Beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water

Had a great time in the Dial House Hotel in Bourton. Can 100% recommend it; beautiful period boutique hotel, roaring fires, great food great company; lots of shopping. A real pre-Christmas tonic - ready now for the onslaught (sorry celebrations). Unfortunately both Teresa and have come down with stinking colds - typical; always the moment you stop!

We're off to Derby for the big family party and pressie swap tomorrow. My mum and dad arrive on Christmas Eve. I'm organising all the audio-visuals (PowerPoint, monitors etc.) for the candle light carol service on Christmas Eve and leading the Christmas Day service. We're then off to France on the 28th for a week of fires, wine, cheese and sit-ups (get rid of the mince pie belly!).

Still not had any news regarding the biopsy, lymph gland still hurts; still hope it's just an infection. I know that false alarms are nerve-racking but I prefer them to the 'real thing'.

If you are local and got no where to go to sing your carols this Christmas then can I invite you to Wootton New Life? Christmas Eve candle Light Carols @ 7.00. Christmas Day @ 10.00. Map on our web-site at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk.

Well guys hopefully I'll have some news for you Monday.

See ya - have a great preparatory weekend!

Dave xxxxxxx

Update - Awaiting Biopsy!

Hi Guys

Trying to sort out a biopsy at the hospital on the lymph node before Christmas. Unfortunately (like last year) they are busy, understaffed and hit by Norovirus. Looks like we might have another Christmas of worrying - please pray I get tested and get the results before Christmas!

I'm OK; it hurts a bit, got some good painkillers!

Teresa and I are off today for 24 hours in the Cotswolds; nice hotel, grub, shopping, four poster bed. Should be fun!

I promise I'll let you know as soon as I have any further news.

Thanks for checking in

Dave xx

Battle #3

OK Guys,

Had a painful swollen gland in my neck for the past two weeks, thought it was just an infection, went to my GP and he's not happy. Been referred to the hospital for an ultra/sound and another bloody biopsy. My oncologist is away so the Upper GI specialist nurse is speaking to his colleauge today. The nasty 'C' could have made the move to my lymph glands. Please pray it hasn't. Also, I really need biopsy results before Christmas. Remember last year, waiting for results from Dec 20th to Jan 3rd doesn't do much for your festive spirit!

Fought and won battle #1 over the main tumour, battle #2 when it looked like it had come back was also won. This is #3; infection only please Lord!

Love

Dave

Brill Sunday!!!

Hi Guys


Had a great day today apart from one little incident I'll tell you about later!

Started with breakfast at church followed by our all age nativity service. The chapel was packed, the singing at typical WNL full blast and the kids were just fantastic in the play. How amazing that over 2,000 years since a little baby was born in a shed we are still telling the story in a little village in Bedfordshire. Third advent candle was lit today; only ten days to go till the big one!

After church we decided to go out for lunch met someone we knew (who shall remain nameless) who felt honour bound to launch into a list of all those he knew with cancer and details of a friend on her last legs in a nearby hospice. Well intentioned I'm sure, but not really what I wanted to talk about in front of my wife and two youngest kids. The future may be very difficult but at the moment life is reasonably normal and we want to keep it that way. Some may think we're in denial and they'd be right. Why yield to the misery of it all? As things stand it's just great to be around, celebrating Christmas and confounding oncologists with my progress. Any Christmas is special with a family but especially one you where you were told that on average with this cancer you wouldn't see.


Don't get me wrong; happy to talk to anyone about how I am, I give updates daily to those who care but not got a lot of time to worry too much about where this all might lead. People are split into three camps 1) those who act as though my snuffing it is imminent (they may be right but can bog off), (2) those who are convinced I'm totally healed (sweet concept, but being real with them is impossible) and (3) those who just live in the moment with us (gold medal for this group). To quote a pertinent line from the recent film 'Kung Fu Panda' (bear with me on this...) Yesterday is over, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift and that is why they call it the present! Bit schmaltzy I know but how we intend to live in 2009; for the moment. Apologies in advance if we end up not being as committed to things as we have been. Can't help feeling if I'd put my health, sanity and family before other things I might not be where I am now. So if we don't fancy doing something we just won't (terrible admittance from me born with a heavy dose of terminal 'can't let people down' guilt but there you go).

It's amazing looking back at the amount of times conversations in the past year with others have been more about them facing their own mortality (through me as a friend being ill) or re-living the loss of someone they loved. I understand; it's not easy - I wouldn't have known what to say either!

So guys, sorry to sound off and please don't worry about talking to me about the big 'C' however I don't want preparing for death, I don't want to be declared a miracle I just want to laugh, drink some wine, be well enough in the spring to mess about in my boat, tend my garden and might even hit the gym again! Want to play silly games with my kids, go to France (LOTS) build sand castles, fly kites and eat without any food getting stuck (like it ISN'T at all this Christmas but was a lot LAST Christmas). I want walk Rosie dog round the lake, be stupidly publicly infatuated with my perfect wife and find some more mates to have a laugh with. think I might create a 'Dave and friends weekly beer appreciation group'. Any takers???? Also looking forward to getting back to work fully which I shall be if the early January full body scan is clear.

Thanks to everyone for being there for us in 2008, family (all heroes), friends at Wootton New Life (ever pateint, caring and supportive) and our best mates Nick & Sarah Hearn and John & Amanda Stamp for living with us in the moment.

See ya guys - hope today's blog wasn't too heavy....

Dave

Elfin Heck!

Happy Christmas - Click on the link below.......

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/v3ezp1ERtJS9wF05xXRH

Hi Troops!

Well my lack of blogging is testament to just how well I am - not too much to tell you all really. No hair (it fell out in handfuls a few weeks ago), a slightly sore mouth but other than that well physically and mentally. In the absence of hair I spent a fortune on some trendy new specs. Had the privilege of leading worship at Lidlington Church last week on Advent Sunday. As the kids lit the first candle of Christmas on the Advent crown I thought WOW - I've made it to Christmas - one year gone; role on 2009!

I met with the oncologist as scheduled, it was OK. They have decided not to give me any chemo of any kind for now (even tablets). He's concerned that as the main tumour is 'dormant' if they keep treating me I'll become 'chemo resistant'. So the plan is a full body scan in early January to see if anything nasty is growing anywhere and take it from there. Sorry folks but I'm not officially in remission; just responding well to the palliative care regime. On target, but still a long way to go!

We've had a few Kip trips to Glasgow and last week to ROI, we flew into Dublin and then drove down to Waterford. I must say Irish roads are pants. We missed our flight home! That's two flights missed in three weeks - not good! Took us 1 hour 30 minutes to go 10 miles across Dublin - stress levels were at an all time high! Had to have an extra night in a Dublin airport hotel.

We are looking forward to Christmas this year. We are doing it 'big time'; think they'll be a few tears too. We are ready for some real time off - October half term was not very relaxing as we had serious Internet problems and the summer holiday was wet! We are off to France a few days after Christmas for a week of sleeping, eating and fires! My Mum & Dad are coming for Christmas with Amy and James F joining us on Christmas Day. Watch out! Celebrating Redferns on the loose.

