time to shed a little more light. Some of you may have undertaken your own 'Google' research. All I will say is that there are some safe sites that can be visited (i.e. those with some medical reputation) and others that may not be so helpful. I have started to populate my "web links" section on the right column with some of those more trusting sites.
Now is the time to shed a little more light. Some of you may have undertaken your own 'Google' research. All I will say is that there are some safe sites that can be visited (i.e. those with some medical reputation) and others that may not be so helpful. I have started to populate my "web links" section on the right column with some of those more trusting sites.
Fri 5-Jun-09 (PLEASE PRAY)
As you all know, Maria had her surgery followed by concomitant radio- and chemotherapy. We have just come out of that treatment phase and returned home to Australia (arriving last Thursday) to move into the next phase of treatment (i.e. 6mths chemotherapy commencing Monday). As mentioned in previous entries, the early treatment regime (right down to the chemo type and dosages) is international protocol.
Today we had Maria’s MRI, followed by a meeting with the neurosurgeon. We were looking at the initial MRI (taken before Maria’s operation in Israel), discussing it. During that conversation, today’s scan was uploaded. The neurosurgeon showed us the results and described what we could see. Basically, the tumour has come back quite aggressively where it was ‘debulked’. I am not about to go into full detail about our discussion, but the simple summary is that we have two choices: (a) another craniotomy, this time in an ‘awake’ state, entering through both sides of the skull to remove as much of the tumour as possible; or (b) leave it as is.
We spent time discussing the pros and cons of each. Should we proceed with surgery, providing it is a viable option, the neurosurgeon may also implant Gliadel wafers (chemotherapy) into the debulked area. Our neurosurgeon maintains a website that was originally prepared for students but has been developed over time to be user friendly to the public. There is a lot of information and pictures that are quite amazing to see.
Because of the nature of Maria’s disease, we expected that one day (maybe at the end of this year or further into the future) we would be having this conversation, but not so soon! We were both really taken by surprise.
I will be completely honest (as all other entries to date) and say that when we got home I told Maria I was angry with God because having faithfully endured quite a bit over the last three months and returning home with boxes everywhere to unpack, I was hoping for a little respite. I should qualify my statement that I also said that “as a child of the Father in a love relationship”, I felt I could go to Him and express this without attributing blame, but just being allowed to vent.
On the flip-side, in every situation there are always blessings. The first blessing in this whole situation was that I had not cancelled our MRI for today (was to be deferred, but the waiting time was far too long). The neuro-oncoloigst suggested we just go ahead and have it done to use as a “base line” marker.
The second blessing was that the neurosurgeon called the neuro-oncologist to discuss the matter and he happened to be in the building (he doesn’t work on Fridays) so he was able to come up a few minutes later and review the scan and independently concur with the neurosurgeon’s opinion.
The third blessing is that we feel so comfortable with both specialists and know that God has put them in our path for a purpose. This is a blessing that we experienced in Israel.
We had a meeting with Ben and Gabi this evening to tell them about the regrowth of tumour and the possibility of a further operation (we didn’t discuss the alternative). They were both quite emotional, as was I. They both asked such wise, analytical, challenging questions that demanded honest answers, but delivering those answers without burdening them. When we all prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke through them to the extent that, giving one example, Ben said in advance what he was going to pray for, yet came out with something completely different—yet profound—at the time of prayer.
Should we choose to proceed with surgery, then it would probably take place sometime in the next two weeks. We are yet to finalise our decision. Grateful prayer for the wisdom in making the correct choice.
Today we had Maria’s MRI, followed by a meeting with the neurosurgeon. We were looking at the initial MRI (taken before Maria’s operation in Israel), discussing it. During that conversation, today’s scan was uploaded. The neurosurgeon showed us the results and described what we could see. Basically, the tumour has come back quite aggressively where it was ‘debulked’. I am not about to go into full detail about our discussion, but the simple summary is that we have two choices: (a) another craniotomy, this time in an ‘awake’ state, entering through both sides of the skull to remove as much of the tumour as possible; or (b) leave it as is.
We spent time discussing the pros and cons of each. Should we proceed with surgery, providing it is a viable option, the neurosurgeon may also implant Gliadel wafers (chemotherapy) into the debulked area. Our neurosurgeon maintains a website that was originally prepared for students but has been developed over time to be user friendly to the public. There is a lot of information and pictures that are quite amazing to see.
Because of the nature of Maria’s disease, we expected that one day (maybe at the end of this year or further into the future) we would be having this conversation, but not so soon! We were both really taken by surprise.
I will be completely honest (as all other entries to date) and say that when we got home I told Maria I was angry with God because having faithfully endured quite a bit over the last three months and returning home with boxes everywhere to unpack, I was hoping for a little respite. I should qualify my statement that I also said that “as a child of the Father in a love relationship”, I felt I could go to Him and express this without attributing blame, but just being allowed to vent.
