Post Max signs

A few minutes after Max passed away his nose was twitching. Dr. Taylor explained that it was normal and ok to see this. For me, it was as if he was smelling where he had just arrived. Heaven.

As we were leaving the vet’s office and elderly gentleman came out to the parking lot holding a small puppy. He had seen us pass through the waiting room. He was sobbing and wishing us well as he was aware that we had just lost Max. He had recently lost his dog of 17 years. What a simply wonderful person.

When I got back to my apartment at lunch time there was a moving van parked in the loading bay. The name on the side of the van was Wheaton. So close to Wheaten (Terrier).

After Robyn and I dropped off (donated) Max’s food and belongings to the Maryland SPCA we overheard a couple talking about their animal adoption. The dogs name that they were adopting was Calamity Jane. Max’s mother’s name was Calamity Jane.

This morning the sunrise was beautiful. So long boy.

A very sad chronology

At 5am Diana woke me up and told me Max was having a difficult time and seemed to be in pain. I went over to her house and took Max's pain meds with me. He really seemed to be in distress and was bumping into everything. Robyn was trying to take him for a walk as he would not sit or lie down. We all took turns trying to walk him and Robyn was finally able to give him a pain pill. It took a while to take effect and he was finally able to lie down, exhausted. 

We all knew what was going on but just wanted to pretend it wasn't going to happen. Before we left for the vet Michael said his goodbyes to Max just incase he never came back with us. 

We got to the vet at 9am and they were simply amazing. I cannot say enough about Dr. Taylor's wisdom and compassion. She had been his doggie physician for the past 13 years. She checked Max out and asked us a bunch of questions. All the while being so sensitive to our feelings. We all decided the best thing for Max was to put him to sleep and that's exactly how it occurred. I never ever figured it would come to this and it was simply the most awful decision I (we) have ever made. It was disgustingly surreal.

Dr. Taylor then explained exactly what would happen and we all elected to stay in the room and be with Max when he left us. I was holding him and Robyn when he died in the hope that he knew we were with him to the end. I can tell you that it was very quick and peaceful. He went to sleep at 9:30am and I felt his breathing stop and his heart stop beating. Something drained out of me at that very moment. We were all devastated. Even Dr. taylor was sobbing. I cannot begin to explain what it's like holding a living thing as it dies. Something died in me as well !

Max will be cremated and we will have him home next week. There is an emptiness in us all now. He will forever be missed. Rest in peace old friend. We will all meet up again one day. Until then….....run free, run free.

RIP Max

You will be sorely missed. Until we meet again.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 4 (Round 8)

So far so good. My weight is stable at 161 lbs (73 kgs). Blood pressure was good. Temperature was normal and oxygen saturation was fine. The blood and urine work came back all stable and good. The spot on my forehead is not to do with converting to Hinduism but removal of a pre-skin cancer. What the f*ck is it with Me and cancer ! Now if we can just keep that “Best before date” way down the road.

I’m about to get my pre meds and then the two poisons. It’s kind of unsettling when the nurse shows up to give you the chemo and she is totally kitted out in mask and gown and the bags she is holding has a skull and crossbones on it.

Carpe Diem.

Pave takes on student debt………

…….with crowd funding site for education and careers

My nephew just launched this new company (Pave) today with an incredible new idea. Read on. 

http://gigaom.com/2012/12/12/pave-takes-on-student-debt-with-crowdfunding-site-for-education-and-careers/

Check out the web site at:

http://www.pave.com

Carpe Diem.

Good quote

‎”If you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit Africa twice." - R. Elliott

Carpe Diem.

Observations about Bulawayo

1. Traffic seems to have gotten a bit more hectic.
2. Some of the robots (traffic lights) have advanced green arrows.
3. Some of the street markings have been painted.
4. Electricity cuts seem to be a bit less frequent.
5. Water cuts have become more frequent.
6. There are still some really good places to eat.
7. Eskimo Hut is still going.
8. The USA bank notes are even more filthier.
9. Things are dry. A good soaking rain is needed.
   
   Carpe Diem.
   

   
   

My trip summary

Friday November 23rd, 2012.

Just a quick note before I go off to bed. The flight (IAD-DKR-JNB-VFA) was great and the Thursday night in Joburg was fun. I stayed at Stan and Glenda and we went out for grilled king prawns and chicken.

I met Silvi and Lee at the Falls airport Friday lunch time and after a quick check-in at the Vic Falls Hotel, went straight to the pool. Good to see all my "friends" at the hotel. They were chuffed to see me. I'm always treated really well there.

We went to Mama Africa for dinner. What else but sadza, nyama (meat) and veggies.

I was feeling quite knackered and slightly nauseous post chemo but being at the Falls really helped.

Off to Botswana for the day tomorrow (Saturday).

Saturday November 24^th.

Been lucky with the weather. Cloudy skies so it's kept the temp down. We spent the day in Botswana cruising the Chobe river and then after lunch a game drive. Saw a lot of of animals and dodged a few huge thunderstorms. Dinner Saturday night at the Vic Falls Safari Lodge and then contemplated going to the casino at the Kingdom Hotel. Ended up not going. Boring !

Sunday November 25^th.

