7 January 2021
As I am sitting here, gathering my thoughts to articulate all the overwhelming emotions and tears, I would like to share with you, four “positive developments”:
1. Meeting Heroes
It is my profound honour to share two unbelievable days he was blessed to experience the week before the last chemotherapy. (Because of these extra ordinary life changing memories – I have to share it in two separate blogs later this week.)
A DAY SPEND WITH RSD AND PHILIP SNYMAN (click on link)
On 17 December 2020, we spend time with his hero, former Springbok Sevens Captain and R Skills and Development Brand Ambassador, Philip Snyman, and met with owner & founder of R Skills and Development, Phillip van Coller who arranged this special meeting.
NSRI: A DREAM COME TRUE (click on link)
19 December 2020, most exhilarating time was spent with the incredible NSRI team of Hermanus. The personal care, devotion and attention is clearly depicted in the video (on blog to follow)...
On both occasions – it is amazing to realize that there are still remarkable people “out there” – who sincerely care for another human being and the willingness to go the extra mile for such a young boy left us in complete awe. Everyone involved during both days, had amazing and positive influences on him. Every individual played a pivotal role in boosting his morale, securing long term friendships. They assisted him to focus on the future and definitely contributed in reminding him to believe in his dreams again.
It is safe to say – all of them are his heroes now.
2. Update on Bailey’s Buddy:
He was admitted to hospital on 21 December 2020 for his fourth round of chemotherapy, and we came home 24 December 2020.
My little warrior is always trying to take my worries away with his big smile, a joke or “did you know facts” – but on our way to the hospital that day, we both, could not stop crying. What once was an uncertainty quickly transformed into a dreaded reality…
Thankfully, this time, he felt a little braver wearing his Sea Rescue Crew hat and Springbok Captains jersey.
Doctor is concerned about his pain that is getting worse and changed his pain medication again BUT she is delighted that he is looking so good and that he has not lost his sense of humour.
I KNOW AND BELIEVE THAT GOD is managing my sons’ situation with Super Natural Powers!!!
He received different nausea medication intravenous to prevent what happened the previous time and even though he experienced some of the side effects, it definitely helped a lot with the nausea.
The MIBG scan, MRI and Bone Marrow Biopsies was supposed to be scheduled now in January -
To measure the impact the chemotherapy had on killing this High Risk Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer and to confirm that his bone morrow is cancer free.
Unfortunately, I was informed on 21 December 2020 that the nuclear medicine which is used during the MIBG scanning process, will only be available in February 2021.
Thus all tests are being postponed until February and he will receive another round of chemotherapy. I will update once everything is confirmed.
Please pray for our safety against Covid-19 too, during these hospitals visits.
Bailey immediately resumed his guarding post over his Buddy, from the moment we came back from hospital.
Last week we struggled to manage his pain again and experienced a couple of sleepless nights...
We have some good days and few bad ones but each day, I am grateful to have been able to spend time with him and building memories whilst fighting this horrid cancer.
3. Thank You
I want to thank you for sharing my blog far and wide.
For all the prayers, messages, emails I received AND the donations made, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart with so much grace and gratitude.
You will never know how much it means to me and what difference it made last month. The relief to know, especially as a single mum, I can just breathe for a moment and focus on my son.
During this chapter – we have to embark upon – I believe is just a detour on his life’s journey and it .
It is my primary vision is to ensure that he is still in touch with life.
Every morning when he wakes up, he prays for us: “Thank you God that we are blessed to be with each other for another day.”
Yesterday he said: “Mommy, I am living my life and it is great. I am happy”– with a wide smile, which radiated so much happiness and peace.
Thank you for helping me to provide for my son and to keep a roof over our heads.
It definitely made me realise, again, that I am not alone in this, and for that I am extremely grateful.
A friend reminded me that we are all vessels in God, we are His hands and feet to help each other and that I must direct my gratitude towards Him.
So these tears are for:
Finding Joy and Hope in the midst of this storm
Knowing we are serving a Living God,
We are blessed, we are loved and we are not alone.
4. I want to wish you a Happy New Year
May God bless your 2021 with good health, prosperity and peace.
May you wake up each morning with a smile, knowing that you have been blessed another day to make memories with your loved ones.
May you, slow down and appreciate the small things in life.
Even though, 2020 has altered our perspective of normality during this global pandemic, and it might feel like our lives have been filled with an ocean full of uncertainty, fear and conflict –
I want to remind you today:
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”
“Don't let the world change your smile, but let your smile change the world.”
Please, I am humbly asking, should you be able to make any donations – please know that it would be greatly appreciated. If you are not in a position to make a donation, please could you share this link about our journey with your friends and family on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram and kindly ask them to do the same.
Thank you for your time reading our story and walking this journey with us.
All my Love
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