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.