Update: April 2024

2024 04 19

Hi everyone!

No news does continue to be good news.

Yesterday was the first anniversary of the day I started what I’d sworn I’d never do: chemo. I wrote the following yesterday (and this is the first chance I’ve had, to send it to you):

I had already started coming back from the brink, five days before receiving my first chemo. But today, 18 April, is the “standout” date. It’s also auspicious because it matches two wedding/relationship anniversaries and two birthdays, of people who mean something in my life.

Without that treatment, I would have lived only a handful of weeks more. And with that treatment, here I am – writing this as Gail and I fly home from our first visit to Gauteng since we left, having seen many (but certainly not all) of the family and friends we wanted to see, and having demonstrated to the people we saw that I’m really, really fine (and not just saying so). We’ve also managed to dance (Gail once, me twice), reunited with many of the circle dancers we left behind in 2021.

Huge appreciation to Lindy and Paul, Jane and Piers, for having us to stay, and to everyone who made the time to spend precious moments with us. To everyone we didn’t manage to see: we’re sorry we couldn’t be there longer, and we hope to see you next time – or in Cape Town!

Your part in my process has brought me to where I am now. Thank you, always!

Lots of love 🌹❤️

(Photo: This rose used to live with us in Pretoria. It is now loved and cared for by Lindy. It smells divine!)