Charlotte is growing fast

 

Ruth and Adam are coming for Christmas.

On Friday 19th. December I will be at Manchester Airport to welcome Ruth and Adam to a damp cold old England. We hope to travel south and see my parents and other relatives before heading back to Barrow to spend Christmas with Anna Stephen and Charlotte. This past week I had more treatment and am now beginning to slowly pick up again. I hope by next Friday to be 100% fit again.
Christmas time is a time when we remember our families and friends, For the first time in many years we will not be spending Christmas with our Kuwaiti friends Ali and Karen Assad. We will certainly miss the traditional Christmas and the visit of Santa, who always made and appearance. We hope to have time to sit with family and to get away from the rush of everyday life.
We also should never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, 'Emmanuel' God with us. When we remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
If I missed you off the Christmas card list, please accept my best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

A week in Hospital

After My last treatment, I developed an infection. Usually this would not be a problem, however, because my White blood count is very low I was admitted to hospital, placed in isolation, so that I would not catch another infection. After a few days of treatment My count did not rise, I know many having been praying for me so it was a great joy when on Tuesday my neutraphil count had risen from .3 to 1.6 a real rise. PTL. Now I await another cycle on Dec 09th. then Ruth and Adam will arrive in the UK on Dec 19th. Wishing you all a very Blessed Chistmas Season, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

On the move again, back in the UK

After one month in the Philippines I was advised that I should return to the UK and get the treatment I need to overcome the NH. Lymphoma. On Oct 27th I arrived back in the UK, 6.30 on a Sunday morning at Manchester Airport. My son Stephen, Anna his wife and my granddaugther Charlotte were there to meet me. They have graciously offered me a place to stay now I'm settling back into the UK. Ruth and Adam will join me in December for the Christmas break and then we will be able to make some long term plans, as you can imagine lots of things are up in the air at present.

I am currently undergoing Chemotherapy at the local Barrow in Furness General hospital. The treatment here is exactly the same as I have received in Kuwait and in the Philippines. On this latest round of treatment I can see a real improvement in my situation. One good thing here is that instead of going into hospital for three days of Chemo I can do most of it at home taking the meds orally. Steve and Anna are a real support in all of this.

One thing which is a real shock to the system is the cold damp weather. It is 15 years since I was in England for the winter and it takes some getting use to.

I trust that all of you are enjoying good health and looking forward to the Christmas season. Let us never forget the 'reason for the season'. Remember to keep in touch, I love to hear from you all from time to time. so leave a message or send me an email.

Some Photos of Our House so far.

Here are a few Photos of last days in Kuwait, first days in Mactan.

Time to go to UK

On Oct 25th at 18:20 I will leave Cebu for Manchester UK, Stephen will pick me up at 06:25 the next morning and take me straight to Barrow. I hope to be able to continue with treatment there as soon as possible. I have had (last Mon-Tue-Wed) another session of Chemotherapy. To be honest it is taking its toll on my strength. I am not ill, just weak at present. I'm alot better than I was, but not has good as I want to be. The Doctor here is absolutely brilliant, her words were 'we can settle for nothing less than total remission'.
Enough of that what are we up to? Getting settled, putting up pictures, installing electrical equipment etc so that we can live a hassle free life here. unfortunately, that means sewer pipes have to be ripped up, plugs rewired. No 'U' bends, faulty sockets, etc. I have been plumbing, I don't like to bury everything in the walls, Yes, I know it is neat and tidy, but you can't see what tricks they have been up to, well the developer makes the builder put all things right.
The next few months are going to be hard on Adam and Ruth without me, I know Adam is feeling it, Ruth is a stalwart, and so good, but even she gets tired with all the responsiblities. so please remember them in your prayers. They will come to the UK for Christmas, and we will see. One day at a time. I will try and pull in a visit to see you all in the UK as I have time. I will let you have my mobile No. later.

