Whoops – been bit slow in blogging again – sorry faithful blog readers!
We headed back from France on Wednesday night via Caen to Portsmouth overnight – fantastic crossing, not a ripple. We went straight from Portsmouth to Addenbrookes for yet more radiotherapy! To be honest we were early and went via Burwash Manor for a crafty coffee and cream tea. I can really recommend this place, great shops, fantastic grub and lovely piglets and baby reindeer.
On Friday a friend from Woodside Church (Bernice Chiswell) kindly took me for treatment; this was a blessing as it gave Teresa time to catch up with business admin. The folks at Woodside (our previous church) have been fantastic, praying for us, helping with the never ending trips to Cambridge and taking part in ‘Race For Life’, thanks guys!
Today we’ve had a great family day out at Wickstead Park at Kettering, we had a really good time, great rides, no queues and for once good weather. I can recommend it! It was just so fantastic to have a Saturday with Teresa the kids and Chloe. Saturdays are normally big working days for the Redfern (thanks to Kip McGrath)
As always we’re feeling really excited about worship at Wootton New Life tomorrow, Ken & Mu are leading in the morning, I’m preaching at our ‘Refresh’ service at 8.00 in the evening. God’s given me a really ‘hot’ word based on 2 Peter 2:9 ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light’ (Please excuse me using the old fashioned King James Version) I’m preaching on the call to be peculiar, different, colourful in a monochrome drab old world.
I’ve been busy updating the church website at www.woottonnewlife.org.uk
I’ve added a load of photos from our brill Pentecost Day service, if you visit the site let me know what you think.
Health-wise I’m doing OK. The 5 days off radiotherapy has helped. My throat has opened up again and I’m eating reasonably normally. Please pray that the spread onto my diaphragm and elsewhere would not be problematic. The main tumour seems to under control now (can’t see it on the scan) Praise God! It is the other bits that the scan can’t see that we need to pray aren’t there. Don’t give up, we’ve no proof yet that it’s all gone. My treatment ends in two weeks. We just have to wait then for the results of the July scan.
Thanks again troops.
God Bless.
Dave xxxxxxxxxxx
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sleeping, Beaching, Sleepi....
Hi Guys
Complete Eurovision travesty on Saturday, how could we come last? Urghhh…
Yesterday we slept in, ate in Pont Aven and then the kids played in the park whilst I snoozed away on a park bench like an old tramp! Managed to rouse myself sufficiently to do the gardening – more like jungle exploration after 7 weeks with no mowing.
Sorry, but I’m going to ‘rub it in’. Our weather’s good we were on the beach and have eaten outside; I hear it’s nasty in Blighty. Today we’ve spent the day in wonderful Carnac, which is about an hour away down the coast. Had lunch ‘al fresco’, spent too much on Esprit (Teresa) and Teddy Smith (me). We got on the beach for an hour or so and I promptly fell asleep again. We are now settling down to an evening of fires, trashy tele and plonk – heaven.
I’m getting food down although it is painful to swallow; other than that I’m feeling fine.
PS. Slight change of plan as the Monopoly has just appeared with a hopeful looking Carys, better postpone the tele but the plonk will dull the Monopoly pain!
God bless
Dave xxxx
Complete Eurovision travesty on Saturday, how could we come last? Urghhh…
Yesterday we slept in, ate in Pont Aven and then the kids played in the park whilst I snoozed away on a park bench like an old tramp! Managed to rouse myself sufficiently to do the gardening – more like jungle exploration after 7 weeks with no mowing.
Sorry, but I’m going to ‘rub it in’. Our weather’s good we were on the beach and have eaten outside; I hear it’s nasty in Blighty. Today we’ve spent the day in wonderful Carnac, which is about an hour away down the coast. Had lunch ‘al fresco’, spent too much on Esprit (Teresa) and Teddy Smith (me). We got on the beach for an hour or so and I promptly fell asleep again. We are now settling down to an evening of fires, trashy tele and plonk – heaven.
