The 1st Round

It’s been more than a month now since Claudette’s diagnostic. In the mean time, we read a lot, we inquired a lot, we prayed a lot, we cried some times and laughed at others. So, here are a couple of updates from our side:

• Claudette just finished yesterday, the 1^st round of chemotherapy (Cisplatin & Etoposide). The combination of a noisy ward and the drug cocktail left her feeling tired and experiencing nausea & headaches, as anticipated.
• Whilst this is going on, with the help of friends in the medical profession, we keep asking questions regarding pathology reports, additional treatment, 2^nd opinions, complementary approaches, etc. We are certainly learning – if nothing else, at least the jargon!

The hospital stay was very good in many respects:

• The nurses were all too happy to assist with everything they could. They were all a credit to their profession and we were grateful for their willingness to accommodate Claudette’s needs. Big thanks to them all and all the other unsung nurses who give 100% for the benefit of those who suffer.
• The oncologist was open-minded in our meetings with him and fully understood our concerns when requesting a 2^nd opinion.  Great job so far, Doc!
• The pharmacist was very willing to answer questions about the potential clash between various complementary \ alternative protocols and chemo, as well as natural supplements and chemo. We are grateful!
• While in hospital, whenever she was unplugged from the walking coat hanger which delivers the medicine, we managed to go for a short walk every day and enjoyed the lovely sunshine and the cold wind – wonderful contrast to the stale air in the wards.
• As for the food – the folk were very accommodating and offered Claudette everything she asked for.   The porridge was not as good as the one her wonderful husband makes, but hey, who is going to blow their own horn?!

For now, we will do everything we can to boost her immune system, especially next week, when she will be most vulnerable. We will try to keep her away from any bugs for the next 7 days or so, in order to avoid unnecessary illness.

Here is what we strive for these days:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7.

Our prayer: Lord, please help us to realise afresh every day, how dependent we are on you, for everything we are!  Thank you, for being our God!

We thank you all for your love, help, encouragement and support.

M