We are in the new House

Yes at long last we are in our house. 4 years after first signing up to buy a house lot on the philippine Island of Mactan we are in our house. There are a few teething problems doors not fitting properly,taps leaking and sockets not working properly. Generally, it's a lack of care and craftmanship. I am busy putting up the pictures clocks etc, in order to make a house a home. We did encounter one major problem, on leaving Kuwait I could not find the key ring to our safe in Cebu, no problem I thought, Ruth has a key. It is an electronic safe and so you only need a key to unlock it if you forget the code number. When I asked Ruth where she had put here key she said in the safe, so itdidn't get lost. Also the opening instruction sheet. I remembered the Master Code and so could over ride all other code numbers. unfortunately, the master key wouldn't work. and so I ended up drilling a small hole in the base so I could retreive the instructions. So simple just 2 Hash keys in addition tothe Master Code and it opened. That was enough drama for one week, well for a life time in fact.
More treatment on Monday, then at the end of the month I am off to the UK to get the treatment I need. Keep you posted.

Time table for journey

Friday 26th September 2225 Kwt - Doha
Saturday 27th September 0105 Doha - Cebu
Saturday 27th September 1630 arr. in Cebu

Farewell Party

Well countdown has begun, 6 days left to go, yes, next Friday 26th September we leave Kuwait for Retirement, First, I will visit Adam in Cebu and then head back to the UK, where I will settle with my son Steve and his wife Anna and of course baby Charlotte. We are all thrilled about the future, but don't know the details yet. We will have to take life one day at a time. My treatment continues and I continue to improve, getting stronger and more active day by day.

Last night our good friends Karen and Ali held a farewell party for us, we were surprised when over 60 people turned up,even though many of our friends were on vacation.

They presented us with a lovely plague which we will treasure in the months and years that lie ahead of us. Great friends, great food and great fun was had by all, just like the old days. Great time was had by all

New Browser Google Chrome

Try Google new browser - Google Chrome.  I have just down loaded it and it seems interesting.  I'll let you know how I get on with it later.

Nearly Ready to move in- Our House

Our house is nearing completion. Ruth will come to Kuwait on September 6th, we hope that before that they will have moved into the house. Adam will stay in Cebu with his uncle and cousin. He enjoys all the new experiences like riding a 'Tricad'. Here in Kuwait I continue to check out of Kuwait government offices, this involves getting clearance from the Bank, Police, Electricity immigration etc,. I continue to receive treatment, however, my general health is good and I pray it will continue so. On Sept 26th Ruth and I will fly to Cebu and take up residence there, until I move to the UK for more treatment.

Update from Kuwait

Countdown has begun. We are on our way out of Kuwait after almost 15 years. Ruth and Adam are in the Philippines, working on moving into our new house. Adam is attending 6th grade at the Indianna Areospace University. ( a very grand name) Adam is in the Elementary School. The school is only about 5 Kms from our house, and so it is very convenient for Ruth to drop him off at school each day.

Our house continues to be finished, finishing touches seem to take a while. The developer will not take possession from the builder until all the little snags are attended to.

Ruth will depart from the Philippines to Kuwait on September 6th, we will then return together to Cebu on 26th September. Adam will stay in Cebu with his uncle and cousin.

I continue to receive treatment for NH Lymphoma, the radiation regime as been stopped and I am undergoing more Chemotherapy, depending on the response we will either be in the philippines for a short period of time before going to the UK to complete my treatment. We value your prayers for us as a family during these days of moving, sickness, building and fitting out a new house, and lastly dealing with the beaucracy of leaving Kuwait. I will put a couple of pictures of the house so you can see the progress.

My Mum and Dad recently celebrated their 90th Birthdays, after a short time in hospital Dad is back at the Nursing home and doing well. Mum continues to live at home with my brother looking after them.

Up to date news

It has been a while since I worte anything. Basically, I have not been too well, after 8 sessions of Radiation I had to stop because of throat problems. Well they have now nearly cleared up and I hope to restart the treatment as soon as possible.
Our house continues to be being finished, yes that is correct not yet finished, now it's the finishing touches. Water an electricity are installed and they are building the perimeter fence. so not long now. The next big thing is the move and then Ruth's visit to Kuwait final packing and my move to Cebu.
I may also go to the UK to check up on my condition. Well one step at a time. This is all for now.
My father has been in hospital but he is now back at the nursing home, Grandma is about the same she enjoyed her 90th birthday last July 14, Grandad will be 90 on Aug 18. got to go and "cook me tea."

What to do?