I’m getting food down although it is painful to swallow; other than that I’m feeling fine.
PS. Slight change of plan as the Monopoly has just appeared with a hopeful looking Carys, better postpone the tele but the plonk will dull the Monopoly pain!
God bless
Dave xxxx
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Vive La France! Great Soups......
Well, here we are back in Brittany again but this time by a curculios route! All the ferries we’d normally catch were fully booked so we decided to come here via Calais – door to door 617 miles!
We set out yesterday morning about 9.30 a.m. called into the office, picked up a new car from the Volvo garage in Bedford and then headed over to Addenbrookes for radiotherapy number 9! This time Teresa, Carys and James were able to see what they do when they ‘zap’ me. My throat has started to close up pretty well totally for solid food – don’t worry; this isn’t the tumour, it’s the treatment – they warned me it would happen. Soup and smoothies again for a month!
We headed through bank holiday traffic to Dover and we caught the channel tunnel train at about 5.00 p.m. and then drove down to a great little hotel in Honfleur (nr Le Havre) in Normandy. Unfortunately on the train Teresa caught and crushed her middle finger in a carriage door. Thankfully it’s not broken but a funny shape and blue; the nail’s a gonner.
We got there in time to have a evening meal in a great little restaurant just up the road from the hotel. Sadly mine came back to ‘say hello’ on the car park – hence the inevitable switch to the soup and smoothie regime.
We had a fantastic morning in Honfleur which is a lovely town, the weather was brill 23C; we had lunch on the harbour side (guess what; soup for me!). We then drove down to the cottage through Caen and past Mont St Michel. The further south west we headed the colder and wetter it got – when we arrived it was 13C and the rain torrential.
Everything at the cottage is lovely, the garden is a jungle but won’t take long. The clematis I planted in March is in flower and the hydrangeis nearly there.
We are hoping for a great few days, relaxing, sleeping and playing with the kids. The fun starts tonight with what must be the best evening’s TV in the year – the Eurovision song contest – we love it – it’s kitsch city and totally additive!
Thanks for your ongoing prayers and love. Thanks Joy & Bob for taking such great care of me last week. We’re heading back on Wednesday night straight to Addenbrookes on Thursday for more zapping.
God bless; have a great weekend.
Love ya
Dave XXXXXX
We set out yesterday morning about 9.30 a.m. called into the office, picked up a new car from the Volvo garage in Bedford and then headed over to Addenbrookes for radiotherapy number 9! This time Teresa, Carys and James were able to see what they do when they ‘zap’ me. My throat has started to close up pretty well totally for solid food – don’t worry; this isn’t the tumour, it’s the treatment – they warned me it would happen. Soup and smoothies again for a month!
We headed through bank holiday traffic to Dover and we caught the channel tunnel train at about 5.00 p.m. and then drove down to a great little hotel in Honfleur (nr Le Havre) in Normandy. Unfortunately on the train Teresa caught and crushed her middle finger in a carriage door. Thankfully it’s not broken but a funny shape and blue; the nail’s a gonner.
We got there in time to have a evening meal in a great little restaurant just up the road from the hotel. Sadly mine came back to ‘say hello’ on the car park – hence the inevitable switch to the soup and smoothie regime.
We had a fantastic morning in Honfleur which is a lovely town, the weather was brill 23C; we had lunch on the harbour side (guess what; soup for me!). We then drove down to the cottage through Caen and past Mont St Michel. The further south west we headed the colder and wetter it got – when we arrived it was 13C and the rain torrential.
Everything at the cottage is lovely, the garden is a jungle but won’t take long. The clematis I planted in March is in flower and the hydrangeis nearly there.
We are hoping for a great few days, relaxing, sleeping and playing with the kids. The fun starts tonight with what must be the best evening’s TV in the year – the Eurovision song contest – we love it – it’s kitsch city and totally additive!
