Cancer Remains Dormant Still

Cancer Remains Dormant Still is a boring but good headline to have.  Barbara and I met with my oncologist, Dr Lisa Horvath this afternoon.  She explained that I am one of a handful of her patients who are at the end of the Bell Curve where things are really good.  She advised that if/when the cancer starts to grow again it will likely be gradual – another round of chemotherapy will then be used.

It is two years this month since the diagnosis was made.  It is one year at the end of April that I ceased chemotherapy treatment – wonderful not to have it and be well.  Please remember the cancer remains in my liver.  I remind myself this is the reality so that I do not take my state of good health for granted.  My next appointment with Dr Lisa is at the end of May and will include a CT scan.

Family

Two of our sons and their wives are awaiting the birth of their first children.  Our family is well and we see them regularly with most living nearby.  They are working or studying.

Uganda

I facilitated the financial modules of the International Company Directors Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates at the end of February and then took a side trip to Uganda in the beginning of March.  Our friends of nearly forty years, Allan and Pam are living in Kamuli.  They are the only Caucasians in their town.  It was wonderful being with them for a week, including three days in Kamuli.  I was deeply touched by the experience.  They have made many Ugandan friends whom I was privileged to meet.

Uganda’s needs are insatiable but if Pam and Allan had to leave tomorrow, they have made a lasting difference to a number of people’s lives.  This has been achieved through their own efforts and through funds provided by family and friends for sponsoring children and assisting projects, particularly at the Bezallel School across the road.  I am hoping to be further involved and am looking at spending a few weeks with them in June as the next step.

Words cannot describe what my Ugandan experience means.  It gives me a sense of greater purpose.  It will be interesting to see how things unfold.

Pam, David (just arrived) and Allan relaxing at
Banana Village near Entebbe Airport

Local friends rapping their own
songs in Pam and Allan's front yard

David enjoying dinner at the Bezallel Children's Home

Children at new bore at Bezallel School
Barbara and I sponsored

Boy boarders at their beds in Bezallel School

Primary 7 students doing school work on Saturday

David speaking at school assembly ....

...... while children look on

Pam with head teacher Beatrice in her office

World's best fruit juices from friend
Esther's shop in downtown Kamuli 

Western café latte in Jinja

Nile flowing from Lake Victoria, Jinja

Canberra

Canberra is celebrating its centenary this year.  A city of about half a million people now exists where there were a few sheep farms 100 years ago.  Lesley and Stephen and Barbara and I stayed in an apartment last weekend and joined in the celebrations.  We went on a hot air balloon ride, Sunday morning, as the big event.  Three of us also enjoyed the Toulouse Lautrec exhibit at the National Gallery.  Barbara and Lesley saw the Dream of a Century exhibit at the National Library.  Barbara and I saw the Canberra design exhibition at the National Archives.  Barbara and I also enjoyed a Sunday night dinner with friends Graham and Pip, catching up after a number of years.

David aboard

Our companion balloons over the Lake

Stephen, Lesley and Barbara enjoying the view

Coming Events

Our coming granddaughters are the number one events!  Our third oldest turns 30 on 28 March and celebrates with family and friends the next day.  From April 3 to 21, my brother and I will be cruising in the Kimberley on the North Star.  We are also having work done on Club 55 to repair our parapet wall and paint the outside.  I have been catching up with colleagues and have several more engagements in May.  I have also been busy on work matters, which continues in late April and May.