Had to have some dental work today - chemo is not kind to your teeth, so have a new filling. Convinced no one's interested but thought I'd tell you anyway

Took the youth group from Wootton New Life 'ice sliding' at the Milton Keynes Snozone last week - fantastic fun and a great big sinful, (bad for me) Maccy D's afterwards. Yesterday we went carol singing; raised £54 to send off to the Cholera appeal in Zimbabwe. Send our little hearts out at all the pubs and shops in Wootton. Also called in on the churches cell groups (house groups), to relieve them of any spare cash for a good cause. Guys, if you are thinking of going to Church over Christmas can I invite you our Christmas Eve Candlelight Carol service @7.00 p.m. and our Christmas day service at 10.00 am that Teresa and I are leading. Directions can be found at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk . It would be great to see you there!

Signing off now to watch Terminator 2 (again - must be Christmas). Watched 'A Perfect Storm' last night - laugh a minute!

Joke to finish with - what do you call a Spanish footballer with no legs? Grassy Ass.

Bye

Dave xxxxx

A Blog At Last!

My handsome son!

My wonderful wife!

Me and my besty mate Nick

SORRY - not blogged for so long and so much to tell! Promise to be a good blogger from now on - I keep being told off by my faithful public! Chemo side effects are now all over apart from being totally bald! All my hair fell out on day 14 of round #6, it fell out in great clumps so Teresa shaved my head - Kojak watch out! Teresa calls me Humpty Dumpty due to my hairless barnet. Florence Nightingale and Humpty Dumpty! Hair's falling out everywhere - and I mean everywhere though I have kept my eye-brows thankfully.

Round #6 was totally horrible and has left me with permanent nerve damage in my hands. Just as well there's no more to come, I couldn't stand it! The oncologist was going to put me on long-term chemo tablets but has decided against it. Tumours can become chemo resistant if they are 'over' treated and if he treats me now he'll have nothing in the tool kit should it come back. He is still thinking about a trial of anti-body therapy which is not yet approved for oesophagus cancer but doing well in some cases.

Next scan is in early January. To quote the doctor 'we'll scan your regularly and blitz anything that appears'. They remained concerned that the 'nodules' in my body cavity might grow into something nasty - hence a lifetime of scans.

I'm not the only patient in the family. My mum has just had her niece (sorry knee) replaced. She's been really brave and was only in hospital for 5 days and is now, officially, bionic!

Well I'm afraid that I nearly wasn't here to blog tonight; I had a crash last night that actually led to a Scottish motorway being closed. I was driving from Dunfirmline to Glasgow on the M875 (I think) doing 70 in the slow lane in the dark and wet when I stumbled across an 'old fart' doing 30 (yes 30 - by his own admittance) in the slow lane. I saw him just in time, swerved into the fast lane but then lost control, spun 360 degrees (3 times!) and ended up with my back end in the crash barrier facing the wrong way up the motorway. Saw my life flash before my eyes (again). Managed to clip the other guy during a spin so totaled the front and back of the hire car I was in. Had to be 'recovered' on the back of a AA truck with the police closing the motorways as they dragged the car round to face the right way. The guy I hit was lovely we both agreed that cars do not matter as long as we were both OK - which we were - they are only tin boxes and in this case Europcar's tin box; it was only a Vauxhall Zafira after all! I'm pleased to say apart from a stiff back no one was hurt. Also, I paid for the extra insurance (don't normally) so don't even have to pay the excess. Had to take the car back to the airport this morning (sheepishly) courtesy of the AA again; even caught my flight back to Luton.

Fantastic news! Teresa has just been declared as Bedfordshire Business Women Of The Year 2008 (Franchise Sector) - the other award for the self-employed went to Suzy Goodson our great friend and accountant from Wootton New Life Church. Two award winners in one church; amazing eh? I am so proud of her, she has built the business, looked after me, been promoted to UK franchise support manager for Kip McGrath and raised £13,000 for Cancer Research UK!

Got some more good news - James Fokkens (our daughter Amy's husband) has got a job after just one interview. He's going to be deputy manager of Nandos in Stevanage and starts his training on Monday. Well done James! Amy and James are enjoying their new church Milton Keynes Christian Centre (Assemblies of God), a real Hillsong home from home.

Amy and James F are enjoying married life, James Redfern, Carys and Chloe are all well and we are starting to get excited about Christmas and a trip to the cottage in France for New Year.

Well I'll sign off now - bed beckons.

Thanks for reading

Luv

Dave

Getting There

Hi All

Well 10 days on and just starting to feel a bit better - still on chemo and will be on the long run but just the tablets now. We've had a great day today, church this morning where the youth group led worship, a lazy afternoon and a get together with Amy & James this evening.

I've got a consultant's appointment on the 24th where we discuss what's next treatment wise! Might be going the anti-body route in which case I'll benefit from the new decision by the government to allow 'top-up' treatment. I did ask at my last appointment if there was any chance of surgery (the only hope beside the miraculous of getting fully well) and was told no. This means the treatment remains palliative, keeping the buggering tumour under control for as long as possible. Remember, at the moment it remains 'dorment' with no malignancy evident; this is better than I could have possibly hoped for at this stage. Back in January there was a good chance I wouldn't make it to Christmas so as you imagine this year we are doing Christmas on a grand scale followed by a fantastic French New Year. We are also planning a week in the sun at February half-term.

Well guys thanks for your ongoing prayers, love and support!

xx

Hi Troops,

Not been too well this time. Over a week later still feeling sick and tired and to be honest a little bit sorry for myself! The effects of this stuff are cumulative, never mind. I have another consultant's appointment on the 24th to discuss 'what next?'. They are planning to keep me on low grade chemo pretty much permanently from now onwards - what joy! Food is sticking again but we must assume that this is just radiotherapy scarrring as the last biopsy was clear. Can't stand the thought of certain foods/drinks (thought association) baked potatoes (urghh) and booze (yuck - yes, really, don't be shocked).

Redfern family life continues to be mad. Teresa has headed off to Wales for two days to run various meeting and interviews for Kip. Amy continues to keep us organised at the office and is a great employee. James Fokkens is now here officially having been granted his spouses' visa (it was just a fiance visa) - another £600 and a trip to Liverpool.

Church life is flying. I had XLR8 this week on a war/peace theme, two of the younger lads led worship really well, tonight I'm doing the catering at Alpha and helping to co-ordinate Sunday's Youth Service having led last Sunday's All Age. The building project is still a goer, we have a big meeting in a week or two.

Well reckon 'that's all folks'. Here I am 11 months on, still OK, still here and the on the whole still smiling looking forward to 2009!

Luv to you all

Dave

Tough This Time Chemo #6

Oh Boy

That was a tough chemo. Threw up all day (Wednesday) as it was going in (that's a first) and been washed out since. Glad that's the last for now. As normal can't stand anything cold (air, drink, food), got what I can only describe as spastic spasms in my hands and feet.

Had a good day at Cliff College on Tuesday, first research seminar towards my MPhil (hopefully a Phd if it is up to scratch). Interesting day.

Please forgive the short blog, hanging on in there for round #6.

God Bless

Dave

Blood Tests

Hi Guys,

I had my blood tests today and they came back fine. Took ages as my veins are non-existant nowadays; the chemo furrs them up. They are not looking for cancer just to see if my blood-count is robust enough to handle more cell crushing chemo. It is. Chemo again then - deep joy!

After the hospital I headed up to Derby and dropped in at my parents with the wedding photos. Afterwards I carried on up the A6 to my Aunties house in Ambergate (near Matlock) for dinner and more photos! My uncle had taken the wedding video so I had a preview of that too. It's brill and the roast pork dinner slipped down a treat - thanks Joy.

I'll blog again on Thursday after the chemo dust has settled.

See ya

More Wedding Photos

Dust Finally Settled!