Thanks for your ongoing prayers and love. Thanks Joy & Bob for taking such great care of me last week. We’re heading back on Wednesday night straight to Addenbrookes on Thursday for more zapping.
God bless; have a great weekend.
Love ya
Dave XXXXXX
To France in a Bling Bling car
Hello all!
It's Chloe here...again.
I was supposed to post last night but I went off the rails and had a big party here at the house. Why not since my J Pappa and Momma are off to France?!
Ha not really. The Katy Gee came over for tea "yay" and I'm in bed with a nasty virus meh!
So yes...right now Mr Redfern is either on his way to France with the lovely Florence in the bling bling car as I type this OR are there now.
However, he did say he will blog soon. I'm sure he's preparing his Cottage for the Eurovision tonight! (He loves it) Fly that Flag!
Have a happy long May term break.
Until next time ... peace out.
Sian - The Redfern's are breeding Volvo's!
Bring your one and people might mistaken the driveway as a Volvo garage!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Addenbrookes!
Hi Guys
Radiotherapy is going well, no more computer breakdowns. Joy & Bob (my uncle and auntie) are with us this week and are doing the Addenbrookes 'run' each day - bless em!
I had an appointment with the oncologist yesterday, he seems quite confident that he can finish off the big tumour with the radiotherapy but remains worried about the little nodules that are not captured by the radiotherapy field and can't be seen on the scan. He remains very upbeat and very pleased with my progress; so all's as well as it can be at this stage. My appointment today is at 12.30. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there and then 30 minutes for the appointment and another 1 hour 15 minutes back again.
The weekend went well, I preached at WNL on Sunday morning - Trinity Sunday. The youth group (XLR8) are coming to our house tonight for a BBQ - hope the weather warms up a bit before tonight.
We're off to France on Friday straight after the treatment on the channel tunnel and stopping in a hotel in Honfleur on Friday night. We're heading back on Wednesday night and going straight back to Addenbrookes on Thursday for treatment. Really looking forward to France - we love it!
Hope you ave a good day.
God bless
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Radiotherapy is going well, no more computer breakdowns. Joy & Bob (my uncle and auntie) are with us this week and are doing the Addenbrookes 'run' each day - bless em!
I had an appointment with the oncologist yesterday, he seems quite confident that he can finish off the big tumour with the radiotherapy but remains worried about the little nodules that are not captured by the radiotherapy field and can't be seen on the scan. He remains very upbeat and very pleased with my progress; so all's as well as it can be at this stage. My appointment today is at 12.30. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there and then 30 minutes for the appointment and another 1 hour 15 minutes back again.
The weekend went well, I preached at WNL on Sunday morning - Trinity Sunday. The youth group (XLR8) are coming to our house tonight for a BBQ - hope the weather warms up a bit before tonight.
We're off to France on Friday straight after the treatment on the channel tunnel and stopping in a hotel in Honfleur on Friday night. We're heading back on Wednesday night and going straight back to Addenbrookes on Thursday for treatment. Really looking forward to France - we love it!
Hope you ave a good day.
God bless
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Number 4 = CRASH!
Hiya friends,
I headed over to Cambridge today for what would have been my 4th radiotherapy but my 'prescription' was rejected by the computer (which crashed) and they sent my home without treatment. The physics guys need to re-write the programme for my particular treatment tonight. Hopefully all will be well for tomorrow. I have to call them early to check all is well.
Mum and dad have been great and accompanied me all week; it's great to have some company. They've headed home now and Teresa is taking me tomorrow. We are hoping to combine some shopping and lunch in Cambridge (weather allowing). Where did summer go?
The radiotherapy is making me feel sick and tired but it's no where near as bad as the chemo thank goodness.
Teresa and I have been busy at WNL me on the gardens and car park, Teresa on the children's work store cupboards, we even got my parents helping!
