Chemo 19 (Round 7)

Is anyone paying attention to the title of the post ? Way too many treatments !

All is well. Bloodwork, vitals and weight are all good and stable. But I am still going to try and negotiate some sort of break in the treatment without putting myself in jeopardy.

Carpe Diem.

Well, what happened Rob ?

" October 18-I arrived in Joburg after a long flight from Dulles with a stop in Dakar, Senegal. Got picked up at the airport by the team driver. There was one other player and the kit manager with us. We took about a 2 hour drive to Potchefstroom, where we would be staying and training.

October 19-Today, all the other players would be arriving, so we didn't have any training. We got our kit, which consisted of two shirts, two jackets and pants that we would have to wear around the grounds when we were not training (blue and green). We also got our training shorts, three quarter pants, shirts and socks for when we played. So this day, I just explored the nearby fields, got to eat, sleep and watch some TV to try and adjust to the time. I got to meet everyone, including my new roommate at dinner and at our team meeting afterwards. The coach hugged me! It was kind of adorable. Every day, we would eat our three meals all together as a team (38 girls plus about 8 staff). For breakfast, there would always be a protein like eggs plus toast and cereal. And for each meal that would have fresh fruit and coffee and tea and juice and water. For lunches and dinners, typically a lean protein, often chicken, always with pasta or rice, plus mash or grilled veg. Typically pretty good!

October 20-Today, we also didn't have much to do soccer wise. We travelled around in small groups taking our medical examinations, balance and stability tests and things like that. We also had a team sports psychology session at night after dinner. The good news is that I am healthy! It was a pretty good day, relaxed, and I got to know some of the girls better which was nice. They all really enjoyed my accent, and likened to calling me Jay Z because we have similar accents (supposedly). My roommate Mary was really nice and outgoing so it helped me to meet the other girls on the team.

October 21-This was the beginning of the really hard work. Today we had fitness testing starting bright and early 8 in the morning and it ran until about 1:30 of the afternoon (think of the longest, hardest gym session you have ever done, pushed to your max out on each exercise with everyone watching). We had our head physio Warren and a sports science team from the complex we stayed at testing everything: height, weight, body fat, jump tests for leg power and jump height, hip flexibility, push ups in 1 minute (I did 30!), sit ups in two minutes (full sit ups, I did around 70), pull ups (I actually did 6!), speed, agility, overhead throws and finally the dreaded yo yo intermittent recovery test. This requires endurance and sprinting. You run to a 20 yard cone and back before the certain beep, and then you get 10 seconds recovery, but the beeps get closer and closer together so you have to get faster as youre getting more tired. Really tough and I struggled, especially in the altitude (about 4000 feet above sea level). I did pretty well (above average) in push ups and pull ups, my sit ups were pretty good as well, but I need to work on speed, agility and the yo yo test specifically. The head physio gave us a strength and conditioning program to follow. When that was all done, a short break to eat and watch the South African womens cricket take on England. Short side story, I met a girl on the England team who actually went to my university! Small world. Then at 4:30, we had soccer training. Quick warm up, some ball touches, passing, possession 4v4 and shooting. I did okay, nothing spectacular. Then before dinner, the dreaded ice baths. Ice baths/cold baths for 4 minutes, then nice hot pool, then back to cold for 4, then end with hot. We couldnt even fit a sports psychology session in because it was such a long day!

October 22-Today was relaxed. We were going to play an intersquad game in the afternoon. Rookie players vs the team veterans. I started at forward, but didnt get much of a look at goal. Did a lot of running of the ball, and once again the altitude was killing me. I only played a half so that the coaches could get a look at everyone. The veterans only won 2-1 in the end. Pretty good performance from us rookies! The coaches later had a meeting with just the new players and said that they were impressed with us and that it wasnt easy to come into a new team where everyone knows each other, etc. They said everyone would get their chance eventually, so this made me feel a bit better. The next camp and game is against Zimbabwe in December. I wont know if I get called up for it until December, but even if I dont, its not the end for me. I need to train, follow the program, and find a team to play with regularly. I will get my chance and hopefully I can force my way onto the team! 

October 23-We all headed our separate ways. We took the team bus to the airport which was cool. Also, cameras had been following us the last few days so I am hoping to find some pictures or video since I didnt get to keep ANY of my kit (sad face). It was a great experience, I got to see what it was like to be a pro athlete and I know how much work it will take to break it, but I got my chance and I intend to take it, and work hard when I am not there so I can impress them all next time! I got on a plane to Capetown and hung out with Ryan and Dean, and we went for dinner with Merle and Tony who were my wonderful hosts. I stayed at their place.

October 24-Hung out with Yaron, pretty much relaxed after my tough week. Went to a nice Italian dinner with the family. Delicious food.!