What do you find to do you might be tempted to ask. Well has David Jr will tell you there is also something that needs washing, plates or clothes, shopping going to work etc. Well I have also the task of emptying our appartment, signing out of about a dozen government offices before I can cancel my residence visa. Is it any wonder so many people go on leave and then just don't return. I have sold the contents of our flat well I use sold in a very wide sence most things are at least 9 years old and not worth much, and that is what I managed to get. Suddenly I find my car is also worthless or so every potential buy tells me. We will see, I don't think I would make a good Arthur Daily.
I have been going to the hospital getting ready for Radiation treatment. This involves having a plaster cast made of my head and neck, Then a perspect mask is made and placed over my head and shoulders, this is clamped to a table (very hard) while I'm blasted with with radiation. Well today they fitted the mask and marked the spots where I should have the treatment or rather be blasted. After the mask was ready I had to have a CT scan. as usual I was told to sit and wait. Others were also waiting, after about twenty minutes sitting on hard hospital chairs I was relieved when they call Mr. David, I went into the Lab and then heard a Kuwaiti start shouting, He was saying he had been waiting longer than me. that was true, but I don't think he was to have a CT scan. Well that is when things went wrong. The Egyptian technician told me to go back out and wait, since my file wasn't ready, I commented that was strange, since they had just called me, and it was ready until the Kuwaiti had protested, I went back to the waiting room, the technician feeling put out that anyone would question his decision, came out to put me publicly in my place, I pointed out to him again that it was strange that my file was ready a few minutes earlier and it was only when the kuwait protested that suddenly it wasn't ready. I was told, ha yes, but he is old and sick, I pionted out that I too was old and sick. Well, you can't beat the Egyptians when their in charge. Two hours later after a doze I was called. This is not and isolated case, George B. hasn't done us any favours with our Arab fellow citizens. So roll on Sept 26 when I leave.

Latest News

Here we are again. I have been to the hospital again today, the biopsy I had last week showed that the Lymphoma had not transformed to higher form of Lymphoma so now the Doctor feels it is time to have radiation therapy to reduce the swelling on my neck. I start on Tuesday so value your prayers that all will go well.

Our house, we are told will be finished tomorrow, it won't there are still a number of small things which need to be completed, such as the electric connection the drive way, and some painting needs attention. We have closed in the carport but we need to put up a shade over the door and windows at the front that will be done later.

We also took possession of our new Toyota Avanza, Red, tomorrow Ruth has her driving test. it should be no problem since she has had a licance for about 7 years here in Kuwait.

Friday Again

It is hard to get used to the weeken being on Thursday and Friday, now Kuwait has changed the weekend to Friday and Saturday. which is even weirdier, Friday is like an old fashioned Sunday then you have Saturday, Then back to work. So what you may say. Well this is my first weekend back in Kuwait. peace and quiet is great for a few days then you miss your loved ones and feel like a small stone in your shoe, always moving around but nowhere to be really comfortable.

washing, cooking, making everything tidy etc. not a lot to do, I use the same cup and same plate cuts down on the washing up. Sandwiches don't dirty the plates.

Well got to go, don't know why though. Oh yes I remember to stop my mobile phone logging on to the internet and consuming all my balance. I will beat these machines.!!!!!!

Bet it is on auto setting. yes it was now it can't log on unless I tell it.

On the Move

On the Move again. After a vwery busy 3 weeks in the Philippines, finishing off our house, buying furniture etc I managed to leave in the Middle of one of the most deadly typhoon in history. No our house wasn't finished it still isn't but it is getting nearer. Adam has started school in the Indianna Aerospace University, he really likes it and there are only 15 students in his 6th grade class, ( don't let the school name fool you) as well as a University there is also an Elementary School and a High School.

I have to undergo more treatment for the NH Lymph. starting with another FNA biopsy and then either Radiation or more Chemo. Please remember my needs in your prayers.

I will try and post some photos. I have to be out of Kuwait by Sept 26. so I hope I can get all my treatment finished by then.

Going off line for a while.

The big move is on. Tomorrow we leave Kuwait for the Philippines. Our family are making what will be the biggest move for us thus far. Ruth and Adam will remain in Mactan the site of our new house. We have heard that it is nearing completion. I will return to Kuwait at the end of June to close down everything with the job, I have to sign out of many different places, I will then go back to the Philippines to join Adam and Ruth sometime in September.

I have had more health tests and all have come back normal, my blood sugar is now normal and returns to normal as it should, The Doctor confirmed I don't have diabetes. I am on a diet and aim to lose weight approx 25 kgs. My eyes are good and there is no deterioration following the chemo. so I am happy about the results.