On the flip-side, in every situation there are always blessings. The first blessing in this whole situation was that I had not cancelled our MRI for today (was to be deferred, but the waiting time was far too long). The neuro-oncoloigst suggested we just go ahead and have it done to use as a “base line” marker.
The second blessing was that the neurosurgeon called the neuro-oncologist to discuss the matter and he happened to be in the building (he doesn’t work on Fridays) so he was able to come up a few minutes later and review the scan and independently concur with the neurosurgeon’s opinion.
The third blessing is that we feel so comfortable with both specialists and know that God has put them in our path for a purpose. This is a blessing that we experienced in Israel.
We had a meeting with Ben and Gabi this evening to tell them about the regrowth of tumour and the possibility of a further operation (we didn’t discuss the alternative). They were both quite emotional, as was I. They both asked such wise, analytical, challenging questions that demanded honest answers, but delivering those answers without burdening them. When we all prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke through them to the extent that, giving one example, Ben said in advance what he was going to pray for, yet came out with something completely different—yet profound—at the time of prayer.
Should we choose to proceed with surgery, then it would probably take place sometime in the next two weeks. We are yet to finalise our decision. Grateful prayer for the wisdom in making the correct choice.
Wed 3-Jun-09 (kids' receive awards)
Both Ben and Gabi received encouragement awards at their first school assembly. They were proud, as was their dad as I happened to be present for it. I had no intentions of being there but it was a "God thing". To quickly explain that comment, we found ourselves arriving late to school that day (so I needed to escort them across), although my watch has been ahead of time and every day before and since we have made it comfortably by arriving at a similar time.
PS. Gabi had just let her hair down.
PS. Gabi had just let her hair down.
03 June 2009
Tue 2-Jun-09 (medical matters, shopping, shopping and more shopping)
We seem to have been flat-out every day but not necessarily achieving what we expected.
I took the kids to school and a dear friend offered us a car that we could borrow while settling in. This was a huge blessing. From there I went to the hospital to try and re-organise Maria's MRI (due this Friday, but Neuro-oncologist wants to put it off by another 2-3 weeks). Discovered that for outpatients they are fully booked for all of June and the only way to have her fitted in will involve conversations between our doctor and the MRI doctor, putting up a case on our behalf. If this is unsuccessful we'll need to look at having it done privately, which is not ideal. To add to matters our appointment with the Neurosurgeon was moved to this Friday as well, clashing with the currently booked MRI.
I took the kids to school and a dear friend offered us a car that we could borrow while settling in. This was a huge blessing. From there I went to the hospital to try and re-organise Maria's MRI (due this Friday, but Neuro-oncologist wants to put it off by another 2-3 weeks). Discovered that for outpatients they are fully booked for all of June and the only way to have her fitted in will involve conversations between our doctor and the MRI doctor, putting up a case on our behalf. If this is unsuccessful we'll need to look at having it done privately, which is not ideal. To add to matters our appointment with the Neurosurgeon was moved to this Friday as well, clashing with the currently booked MRI.
It was the second consecutive long day out for Maria and I can see it taking its toll. To rub salt into the wound, I made her come with me for the school pick-up as we had to visit the school shop to buy them their full school uniform items (the ones in the photos from yesterday are borrowed emergency clothes).
The kids seem to be settling into the school routine. They are exhausted by bedtime, which today was the generally usual 7-7:30pm. They have been up a little later in recent times, but they are now hitting a wall being physically and mentally active again.
02 June 2009
Mon 1-Jun-09 (Neuro-oncologist’s appt, kids first full day @ school)
The day started with the kids putting on their uniforms. As you can see they both looked so cute (Ben is in sports uniform), especially Gabi as this was her first time in a school uniform.
After settling them in, we headed to the hospital for our meeting with the oncologist. We stopped at a Turkish cafe on the way to be surprised by the music being played as it was all Greek!
We arrived well in time to work out exactly where we needed to go. Unfortunately our Neuro-oncologist is high in demand and it was nearly two hours from the time we arrived until we saw him. That said, it was worth the meeting. Our appointment went for some time, given having to go over the history, etc., pluswe had a lot o questions for him. He was very patient, nice, open and honest, and forthcoming with a great deal of information. Maria was extremely disappointed to learn that her hair may never grow back.
Her chemotherapy will actually commence on Monday (8 Jun) and the dose will be double that she was taking in Israel as she is on a 5 day on, 23 day off cycle for the next 6-12 months. Prayer point - that she will respond well to chemo in terms of: a positive effect, minimal side effects, and blood (white cells, red cells, hemagloben, platelets) will not drop significantly.
Given her move into the next phase of chemo, after the appointment we immediately met one of the nurses he referred us to, so we could be linked into the community nursing system. The nurses we met were lovely and gave lots of information and resources. They are contactable 24/7 and should Maria suffer nausea or vomiting beyond what we can control, we have been supplied with ampoules of maxalon so the nurse need only turn up with a syringe. Prayer point - that this won't be necessary.