Hi Guys,

Back again now from half-term week in France - sorry about the lack of blog but the French Internet was seriously on the blink with associated high stress levels in the Redfern household - forgive me; plenty of blogging from now on - promise. We did all the normal stuff, lots of tele, big fires some wine and played on a chilly beach a few times. We had a good time (if not a little damp) week in France and headed home on Friday.

We stopped a night at the Novotel Plymouth on Friday before heading down to Truro on Saturday to visit a new Kip McGrath centre that was having it's grand opening, after that we headed home via Weston Super Mare (another centre visit) and got home (with chips) in time for X Factor! What a day. Amy & James joined us in the evening with their wedding photos - so many to choose from. You can view them (and order too) at http://www.abraxasphoto.co.uk/. They are brill, check out the black and white shots of getting ready.

I have the first day of my new course at Cliff on Tuesday so I'm heading up tomorrow - I will be Dr Dave (eventually). Next round of chemo on Wednesday (unfortunately). I have to go tomorrow for blood tests to ensure my counts are robust enough to cope with another blasting. Not looking forward to it but definitely in need of the weight loss (wedding and French piggery).

Nick & Sarah, Amy & James are around tonight for fireworks and food (our turn to host this year) so we'll miss Refresh at WNL. Morning worship was great today, lovely to see everyone after a few weeks away. Teresa and I are leading the All Age Remembrance Service next week so if you've no where to be you'd be welcome with breakfast beforehand from 9.30.

I'll let you know how the bloodtests go tomorrow (can I confess to hoping they'll tell me my counts are too low). By the way I've actually managed to keep my hair this time round - amazing!

See Ya

Dave

Hi Everyone - a blog from Dad

Hi Everyone,

My new hubby and I are back from our honeymoon. We had a lovely relaxing time in France and a great couple of days in Rome where the weather was gorgeous and our hotel was perfect. Thanks to everyone who came along to the wedding, we both had a great day.

Dad, Mum, James and Carys are all on hols in France, Dad just wanted me to write a quick post for him to apologise for the lack of posts as they've had a few problems with the internet out there so he'll be back and refreshed on Friday ready to post again!

Godbless to you all,

Amy (Mrs Fokkens!) :)

The BIGGGGGG DAY!!!!!!!!

Married (At Least Legally) Hurray!

Well guys, flew up to Edinburgh yesterday and got the guys legally wed at the beautiful registry office on the Royal Mile. Super little ceremony - all legal now and so we can enjoy Saturday's celebrations with gusto! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Fokkens.

Last night we share a meal with 17 of James' Aussie friends and relatives which was fun (and loud!). 'Stagging' it today - doing paintball war-games. Time for the Pommes to crush the rebellious Aussies (at least that's the theory). My Dad's the only one with a service record having done 6 weeks national service but he's 70 now. Hopefully they'll be kind to us and my Dad can still remember how to stalk the enemy. I am expecting some bruises.

Got Alpha week 1 tonight - thanks for your offer of help Sian but I managed to negotiate my way out of birthday and stag commitments - don't feel too sorry for Teresa she's being pampered all day at the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden on Amy's 'hen' do.

I'll post some pics up of all the fun ASAP.

See ya

Dave

Bought The Suit

He, he - quick trip to Bluewater and the suit was got, Pierre Cardin and in the sale. Love a bargain! New shoes too, and belt, and socks and pants. New everything actually.

Off to Edinburgh to get the two lovebirds formally married before the 'Blessing' and big, big party on Saturday. Finally managed it.

All Aussie relatives are now here and lodging in various houses, hotels and cottages throughout Bedfordshire - we're all getting together for a meal on Wednesday night.

Thursday night sees me with a triple dilemma; it is week one of our Alpha course, James' stag night and Teresa's birthday - me thinks I'm stuffed on two fronts whatever I do. Think of me! Any volunteers to help Ken & Mu in my place at Alpha week 1 to release me from at least one of my obligations? Beg, beg...

I'll post some Edinburgh pictures on Thursday.

See ya

Dave

Wedding Central

Greetings all Blog Buddies to 'Wedding Central'.

James arrived as finally scheduled on Wednesday morning. Great to see him, great to see Amy finally get her man here! Our MP (Alastair Burt) managed to convince the Scottish Registrar into marrying the couple formally on next Wednesday in Edinburgh. This means that everything can go ahead on the actual wedding day of October 18th - I love it when a plan comes together. If you've been hanging fire on the wedding present you can go ahead now but the original code won't work; just enter REDFERN or FOKKENS and you'll find their list - be obscenely generous!

On Tuesday (the day before James arrived) Amy and I visited IKEA in Milton Keynes to buy the basics for their new house - a sofa and a bed! On Wednesday they rushed off to John Lewis to choose their wedding presents and visit IKEA again. Phil & Jen (James' Dad & Step-Mum) arrived into Birmingham on Thursday, Amy & James and I picked them up. They all came round for dinner on Friday night. It was great to be re-acquainted after seeing them last in Sydney.

This morning James, Amy & I picked up Larissa, Nathan & Ben (+ his wife Jody) - all James' family in one go! What great people, love em all - new family - how exciting! You know me and talking and people - I'm in heaven. The plane was 4 hours late which meant I missed my flu-jab which I have to have because of reduced immunity (chemo related).

This evening Michelle (James' Mum) arrived into Luton from Amsterdam where she had been visiting family. She's stopping in a holiday cottage in the next village to ours (Harrold), Ben & Jody will be joining her after a few days in Devon. Nathan & Larissa are stopping with James at the new house.

Tomorrow everyone's off to London for the day then coming to us for dinner in the evening. We love entertaining: Teresa's turn to cook tomorrow.

I've been asked to give testimony at a healing service in a Methodist Church in Grantham tomorrow morning. Sounds exciting; I'll let you know how it goes; my James (son, not son-in-law) is coming with me. Teresa, Chloe and Carys will be at Wottoon New Life for the Harvest Festival Service. James Redfern has a football match in the afternoon.

Next week is looking a bit mad. Tuesday XLR8 (Youth Group) and Amy and all the Aussies are going to Paris for the day. Wednesday is Scotland (for the legal wedding), Thursday is Stag & Hen 'do's'. Friday is the day before the big day an Saturday is the big day. Ekk....... Still haven't bought a suit. Must. Really must. No, really must. Tell me to buy a suit, 'Dave, buy a suit' - 'OK, Monday'. Goodness, don't you guys moan a lot at me.

Any how watching scary Zombie film with James R called 'I am legend' so better sign off.

Once more thanks you mad, diverse and slightly barmy blog community for all your never ending support, prayers and care. You are heros.

See ya, (at the wedding if nor before or afterwards).

Luv

Dave

Great News

Just heard from the hospital.

No malignancy in my oesophagus. It's clear; no sign of cancer. Just scarring from the radiotherapy.

Praise God.

See Ya

Dave xxxxxx

SNORE, SNORE, SNORE, SNOOZE........

Slept on Sunday from 6.00 pm until 7.00 am on Monday morning and had the most bizarre dreams. Goodness knows if they mean anything! Hope not.

We had a good weekend, Teresa and Amy were in Ireland on Kip McGrath business until late on Saturday, we went to Church as a family on Sunday morning. I was preaching on the 'Parable of The Vineyard'. After a late dinner I slept until this morning!

As of 4pm today I've had no biopsy results - though they are due today. Last time a 5 day wait became 15 and I went mad worrying; hope this won't happen this time. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. By the way, not feeling too well at present and swallowing is not good, keep being sick after meal s- really hope this is just the chemo side-effects. Keep praying!