God bless and have a great evening
Dave XXX
I headed over to Cambridge today for what would have been my 4th radiotherapy but my 'prescription' was rejected by the computer (which crashed) and they sent my home without treatment. The physics guys need to re-write the programme for my particular treatment tonight. Hopefully all will be well for tomorrow. I have to call them early to check all is well.
Mum and dad have been great and accompanied me all week; it's great to have some company. They've headed home now and Teresa is taking me tomorrow. We are hoping to combine some shopping and lunch in Cambridge (weather allowing). Where did summer go?
The radiotherapy is making me feel sick and tired but it's no where near as bad as the chemo thank goodness.
Teresa and I have been busy at WNL me on the gardens and car park, Teresa on the children's work store cupboards, we even got my parents helping!
God bless and have a great evening
Dave XXX
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I'm Glowing!!
Well Guys,
I'm well into being radiated having done two sessions so far. Nothing to it; just lots of machine buzzing and lasers to 'line me up' properly. It's taking about an hour and a half each way which is a pain but with company (mum and dad this week) no problem really. Thanks mum and dad for driving me each day. No side effects from it yet - AMEN!
The meeting at WNL went well last night and I'm all set to lead a worship evening for XLR8 tonight. We're really excited about all God's doing with us as a church - there's a real sense of expectancy in the air.
We've finish the work on the back garden which I see from my study window, it's looking great and I even managed the tidy the garage (with dads help) this morning. It's been driving Florence mad for weeks so she's happy.
Thanks for checking again
God Bless
Dave
I'm well into being radiated having done two sessions so far. Nothing to it; just lots of machine buzzing and lasers to 'line me up' properly. It's taking about an hour and a half each way which is a pain but with company (mum and dad this week) no problem really. Thanks mum and dad for driving me each day. No side effects from it yet - AMEN!
The meeting at WNL went well last night and I'm all set to lead a worship evening for XLR8 tonight. We're really excited about all God's doing with us as a church - there's a real sense of expectancy in the air.
We've finish the work on the back garden which I see from my study window, it's looking great and I even managed the tidy the garage (with dads help) this morning. It's been driving Florence mad for weeks so she's happy.
Thanks for checking again
God Bless
Dave
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunny Update!
Hi Guys
Isn’t the summer just brill; can’t get enough of this fantastic weather!
As always we’ve had a mad few days, we looked after Alfie on Thursday which was cool; he’s a great little chap, no trouble – it took me back to Carys being little. We walked round Wootton whilst Teresa backed the church notice-boards (well someone has to!). That night we had our half night of prayer at WNL (Wootton New Life Church) which was great; we prayed from 7.00 – midnight covering all the issues the new ‘Action Teams’ are considering.
On Friday we nipped into the Primose unit to pick up some extra syringes and bits of medical kit for my arm and the nurses suggested taking the line out as I’m not due any intravenous chemo until after the radiotherapy finishes in late June. Can’t tell you how good it is to have my arm back, no more one arm showering!
On Friday evening Teresa ran an ‘Indulgence Evening’ at Kip McGratg Elms Farm in aid of Cancer research and the ‘Race For Life’. She raised £120 to add to the £1,500 she’s gathered so far. If you’ve not sponsored her yet you can at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/teresaredfern. Unfortunately I committed the most awful faux pas. We held a raffle, people had kindly donated all sorts of prizes including a painting. I didn’t look at the things on the table properly but did comment to my mate Nick Hearn that I felt sorry for the ‘poor unfortunate’ won the picture. Well the evening went on and around 8.30 it was time for me to draw the raffle. Of course someone won the picture at which point Teresa announced that Nick’s mum had painted it! Open up ground and swallow me. I felt terrible. Sorry Nick; forgive me; again?
