145 and counting...

At 12.50 on Tues 22 Feb we were reminded that our own problems and trials, while they may seem daunting are, in the big picture, suddenly not that big a deal after all. Everyone, to a greater or lesser degree, was touched by the Chch Earthquake, major news even on the international scene. Members of our own family visited us over the weekend, as we celebrated, in elegant, country garden style, a landmark birthday for Fay, only to return to an event which would change their lives forever. We have had our hearts broken as we have witnessed horrific scenes and stories of personal tragedy that have ripped a city apart and caused untold grief. On a personal level, I took a grandmother from the airport to the Auckland Hospital, where her daughter in law and granddaughter were in a critical condition as a result of the quake. On the way she recieved a call, telling her to please hurry, as her daughter in law was not expected to live, and her son was beside himself with grief. As we arrived, her in tears and me almost so, we hugged and I promised to pray for her, just a people have been praying for me. One very small incident in the big picture of the week, but one which had a profound impact on both our lives.
So lets not waste time trying to find answers for why certain things happen, rather lets resolve to be part of the solution, and put ourselves in a place where God can use us to bring comfort and solace to others. I have so valued all your good advice, support and prayer, now its time to spread the love around - those in Chch could certainly do with some.
Yep, week 2 has gone, feeling OK apart from a few changes to 'the system' and odd days of nausea, but nothing to cause concern. Yet. So keep doing what you're doing - and keep believing in miracles. Many families in Chch could do with one right now!

One week down, five to go.

whew! First week over and out - Glad thats out of the way. Apart from a little nausea, I'm feeling pretty good, thanks to all you wonderful people! Heres a little ditty to brighten your day...

I dreamt the other night of food I really loved
big meat pies, fish and chips,and all that yummy stuff
Alas, you're just a memory, as I munch my daily bread
free from gluten, free from taste, with tofu as a spread

Good bye Mr T-Bone steak, looks like we'll never be
culinary companions, you're just a distant memory.
Banana cakes and bikkies, sausage rolls and moro bars
you're safe from my indulgences, so we'll say au revoir.

Ive learnt to quaff the carrot juice, lemongrass and herbal tea
To mochas and iced coffee, I'll say 'get thee behind me'
Burger King, KFC and Big Macs are out the door
I'll have to go cold turkey when I pass these fast-food  stores

Burnt snarlers on the barbie, plates of pancakes pav and cream
all these glorious smells and tastes I'll sample only in my dreams
No more pinots, speights or reds, or cokes of any kind
just organic apple juice, with some almonds on the side.

So as you sit down to your yummy, spicy, meaty, tasty dinner
Think of my steamed brocolli, and watch as I grow thinner
I know I'll gradually adapt, so bear with me my friend.
If it keeps me standing upright, it will be worth it in the end!

D-Day come and gone

What a way to spend Valentines Day - getting zapped by radiation! Plus, to add to the indignity, they needed to make a resin-type 'impression' of my butt! To assist in the 'accuracy of the treatment', I was told. Yeah. right! I think these nurses didn't get flowers from their husbands and wanted to take it out on me! Anyway, all went to plan. Next thing I'm told I have a couple of 'strange looking spots on the lung' and although probably of no consequence, they still want further scans just to be sure. That means delaying the chemo (radiation still continues) for a week until those scans are given the 'all clear'. As if I needed any more drama in my life! Fays broken arm is in new bright-pink plaster, very trendy, and will be for another 4 weeks, so thank heaven for wonderful children, friends who live close by and can help out. Trish sent a wonderful scripture 'poem' of a Fathers love for His Children - I'll send a copy to anyone who wants it. Keep praying for patience, resilience, proper food choices, grace, and ultimately, an 'all clear'  And keep the faith!

Glutathione - my friend!

Thanks Thomas! the course of Glutathione (google it for more info) should help lessen the side effects of the radiation and chemo - thats good news! Its amazing the people God brings into yout life at just the right time - I am so thankful for them all. A few foody things i've learnt along the way - lay off the sugar in EVERY form - that includes coke and soft drinks, and even have fewer fruit drinks! Guys, if you need a milk substitute, DONT use soy milk - its loaded with estrogen, and it will knock the testosterone levels for a six. (not good!) Slightly cooked tomatoes are actually more beneficial than raw tomatoes -although both are good. Almonds and walnuts are the best nuts as a snack, better than cashews. Dont eat too many peanuts - they are a legume, not a nut! And most guys are lacking such elements as selenium, magnesium - we need these to prevent disease. And dont burn those sausages on the barbie - the burnt bits are definitely carcogenic! (this is not intended as medical advice - check things out for yourself) Keep praying, not just for me, but for your family, your friends, yourself. We all need each other. You guys rock!

Countdown time....

Only a week  before the treatment starts. Radiation every day for 6 weeks at Mercy Hospital, with concurrent doses of chemo for the same period. I've put myself on a real strict diet to assist the healing, and also to counteract the awful side effects that come with the treatment. You know the drill - raw fruit, lightly steamed veges, certain nuts(!) gluten free everything, plenty of good fish, lemongrass tea, doses of vitamin C - if i've left anything else, i'm sure someone will tell me! A lot of good friends have been particularly helpful on the food and natural remedy front. Basically, everything I enjoy, I cant have. Quite simple really. Amazing time this pm with some of our old church friends. These guys know how to put the power into prayer, thats for real. Having a day out tomorrow sailing in the gulf with Tim - thanks buddy. Oh, and Fay broke her arm - talk about an attention seeker! Big thanks to all those you have been so supportive - you know who you are. Special Merit of Distinction to Gina who looked after us all so well on her all too brief stay. Keep praying - and keep the faith!

the journey continues...

Another day, another blood test, another consultation - this after the MRI scan, which is another claustropobia inducing experience, this time with sound effects that range from a faulty smoke alarm to a muted siren to a deranged dalek on the planet Zog calling the mothership. In brief, the outcome is a 6 week daily course of radiation, with allied chemo. pills (two a day for that period), both of which could give side effects that you really dont want to know about. Then at the end of that period, a total reassessment, and almost certainly a continued course of chemo, delivered with a needle.Oh joy! theres a lot more detail i wont bore you with - but lets cut to the chase. How many of you have said "if theres anything we can do" YES! I see your hand! pray that at the end of this course Murray not only doesnt look like an escapee from the local hospice, but that the cancer is TOTALLY GONE! hows that for being specific? The wonderful thing is, we have a God who can accomplish whateverwe ask in his name, so what are you waiting for? Get to it! I'll be following the advise of many knowledgable and good friends and making massive changes to my diet to help the healing process, which is, for those of you who know me, the ultimate sacrifice. Talk soon. Keep the faith!