After a visit to the pharmacy to collect more drugs, we grabbed a quick bite to eat as we hadn't had anything all day and needed to rush to the kids' school to collect them as we could think nothing worse than being late on their first day.
We got to school on time. The kids wanted us to be late so they could spend more time in the playground. Far too cold for us. I have even started the fire at home.
The kids were both keen to do their homework. Not sure how long that will last!
After settling them in, we headed to the hospital for our meeting with the oncologist. We stopped at a Turkish cafe on the way to be surprised by the music being played as it was all Greek!
We arrived well in time to work out exactly where we needed to go. Unfortunately our Neuro-oncologist is high in demand and it was nearly two hours from the time we arrived until we saw him. That said, it was worth the meeting. Our appointment went for some time, given having to go over the history, etc., pluswe had a lot o questions for him. He was very patient, nice, open and honest, and forthcoming with a great deal of information. Maria was extremely disappointed to learn that her hair may never grow back.
Her chemotherapy will actually commence on Monday (8 Jun) and the dose will be double that she was taking in Israel as she is on a 5 day on, 23 day off cycle for the next 6-12 months. Prayer point - that she will respond well to chemo in terms of: a positive effect, minimal side effects, and blood (white cells, red cells, hemagloben, platelets) will not drop significantly.
Given her move into the next phase of chemo, after the appointment we immediately met one of the nurses he referred us to, so we could be linked into the community nursing system. The nurses we met were lovely and gave lots of information and resources. They are contactable 24/7 and should Maria suffer nausea or vomiting beyond what we can control, we have been supplied with ampoules of maxalon so the nurse need only turn up with a syringe. Prayer point - that this won't be necessary.
After a visit to the pharmacy to collect more drugs, we grabbed a quick bite to eat as we hadn't had anything all day and needed to rush to the kids' school to collect them as we could think nothing worse than being late on their first day.
We got to school on time. The kids wanted us to be late so they could spend more time in the playground. Far too cold for us. I have even started the fire at home.
The kids were both keen to do their homework. Not sure how long that will last!
Weekend (30 & 31-May-09)
Most of Saturday involved unpacking, followed by countless loads of washing. The kids had a lot of fun at the movies with their aunty, uncle and cousins.
The kids and I spent most of Sunday out shopping in a nearby large Shopping Centre/Mall. We were all exhausted, and as expected also bumped into someone we knew while there. I managed to get them new school and sports shoes, which was a huge blessing.
The kids and I spent most of Sunday out shopping in a nearby large Shopping Centre/Mall. We were all exhausted, and as expected also bumped into someone we knew while there. I managed to get them new school and sports shoes, which was a huge blessing.
Fri 29-May-09 (school initiation)
We had an 11:15am meeting at the school, which we were lucky to make on time. We were all completely exhausted and it took me some time to drag the kids out of bed. It was cold and windy and both Ben and Gabi were very warmly welcomed by their respective classes. We even got to see Ben’s current demountable classroom get physically moved by a crane as the school prepares to launch into even more construction to meet its ever-growing needs.
Maria was exhausted so I took her home and returned for the kids. We went out for a milkshake and treat to celebrate. The kids played and explored around the house for quite a while. I went out shopping and bumped into a dear neighbour. There’s no hiding in Canberra (not that we’re hiding).
Later, the kids and I went out and borrowed ‘Night at the Museum’ for them to watch as Effie (Maria’s sister) and family were going to be in Canberra on Saturday and invited them to see number ‘2’.
Maria was exhausted so I took her home and returned for the kids. We went out for a milkshake and treat to celebrate. The kids played and explored around the house for quite a while. I went out shopping and bumped into a dear neighbour. There’s no hiding in Canberra (not that we’re hiding).
Later, the kids and I went out and borrowed ‘Night at the Museum’ for them to watch as Effie (Maria’s sister) and family were going to be in Canberra on Saturday and invited them to see number ‘2’.
Been offline for the last couple of days
As I don’t have a phone or internet line hooked up at home, I have relied on piggybacking off neighbours’ wireless networks, which has been a huge blessing in the initial days as we settle in and keep everyone up to speed.
Unfortunately for some reason both my laptop and phone were suddenly unable to pick up any networks. This morning I had internet connected to my mobile/cell phone, but we are still without a landline or home internet.
It’s 10:30pm and I have just arrived home from a big grocery shop. I intend to reply to all of those outstanding emails either tonight or tomorrow night, which will depend on the time I spend publishing up-to-date blog entries.
Unfortunately for some reason both my laptop and phone were suddenly unable to pick up any networks. This morning I had internet connected to my mobile/cell phone, but we are still without a landline or home internet.
It’s 10:30pm and I have just arrived home from a big grocery shop. I intend to reply to all of those outstanding emails either tonight or tomorrow night, which will depend on the time I spend publishing up-to-date blog entries.