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| From 2010_52 |
I’m quite proud of this photograph, given how spot on the timing was!
MicroG-T asleep the night before his birthday
Five years ago today the wee guy you see in the picture here made his entrance to the world and changed his family forever.
MicroG-T became a little brother to MiniG-T and BabeG-T, and a much loved son to his proud mum and dad.
Five years on, he’s the geek who can’t resist electronic gadgets, could work the TV and DVD player when he was two, was on the computer at age four and is a highly competent gamer on his very own Nintendo DS.
He also loves football, playing weekly at a local indoor venue, and recently attended his first ever professional match with us.
His infectious laugh brightens the moment, and he’s (normally) a joy to be around.
Love you Mister Small! Happy Birthday from your loving mum and dad.
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| From 2010_52 |
Last weekend we took advantage of an initiative by Coventry City FC and went to see them play. It was MicroG-T’s first ever match as a spectator and he loved it, although he was very nervous on the way there!
Many of you will know that I’ve recommended Sleep Cycle as a great alarm clock which also tracks your sleep patterns through the night.
However, I’ve come across a bug which stops displaying the tracking graphs sometime between 30 and 40 nights in. I tried various things (aircraft mode etc) but nothing has worked.
According to Lexware Labs, publishers of the software, the only cure is to delete the app from your iPhone and then re-download it. You will not be charged again for this.
It’s worth reading their contact page as it outlines this problem as well as enhancements that they’re working on for future releases.
Find it here.
UPDATE: Lexware Labs have now released a fix for this problem. Hoorah!
Another in the series of updates on my friend Andy and his progress in fighting cancer!
The results of the last tests were not particularly positive and the Professor was ready to put Andy onto a course of Interferon.
However, the local Health Authority have refused to fund this drug (despite it being comparitively cheap) and, although at least one person has offered to fund it privately, this would appear to bar Andy from any free treatment in future. Doesn’t that sort of thing just make you throw your hands up in sheer frustration?
Anyway, here’s the latest update from Andy:
“Out of the blue on Monday I was called to be offered a place on a drugs trial. So tomorrow it’s back to the [hospital] for a day of testing: blood, heart psychological and a CT scan. If I pass the tests then I get in and the trial starts next Wednesday. I’ll spend Wednesday and Thursday inside and come home at lunchtime on Friday. That’s while they do 2 x 12 hour observations and blood testing and a final 3-4 hours on the Friday. Then the rest is at home. It’s tablet-based so no extra needles or drips. Then I have to attend a weekly clinic for more blood tests for the first 6 weeks, then 3 weekly. I’m scanned after 6 – 8 weeks and if there’s any change in the tumours for the better then it continues. If there’s no change then that’s the end of the trial for me.
The trial is to determine the effect of an existing, approved tumour-busting drug, Tarceva (Erlotinib) when taken with a new, unlicensed drug so far called OSI-906. Bottom line is that I get access to a course of Tarceva that I wouldn’t normally get access to (in the same vein as the Interferon thing). With any luck the Tarceva alone will stop or reduce the tumours I have. With more luck the new drug will do the same.
So, I’m asking that you start your prayer thing for me, firstly for tomorrow, that I pass the tests and am accepted onto the trial. Then, after that, for my safety during the trial and that the drugs will have a significant effect on my tumours.
This is suddenly a light at the end of the tunnel and I so much want it to go well and actually work.“
Please continue to pray for Andy and his wife and family who are coping incredibly well through this whole situation. I know that your care, even in just finding an odd few seconds in your day to remember them to God, is very much appreciated.
It’s been a while since the last update about my friend Andy, but it’s time for another prayer request.
For the last few weeks, since the last chemotherapy treatment, the family have been endeavouring to live as normal a life as possible.
However, tomorrow is the day when Andy gets the results of his recent scan which will inform of any changes that the chemotherapy has wrought.
Please, please pray for Andy, Sara and their immediate family. Pray for peace, strength and for healing.
It’s hard to imagine how this must feel but I know that Andy appreciates all of you who metaphorically stand with them during this time.
The next few updates about Andy may be sporadic as the G-T family are currently en route to France for a couple of weeks in the sun. Hopefully.
Anyway, Andy goes back into hospital in Oxford tomorrow for the next stage of chemotherapy.
Specific prayer points this time are;
• a single room to be available for the duration.
• the cannulas to be easy to insert and remain viable for the week. Andy has to have one in each hand this time. Keeps the weight balanced for typing… 
• for the drugs and fluids to flow effectively and quickly
• for Sara and the rest of the family as they all support each other.
Thanks again for your prayerful support. I know it’s greatly appreciated!
Andy’s blood levels have improved enough for the next course of treatment to take place, so he will travel back to Oxford tomorrow (Tuesday). Please see Andy Update #9 for the details of this treatment and the necessary prayer points.
Also, please pray for his hair to grow back as ginger dreadlocks. This is a special prayer request from Stuart… 
This week Andy’s cancer is being treated with two drugs as follows:
- Flush – 30 minutes
- Drug 1 – 4 hours
- Hydration – 12 hour bag
- Drug 2 – 4 hour bag
- Hydration – 12 hour bag
- Drug 1 – 4 hours
- Hydration – 12 hour bag
- Drug 2 – 4 hour bag
- Hydration – 12 hour bag
Andy has asked the Professor if the 12 hour bags can be compressed into 8 hour periods, which overall saves 12 hours in the whole process.
The Prof has basically said that if Andy is clearing the drugs adequately he’ll consider it. During the previous cycle he allowed the final bag to be done this way.
The first hydration will have to remain at 12 hours as they use this for assessment.
Cancer cell being attacked by the immune system
After a week at home with the family, Andy goes back into hospital in Oxford this morning for the next stage in his chemotherapy and would obviously value your continued prayers.
This is another day of strong drugs, followed by a few days of getting his levels back to an acceptable level, and he’s hoping to be home again on Friday.
I asked Andy today about specific prayer points for this visit, and he sent these:
1. calmness/peace/peace of mind for me AND Sara
2. that my veins behave themselves and there’s no messing about when they cannulate
3. that said cannula remains viable throughout the treatment
4. that I clear both the drugs in a timely fashion without complications
5. that I get to come home as quickly as possible
6. that the drugs are absolutely as effective as possible and kill off this b****stard disease
7. that post-chemo side-effects are minimal and not too painful
8. that the kids don’t worry too much about me
9. that Sara is safe on her journeys to and from the hospital
10. that all our supporters have the strength to carry on supporting us as brilliantly as they have so far…..
Thanks for supporting Andy through this process. I know your prayers are valued highly!
Remember that Andy’s blog is here and his business website is here.
Please also pray for two of Jo’s friends, one who has been diagnosed with Breast cancer and is having a lumpectomy on Monday, and the other who is waiting for results of tests for possible/probable leukemia.