"Hair today, gone tomorrow"

"Hair today, gone tomorrow" - this is Nix's new favourite quote and she managed to use it a few times today (true Nikki wit!).

Because she is losing her hair at a rapid rate now, we called on the services of a beautiful and talented friend, Jackie, who gave Nikki her latest trendy, really-short look. I must say, Nikki has such a lovely profile and really suits short hair in any style. It's good she's got to try a few styles through this process so she will know just what to ask for when her hair grows back again!

Nix seems to have turned a corner today and was feeling much more like herself again. So, after taking the morning off to rest, we spent time with some precious friends this afternoon. It's always good to be around people who encourage and minister life. They are such beautiful gifts!

Jesus said: "Where two or three come together in My name, there I am with them."

Another beautiful gift was born today, baby Ava Bennett, daughter to our friends, Rachelle and Andrew. We cant help but celebrate and thank God for this new little life!

Keeping our eyes fastened on Him

Nix has had a tough few days following her last round of Chemo. She has had quite a bit of pain (which is to be expected with the treatment) and the thing she battles with most as the drugs work their way out of her system is the feeling of being disconnected emotionally, spiritually and physically. She is just not like herself. She is also losing her hair now at quite a rate so that can be quite distressing too. Despite all of this, she remains strong and unwavering in her faith (God's promises are as true in the valley as they are on the mountain top).

Please keep both Adrian and Nikki in your prayers as continually fighting this and living with the symptoms is an exhausting process and they need and greatly value the support and prayers of their friends. Adrian is carrying a heavy load and is stretched to capacity, running his business, family, spiritual and emotional life at this level of intensity right now. I feel he needs us to come alongside him to hold his hands up at this time.

A quote from Smith Wigglesworth's book on Healing:

"Oh beloved, may God help us to get our eyes off the conditions and symptoms, no matter how bad they may be, and get them fastened on Him. Then we will be able to pray "the prayer of faith" (James 5:15).

James 5:15 - "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up."

Chemo Round 2

Early this week, Nikki's rheumatologist declared that he was shocked and amazed when he read her blood test results. For the last 18 months, her inflammation markers were above 150 (normal is under 5) and her last test markers were 23!

So, off Nikki went for her second dose of Chemotherapy on Wednesday. All seemed to be going well with the first medication and when they changed the drip and medication, after 4 drops going through, she started to have an allergic reaction - presenting in severe back pain and a rash on her body. The doctor said that this was fairly common with this type of Chemo. They then gave her a hefty dose of antihistamine and she continued to receive the Chemo while in a deep sleep.

When she got home, she climbed into bed and had to be woken by Adrian yesterday at 12.00!!

She seems to be doing well now, please continue to pray that she wont have the awful side effects coming off the steroids this time round.

Too Busy to be Down

We have had a whirlwind weekend packed full of activities and Nikki has kept up with everything! She surprised me this morning when she and Tania arrived on my doorstep - having decided to make the most of the beautiful weather, they took a slow walk up from their road to mine (yay! like the "old days" - and lots more of that to come in the near future :-)).

Wednesday is Nikki's next appointment with Chemo so please could I ask you to pray with us that her white blood cell count is high enough when she does her blood tests tomorrow so that she can proceed with Chemo according to the schedule. Please also pray that she will not experience any nasty side effects from the Chemo or the steroids this time round.

Thank you once again for sharing our burden with us and carrying us as we walk along this road. I read some verses of an old song this morning that reminded me of my (our) role in this journey, I will share them with you here:

Won't you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you,
pray that I may have the grace,
to let you be my servant too.

I will weep when you are weeping,
when you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
'til we've seen this journey through.

Rollercoaster

The last few days have been quite trying for Nix. She has been battling with migraine headaches and woke up on Thursday morning with swollen, painful joints again. Oh what a rollercoaster this is! I took her through for her consultation with her rheumatologist today - no major breakthoughs there. They are still unsure whether the cancer is the underlying cause for the arthritis or whether Nikki is running 2 different and unrelated problems here. On one hand, the white blood cell count is low from the Chemo and on the other hand the immune system is still way out of control (overstimulated) causing the severe inflammation / arthritis. So where does that put you? Do you supress it or stimulate it? Only the Lord knows the answer to that and that is why our faith remains firmly in Him and nowhere else...

Psalm 103: 1 - 5

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Inspriration

I loved this and had to share it with all of you: (thank you Donne!)

Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
I cannot invade the soul.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

Anonymous

(Found in the book "Stick a Geranium in your Cranium" by Barbara Johnson)

True Beauty

After 12 days of tummy upsets and wondering whether this was due to chemo or diet, it seems that chemo is most likely the cause. Initally Nikki's oncologist wasnt too worried about it but after 12 days, it has become a far more serious issue. She has been suffering with a migraine headache at the same time, probably due to the fact that she is dehydrated from the tummy problems. Nikki's white blood cell count was also low due to the chemo which is another reason for the tummy issues. So she went to the hospital today and they gave her some shots to counter the neutropenia (low white blood cell count). She will have to self inject over the next few days to boost her count.

Please could we ask you to pray that these tummy upset symptoms subside and that her blood count increases and specifically pray into these areas when she goes for her next round of chemo on 23 September.

On a lighter note, this evening I read the bible story about beautiful Queen Esther to my children and in order to bring it back to their level, I asked them whether they knew someone who was exceptionally beautiful - I thought they would say "mommy":-) - but Megan said, "I know someone really beautiful mommy, Aunty Nix!" Well, I couldn't agree more!

Proverbs 3:1 - 8

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Overwhelmed by His love

We have been overwhelmed by the love and support of our many friends, family and church family over the last few weeks. God is demonstrating His love to us through His servants. Thank you so much to all of you for being His hands and feet at this time. Thank you for your prayers, amazing dinners, baby sitting, lifts, flowers, sms'es, emails, cards, gifts, dvd's, books, CD's etc...etc... How can we thank you? We are literally being carried by your prayers and your love. Here are 2 beautiful and inspiring poems written by a precious friend of our parents, Gavin Durr, for our lovely Nix:

I HEARD A CRY FOR HELP – FOR THEE
(Written by God’s grace – by Gavin Durr, 23.08.2009)

I heard a cry for help, for thee,
A cry to Thee, for one so ill in a friend’s family,
A cry so desperate, Lord to Thee,
A cry for healing, a mournful plea.
We pray Lord Jesus, show Thy might,
God’s power is sufficient to heal their plight,
We pray Lord Jesus, show Thy glory,
Thou alone Dear Lord are worthy.
We pray Thou wilt cast their mountain of sickness into the sea,
We have faith, don’t doubt, that this will be,
Such a miraculous healing testimony,
So all may know, Thy healing see,
And that the healing only came from Thee
Thank you Jesus for the healing released, that will come, set her body free.
Lord we will tell all of this healing testimony,
Thou art worthy, worthy, worthy,
Tell all, as they prayed, you heard their cry,
Thou art not man, that thou shouldst lie,
We believe Lord, we believe,
By thy grace, she will be healed,
We rejoice Lord, for we know,
You will heal, for you dear Lord, do love her so.

PROCLAMATION – PRAYER POEM

GOD’S POWER IS ALWAYS SUFFICIENT FOR ME
(Written by God’s grace – by Gavin Durr, 31.08.2009)

God’s power is always sufficient for me,
No matter whatever my problem may be,
Every plan that I make,
Every step that I may take,
Thy power, Dear Lord, is sufficient for me.
And I commit my plans this day to Thee,
In Jesus name they now will succeed,
I know, I know, my Lord will take heed.
Step for step, Lord, you plan my way,
Thy will is Thy will, Thou will have Thy say,
Always, Always, help comes in time,
For Thy timing is perfect, so sublime.
Sufficient, Sufficient, is God’s power for me,
I know this, I know this, dear Lord, I believe.

Living in the moment

Nikki has been feeling so well the last 2 days. We fetched the kids from school early yesterday as it was such a lovely day and went to ride camels at Imhoff's (!), which is something Hannah has wanted to do since she was 2. For as long as I have known Nikki (which is my whole life minus the first 13 months), she has been obessed with riding any animal she possibly can. A giraffe is still on the "to do list". Maybe Hannah has inherited this strange interest from her mom. Riding camels brought back some fun (and more scary!) memories of backpacking through Egypt in 1995 where Nikki actually succeeded in getting her camel to canter through the desert on our tour of the Great Pyramids. I dont think the guides had encountered anything like her before or since. Today Nikki has joined Daniel and the "Tiger's" class on their outing to see Little Red Riding Hood.