On Saturday morning we had to drop James and Chloe off at WNL for the youth group trip to Alton Towers. They had a great day, all the rides and then a massive Christian concert in the evening. David Goodson did a sterling job driving the minibus – he took 16 in total; the whole of XLR8! Carys wanted to go so much but drew the short straw and helped me weed the church car park instead! Got five bin bags of weeds off it in total – it was the most therapeutic and satisfying thing I’d done in ages. The Jehovah’s Witnesses were ‘doing’ the village so I was able to weed and pray against their poisoned old clap-trap at the same time. Double whammy! In the afternoon we gardened our socks off and then watched Dr Who.
Today dawned beautiful again and we headed to WNL where we shared breakfast together before our fantastic Pentecost service together. There were loads of visitors, a full chapel and great worship. We ended up sending 60 balloons off into the blue sky, each one with a note sending God’s peace to whoever found it and with our church web-site address. After the service we headed home for dinner on the deck, a snooze in the sun and then yet more gardening!
Tomorrow sees the radiotherapy start for six long weeks; mum and dad are covering the taxi service for week one. Not really looking forward to it but if it does the job – bring it on! Health-wise the sickness has gone now but did last 10 days after chemo #5 and my hands are quite sore. No intravenous Oxaplatin (the nasty one) for rounds #6 & #7 – fantastic! I’m just on tablet chemo now but without a week off.
Tomorrow night the four WNL action teams are reporting back to the whole church on their findings and then we can press on with the jobs, I’m heading up the discipleship and teaching team, Teresa is leading the children and young people’s team. The other two are building and community outreach. We firing on all cylinders!
Thanks for being there for me, praying for me and being my friends/family. I’m really blessed to have such fantastic support.
Florence continues to be the best wife in the world, we are madly, stupidly, old fashionly in love. Quite besotted really – silver wedding anniversary here we come – didn’t think I’d make it back in January at diagnosis. I promised Florence a cruise – she’ll get it – promise. I can hang out till 2011 …. and beyond.
See ya guys
God bless
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Isn’t the summer just brill; can’t get enough of this fantastic weather!
As always we’ve had a mad few days, we looked after Alfie on Thursday which was cool; he’s a great little chap, no trouble – it took me back to Carys being little. We walked round Wootton whilst Teresa backed the church notice-boards (well someone has to!). That night we had our half night of prayer at WNL (Wootton New Life Church) which was great; we prayed from 7.00 – midnight covering all the issues the new ‘Action Teams’ are considering.
On Friday we nipped into the Primose unit to pick up some extra syringes and bits of medical kit for my arm and the nurses suggested taking the line out as I’m not due any intravenous chemo until after the radiotherapy finishes in late June. Can’t tell you how good it is to have my arm back, no more one arm showering!
On Friday evening Teresa ran an ‘Indulgence Evening’ at Kip McGratg Elms Farm in aid of Cancer research and the ‘Race For Life’. She raised £120 to add to the £1,500 she’s gathered so far. If you’ve not sponsored her yet you can at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/teresaredfern. Unfortunately I committed the most awful faux pas. We held a raffle, people had kindly donated all sorts of prizes including a painting. I didn’t look at the things on the table properly but did comment to my mate Nick Hearn that I felt sorry for the ‘poor unfortunate’ won the picture. Well the evening went on and around 8.30 it was time for me to draw the raffle. Of course someone won the picture at which point Teresa announced that Nick’s mum had painted it! Open up ground and swallow me. I felt terrible. Sorry Nick; forgive me; again?
On Saturday morning we had to drop James and Chloe off at WNL for the youth group trip to Alton Towers. They had a great day, all the rides and then a massive Christian concert in the evening. David Goodson did a sterling job driving the minibus – he took 16 in total; the whole of XLR8! Carys wanted to go so much but drew the short straw and helped me weed the church car park instead! Got five bin bags of weeds off it in total – it was the most therapeutic and satisfying thing I’d done in ages. The Jehovah’s Witnesses were ‘doing’ the village so I was able to weed and pray against their poisoned old clap-trap at the same time. Double whammy! In the afternoon we gardened our socks off and then watched Dr Who.