We will be off the internet etc, for a while until we can get phone lines etc. so please be patient and check this site regularly.
We will let you have a phone number as soon as possible.
00965 9581764 texts Kuwait
0063919012453 Philippines phone (texts)
Love to all.

Health Report

Today I had more tests, Blood and urine, liver function, and kidney function tests. All are normal, that is good news, I do have a high Triglyerides and my blood sugar is still to high, but it is coming down slowly. It is good that there is no glucose in the urine, so for one week I am to take madication to reduce the high blood sugar and then hopefully I can control it with a diet of low carbs, sugar and low fat. This is promising results I was worried that the Chemo had adversely affect my kidneys and liver. We continue to prepare for our departure to the Philippines on May 30th. More news as it occurs.

Health Update

On May 11th I went for by bimonthly appointment with the Doctor at the Lymphoma Clinic. All is about the same with regard to my situation, 'Wait and See'. The Doctor advised me to seek help with regard to the constant high glucose levels in my blood tests, which could be indicative of Diabetes. I have been having tests and continue to have tests tomorrow. There is nothing positive yet apart from the high level of my blood sugar, lets hope and pray that I can keep my blood sugar level in normal range with diet and do not have to resort to medication. More when I have some results.

GrandMa & Grandad

Photo's in the UK

Here are some shots of us all in England and our latest grand daughters Analiese and Charlotte, I hope to put shots of Grandma and Grandad on here too. We had a great time in Enderby, and with Steve and Anna and also a brief visit to Peace haven to visit Jane Daisy and Analiese.
Thank you all for your wonderful hospitality. I am planning to retire soon, I will spend more time in the UK (DV). A lot will depend on how my treatment goes. Love you all and hope each one of you are enjoying what life is serving you at present all will work out if we want to work it out.
Pray for Grandma and Grandad they are well, but are frail.

In UK

Photos

In the UK

We arrived in the UK on Friday 18th April, since we have been here we seem to have done so much. First stop was Grandma's house, it was nice to see her and Trevor too. It was alittle strange not to have Grandad around but we have been able to visit him almost every day. He likes the nursing home he is in and seems contented which is the main thing. Grandma has lost alot of weight and I don't think she is really very well. Stephen Anna, and Charlotte had been to see them before we arrived the were really impressed with their latest grand daughter.
When I was researching our family tree I came across a distant relative of my Grandad Heath, She was the grand daughter of Great Grandad Heath's sister.
Trevor and I spent a lunch time in Lutterworth chatting to her and her husband.

We have also been able to visit my cousins Peter Holt, Michael Cork as well as uncle Johnny, and Auntie Vera. We stopped off for a few hours on the way up to Cumbria, Steve and Anna's. They are both fine and the new Heath is very much like her Grandad, beautiful. We visited the house stephen and Anna are looking to purchase, If any of you haqve spare years to help painting etc. they will be very happy to see you. It is big, it needs some TLC, and I sure there will be room eventually, in one of the six bedrooms. We plan eventually to make this our UK base when visiting.
27th April was my birthday, I forgive you for forgetting it, Stephen cooked a wonderful meal, Roast Pork and stuffing, roast carrots, parsnips and potatoes
and gravy. It was great.
After a couple of days here we will make our way down to Leicestershire, then on to Brighton area to see another new addition to the Heath's Analiese, then off to London and back to Kuwait.
My next big date is a medical checkup on 11th May in Kuwait.
30th May we are off to Cebu, hopefully, our house will be finished, if everything goes according to plan I will return to Kuwait and close down, Ruth may also come back to Kuwait later, that is if we have someone to take care of Adam.
bye for now got to beat stephen in a Suduko. Bye

David & Ruth

Visiting Grandad

Yesterday was a very interesting day, First we went to see grandma, She is basically well but continues to lose weight. She is ok around the house but not too good out side. Trevor and I spent a couple of hours visiting with a second cousin who we had never met before. she is the daughter of my grandads nephews, well it was interesting to talk to her she is doing a family Tree of the Heath family. She has gone back to the 1700.

Arrived in UK.

We are here at last, Staying in Enderby for one wee then up to Barrow via Manchester, Hopefully down to Brighton London, back to Kuwait.

Pictures of us all

Travel Plans once again.