See ya

Dave

Recovery Day 1

Hiya (yawn)...

Knackered as always the day after. You feel 'subdued', quite mellow really - a bit spaced out. Teresa and Amy are off to Belfast with Kip McGrath early tomorrow running meetings and interviews, I'm very proud of them both. Amy has turned into a great PA.

Still looking like James Fokkens should be with us by Monday!

Not really got a lot of energy to say alot else.

See ya

Dave

Chemo Round #5

Hi Guys,

Round five happened and was much the same as before. Feeling sick, sensitivity to the cold, headache, tired. BUT very much ALIVE and intending to stay that way! Got a few days now to sleep this off. The arm pain without a PICC line is pretty bad but bearable.

Spoke again today with my Macmillan nurse about yesterday's endoscopy, really do have to wait for the biopsy results. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were negative? If not, we'll keep fighting, praying and chemoing!

Well bed beckons.

Thanks for checking in on me.

Luv Dave

Blast - Bad News!

Hiya All,

So over the past few week food’s been sticking a bit, my throat has felt ‘odd’ and I decided to call the gastro intestinal nurse (Eleanor Church) at Bedford South Wing. She thought that my symptoms warranted further investigation and today I had an emergency (short notice) endoscopy (camera down the throat) under sedation. Unfortunately it appears as though the main tumour in my oesophagus may well be growing again. I was hoping that the health problems were just due to radiotherapy scaring but the consultant who conducted the test said ‘I see no evidence of scaring’ and ‘it seems as though it is growing again.

They showed me the pictures, the tumour on the first scan was clearly visible as a pale lump. On the scan I saw today it was smaller but still there. It would seem that it shrunk and then grew again. They took a biopsy today so we still have to wait for the formal results. The chance that it is not malignant is very unlikely as it is in the same spot. As it happens chemo starts again tomorrow – just in time it would appear. Oh well let battle two of the war commence – I’m up for it.

To everyone reading this be under NO DOUBT. My health up till this point has been 100% a miracle of God. Remember I was given between 9 & 12 months (the average with this cancer) and here I am in month 10 still functioning and feeling fine. Even if God decides that it is downhill from this point onwards I would still be grateful for this past wonderful summer, making it to Amy’s wedding and graduating back in June. I am going to keep on fighting, I remain happy and positive!!

The wedding is getting closer. Our wonderful Christian MP (Alistair Burt) is trying to help by contacting the British Consulate in Canberra and trying to move things along on the visa for James. He will forever have my vote (which as a ‘Champagne Socialist’ is quite an admittance). As things stands all should happen on the 18th October – we might even not have to go to Vegas!

Well guys sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Please pray for tomorrow; if I’m honest I’m dreading chemo round #5. Without a PICC line it will hurt and I’m a wuss!

See ya guys

Blessings!

Dave

Weekend Wonders!

Eh Up Me Ducks,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Just coming to end of a great weekend with Adrian, Ann, Sam, Ben & Rachel (my little brother and his family) who came for pre-wedding plans, measurements and alterations. Just three weeks to go! AD & Ann helped us print and fold thousands of Alpha leaflets ready for the church course which starts next week.

This morning I preached at Southend Methodist Church (in Bedford) and my brother and Ben (who is a chorister at Derby Cathedral) came with me. This afternoon we had a great few hours on the boat and James played for the Clapham Colts and won 4-3. All in all a successful weekend
Still no groom here (minor point), he’ll make it (I’m sure!), getting a bit late for Scotland now, might have to go to Vegas after all.

Health is OK(ish), food is sticking a little but the oncologist said this might happen and could just be scaring from the radiotherapy (hope so). Chemo starts again Wednesday – urgh...

See ya

David

PICCS 'n' STUFF!

Hi Guys

Loads to tell you; firstly, the PICC line. I went on Tuesday for blood tests and the PICC line to be fitted. For those new to my blog this is a permanent tube fed into a vein in the crook of your arm and pushed all the way to your heart. The chemo hurts a lot less through a PICC than into your hand. Well the first time round it went in really easily but this time they pushed and pulled and tried both arms but to no avail! I look like a pin cushion. Basically, the chemo earlier in the year has mucked up my veins. All this means is it will have to go into the back of my hand instead. I asked them why it hurt so much. First time round my first course of chemo went into my hand and hurt a lot. They told me that the chemo I’m on has the same PH as neat bleach! Ouch; that’s got to hurt! Trust me it does!

Anyhow, chemo starts again on Wednesday; I’ll survive no doubt! I can tell I’m ready for some more, my swallowing isn’t too good again and I feeling a bit sick after meals. This could just be from the scaring – let’s hope so! Pray that it is not the ‘big C’ making a buggery comeback.
Still no news on James Fokken’s visa, he’s not here yet. 100% too late for a legal English wedding but still OK for Scotland. If Scotland becomes impossible then off to Vagas! We have to get this girl wed somewhere legally before the all important Christian ceremony. Any ideas guys?

The team that runs XLR8 (the Wootton New Life Church youth group) met on Monday to discuss how things are going. We decided to work on the atmosphere in the chapel so set about with some subtle lighting, big screen video worship, Chris Tomlin (latest big ‘thing’ in funky worship) blasted out through an IPOD player – Methodism embraces the 21st century. It went really, really well! The kids loved it. Afterwards I did a bible study on heaven & hell – yep we believe in both – nutty Christians!

Had a mad few days travelling with Teresa to Wales and then London – really busy but home now.

Adrian and Ann are coming for the weekend; lots of dress fittings for Rachael (their daughter and my niece and God-daughter too) and hopefully with a good forecast lots of boating too. I promise I’ll report back on all the fun! How many ! Exclamation marks! Can I put? In one blog!!!!!

See ya, you mad supportive troops!

Bless ya

Dave

New Advert For Our Chuch!!!

Great Weekend

Hi Guys

Sorry about the secrecy regarding last weekend, we'd arranged a surprise party for my Dad's 70th birthday - obviously I couldn't talk about it! We all went up to Derby and hid at my brother's house until they arrived - he seemed genuinely surprised. It was great to see all the family and celebrate together.

In the morning we had a family (All Age) service at church - great turnout nearly 60 there (59 to be precise!). We shared breakfast together beforehand which is always brill - what a fab church.

Could do with your prayers guys, I've been feeling a bit low recently - panicky - suppose it's the impending chemo starting up again; ask the Lord for some peace for me would you? Thanks! October is shaping up to be mad, chemo, wedding, half term in France. Eek.....

The timescales ae up for James & Amy today so it looks like they will have to marry legally in Scotland a few days before the church service inn Bedford. Seems as though we'll be flying up to Edinburgh the Wednesday before the wedding. He could still make it here in time but only if his passport arrives tomorrow. Pray it does! Do your stuff God!

I'm of to a meeting at Church now with leaders of other local New Wine churches to discuss how we might work together more - can't beat a bit of fellowship with like-minded friends can you?

All the best everyone

Dave

Poetry Please!

Hi All

Had to just quickly blog about last night's poetry reading from our friend Dawn Bauling. It was fantastic, she is so talented. Dawn read a number of poems from her first published collection 'Loud Voices In The Quiet Child'.

One of my favourites is this little beauty called 'Campagne':

Champagne
in the morning,
before love and after,
blurs the day's sharp edges, leaving
sweet burps.