Today dawned beautiful again and we headed to WNL where we shared breakfast together before our fantastic Pentecost service together. There were loads of visitors, a full chapel and great worship. We ended up sending 60 balloons off into the blue sky, each one with a note sending God’s peace to whoever found it and with our church web-site address. After the service we headed home for dinner on the deck, a snooze in the sun and then yet more gardening!
Tomorrow sees the radiotherapy start for six long weeks; mum and dad are covering the taxi service for week one. Not really looking forward to it but if it does the job – bring it on! Health-wise the sickness has gone now but did last 10 days after chemo #5 and my hands are quite sore. No intravenous Oxaplatin (the nasty one) for rounds #6 & #7 – fantastic! I’m just on tablet chemo now but without a week off.
Tomorrow night the four WNL action teams are reporting back to the whole church on their findings and then we can press on with the jobs, I’m heading up the discipleship and teaching team, Teresa is leading the children and young people’s team. The other two are building and community outreach. We firing on all cylinders!
Thanks for being there for me, praying for me and being my friends/family. I’m really blessed to have such fantastic support.
Florence continues to be the best wife in the world, we are madly, stupidly, old fashionly in love. Quite besotted really – silver wedding anniversary here we come – didn’t think I’d make it back in January at diagnosis. I promised Florence a cruise – she’ll get it – promise. I can hang out till 2011 …. and beyond.
See ya guys
God bless
Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Summer Time - Alfidge Visit!
Hi guys,
I've been a very bad non-blogging Dovid. Sorry, don't know where the week has gone, Thursday already, must be the weather!
I'm still not feeling 100%, sick and my appetite is poor so some of my blubber gone!
The youth group went well on Tuesday our subject this week was 'Conflict in the church', not there is much conflict in our little church but should it happen the youth group especially will be ready! Tonight is our church 'half night of prayer', from 7.00 till midnight where we will be praying our plans for the coming five years; all exciting stuff!
Today we have a little guest we are looking after Alfie Hearn (a.k.a 'The Alfidge') for the day - getting some grandpa practise in for the future - hint, hint Amy & James. Alfie is joining us as we tour round Bedford doing our errands - banking, shopping etc.. It's very strange having a baby in the house again, Rosie our Boarder Terrier is very intrigued.
I'll blog again tomorrow with full details of all the Alfidge action!
Luv Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I've been a very bad non-blogging Dovid. Sorry, don't know where the week has gone, Thursday already, must be the weather!
I'm still not feeling 100%, sick and my appetite is poor so some of my blubber gone!
The youth group went well on Tuesday our subject this week was 'Conflict in the church', not there is much conflict in our little church but should it happen the youth group especially will be ready! Tonight is our church 'half night of prayer', from 7.00 till midnight where we will be praying our plans for the coming five years; all exciting stuff!
Today we have a little guest we are looking after Alfie Hearn (a.k.a 'The Alfidge') for the day - getting some grandpa practise in for the future - hint, hint Amy & James. Alfie is joining us as we tour round Bedford doing our errands - banking, shopping etc.. It's very strange having a baby in the house again, Rosie our Boarder Terrier is very intrigued.
I'll blog again tomorrow with full details of all the Alfidge action!
Luv Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mad Week! Bank Holiday! MA Result!
I started thinking back yesterday over the previous week!
What an unbelievably mad, wonderful, blessed week.
Starting on Monday with the news of the amazing disappearing tumour. Praise The Lord!
On Tuesday we bought a house for Amy & James (well technically for us but they’ll be living it). For those who’ve joined the blog later on Amy is our daughter whose been working at the wonderful Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia for the past two years. James is her handsome fiancée and they marry in October. It’s a lovely new, three bed town house on that new estate off Norse Road (for the Bedfordians). They’re heading home in July.