Sunday morning, after a confusing sleep because of the chemo, jet lag and baboons fighting on the roof, we had a really nice buffet breakfast with some friends of ours that live at the Falls. Had to endure multiple toilet breaks. Thank you chemo !

Set out for the drive to Bulawayo before noon and it pretty much rained off and on the whole way back. The heaviest rain was about 60kms from Bulawayo. Biblical proportions but much needed. We dodged multiple humans, cows, goats and baboons the whole way back. We also endured 2 tolls, 1 speed check and 6 police checks. Survived them all.

After a brief break at the Solomons on Hall road we went out for a wonderful BBQ (braai) to the Sommers. Between a power failure and tons of flying ants we still had a good time and meal. The flying ants (termites) are ridiculous after a rain.

Monday November 26th

This morning I sat with Loveness and showed her pictures of late Ethan. It was really sad and tough. Also, seeing the pool where he drowned was very unsettling. But it was really good to give her the cash I had raised for her and the family. Thanks to all the incredibly generous people who donated.

I had to have an afternoon chemo induced siesta. Otherwise doing well. Monday night we were home for dinner.

The Center tomorrow (Tyoosday).

Tuesday November 27^th.

What the %&$#, I thought it was supposed to be summer in Africa. Bladdy hell, it's been highs of 70's and lows of 50's.

This morning I got a bucket load of donuts for all the workers at Solomon's. In front of the supermarket the road has been dug up for new electric cables and is effecting the business. What a shame. The construction timetable is on Africa time. TIA.

I then went out to the Center to drop off all the stuff I brought for them. 2 laptops and some medical supplies. Two of the staff have already been trained in CPR and basic medical care. The place looks great. It was good to see all the people there. I was amazed at how organized it is. There are timetables and schedules everywhere of who does what and it's fantastic to see what's available for the kids to do. The computer room (10 computers so far) is impressive. Where would these kids have ever been exposed to computers if not for the Center ?

Had lunch with Silvi at Peter and Claire Einhorn's new coffee shop. Very nice.

Wednesday November 28^th.

The sun has finally come out and it's getting hot. It looks like the chance of rain has really gone down which is a shame. It's really needed here.

And then back home for a chemo induced power nap. Another home cooked dinner, a bit of telly, a hot bath and then off to bed.

Thursday and Friday November 29^th and 30^th.

The last few days have been a blur. I've been doing so much running around trying to dispense the infusion units and tubing. So far I have donated 6 to Mater Dei Hospital, 6 to Mpilo Hospital, 4 to Bulawayo Central Hospital, 1 to Dr. Mark Dixon (a Liverpool fan) and 1 to Dr. Eric Cohen. It took me 2 years to get the equipment to Zimbabwe.

Friday night Shul we had 15 for a minyan. Awesome for Bulawayo. Only 66 Jews left in Bulawayo and mostly the elderly. Then off to the Chitrins for an intimate shabbat dinner for 30.

Saturday December 1^st.

Today I went to the Center and I took some special guests. The grandmother, the mother and the sister of the late Ethan (who drowned in the pool). There was lots going on with about 70 kids there. I have already posted some pictures on FB. Privilege got involved with the activities and Loveness and Joyce watched. They were so impressed with the goings on and the Center itself. Just before we left they donated Ethan's clothing to the Center. What was really touching and strange was one of the little boys at the Center followed us and Loveness gave him one of Ethan's caps. Just killed me ! Simply incredible in their time of mourning. I am trying to get a copy of the journal that Ethan's sister wrote after his death. It's very sad and detailed.

The weather has started to become true Africa weather. With no cloud cover like the first few days, it's hot. High 80'sF or 30'sC. I feeling ok but with bouts of extreme constipation to serious other extremes ! But nothing like a good afternoon nap.

By the way, we came 4th in the Nike Fundraiser thanks to you all. The top six all got somewhere around US$30,000 each.

Sunday December 2^nd.

I went to the cemetery for the Shmulian headstone unveiling. Cemetery's are not my thing !

Til next time...........

Carpe Diem.

Out of Africa

Literally. I’m on my way back to the USA after avery enjoyable and productive trip.

Carpe Diem.

And now for something completely different

I’m off to Zimbabwe today, post chemo and all. I’m really looking forward to this trip. Of course, what visit would be without spending time at the magnificent Victoria Falls and cruising the Zambezi/Chobe rivers with a smattering of game dive afterwards.

Lots to do in Bulawayo. I look forward to seeing the Nyathi/Dube family and handing over the awesome amount we were able to raise for the Ethan Fund. Rest in peace my little friend.

The 21 infusion units plus tubing is waiting for me in Bulawayo. I am thrilled to be working with local doctors and hospitals to dispense these units. Finally ! Thanks Dr. Phil and Dr. Steve. Siyabonga kakulu.

There will be lots to see, friend to visit and things to do at the Zimkids Center. I have some VIP tours to conduct. Well actually, I arrange the tours and leave them in the very capable hands of the people running the Center. Or is it Centre :-)

I’m hoping that my post chemo fatigue and nausea will be somewhat mitigated by the awesome change of environment.

I will be celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere over central Africa. Still lots to be thankful for. To all my family and friends celebrating this Thanksgiving holiday I say…………

Carpe Diem.