Cool eh? If you like the book (I can recommend it) drop me an 'e' at peaktandd@aol.com it is £7.99.

It was great to meet up with some old Woodside friends last night too.

See ya

Dave

Doin Good!

Hi All

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, things have been a little hectic.

I went to see the oncologist on Monday for my regular appointment. No real news apart from the 'putting back' of my chemo to October 1st. This way I should get one round in before the wedding and another afterwards. Joy! I'm having a PIC line again (fitted on the 23rd Sept) as the platinum based chemo hurts like hell if it goes into a vein. I'm a wuss, I confess! I did talk to him about the prognosis now, the main tumour is under control but the little nodules remain a concern; lets pray that the chemo and prayer continue to do their job. I'm feeling really well at the moment and swallowing is fine. All being well I should be back to work full-time from January - what a year.

Had quite a busy week church wise, went out for a meal on Monday to Dave & Ellens (thanks guys great veggie grub and fellowship), Tuesday XLR8 (youth group) started up again, Wednesday we had a strategic planning meeting for the building project (amongst other things), Thursday saw the first night of the new group for younger kids called the Rock and tonight our mate Dawn Bauling launches her new poetry collection. Wow; its great to be busy!

The church building project is really exciting and you can view the early plans on the church website at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk. This Sunday we have our brill 'All Age Worship' with breakfast beforehand so if you at a loose end you'd be welcome to join us from 9.30 am for breakfast and 10.30 am for the service.

A plug for John & Amanda's inn 'The Bear' at Alderwasley Nr Belper, Derbyshire. They're having an Abba night and hog roast on 0791 999 4026 with tribute band Mamma-Mia. More info at www.bear-hotel.com.

Thanks for checking in on me. I'll have lots to tell you after the weekend, but can't tell you now - it's a surprise.

For your prayers James Fokkens still hasn't received his visa. This is getting serious, if it is not through in the next few days the wedding date is in jeopardy. It might be that they have the religious ceremony (thus married in the eyes of God) and then complete the legal formalities after the honeymoon. I'll keep you posted.

Have a great weekend

Dave

Wedding Bells

Hi Guys

Trying to be good and blog every day! Been doing a few jobs with Amy & Teresa at the office today - Amy started work for Kip McGrath as office manager officially yesterday and it is great to have her on board.

We are counting down the days until James arrives on the 12th of September, Amy is missing him terribly. She's been so good and hasn't been to her new house yet - wants to wait until they can go together - how sweet is that?

Our house has become 'Wedding Central'; the house is full of frocks, RSVPs, hats and wedding mags. I need a suit but I'm holding off until after my next chemo and the inevitable weight loss after which I will be a svelte 11 stone and buff (I wish!!!). Can't beleive I'll be a father-in-law; any tips anyone? To be honest just really overjoyed to be around for the big day - it wasn't too certain earlier in the year.

Well I'd better go and supervise bath-time for little Carys who went back to school today as a big year 3 girl.

See ya

Dave

Over The Hills & Far Away

Hi Everyone,

We made it home yesterday after what seemed like the longest flight in history! Another 22 hours in the air; I've watched every film Quantas offers! This time we stopped off in Bangkok. On Friday night (before we left) we met up with Phil & Jen (James Fokkens Dad & step-Mum) in Sydney and went out to China town for dinner. It was great to meet them in advance of the wedding; we had a really great night.

I've added some pictures and a video of our visit to Hillsong Church. All the shots are of their Church building not a conference centre or hired hall - it really is an amazing place. Having said all that I wouldn't swap it for Wootton New Life (missing my mad church after a month away).

My health is fine at present, I see the Oncologist on Monday and chemo starts again a week on Thursday. Urgh.. Please keep praying for me; the medics expect the nasty to re-appear at any time; I'm in faith that it won't.

I'm still on the veggie diet and not missing meat. I drank whilst in Aussie but will be back 'on the wagon' again from tomorrow.

God Bless

Dave

Aussie Picks

Opera house

Family @ the harbour

Me and my Uncle David @ Sydney harbour bridge

Aussie Rules!

WOW..What a mad but wonderful few days. We met up with family in Sydney on Saturday and did the tourist thing. We met with my uncle David, auntie Pauline cousins Kay & Tony and some of their kids; quite an outing. What a beautiful city. We went up the Centerpoint tower for the fantastic 360 degree view of the city, visited the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In the afternoon we took the ferry to Manley and I paddled in the Pacific (which was freezing!!!). The weather on Saturday was quite cold and breezy. Things warmed up as the day progressed and by the evening we were able to eat out (open air in winter!) in China town . Thanks Aussie family for a great day.One amazing thing that happened in Sydney was bumping into someone we know on the Opera House steps. A fellow Kip McGrath franchisee who runs Milton Keynes just happened to be on holiday in Sydney (not at our conference). What are the chances of that?

On Sunday morning we met James Fokkens (Amy’s fiancé)at the fantastic Hillsong Church in Sydney. We went to the first of their four Sunday services and needless to say their massive auditorium was packed. Darlene led worship (she wrote the famous song ‘Shout to the Lord’). This is church on a mega scale, very exciting and dynamic. It was great to be actually their as I’m doing my Phd on them!

After church a car was sent for us to take us up the cost to Newcastle (about 100 miles) where Kip Mc Grath’s head office is based. Newcastle is on the coast, great beaches and big blue skies. Monday and Tuesday were spent in meetings but today (Wednesday) we spent the whole day wine tasting in the famous Hunter Valley. There are so many beautiful vineyards here and the weather has picked up; it been 22 C for the last two days. 22C in winter?? WOW. Needless to say all the Aussies are in coats, hats and scarfs. As well as vineyards we visited a smelly cheese shop, chocolate emporium and loads of touristy shops.The jet lag has been harder to get over than we thought, we keep waking up in the dead of night and being hungry at ‘odd’ times. By the time we have got all this we’ll be heading home.

Well, thanks for checking in on me.

God Bless - Dave

G'Day From darling Harbour, Sydney

G'day All

Made it to Sydney, left Heathrow @ 12.30 pm Thursday, arrived in Sydney at 7.30 pm on Friday. Friday had 6 hours of daylight as we arrived in Singapore 12 hours after leaving Heathrow (should have been 12.30 am our time) but it was 7.30 in the morning on Friday. All very confusing!! You find yourself being woken up by perky (and always slightly camp - why is that???) cabin crew for 'breakfast' at 1.00 am in the morning!!! However - wonderful hotel, great views over the harbour; thanks Kip Mc Grath. Saw loads of great movies on the way. We are meeting family for a tour of the city tomorrow, viusting Hillsong on sunday and then heading up to Newcastle for our training.

Promise to keep you all informed and in the loop!

God Bless

Home Again!

Hi Guys,

We're home again; we left the cottage @ 6.00 am this morning and got back home at 5.00 pm this evening. We had a great holiday, truly resting, great weather (confounding the forecasters) and it was fantastic to share it with our friends.

On Sunday we headed to Concarneau for the Festival 'Filet Bleau '. The Bretons are very proud of their Celtic heritage and celebrate it with style. The flag I've shown here is the Breton one which you see everywhere. The festival is a party of all things Celtic, bagpipes, dancing and grub! We watched the parade and then headed to a hotel we'd booked for the night so we could watch the late night fireworks at 11.00 pm. Great night!

We've now got one day to pack for Aussie; we leave at 6.00 am on Thursday and we are getting quite excited now!

My health continues to be fantastic, no problems at all and it has been great to be off all drugs now for two months.