On Wednesday I had ‘orrible’ chemo #5. Yuk
On Thursday went to Addenbrookes for the radiotherapy ‘dry run’
On Friday, (sorry haven’t mentioned this yet) I finally got my dissertation result. Don’t know how but got 76%! This means I’m the proud owner of a Masters degree in Leadership, Renewal & Mission from Manchester University and Cliff College. I was only expecting the low 50%’s. Roll on the PHD. Only left school with three CSEs and four ‘o’ levels – must be a late developer!
On Saturday the building team met at WNL. We are beginning to think about how we can adapt, update and utilise our church building more fully. Loads of great ideas. Great plans and visions for the future.
On Sunday night at our 'Refresh' meeting I shared some of the teaching from Stockholm, we were visited by Steve & Jo Gault and who lead Bromham Baptist. They are in the process of planting a new congregation in Marston Vale and it’s great to be a part of that and share the vision. We had a great evening, lovely sense of God’s presence.
And so here I am on a bank holiday but as I’m not working anymore this feels strange! With the healing taking place I’ll have to think about the future, there is no way I’m going back to working in the city (London finance). Once the treatment is over and I get the formal ‘all clear’ in the Autumn it will be some serious fasting and praying for direction. I would love to continue the theological studies but apart from that I’m not sure? Any directional prophetic words team?
Seriously, looking forward to spending a day with my fantastic family and glorious Mrs Florence! Rosie the dog is going to be walked and the garden beckons.
Health wise, still feeling sick and tired after round #5 – should be lifting soon – it normally lasts about a week or so.
Have a great Bank Holiday Monday. Relax!
Luv. Dave (MA he, he)_ xxxxxxxxxxxxx
What an unbelievably mad, wonderful, blessed week.
Starting on Monday with the news of the amazing disappearing tumour. Praise The Lord!
On Tuesday we bought a house for Amy & James (well technically for us but they’ll be living it). For those who’ve joined the blog later on Amy is our daughter whose been working at the wonderful Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia for the past two years. James is her handsome fiancée and they marry in October. It’s a lovely new, three bed town house on that new estate off Norse Road (for the Bedfordians). They’re heading home in July.
On Wednesday I had ‘orrible’ chemo #5. Yuk
On Thursday went to Addenbrookes for the radiotherapy ‘dry run’
On Friday, (sorry haven’t mentioned this yet) I finally got my dissertation result. Don’t know how but got 76%! This means I’m the proud owner of a Masters degree in Leadership, Renewal & Mission from Manchester University and Cliff College. I was only expecting the low 50%’s. Roll on the PHD. Only left school with three CSEs and four ‘o’ levels – must be a late developer!
On Saturday the building team met at WNL. We are beginning to think about how we can adapt, update and utilise our church building more fully. Loads of great ideas. Great plans and visions for the future.
On Sunday night at our 'Refresh' meeting I shared some of the teaching from Stockholm, we were visited by Steve & Jo Gault and who lead Bromham Baptist. They are in the process of planting a new congregation in Marston Vale and it’s great to be a part of that and share the vision. We had a great evening, lovely sense of God’s presence.
And so here I am on a bank holiday but as I’m not working anymore this feels strange! With the healing taking place I’ll have to think about the future, there is no way I’m going back to working in the city (London finance). Once the treatment is over and I get the formal ‘all clear’ in the Autumn it will be some serious fasting and praying for direction. I would love to continue the theological studies but apart from that I’m not sure? Any directional prophetic words team?
Seriously, looking forward to spending a day with my fantastic family and glorious Mrs Florence! Rosie the dog is going to be walked and the garden beckons.
Health wise, still feeling sick and tired after round #5 – should be lifting soon – it normally lasts about a week or so.
Have a great Bank Holiday Monday. Relax!
Luv. Dave (MA he, he)_ xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Round #5 - The Snooze Round
Hi Guys
Not a lot to report, just been sleeping loads and loads and loads! Chemo round #5 seems to be the sleepy round! I had all sorts of plans for the weekend but they've all died in a giant snooze! Still not been sick this time - but don't feel too good.