The excitement builds, we are off to the UK on Friday 18th. We will spend the first week with Grandma, Grandad and uncle Trevor in Enderby. After that we will go up to visit Steve and Anna, and finally after a break in Leicester we will visit Jane and probably do Londan again. There is always so much to see.
After we return to Kuwait on May 3rd it will be all systems go to get ready for our Cebu move. At least for Ruth and Adam, I too will go to the Philippines but must return to Kuwait to finish off my contractural obligations.

We hope and pray our house will be finished by 30th May, it should be and we keep pressing them to hurry along. All who are travelling, May the Lord keep his guiding hand on each of us. I suppose as a family we do travel alot more than the average 'bear'. Well keep up the good work whereever you are.

Adam and the Maintenance School

Today Adam had a trip to my work place. Not really exciting but he enjoyed it. Apart from making me some, many, a mountain of scratch pads from old test papers, he had the opportunity to sit an English Comprehension level test. This is a test we give to our students to decide if their English Comprehension Level (ECL) is good enough to go on for further training. Pilots need an ECL score of 80, so when I tell you that Adam attained an ECL of 78. which is a really good score since he is only 10 years old and the test is designed for adults.
We are now getting really excited about our trip to UK, and seeing everyone. The 18th April will be here every quickly.

Ruth's Sister with daughter Samantha

Getting warm again. off to the 'Shire'

It always amazes me how in Kuwait you go from winter to summer in one week or even less. Last week it was cold, now it is 36-38C. Adam is back in the swimming pool, so are the other kids in our block. School is out for Easter, We are busy packing up our things to ship to the Philippines or to sell or just put in the skip. Even then the skip sorters will have a field day. Our plans are coming together at last. April 18th we go to the UK until May 3rd. Then the end of May to the Philippines. That is far enough to plan at present.

Life is too short to waste, make the most of each day.

Our house continues to be built, how be it slowly, we home by June it will be finished, Although I doubt it. At least the developer has lent us the model house to live in until ours is finished.

Take care, in the UK, USA, Hong kong, Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia, my how we are spead out. Ruth's sister in the USA has just undergone major surgery, Pray for her, he has suspected cancer of the ovaries, and a mass in the stomach. These have now been removed we await news.



all the best

This one of me on 24th Feb 08

This is a photo of me when we went to the Entertainment City. Well, if this photo makes it to the blog the other picture's weren't just LUCK !!!

We will see.

Photo test run

Adam had a great time at his Sports fest,

The Green house won the Sorts fest,

Adam was on the Patentario ( catching team game) a bit like Brish Bulldog.

Anyway I have cracked posting photos.

Reduce them in size is the secret

This was our house about a month ago.
Ignore the date on the photo. The roof should now be finished.


We should be there by 30th May. more photos later.

Travel Plans UK and beyond

Travel Plans are coming together at long last.

On the 18th April we will travel to the UK, we will spend time with GrandMa and Grand Dad and Trevor. We hope to visit Steve and Anna, and Jane too while we are in England. We will return to Kuwait on 3rd May. Adam has to start school in the Philippines on 9th June so we will travel to PI, by 30th May. I have a Doctors Appointment in Kuwait to check my progress on 11th May. After about 3 weeks in the Philippines I will return to Kuwait. I will then start to close down my work, flat and have more check ups. Also, I have to get rid of the contents of our flat, probably to the skip, then the Banglis will have a great time sorting things out.

Ruth may come back to Kuwait to help me close down, were not sure yet, anyway Sept 24th I will retire to Cebu. (DV) All our plans are subject to change. They usually do, but at least we now have a frame work on which to work.

Take care of yourselves and I do love to hear from anyone out there.

Keep the faith.

I will post some more pictures when I figure out how I did it before!!!!

Results of the Committee Meeting

Well the committee decided they couldn't decide. Yes I know committees are not the best, However, they told me that I was fine, and They want to wait and see what happens to me. I can't have more Chemo at present. Radiation is not called for and they said carry on as normal since I have no pain and I'm not sick.

So decision they will see me again in 2 months on May 11th, 2008. no medications to take just carry on as normal and see what happens.
More later

News on my treatment.

