Wednesday 3 November

Yesterday Solvej went in to hospital for a CT scan of her chest. The results showed that the tumors on her lungs have halved in size. This is good news and means that the chemo is working! The doctor has therefore advised that Solvej should continue on chemo for the time-being.

Tomorrow Solvej is going on a bit of a road-trip with Pappa, Georgie and Michelle. They are driving up to Britstown to take Michelle home and spend some time on the farm. Michelle has been in Hermanus visiting for the last week.

A message from Solvej: 1 November 2010

I have spent a lovely weekend with Ulrik, Andi and Chiara (she LOVES her aunty) in Cape Town. Thank you Ulrik and Andi for all you have done and still do for me. Chemotherapy was uneventful on Friday, however my port has entangled itself in my chest and I now have the chemo intravenously. This is not the ideal situation but the oncology staff are amazing and I have yet to have a bruised vein. I went for a chest X-Ray after chemo and Dr Hall is confident that the treatment has been successful. I am having a CT scan of my chest to confirm her findings on Tuesday, 02 November at 11:00. Will keep you updated.

Thank you Fairheads' friends who walked the 5 and 10 km iThemba walkathon this morning wearing "Think Pink Team Solvej" button badges. SO GOOD to see you and some of my amaBele Belle friends this morning. Well done to all of you. You make the difference and I hope you enjoyed every minute in the beautiful sunshine. I honestly do not know how to convey to all reading this blog the extent of the support and love I receive daily from all my friends and family.

Thank you Winkie for my new pink hat and to Nan, Michelle and Wendy also of the amaBele Belles who then whisked me to Observatory for my church, Jubilee Community Church's annual Thanksgiving service.

I will never forget this Thanksgiving service. It left me overwhelmed, 37 of the most beautiful, long-stemmed, red roses richer and knowing God's love through His community. Thank you Steve for your really kind and loving words. I know that God will be glorified through this.

Monday 20 September

Solvej is still staying with our Dad in Hermanus. She is recovering well and is feeling much more herself at the moment. Although she is still weak, she is getting stronger every day. Pappa is making sure she is going for regular walks around the block, which is great considering she could not even get out of bed without some help a few weeks ago. The idea is that she will hopefully feel strong enough to go on a little adventure with Pappa and Georgie soon.

The doctor is also happy with her progress and has decided that it would be best to continue with the chemo for the next while. Solvej will have chemo two Fridays on and then one Friday off and so on. She has had chemo for the last two Fridays so this coming Friday will be her Friday off.

Solvej had a great birthday on the 8th of September, surrounded by her family and friends. Georgie cooked a special lunch for Solvej on the day. A number of friends and work colleagues popped in throughout the week to wish her happy birthday and shower her with gifts and yummy food. She felt thoroughly spoilt. Sadly Gustav, Brenda and family left for home in the UK last Wednesday after a two and a half week visit. It was a really special time together as a family; the nieces and nephew loved spending time with their aunty and they were all very sad to say goodbye.

Monday 30 August

Solvej has experienced some deterioration in her health over the past three weeks, involving some weakness and occasional difficulty in her speech, although she still makes us laugh! This has resulted in a need for a greater level of care and has been a concern to the doctors.

Consequently she was sent for a brain scan on Friday instead of having the scheduled chemotherapy session. Fortunately the scan revealed that the radiation has shrunk all the brain tumors and eradicated one. The radiation itself apparently causes temporary brain swelling, which may have something to do with the current deterioration. Although she cannot have more radiation now, it has bought her some time. Please continue to pray for God to intervene and heal her.

On the positive side, the doctors are happy about the fact that Solvej is not feeling any pain at the moment and are hopeful that this is a sign that the chemo is working. We are expectant that Solvej will start feeling better soon and that she will have opportunity to regain her strength and ultimately to do some travelling and visiting family abroad.

Solvej has been staying with her dad and Georgie in Hermanus for the past 10 days. They have undertaken the task of caring for her for the present phase and Solvej is very happy to be with them there and in such good hands. We have managed to arrange a tenant for Solvej's flat for the time being. Thanks Averil!

Karin is now back in the States with her family after a 10 day visit and Gustav has returned for another visit with his clan; they are all staying in Hermanus and making the most of their family time together. We ( Ulrik, Andi and Chiara) will join everyone for a few days in Hermanus over Solvej's 36th birthday on the 8th of September.

Tuesday, 17 August

This past week has included some very special family time for the four siblings, Karin, Gustav, Solvej, and Ulrik. Gustav left on Sunday and will return with his family in a few weeks. Karin has a few more days in Cape Town before returning to the States. She is staying with Solvej at the Appletons for a few nights until they join their father in Hermanus on Friday.

Solvej has now had three chemo sessions. She is very weak and we are very concerned about her. One of the main challenges for her this past week has been an exceptionally painful throat and oesophagus which has made eating so difficult and sore, and as a result she has not eaten much. It seems to be getting a bit better now but please pray for this to heal up so that she can enjoy her food and stay nourished.