October 25-Got to see the Football For Hope/Grassroots Soccer program through Yarons American girlfriend Kristin who worked there. A really cool experience to see and I got to play some soccer with the employees and some kids. They loved my iphone and watch! We had another delicious dinner at the home, and I got to see Trev and Ilana (and Talia and baby Harry too!) Harry likes to hit me, but thats ok.

October 26-Played some more FIFA and went to lunch with Yaron and Kristin. Then at night, went to the Kings of Leon concert in Capetown with Ryan and his girlfriend Zara. We were in Golden Circle, so on the ground right up front by the stage! It was really awesome, they were good live.

October 27-Today I had to leave, so I packed up, Yaron and I played some FIFA-did I mention I beat him quite often? I also beat him in a good game of ping pong-before he dropped me at the airport. I got to see Silvi briefly as well which was nice. Overally, my visit to Capetown was wonderful and relaxing and it was so nice to see the boys and everyone. Special thanks to Merle and Tony for housing and taking care of me so wonderfully, and to Yaron for taking me around! "

Thanks Rob. Well done.

Carpe Diem.

Rob comes home today

Look forward to Rob coming home today. I will update the news as soon as we get it all from her.

Carpe Diem.

Best of luck Rob

Rob leaves today for the Banyana Banyana soccer selection camp in South Africa.

Safe travels and the best of luck. I am so so proud of you.

Carpe Diem.

Banyana to camp in Potchefstroom

Robyn leaves this coming Monday October 17th for Potchefstroom (near Johannesburg, South Africa). Good luck Rob. I'm so proud of you.

Banyana Banyana will camp at the Potchefstroom High Performance Centre from Wednesday next week as they begin their preparations for next year's Olympic Games. 

Safa spokesperson Matlhomola Morake revealed to KickOff.com that a 38-member team will undergo a rigorous fitness test at the facility, under the watchful eye of Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza. 

"Their fitness levels will be assessed through various physical tests. The camp will be for three days, from October 19 to 23, and will mark the beginning of their preparations of the Olympic Games, which by the way are not very far away. 

"As Safa, we are prepared to render all the necessary assistance that will be needed in these preparations to make sure that the team is well prepared to raise our flag high during the Olympics," Morake says.

Banyana completed a 4-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia last month to book a place at the 2012 edition of the Olympics Games, which will be held in London. 

Mkhonza has requested that Safa organise friendly matches against strong European teams so that his charges will be well prepared ahead of their Olympic campaign.


Carpe Diem. 

Banyana Banyana Start Preparing for the Olympics

Head coach of the Senior Women's National team, Joseph Mkhonza, has called up thirty eight (38) players for camp to fitness tests and training. This is part of the plans to prepare the team for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Since the formation of Banyana Banyana in 1993, this is the first time they qualified for the Olympic Games. This is a great achievement for women's football in general, and a proud moment for the South African Football Association (SAFA).

During this camp, the players will go for scientific testing and training at the High Performance Centre based at the University of Potchefstroom from 19 to 23 October 2011. The team will be separated into two squads which will enable them to play a practice match on Saturday (22 October 2011) in Sasolburg.

Mkhonza says that early preparations augur well for international competition. "Since this will be the first time Banyana Banyana participates in the Olympic Games, I want to ensure that the team's fitness levels are up to where they should be when we get to London because it will be a competitive tournament for the girls next year. I want to ensure that we play to our best potential in London without worrying about the players fitness levels. I have seen some of the nations that have been taking part in international competitions, the first thing you notice is that they are extremely fit and we need to work towards that," said Mkhonza.

Most of the players called up for this camp took part in the final Olympic qualifiers, while some are from the squad that was at the All Africa Games in August. Mkhonza has also called up players he identified during the Sasol National Championships who have never been given an opportunity to participate in National team activity.

"It is important to get a good mix of players and build a strong squad leading up to the tournament. I have players coming from last season's Sasol League National Championship, as well as some players coming from the international clubs who would like to represent South Africa in the Olympics. I believe this is the best time to give them a chance," said Mkhonza.

#36 of 38 players selected
Robyn Suskin
Between clubs


Carpe Diem.

Chemo 18 (Round 7)

7am and off to chemo.

11am and all is well. So thankful for that.

Carpe Diem.

Well done Robyn

Our daughter Robyn has been invited by the South African Football Association (SAFA) to attend a selection camp in South Africa in mid October. She will be trying out for Banyana Banyana the South African women's national soccer team. How cool is that ?

Carpe Diem.

Great news

I just heard from Dr. Schraeder and he was "very pleased" with the results of the scans. Things are stable and there is no evidence of spread anywhere else. There is however, something still showing up in my upper right lung but it has not grown or moved ! I am thrilled. The battle continues.............

Carpe Diem.

Scan day

I'm off to have my PET/CT scans. Time will tell..............

Carpe Diem.