Next blog will be from Sydney!

God Bless

Dave xxx

The Sun Has Got It's Hat On!!

Hello All,

Well, we are confounding the forecast day after day. We go on line, it says ‘rain’, the sun still shines – it’s been beautiful (not boiling) but lots of sun and fresh air. We’ve been seeing our mates Nick & Sarah most days and enjoying some ‘pool time’ with them at their camp site – great slides! We’ve also been able to get a top up of Alfie time! Tonight we are joining them for a big family nosh up in Pont Aven.

Our friends Kam & Darshan have been with us for the last two days, it’s been brill to have guests we’ve been to Pont Aven with them and to the beach at Port Manech; taught Kam the delights of Rummikub last night – stupid addictive game! They’ve headed off to Calais this morning, hope they make their 7.30 pm ferry, it’s about 600 miles up the coast from here.

Needless to say that, as always, we are having a great holiday. It is particularly special this year after such a tough six months, we just love this place a real ‘home from home’.

Health is 100% perfect. No problems, issues, swallowing difficulties or pain – fantastic! Can’t believe I’m going to have to put my ‘well feeling’ body through chemo again in September but I suppose I must. I’ve stuck to my diet, no alcohol, meat or caffeine now for two weeks. Don’t miss them either (much!!!). Nut roast anyone??

It is great to have all three children with us, catching up on quality time with our Amy-Lou now she’s back from Aussie after two years. The air is thick with wedding plans and excitement regarding James Fokkens arriving in a few weeks time for the wedding – I’m going to be a father-in-law; hope I’m a good one!

We are getting excited about Aussie, especially our day out in Sydney which is planned for a week on Saturday with my cousins showing us the sites. Teresa is bracing herself for a 24 hour flight as she not a good flyer; fortunately she’s not joined me on the wagon so a double gin and tonic and two Prozac should do the job!

We are really missing all our Church friends – we won’t be around for another three Sundays and are getting worship withdrawal symptoms; our first Sunday back is September 6th and I’m preaching then.

Well the bathroom is now free for the first time (@ 11.10 am - bathroom hogging girlies) so it’s my turn and blogging must end!

See ya all

God Bless

Dave xxx

SUN!

Hiya

The weather has picked up , Nick & Saran Hearn arrived on Thursday (it must be their influence), we put their tent up in advance of their arrival. We were assisted by a very bossy German guy on the next plot who insisted he knew best and sort to take complete control. Em....... Any how the tent’s up, they arrived and we shared a lovely evening meal together under canvas. We re-visited them yesterday and had a fantastic hot, sunny day by the campsite pool. It’s great to have them here, they are such good friends. We seeing our friend Kam next week. He and his son Darshan are touring friends and spending night with us on Tuesday. John and Amanda Stamp may be paying us a visit too; this is brill - we love showing off our beloved Brittany!

We get home on Tuesday 19th, have one day at home on Wednesday 20th and then head off to Aussie on Thursday 21st! We’re having a few days in Sydney and then spending the rest of the time in Kip McGrath training in Newcastle (up the coast). It will be the winter but the weather can’t be worse than this summer can it? I spoke to my cousin Tony who lives in Sydney and he (along with my cousin Kay & Auntie & Uncle) are going to show us around Sydney in a day (if that’s possible)! Really looking forward to seeing it all finally and especially if someone else is picking up the ‘tab’. Thanks Kip McGrath.

Today we are off to the beach and to hang out with the beautiful people in Carnac (we slip in, under the radar) as the sun is shining again. A quick trip to the local market beckons first where James has found a stall that sells second hand PS2 games (you know James and his video games.

Must fly, the market beckons!

Luv Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rain, Sofas and No Soya

Hiya all

Well there’s rain, heavy rain, torrential rain, monsoon and Breton rain. As you can gather it rained all day Sunday; from dawn to dust! So, DIY beckoned, a bit of painting, some trim around an ugly cable and then, the amazing ceiling. The lounge has an old (original I think) planked ceiling that we’d always assumed was meant to be dark brown. After twenty buckets of dirty black water and half a gallon of bleach we revealed a perfect cherry coloured varnished ceiling which has transformed the room; not a bad afternoon’s work!

Monday dawned (and stayed) beautiful! First off we went to a local furniture shop to buy a long overdue new sofa. We’d furnished the place with all our old stuff originally and the ancient two seater was looking a little sorrow for itself. After this we had lunch on the Ville Close in Concarneau before spending an afternoon on the beautiful beach at Pont de Trevignon near Tregunc. Needless to say I’m a little red despite the lotion, they told me the chemo makes you more sensitive to the sun; they weren’t wrong! In the evening I gardened to prepare for Amy’s arrival – she flew in 3.00 pm. on Tuesday.

Wednesday we sent to Pont Aven jewelry hunting for the wedding (bridesmaids need matching stuff I'm told??) James and I don't understand!

Nick & Sarah arrive today, we've brought their tent and are off to put it up for them in advance of their arrival later this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing them!

The diet continues to go well, not missing meat at all but craving cheese and can’t find soya cheese anywhere locally! Health is 100%, no swallowing problems, no reflux, no pain – Praise God!

Forecast is improving for next week which will be good news for Nick & Sarah who arrive on Thursday.

See ya

Dave xxxx

Rain, Sun & Alfresco Dinner!

Hi Troops

Well today started wet and we hit the local market in Scaer for a top-up on veggies, organic stuff – aren’t we being good? After lunch the weather cheered up and we headed down to Concarneau, parked at Sable Blanc and walked into town. We visited the little sailor's chapel, lit a candle again for my ongoing healing and prayed. We walked down to the Ville Close and, although we know the town inside out we did the touristy thing and caught the little sightseers train. By the time we got back to the tour starting point the sun was out so we decided to stay in Concarneau and have an Al Fresco dinner. The walk back to the car was lovely, we watched some local kids playing ‘dodge the waves’ on the prom; it was a really high tide today.

It’s been another great day and to top it all we were able to ‘liberate’ enough firewood from the local forest for a free fire tonight – how cool (or hot) is that?

Still keeping off the booze, drinking loads of carrot juice and eating absolutely nothing with a face.

I'm feeling really well but not looking forward to two further rounds of chemo in September but I'll go for it!

See ya
Dave

No Faces, Booze or Coffee....................

Hi Guys

Don’t die of shock but nearly daily blogging; impressive or what? We’re still having a great holiday, we’re relaxed, and apart from the weather, (which is mixed) everything’s just perfect! Today we went down to Concarneau and got an hour on the beach between showers, Carys and James were in the sea again.

As always we are seeing loads of DVDs so far we’ve watched:

• Rat Race – brill, very funny
• Die Hard 4 – Bruce in a sweaty vest (just for Teresa)
• National Treasure – it’s all the Mason’s fault (but then we knew that beloved brethren didn’t we?)

I've done a few DIY jobs, hung up a picture or two and a mirror, done some gardening and a bit of painting. Nothing too strenuous.

Also we’re embarking on a healthy eating regime called the ‘Hallelujah Diet’ – eating biblically – don’t laugh! The main rules are you can’t eat anything with a face (meat, fish, dairy – vegetarian basically) and no caffeine or alcohol. Now the meat and the caffeine are one thing but no booze???? 24 hours in the cravings aren’t too bad. Honest. Really they’re not, dribble, dribble..........

Much as I love all you in my wonderful blogging community please resist the temptation to tell me I’m nuts – I confess; I am but I’m grown up too (ish), all at least Florence is.