My treatment for NH Lymphoma has been going on since the end of August 07, I have had 3 sessions of Chemo CVP + Mabthera, and 6 Sessions of CHOP+Mabthera. After a number of tests and CT scans, Blood tests, almost daily and heart tests, the doctors have to decide the next course of action. My condition is greatly improved and the Lymph nodes are almost back to normal. Next Tuesday a panel of Doctors (Oncologists from the Lymphoma Clinic) will review my case. On Wednesday I will meet with my doctor to decide the next steps. I believe all this is positive and it will enable us to start to make plans for the future. I feel a lot better and hope to see my strength returning in the next few months.
More news later.

Our House

We are having a house built on the Island of Mactan, Cebu ventral Philippines, All welcome when it is finished. They nearly have the roof on. The greatest problem seems to be a dispute between the Developer and the Builder. Really there is nothing we can do to solve the problem. But we keep trying to get them to work together. Hopefullly by June it will be finished. When it is you are all welcome we are only a couple of Click form the beach. We still have to explore the best places. Probably all the hotels have the prime frontage but we will see.

More Tests more Jabs

More tests and more jabs, more apologies for buised arms, one nurse asked me if I had been scatching I told her no!! your colleague did it trying to get blood.
Wednesday Out patients to check I was still Ok after my 9th session of Chemo.
I was fine. More blood tests oncology profile, microbio???? B test, Then Nuclear Medicine, more poison in my veins and 45 mins inside a machine listening to my heart while my arms dropped off. My heart is still working so they said, I think it was a Morg test or something like that. Did'nt like the sound of it. Then off to another hospital to book a CT scan for tomorrow, More poison to drink before the test, as well as fasting. That can't hurt. Well one of these days they are going to tell me the way ahead. Let's hope the Chemo is coming to an end. The Doctor did mention Radiation I don't fancy that, never mind. The house is progressing slowly I will try and put a photo on the blog it is two weeks old so they should have finished the roof by now.
Have good day.

Entertainment City, Adam & Friends

National Day and Liberation Day

It has been a while since I wrote anything. Basically, life is much the same these days. However, this week we have a five day holiday. Yes, thats right five days!! The Kuwait Government know how to do days off. It is National Day and Liberation Day. You may remember the Gulf War 1990, the first edition.

Well to celebrate Entertainment City announced it was giving free entrance during the celebrations, great like going to Alton Towers for free, so we thought. Well entrance was free, but the catch you had to pay for every ride, many of them £2.00 a go, needless to say we didn't stay every long and didn't go on many rides.

Adam and his two classmates enjoyed themselves, Today I am a little tired, probably over did it. This week I have more tests, and then again next week. CT Scan, heart test, Thank God we are getting to the end of the treatment.

Progress on the house we are having built in Cebu is painfully slow, we are waiting for the developer to pay the contractor so he can complete the build. Today is a public holiday in the Philippines, so we cannot do anything today. They know how to Holiday too. 18 public holidays a year.

well, we are fast coming to a time when we have to make some decisions about travelling. At present looks like mid April we will go to UK, Then early May back to Kuwait and early June to the Philippines, that is assuming I get the all clear, 'thumbs-up', 'all systems go' etc.

I am very optimistic at present and do feel alot better, most days that is, today not so. But then it is only one week ago that I had Chemo. Sometimes I forget the magnitude of the illness I have. The only thing I know is that I will beat it. Keep praying for us, Ruth and Adam are doing very well with all the uncertainity, schooling for next year (school year in the Philippines) is still up in the air.

We have just ordered from the China Queen restaurant, and it should arrive shortly, so bye for now, I promise to keep you up to date more often.

Very late

No excuses, I just have not had anything to write.
This week Adam's school had a 'sports fest' The Green Team won the over all team events that was Adams House. So when he came home with his hair sprayed Green we were not surprised.

I have not been doing very well this week. The Chemo has destroyed my White Blood count, well it is very low (2.1) so I have to go for injection each day to boost it. I also have a Chest infection and hacking cough, Sorry to be so down but I sam sure I will be Ok again, The main thing is I am making progress,

Keep up the good work all of you, I am off to the hospital, Then get some Kebabs that Sarah likes.

Weekend again!