This is actually so amazing as she is on none of her pain / inflammation / arthritis meds any more and even when she was medicated to the max for the last 18 months, she didnt have the energy or strength to do these things. We thank God for every moment and His grace on her at this time. We're enjoying living in the moment...

Doing so much better

Thank you for all the prayers today! I'm happy to report that sweet Nix is feeling so much stronger tonight and is grateful to be on the other side of this. I think she will stay off the steroids next time she goes for Chemo - they give them to you to keep the nausea at bay but she reckons the side effects of the steriods are far worse.

Asking for Wisdom

Nix seemed to handle her first dose of Chemo last Thursday like a real soldier. She was doing so well but over the course of the weekend, developed severe tummy cramps. Her doctor says this is not due to the Chemo. She has been following quite a severe diet at the same time, so we are looking at that or a possible bug. So please pray for her in this area. The cramps have kept her up all night so she hasn't had much sleep. Please also pray for wisdom regarding her diet in this time. There is so much "good" advice out there but it is like all of our plans and efforts outside of God have been frustrated. We are trusting God for His wisdom direction in this area.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Mark 16:17

"And these signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them, they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

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2 Corinthians 4

I didn't have a chance yesterday to update the blog but this is just to let you all know that Nix was feeling great yesterday morning after Chemo. She was on a bit of a "high" actually which is not uncommon apparently. So she made the most of it!

This verse (and, in fact, the entire chapter) has been a great encouragement to me yesterday and today (thank you Karen!)

2 Corinthians 4:17

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

A Good Report!

It's late now, I haven't had a moment before now to update Nikki's blog for today but I just had to tell you all the good news.

When I arrived at Nikki's home to fetch the kiddies for school, she was up and about and told me that she felt better than she had in a very long time. She was feeling strong and pain-free.
Pops and Queenie (as our mom and dad are fondly known by their grandchildren) took her through to Constantiaberg this morning for her first round of chemo. When I got there later in the day, she was chatting happily with the other patients receiving chemo and she was like a ray of sunshine in a rather gloomy ward.

On our way home, she surprised us both when she slipped her engagement ring off her finger (it has been stuck on her finger for a number of months now due to the inflammation in her joints). I truly beleive that this is an answer to prayer. We have been praying that as she comes off all her arthritis medication, she gets stonger and not weaker and that is exactly what we saw today! This is just the beginning...

The Beautiful Boyd Family

Two of the photos from the photo shoot on Fish Hoek on Sunday morning - taken by Chan Van Zyl. What a gorgeous family they are!

Thankfully our faith is not in Hospitals!

Yesterday Nix tried Ozone therapy. It's supposed to pump antioxidants (good soldiers) into the system to help fight cancer cells. The doctor couldnt get the Ozone to go into her vein and he said that he had never seen this happen before. Nix said that she has heard that statement alot lately - confirming that she is a truly unique individual!

Nikki was supposed to start Chemo today but the doctor wanted her to run some more blood tests before starting treatment. She spent most of the day there only to hear that they lost her blood tests (what??????? losing faith in the medical system yet?) So she will be back at Constantiaberg first thing tomorrow to repeat the tests before starting the Chemo. She is feeling more positive and peaceful about the Chemo now and hopes that it will help to ease the arthritis a bit too. We are believing that the Chemo will clear up the arthritis completely (since Chemo reduces white blood cells and hers are out of control and could do with reduction) and that she will not feel any adverse effects from the treatment. Please pray and believe for this with us.

Please also pray for supernatural provision in the area of finance (this is an expensive process).

Psalm 40:1 - I waited patiently for the Lord, He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit , out of the mud and mire, he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Springtime, newness, rebirth, hope...

Today is my precious Sydney's 3rd birthday and we are all going to celebrate together as a family later. It is the 1st of Spring and the birth of new things...

It is a beautiful thing to witness the body of Christ (the church) in action at this time. We have been carried by the love, prayer, encouragement, meals, babysitting of our precious church family and we are so blessed to know we aren't walking this road alone!

Nikki had her hair cut short yesterday and it looks so lovely. She really suits short hair and it makes me remember our fun travelling days and living in London in 1995/1996.

I was thinking about Nikki's name recently and it means "victorious overcomer". Isnt that amazing? Let us speak this confession over her as we pray for her.

Psalm 91 has been such an encouragement to me today. When I have a chance later, I will type it out for all to see.