Love ya. See ya.

Dave

Brittany Bound!

Well here we are again in sunny Brittany. We had a good (if not rather rough) crossing on Tuesday (via Plymouth) to Roscoff and arrived here at about 6.30 pm.

Yesterday was beautiful, hot and sunny and after a morning tidying the garden we hit Rospico beach with the multitudes! The season here is short, everywhere is deserted for 10 months of the year, we often have beaches to ourselves but come August – argh, tourists! The sea was packed and really warm; it was great to swim in the waves (sadly not a surfer). Today it has poured it down so a nice lunch, some shopping a couple of DVDs beckon.

I’m feeling really well at present, must be the sea air!

We’re looking forward to Amy joining us on Tuesday and then our friends a few days later. If you are wondering where Chloe is, she’s gone to New Wine for two weeks to serve on the kidswork team – hero!
See ya
Dave

Great Sunday

Hi Everyone

We had a really great Sunday this week!

I led worship at Wottoon New Life for our minister Graham Miles and despite loads of folk being away at New Wine still managed a congregation of 23 - not bad when there were 7 on a good Sunday 5 years ago. We've had a real growth spurt recently.

In the afternoon we went on the river; it was SO hot hitting 30 Celsius in the afternoon (apologies to all those Aussies who think 30 is nothing!). In the evening Amy & I cleaned our rental property in Rushden prior to the first tenants moving in.

Today is just one mad rush of last minute jobs before heading off to Brittany tomorrow. I'll blog again on Wednesday.

Healthwise I'm feeling 100% and looking forward to a holiday before the chemo starts again in September.

See ya in France

Dave

Loubie Is Home!

Hi guys

Got up at 3.00 a.m. to collect Loubie (Amy 20 year old daughter) from Heathrow - back from Hillsong Church Australia after two years; and back for good! Hurray! We've missed her so much and it was brill to be able to give her yesterday's fantastic news. Stuck at 30,000 feet for 24 hours and 'between mobiles' she was the only one who didn't know. We took her to pick up the car we bought her for her birthday which she loves!

Took Chloe to meet her lift from Faye (one of the Wootton New Life stewards or elders) to New Wine. Half the church are off to the South & West week at Shepton Mallet along with 10,000 others. If you'd like to know more you check out the New Wine website via the 'Links' page on our church site at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk.

As one of the few leaders left I'm leading worship tomorrow for our minister Graham Miles; it's the Lord's Supper (communion in Methodistspeak) and we're really looking forward to it. Teresa is helping lead the kids work (Sunday School).

We are off to France on Tuesday, Amy is flying out a week later after a friend's wedding in Sheffield. We are going for three weeks and then to Australia for 10 days so quite an exciting summer all told.

Promise I'll blog on holiday.

Have a great weekend

Dave

FANTASTIC NEWS

Hi Guys

Just a quick blog to tell you that today's scan results were FANTASTIC. No sign of the main tumour no other tumours to be seen in the 'trouble' spots. Oncologist's exact words 'you have responded unnaturally well to treatment' and ' your tumour is biological different from a normal oesophageal tumour'. PRAISE GOD (and the NHS!).

I have to have two further rounds of chemo in September to finish the course (only had 4 so far and supposed to have 6) but this was described to me as like having to finish your course of antibiotics even after you are well. Fair enough. I'll have whatever they want to throw at me.

Blog in detail later but thanks for your support. Off to drink champers and pray 'thank-you'.

Remember in January I was given between 9 & 12 months to live (based on averages).


God Bless

Dave

WOWWWW - What A Week & Weekend.

Hi Blogland friends,


As always I start with apologies for not blogging for a whole week (very bad of me!). But, in my defense, what a mad week!


After getting back from the Breakout weekend with MAYC (Methodist Association Of Youth Clubs) at Cliff College we had Sunday evening only off before getting up at the crack of dawn on Monday to go to Halifax. Teresa's new role within Kip McGrath involves visiting centres up and down the country and she started in Halifax. We then drove up to Carlisle on the same day through some of England's most spectacular scenery. We thought heading back to Bedford on the same day was just too much so stopped the night in Holmes Chapel (Cheshire) at a hotel/conference centre. This stop came replete with Vietnam style flashbacks to my consulting days and I began to realise again how much I don't miss it. We got back Tuesday lunchtime and in the evening the youth group (XLR8) came round for an end of term BBQ - once again they were brill - what great kids.

Teresa headed off again on Tuesday evening - this time to Neath in South Wales and I stayed 'home-alone'!

All the family started to arrive on Saturday ready for 'Race For Life'. What a fantastic event. There were around 3,500 runners/walkers ion Bedford with 79 for me in their bright yellow tee-shirts with my name on - loads of great photos at (thanks Nick): http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll58/shepherdsview/Cancer%20Research%20Run%20for%20Life/

We had a BBQ afterwards for about 200 people! I had people running for me from Derby (family & friends), the Kip McGrath community, Barclays and consulting mates, Wootton New Life Church and Woodside Church as well as other friends who live locally. You are all heroes - we reckon that between us we raised £12,000 for cancer research UK. My little daughter and niece walked for me, my mum (with knees that both need replacing), and my auntie, cousins and Teresa's sister and niece. What a fantastic event.

Special thanks must go to Lucy Screech (overall organiser), Nick Hearn (for loan of St Andrews school and mega graft all day), Phil Squires for designing and buying tee-shirts and Lynne & Nick Hall for their tee-shirt sponsorship too. David Goodson and my brother and sister-in-law (Ann) who worked so hard all day too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Health-wise things aren't brill, I had quite a bit of pain on Sunday night and ended up in A&E being given Morphine last night. Too much activity over the weekend perhaps? Under strict instructions to take it easier now from my wife and parents.

Please remember my big scan on Thursday in your prayers - results are on Friday - promise I'll 'blog-em'.

God bless everyone and thanks once again to all

Methodist & Proud Of It (After This Weekend)

OK Guys - I confess - what a FANTASTIC weekend at MAYC (Methodist Association Of Youth Clubs) Breakout weekend at Cliff College in Derbyshire.

Those who are new to my blog might not be aware of our faith journey. Having come to the Lord in a Methodist Church and training at Cliff College we went into full-time Christian ministry looking after 5 (yes 5) rural Methodist chapels in Derbyshire. This was on the back of Billy Graham's visit to Sheffield in 1985 and the chapels were full of new converts - a real blessing but hard work for a young married couple. If you've never been in 'full-time' ministry you've no idea how much hard work it is... funerals, weddings, Church politics. We ended up tired, disillusioned and fed up with all things Methodist. We ended up in the New Church movement (Salt & Light and then New Frontiers) for nearly 20 years before going full circle and rejoining the Methodist Church two years ago. We just had a growing yearning to return to our roots, to the familiar, to the known. We've no regrets and our church Wootton New Life Methodist (http://www.woottonnewlife.org.uk/) has restored our faith in church, the kingdom and our faith.

Well, I have to say that after this weekend I'm proud to be a Methodist. The weekend was brill, cutting edge, dynamic and fun! I had to pinch myself but you could have been at Soul Survivor, New Day or Hillsong. Great worship with Y Friday and Soundz Of Salvation (great SKA worship band) and 4 Kornez (R&B worship band). We sang, danced and laughed - great Christian alternative comedian called Joe Fisher. Fantastic communion led by the MAYC singers and Iona.