Here in Kuwait weekend begins on Thursday, well now it does it used to begin on Wednesday and then we would go back to work on Saturday, now we go back to work Sunday. Today I was not able to go to work, I was all ready and then a sudden attack, stomach and vomiting, so I had to take a sicky, the first time I have not been able to go to work since I was sick.
But we are so thankful, that things are improving health wise and the lymph nodes are diminishing. in one more week I have somemore tests.
Well tonight Ruth and I will go to a Darts Match. we have not played Darts for the last couple of years.
The big news of the week is Charlotte Maria Heath Congrats, Anna & Steve.
One of our ancestors was also a Charlotte, I think it was Great Grand dad Heaths sister,
Well Grandchild no ten.
A large family,

Another day at the hospital

Sunday i went for my 3 weekly session, Mabthera + CHOP, well the Doctor said that the lymph nodes continue to deminish which is good news. They will do anothe review in 10days.
I am very encouraged things seem to get easier, and I am on the mend.
Well, We still cannot plan but little by little things are getting clearer.
Now we need to get our things shipped from here to the PI, our first shipment of things arrived safe and sound. next we will ship some bigger items deep freeze TV etc.
Well that all for now. I still can't view Wesleyexperience blog it comes up in Arabic. Something to do with the settings I will try to override google settings and get me out of the mideast.
until later

Weekend again.

Well, here we are again it is weekend, so what are we going top do. The first Idea was to go and watch our old darts team play, When it came time to get ready we decided it was just too much bother. Also darts is the kind of game you play not watch. Especially for me. On friday we did the usually supermarket shop at the new French Chain Carrefour, then off to up grade Adam's PSP so that he can download games at Kd 1. each a lot better than Kd 15-25. Well, we were hungry again so we dropped into the Crown Plaza for a smackeral, very nice too and with the privilege card not hard on the pocket.

Tomorrow I have to go for Chemo again, I really want to find out how much longer this is going to take. I suppose it takes as long as it takes, that seems to be the standard reply. I guess in plain english it means I don't know. The doctors here would never say that. Anyway keep up th good work. We will see you all sooner or later!!!!!

here is a picture of our house 2 months ago, it now is a lot further forward, but still not finished, I will try and post a photo of what it should look like when it is finished.

photo's

Hot or Cold in Kuwait

Most people think that Kuwait is unbearably hot. Well from May to October that is true, but in December and January you will freeze your **** off. The temperature is regularly O degrees Cent. and for the last few days it hasn't got above 9-10 degrees during the day . The wind makes it feel much colder. In fact there was snow in Baghdad for the first time in living memory. So it is cold alright.

Sunday is C Day. Chemo day, this will be the 8th session, I have chemo every three weeks, Mabthera (Rituximab) + CHOP. I don't have radiation, progress is being made, according to the CT. scans, but slowly. well too slowly for my liking.

We are still weighing up need to go to the UK for a second opinion, at present we are leaning in that direction but we need to find the right place and the right doctor, anyone out there know a good Oncologist?

Ruth and Adam are both not 100% health wise at present colds, asthma, etc.
Keep the faith and keep us in your prayers.

I keep geting Arabic headings

It is trying to drive me crazy! I don't understand why everying seens to come up in Arabic. I suppose it's the Kuwait thing. Well today was a very usual day, everyone stressing out at work and I'm trying to be super cool and explain why I moved the photocopier to the next building. Basically, because they use it and we don't, well rarely.
Adam went a field trip today first to KDD, Kuwait Danish Dairy and then to the Scientific centre, and the IMAX theater. I guess he enjoyed it,

Well I want to get rid of these headings so I close now. Hope someone is reading this. I will send you all an email and see what happens

New to the blog.

The idea of posting your diary or blog does not really appeal to me. However, for the sake of 'progress' I'm willing to give it a try.

Here in Kuwait the internet connection is very bad, it's slow and you frequently get bumped off.

Life is very repeditive to say the least. Since we are trying to plan our escape we want to keep you all informed of our latest palns, or rather ideas of what we might do.

The main obstacle at present is not knowing when the Chemo will end and when I will get the all clear.
When that momentous day occurs we can start to plan our exit.

Today I feel fine, I last had Chemo on 6th Jan and will have anothe session on 24th January. until then I will be tolerably well, Then starts a week of sleepless nights constant trips to the loo, and all kinds of aches and pains. I am sure you don't want to hear about all that, any more than I want to go through it.

We hope to fly first to the UK see Grandma and Grandad, and all of you. Then either back to the Mid East or straight to Cebu. By then our house we be to all intents and purposes finished.

Life will change gears at this point. I will have to get used to not working, not 'bullying' the teachers at last I will be able to relax. I can't wait.