From Robyn

So my dad volunteers to drive people to medical appointments (among other things) and he has been raving about one of the Russian translators Nina. Anyone who knows me knows that I love old people (not in a creepy way, we just get along). So today, my dad took me on one of his trips to meet her. She was as wonderful as he said she was. She is almost 84 years old and still totally has everything together. She is an independent, self-sufficient woman, and we talked for a while as we waited at the Social Security Office. She had a lot of wonderful things to say, and amazing experiences to share. But above all, she really cares about people and she understands people. Even at her age, she works, she exercises, she cooks, she cleans and she still finds time to be a caregiver for others less fortunate than herself. she said a few things to me, and I'm paraphrasing: you must always remain positive because there are always people out there that are not as fortunate as you (count your blessings), good things happen to good people, keeping busy stops you from constantly thinking about yourself and your ailments. Wonderful wisdom from a wonderful lady. I'm glad I met her and got to talk with her. She reminds me of my Bobba! A lot of things she said were very applicable to myself and my family. What a wonderful, sweet lady!

 
Carpe Diem.

Me hanging out with Nyoka

 

Mike's pet Ball Python snake.

Carpe Diem.

Check out this link

http://www.zimkids.com/new/index.php/building-a-home-for-zimkids

Carpe Diem.

Building ZimKids It's Own HOME

I'm not soliciting for more donations (at this time) however, I just want to let you know that there is a new page at Global Giving with information about the center we are building in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

As I write,  ground has been broken for the new center and construction is underway. What is fantastic is the council of elders will be very involved with all the construction phases and thus will be learning an incredible amount of new and useful skills and talents. This is truly the road to self sufficiency.

Our website is also undergoing some changes and there should soon be a page (or pages) that will have all the news about the "Adrian Suskin Center for ZimKids". I'm so honored, flattered, proud and delighted to be a part of this wonderful undertaking.

Carpe Diem.

Thank you

To all those that made a donation today, thank you from me and everyone else at Zimkids.

Carpe Diem.

ZimKids Global Giving Bonus day

Please remember that tomorrow (Wednesday March 16th) is Global Giving Bonus day where any donation made to ZimKids stands to get an additional 30% added on. The link is:

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

There are lots of wonderful developments with ZimKids so please consider helping. Thanks.

Carpe Diem.

RIP Johnny

I just received a phone call telling me that our friend Johnny, has just passed away after his valiant battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Johnny, I know that you are finally comfortable and at peace. You will be missed. We will meet again my friend. Just not yet !

The Last Lions

This statistic is chilling. About 50 years ago there were approximately 450,000 lions on our planet. Today there are approximately 20,000.

The Last Lions is a very well done (but sad) movie/documentary about the state of lions in our world. Dereck and Beverly Joubert are the amazing filmmakers responsible for this incredible movie/documentary. Go and see it. Or, better yet, make a donation at:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats/cause-an-uproar/take-action/

I did. I got a cool T-Shirt.

Carpe Diem.

Boca Mar Del Vista Largo

I'm here visiting my "mommy". She had a small medical procedure done and I figured it would be a good time to pay a quick visit. She is doing ok.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 9 (Round 7)

The chemo session went well. Once again my blood work was fine, my vitals were good, weight stable and my urine was now negative for protein. The meeting with Dr. Schraeder went well and he reiterated how pleased he was with the scans. Pleased with the stability and no spread.

 

If I may, let me explain how a typical chemo day plays out.

 

I usually try and take the 7:30 am time slot. That way if I have to fast for the cholesterol test I don’t get too hungry. A soon as I get to the infusion center they check me in and then get my vital signs. Then I make my way to the chair where my nurse is eagerly awaiting my arrival. After accessing my port, blood is drawn and then urine is deposited in a little plastic cup. I’m then hooked up to a saline drip (infusion). It usually takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour to get the results. Once the results are in (and providing they are all good) the chemo drugs are ordered by Dr. Schraeder and then custom made. That can take up to one hour. In the mean time, I get my pre chemo medication. This includes steroids, anti nausea, antacids, pain and allergy meds. Once I have had the pre meds I get the 2 different drugs (Alimta and Avastin), separately of course. One takes 10 minutes to infuse and the other takes 30 minutes. Another 10 minutes of saline and I’m done. After about three hours I’m unhooked and released like a exhausted carp !

 

Repeat again in three weeks !!!

 

Carpe Diem.