When James and I arrived on Friday night (we were the advance party) the rain was torrential and the temperature 12 o c. We put up Nick & Sarah Hearn's enormous and fabulous tent and ended up so wet we could (and did) wring out our pants afterwards. Saturday was dry and cold and of course Sunday, (go home day) was hot and sunny!

Being in a big 'main-line' denomination can be frustrating but ours has a great heritage, John Wesley had his heart 'strangely warmed' (his words) by the Holy Spirit and set off to preach to the world. Lord 'strangely warm' the hearts of your Methodist people again. Well, enough of preachy Dave - you know I can't resist!

Teresa and I are off to Halifax and Carlisle tomorrow - I'm going along for the ride and for moral support. Wednesday sees us in Neath - south Wales and of course Sunday is Race for Life! What a mad week!

Just a quick word before I sign-off about our brill youth group (XLR8). In these days of knife crime and angst ridden teenagers this group restores you faith in kids. To a person they are considerate, caring, kind and passionate about their faith. Helping lead this group is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. Working with them makes me realise that there is hope for the world, the church and our nation. Thanks Matthew, Scottie, Joel, Tom, Katie, Ben, Chloe and James and all those who stopped at home too. You are great young people - keep growing into men and women of God, I'll try my best to help you.

If you are reading this and don't believe in God then get real. He is real and my healing is testimony to that. I should be nearly dead by now and although I don't know what the future holds I do know who holds the future - He does! Get to know him and if you've been on a 'spiritual career break' then get back into church- keep searching till you find one that suits. If you live in near Bedford then I could recommend Wootton New Life Methodist (of course try it first), Bromham Baptist, Woodside, Brickhill, Kings Arms, St John's, Christchurch, Russel Park Baptist, Rutland Road Evangelical and our fantastic friends at Lidlington - take your pick Bedford, (and your town) is packed with thriving lively churches.

Well, 'America's Got Talent' semi-final beckons (trashy tele par excellence) - we love it.

See you, God bless, have a great week.

PS Health is good, swallowing 'A' OK at present.

Luv Dave

God Loves Tents???????????

What is it with camping and the Kingdom Of God?

If any non believers (wise up there is a God!!) are thinking about conversion (and why not?) don't even think about it without a tent. I think it's a Moses in the wilderness thing. God loves camping. In my opinion He is wrong in this one thing... can't he bless 2,000 Methodist young people in a luxury hotel in Tenerife - why in a muddy field? Christians just love their 'camp-meetings'.

Anyway off later today to 'Breakout' or 'Breakthrough' or 'Breakaway' or 'Breaking Up With Your Mrs Because Of Camping In The Rain' can't quite remember what it is called. Should be fun - all the big Christian bands are there, I'll report in full on Sunday. Anyone know an effective treatment for trenchfoot?

Been a mad week, quite busy - not doing mounds yet myself but following Teresa around like a love-lorn puppy. She's being very patient under the circumstances.

Seriously guys - pray that it doesn't rain and we and our youth group are blessed and that my marriage survives the quagmire. Thanks to the Hearns who have lent us their enormous tent (says 'Billy Smarts' on the side). It has annexes and wings and bedrooms and flaps and a fitted kitchen - amazing.

See ya

Love

Mad Dave - Stampy, I am madder than you, trust me and still slightly ashamed at my screaming outburst...everyone else will have to guess what happened. Overtired.....

Rain, IT & CHOCOLATE HEAVEN!!!

Hi Guys

We had a mad guest night last night at XLR8. 30 turned up! We did it on a chocolate theme – by the end of the evening we were covered in the stuff. One particularly messy game entailed seeing which team could stick the most slices of chocolate spread covered toast on a bin-bag clad team-member in 4 minutes. Mmm...we should have put down more tarpaulin.

I took along the chocolate fountain (always a hit) and the boys especially made the most of the chocolaty opportunity – some were looking a little green by the end of the evening!
I did my famous ‘Gospel According To Chocolate’. Which goes something like this:

Why do some people drift along (Drifter bar) looking to the stars (Milky Way bar) full of promise (Turkish Delight). They need to come to the one who can give you the power to work, rest and play (Mars Bar), give yourself a break (Kit Kat), receive God’s Boost (Boost Bar) he wants you live on Quality Street – cheesy but always a laugh!

We hadn’t got the energy to tidy last night so went back this morning – the chocolate fountain had set solid and had to be chipped and melted clean. Hope I haven’t blocked the chapel kitchen ‘u-bend’.

We are really hoping for great weather next weekend so we can camp in the dry – I am totally in denial regarding the weather forecast – they can be wrong, right? Tell me they can be wrong and that the thunder storms will miss north Derbyshire’s Hope Valley???

We bought Teresa a new lap-top today the old one having finally gone ‘phut’ and died. I hated the thing, all clogged up and slow and always crashing. Arghh... don’t you just love IT? So here I am equally frustrated trying to get all the software that originally clogged up the old lap-top onto the new one – doomed! Just as well that I am madly in love with my Florence.

Health’s OK. Swallowing has its moments but is 100% better than the two weeks after radiotherapy. Still have a glandular infectiony thing going on but nothing too bad. Just got to wait now until the big scan on July 25th – get praying guys that nothing nasty turns up down below.

Well it’s still raining 12 hours after it started – beautiful July. Just off to light a fire, put on the lecky blanket and pour a scotch (medicinal purposes only).

God Bless everyone, be good and if you can’t be good be careful, and if you can’t be careful wear a large hat (for a disguise).

And remember, if you really must be bad it is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Luv ya & God Bless

Mad Dave. xxxxx

I wouldn't blame you if you'd all given up on me after a week of not blogging, sorry guys! Worry not, all is well - I'm doing fine!

I had an oncologist's appointment today the first for 8 weeks. I haven't had a scan or anything so I wasn't expecting any news just a chat and an update on what's coming next. The plan is to scan me in three weeks (just before we go away). This will be six weeks from the radiotherapy ending and will give time for the radiotherapy 'burn' to die down. Dr Bulusu is planning to give me the results on the same day. All being well nothing nasty will be growing and I'll have August off. In September they are planning another 12 weeks of chemo but only the tablet kind which is quite tame really. Thereafter it will just be a wait and see game - if anything rears it's ugly head they blast it - let's hope not! Please Lord!

We are off to the MAYC (Methodist Association Of Youth Clubs) weekend festival at Cliff College in Derbyshire next weekend and taking some of the XLR8 youth group. Should be great, there's a great line up of Christian bands, creative worship and some mad workshops. All we need is sunshine which this summer might be over hopeful!

Not long now till Amy comes home from Hillsong Australia - 25th July. We are really looking forward to seeing her and showing her (and James in October) their new house and car. Not long till the wedding now, the RSVPs are flooding in.

In recent weeks at the youth group we've been looking at sharing our faith and this week we have an outreach event for young people all themed around chocolate (should be a winner). All I need to finish my prep is the right kind of chocolate for the fountain - anyone know where you could buy it in Bedford? I have found a recipe to make it myself but it might be dodgy. I let you know if I come up trumps tomorrow.

I've got a meeting tomorrow morning with a audio/visual specialist at chapel. Like most lively churches all our songs are projected through PowerPoint but our projector has just about warn out. We're looking to have a permanent one fixed to the ceiling, we're getting the experts in though this time; hopefully they can also cure our buzzing p.a.

Think that's all the news for now, hope you guys are all well.

God bless and looking forward to seeing all 77 of you plus partners and family at Race for Life soon.

God Bless

Dave