Once again thank you to everyone for all your support. We so appreciate all the kind messages, meals, gifts, prayer, and care.

Important Notices

1. Chemo Sessions on Fridays

Solvej has really appreciated all the support during her chemo sessions. However, hospital policy is one visitor per patient and that will generally be the person who takes her to the chemo session. Please respect hospital policy and understand that it is for the protection of all the patients.

2. SMS's and Phone calls

There has been an amazing amount of support for Solvej in the form of sms's and phone call's, which has really encouraged and blessed Solvej. Please note that because of the volume of messages and Solvej being so weak, she is unable to respond to them.

Wednesday 11 August

Solvej has now had two sessions of chemo. She is extremely tired and needs to rest and sleep a lot. The cortisone is also causing a bit of swelling of her face and she is generally quite weak and in some discomfort. It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Solvej; having to deal with growing symptoms and with the reality of her condition. We are hoping the prayer and chemo will start making her feel better soon! Please keep on praying for her healing!

This last weekend, good friends of Solvej, Ingrid and Travis, came out from Durban to visit. They really spoiled Solvej and it was a good time of catching up.

Our brother, Gustav, arrived on Monday from the UK for a quickfire visit - he leaves again on Sunday. Karin, our sister arrived from the US on Tuesday. We have already had a good time and are really looking forward to a special week of precious time together with Solvej!

Sunday 1 August 2010

Solvej will continue staying with the Appletons for the time being. They have been so good to her and such a blessing to our family. Thank you Gary, Wendy, Kayley and Sarah for opening your home to Solvej and being there for our family in our time of need!

Solvej had a good weekend spending most of her time with Kathy. Yesterday our aunt, Riana, our cousin, Johan, and his son Vincent came from Hermanus to pop in and spend some time with her (Vincent was playing rugby at Wynberg). It was a good time of catching up.

Solvej had quite a busy day today going out and about with Kathy. It was good for her to get out a bit, but she was feeling quite tired by the end of the day.

Gustav, our brother, arrives from the UK on the 9th of August and our sister, Karin (who decided to come at the last minute) arrives on the 10th of August.

Friday 30 July 2010

Solvej's good friend, Kathy Bailey, has come down from Pretoria for a week to be with Solvej. She took Solvej to Vincent Palotti for her first session of chemo this morning . They went in pretty early as the Doctor first wanted Solvej to go for blood tests. She also sent Solvej for an x-ray of her chest as she was worried about Solvej's breathlessness, but the x-ray showed that there was nothing to be concerned about. The chemo went smoothly, but it was a long day for Solvej. Chemo sessions will now take place every Friday for the time-being. With the procedure yesterday and the chemo today, Solvej is feeling exhausted and quite sick.

Thursday 29 July 2010

Solvej was admitted to Kingsbury Hospital this morning. She went under general anaesthetic and Dr Marr inserted the Porter Cath and took a biopsy of the node in her neck. The operation was successful. Solvej was discharged at about 17:30pm. She was in a bit of pain, but in good spirits. The nursing staff at the Hospital were so impressed by Solvej!

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Today was the day a prayer and fasting for Solvej. Solvej joined the Elders of Jubilee Community Church in the afternoon where they prayed for and anointed her with oil. Solvej was greatly encouraged by the time of prayer. In the evening was a corporate time of prayer at Jubilee Community Church with most of the meeting dedicated to praying for Solvej (and others suffering with cancer and terminal illness). It was a wonderful prayer meeting. The room was filled with faith as we cried out to God for Solvej's healing.

Monday 26 July 2010

Radiation complete! Today was Solvej's last session. Her hair has started falling out and she is wanting to shave it all off soon. She is feeling very tired and struggling to sleep; apparently this is due the cortisone. We saw Dr Hall again this morning who advised that it will take 2-3 months to determine the effect of the radiation on the brain.

The treatment and accommodation plans have changed somewhat. The insertion of the Porter Cath and the biopsy of a node will take place this Thursday and chemo will start on Friday (and be repeated every Friday for the time being). Solvej will continue to stay with the Appletons for the next two weeks. Our brother Gustav will be arriving on the 9th of August and the plan is for Solvej and Gustav to stay with the Warburgs for the week of his stay. Following that, Solvej will probably stay with our father in Hermanus, who would have arrived back from the UK by then.

We've just had a lovely weekend with Solvej staying with us. Despite being very exhausted and needing to rest a lot, Solvej was up and about a bit, receiving a couple of visitors and making it out to a family lunch on Sunday. Emotionally the reality of her illness is starting to set in but she is really trusting God.

Please remember that Wednesday is a day of prayer (and fasting if you wish) for Solvej. Everyone is welcome to join the prayer meeting at Jubilee Community Church in Nelson rd Observatory at 7.30pm, where we will be praying for Solvej and two others suffering from serious illnesses.