I did manage to get to church yesterday morning for the first meeting of our building team. We're starting to think about how we can get our building 'fit for purpose'; lots of cool ideas, just need God's help with the 'spondooliks' now.
I'm speaking tonight at Refresh (our monthly 'receiving' meeting) - need to do a bit more prep yet though; 8.00 p.m. at WNL www.woottonnewlife.org.uk
Thanks for checking up on the blog and being there for me.
Luv
Dave
Not a lot to report, just been sleeping loads and loads and loads! Chemo round #5 seems to be the sleepy round! I had all sorts of plans for the weekend but they've all died in a giant snooze! Still not been sick this time - but don't feel too good.
I did manage to get to church yesterday morning for the first meeting of our building team. We're starting to think about how we can get our building 'fit for purpose'; lots of cool ideas, just need God's help with the 'spondooliks' now.
I'm speaking tonight at Refresh (our monthly 'receiving' meeting) - need to do a bit more prep yet though; 8.00 p.m. at WNL www.woottonnewlife.org.uk
Thanks for checking up on the blog and being there for me.
Luv
Dave
Friday, May 2, 2008
I've Been Verified!
You'll be pleased to know that I have been verified!
Hate any of you loosing sleep over my lack of verification! Basically I had a dry run of radiotherapy without the powerful rays yesterday. I understand now. The tattoos give them a starting point, a baseline. They line me up with these points, then type coordinates into the gismo which moves to the right point to 'zap' me. Only problem was that we were late; it takes about an hour and an half to get to Addenbrookes. Mum and Dad dropped me off while they were waiting for the carpark and I ran to the oncology department. I arrived with my throat closed up, gasping for breath and unable to speak! After the actual procedure I jumped off the trolley (with my normal gusto) and had a 'funny turn' - had to sit with my head between my legs for a while - what an old fart I am!
We really need to pray that the damage to my oesophagus will be minimal. A common side effect of radiotherapy on the throat is that it closes up for a while and the patient needs to be fed 'gloop' through a tube in their stomach for a fortnight - a fate I'd rather avoid (in God's grace!).
Youth Group, you'll be pleased to know that your prayers are powerful! Not been sick once this time post chemo. Keep praying.
Mum and Dad are heading home today after looking after me for a few days - thanks again wonderful 'rents'. Nick, Sarah and the kids are coming round tonight (Alphage included) and then Saturday with all its normal running around, dad's taxi service, football practice, gymnastics etc. (PS the kids do the activity I just do the taxiing).
Thanks for all your support, you are an amazing bunch of people.
Love
Dave xxxxxxxxx
Hate any of you loosing sleep over my lack of verification! Basically I had a dry run of radiotherapy without the powerful rays yesterday. I understand now. The tattoos give them a starting point, a baseline. They line me up with these points, then type coordinates into the gismo which moves to the right point to 'zap' me. Only problem was that we were late; it takes about an hour and an half to get to Addenbrookes. Mum and Dad dropped me off while they were waiting for the carpark and I ran to the oncology department. I arrived with my throat closed up, gasping for breath and unable to speak! After the actual procedure I jumped off the trolley (with my normal gusto) and had a 'funny turn' - had to sit with my head between my legs for a while - what an old fart I am!
We really need to pray that the damage to my oesophagus will be minimal. A common side effect of radiotherapy on the throat is that it closes up for a while and the patient needs to be fed 'gloop' through a tube in their stomach for a fortnight - a fate I'd rather avoid (in God's grace!).
Youth Group, you'll be pleased to know that your prayers are powerful! Not been sick once this time post chemo. Keep praying.
Mum and Dad are heading home today after looking after me for a few days - thanks again wonderful 'rents'. Nick, Sarah and the kids are coming round tonight (Alphage included) and then Saturday with all its normal running around, dad's taxi service, football practice, gymnastics etc. (PS the kids do the activity I just do the taxiing).
Thanks for all your support, you are an amazing bunch of people.
Love
Dave xxxxxxxxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
