Saturday, January 17, 2009

Absorbing the news

What a roller coaster ride! We're trying to put this behind us and enjoy the remainder of the holiday. We'll deal with the new reality when we get back to Baltimore.


In the meantime...................................

Carpe Diem

Friday, January 16, 2009

Friday's news


This morning, Diana, Jack, Ilan and I went downtown to the marketplace. While Diana was hunting for a Man U cap for me, Ilan and I snuck off to the internet cafe. And that's when I saw it - the news I had been anxiously waiting for. It was not easy absorbing this latest setback, but it was incredible having Ilan by my side. We then tracked down Jack (who was still looking for dagga in the market - just kidding). He was also an incredible source of comfort for me. And now to find Diana. Judging by my red eyes, she knew the news wasn't good. We spent the next couple of hours finding solace and comfort with our good friends. It was reassuring to hear from Dr. Erlich, through Russy. He actually called her in London to tell her to tell us not to panic,there are lots of options to achieve remission again and that we should stay in Cape Town and enjoy our holidays. Wow.

I naively thought that I was done with this dreadful disease and its associated treatments. What I have come to understand is what Dr. Erlich tried to tell Diana some time back - this is a chronic condition that may require different forms of treatment for some time to come. As explained, this is a marathon, not a race. A war, not a single battle. As usual, Dr. Erlich was very reassuring. Phil and Russ were amazing at supporting and keeping in touch with us.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Waiting for lab results

Before we left on our holiday, we never got the lab results from the lung tap. I had e mailed Dr. Erlich a couple of days before to let me know of the results. It has been a little difficult catching up on our e mails, even here in Cape Town.




We spent an amazing day with Trevor, Ilana and Jack at the Waterfront Shops and generally touring around Cape Town. Some amazing views from the hills above Cape Town (not Table Mountain). In the evening we had the most incredible reunion for ex Zimbos. I saw a lot of people I went to school with and had a great time catching up, especially with old girlfriends. Even Diana felt very comfortable with the "old gang" and had no thoughts of retribution.



The great times helped to alleviate some of the anxiety I have been feeling awaiting the test results.


Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Cape Town update

I may have to consider early retirement. It seems that when I'm on these long flights, I develop a case of "the runs". The Sutent only enhances this condition. So whilst I was busy in the bathroom, Diana went across to Woolworths and purchased a couple of meat pies and a buncha bananas. I was force fed like a Thaksgiving turkey. The view from our hotel balcony, eased my suffering - a beautiful promenade stretching along the magnificent waterfront; in close proximity to Main St. Seapoint, with all the shops we could wish for. Over the past few days, we have managed to catch up with a lot of our good, old friends. This was achieved during our many meals, walks and tours of little, coastal towns. The weather has been perfect, matching the beautiful sights we have seen. Seapoint, Cape Town, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Simonstown - who wouldn't want to live here?


The whole reason we came here was for Silvy's son, Craig's wedding. The wedding was beyond all expectations. From the synagogue service, to the reception hall, to the band, to the food, it was all superb. A great time was had by all.


Carpe Diem.

The Wedding




Carpe Diem.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Travel tips

Well, here we are in beautiful Cape Town. After 1 bus (Baltimore-NY) , 3 long plane rides (albeit in business class) and a day-over hotel in Frankfurt, we finally made it to our destination. Craig and Silvy picked us up at the airport with cold waters, and chauffeured us to our hotel. It was gloriously hot! And now for the travel tips.
#1 Do everything you can to fly business class. If it means selling the kids and home furnishings, do it. Just kidding.
#2 When you check your luggage in, be sure to keep some toiletries with you. Otherwise, you will be visiting the duty free shop to sample the colognes, make-up, etc.
#3 Drink, take drugs, do anything necessary to sleep and fore go the in-flight meals. Legal drugs, that is.

Carpe Diem.