Monday 19 July

Half way through the radiation! After the radiotherapy session this morning we went to see Dr Hall. She wanted to know how Solvej was doing. She also confirmed that the porter cath would be implanted on Tuesday, 25 July and Chemo therapy would commence immediately. Solvej will have Chemo once a week for the time being.

Solvej is currently not able to drive. She has been staying with the Appletons for the past two weeks, she will be with us for the weekend, back to the Appletons until Tuesday and will then be moving in with the Clothiers in Pinelands (close to the hospital) for a while.

Saturday 17 July

I (Ulrik) took Chiara and went to watch the rugby with Solvej at the Appleton's this morning. Although the Bokke lost, it was nice to spend time with Solvej. This evening Solvej joined us for supper and a DVD. Solvej is feeling tired as she had a busy day yesterday spending most of the afternoon at work catching up with work colleagues. The radiation is really making her feel exhausted and the cortizone pills are making her nauseous. Depsite this, she is being remarkably positive and strong.

Sunday 18 July

We had a time of prayer for Solvej today at church ( Jubilee). A number of Solvej's work colleagues from Fairheads came to show their support ( thanks, we really appreciate it and Solvej did too!) Steve has mentioned that there will be a day of prayer and fasting for Solvej and PJ Smythe (also recently diagnosed with cancer) on the 26th July. Please mark that date in your diary and join us in praying!

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Solvej had her first bout of radiotherapy today. She is feeling no real side effects yet, except extreme tiredness. She will be going in for the rest of the week and next week. Her last radiotherapy session will be Monday 26 July. She will meet with the oncologist midway, on Monday 19 July, to see how the cancer is reacting to the radiation. The oncologist advised that it is not necessary to start the chemo to the rest of the body this week. They will probably start the chemo next week.

Monday 12 July 2010

This morning we went in to Vincent Pallotti hospital to start Radiotherapy. We first had a consultation with Prof. Werner (filling in for Dr Hall, the Oncologist). Prof Werner advised that the priority was to give radiation to the spots on the brain for a two week period.

We were then sent to the Radiation room where they made a cast of her head to mark the spots where the radiotherapy will be administered through. Everything was then set up for the radiotherapy to begin. However the hospital first had to obtain clearance from Solvej's medical aid before they could proceed.

No radiotherapy happened today and we have an appointment tomorrow morning for the radiotherapy to begin.

9 July 2010

We had another shock today. We had an appointment with the surgeon who sent Solvej for further brain and spine scans when she noticed that Solvej's health has deteriorated during the past week. Further scans revealed that there are spots of cancer on Solvej's brain.

Solvej has started cortisone medication and will start radiotherapy to her brain on Monday, which she will have daily for two weeks. She is staying with the Appleton family for the next few days.

3 July 2010

Solvej and Ulrik visited Dr Hall, a specialist oncologist. It was agreed that Solvej would receive chemo therapy at Vincent Palloti Hospital and that Gustav would be involved in Solvej's medical care. A plan was made for Solvej to receive a porter cath, which is a little device that enables chemo therapy to be administered without injections.

30 June 2010

Solvej had a consultation with the breast cancer specialist, who sent her for a scan of her skeleton. More spots were revealed on her spine and pelvis. We were informed that it was a slow growing cancer that was incurable but would respond to Chemo therapy. Some of the elders and staff at Jubilee Church prayed for Solvej and anointed her with oil. Someone had a picture for her of a field of grass. The Lord was walking ahead of her, cutting the grass down and making the way ahead level for her.

29 June 2010

Solvej went for a check up with the physician, as she was experiencing a problem with her eye; some pain in her rib; and was finding herself out of breath. She had a chest scan and this revealed that there were spots of secondary cancer in her lungs and also in her one rib. We were all very shocked as we were not in any way prepared for this news.

Introduction

This is a blog that we as Solvej's family in Cape Town have started for our sister Solvej. We hope that it will be a way for Solvej's friends and family all over the world to keep updated with her life, her treatment and her progress.

We start this particular journey of Solvej's in 2005, to give a little background and fill you in on Solvej's life over the past few years.

In January 2005 Solvej was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received treatment, and went on to become a champion survivor. She joined the Dragon Boat Racing Breast Cancer Survivor Team (Amabelle Belles), becoming a face for breast cancer survivors. Over the past few years she has travelled with the team to Singapore, Switzerland and Canada, and represented South African Dragon Boat Racing in Prague.

When Solvej has not been training on the water or flying around the world, she has been working at Fairheads Trust Company as a training officer. She has spent the past few years serving in the children's work and a homeless housing project at church. Solvej has been a generous helper to her family here in South Africa this past year, being the much loved aunty and baby sitter of her niece Chiara. She was a pillar of strength to our family earlier this year while she nursed our mamma Fransie during her short battle with cancer.