MAY 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
IAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
MARYNA BAARD LOSES HER FIANCE IN A HIKING TRAGEDY
JACQUES DU TOIT AND ANGUS BUCHAN
I PURCHASE THE MERCEDES BENZ FROM THE SPENCES
KIM TRZEBIATOWSKY DIES IN A TRAGIC CYCLING ACCIDENT
RON AND I WATCH RUGBY AT ST ANDREWS
What a week this was: Monday morning I had a run with the MPRG and in the evening Barbara, Ally and I went to the Zeelies for a Precept course that is being hosted by the Zeelie Cell Group but that is being led by Noeleen Slatem.
Tuesday Morning another slow run and in the evening I had a Nippers Committee meeting to sort out the AGM, New committee and Prize Giving.
Wednesday morning I left early in the morning for Queenstown. I spent the day visiting shops in Queenstown and then booked into the Aloe Grove Farm B & B. I went for a short jog on the farm road. But as soon as it became too dark to see the road I returned. I did not want to injure myself and was weak and tired from a very long day. That evening I had supper at the lodge and fell asleep as early as about 8 or 9pm.
I had ordered a picnic breakfast and left Queenstown at about 5.45am. I drove on the N6 to Aliwal North. this is a stunning road. Good quality road and in a beautiful setting with Koppies and Rocky outcrops en route. The Sunrise that morning stretched from North to South and was truly amazing. Shades of Blue and Crimson, from deep reds to shadowy pinks and oranges. At Aliwal I turned right to Sterkspruit. This was part of the Transkei and is still underdeveloped and does not look as healthy as the Aliwal area just down the road.
I spent the morning at the Price & Pride and Barnetts there before driving back to Russells in Aliwal North. The drive back to Queenstown was equally stunning as I had the setting sun casting shadows on the Koppies.
I was too late to go for a run and probably too tired as well as I hardly ate any supper and was again asleep early. I will probably not stay here again as the showers are luke warm and there is no strong flow, the towels were non absorbent, the bed room lighting was poor, the heater did not work, there was no real soap, only the liquid sort of soap that I dislike. The price was good but the rooms lacked any kind of special touch and there was no warm reception from owners or any greeting from the bar staff. I met up with Lou Bricknell from our church and we chatted at breakfast. Lou is in partnership with two other men to set up proposals for land development in rural areas.
Friday morning I spent visiting shops and left for home at about 14.30. As I approached PE, I received a call from Ian to say that he had found a recourrence of the Pancreatic Cancer that had been discovered last year. At that time he had an operation and Chemotherapy and we thought that it had been cleared.
But now, after a few nights of pain this week, he went to see the doctor and they told him that the cancer was back with a vengence. I spoke to Patrick and Mom to tell them about the call. It seems that Ian plans to continue with his life as far as possible. Jenny's son gets married in August. They are off to Paris this week. And they plan to come to Wildcliff as soon as possible.
Here are some of the emails that were sent:
Peter - just had a set of tests and it seems there may be a return of the cancer. So will have to see what can be done. Need more evaluations so please don't say anything to Mom about this yet.
Ian
Thank you so much Barbara. I really appreciate hearing from you.
I know Ian tried to talk to Peter this morning, but Skype wasn't working that well, so I think he'll probably try again later.
I have been doing some research, and I'm feeling a little more optimistic that there is some chemo treatment that will help buy us more time.
Unfortunately he's having a lot of pain - very sudden onset - just a week since it started, but it hits him when he lies down, so he's not getting a lot of sleep. I just picked up a pain prescription so hope that helps.
Hard to believe, isn't it! but we are coming out of our denial phase and facing up to it. I'm keeping Rachel informed.
Love Jenny
PS By the way, we may still go to Calgary in mid-June for Ian to teach if he is still well enough to do so, and it would be great to see Dawn, so do send me her email address.
Hi Jenny
Peter has just shown me Ians sms. I am so shocked and pained for you and Ian. I dont know what to say except that my prayers are with you and Ian right now. Words cant help what you are going through but just know that you and Ian are surrounded by our love and prays and we are here for you.
Bless you both
Barbara
Hi Rog and Tory and Peter and Barbara and Patrick and Marianne,
Thank you all so much for your loving wishes. We are soldiering on here, and I thought I'd share the latest plan with you.
Love Jenny
Hi Dr Huang,
Yes, thank you. Dr Rein prescribed Vicodin but Ian thinks perhaps he should have a sleep prescription too. Actually, if you would be able to phone that through to our pharmacy, that would be wonderful.
212 721-3883 Park West Pharmacy at 82nd and Columbus
Ian spoke to Dr Chachoua tonight, and we have a plan. We'll go to France for a week, and cope with the help of Vicodin and hopefully a sleeping pill. On Monday 25th May Ian will have a echocardiogram and then start on the EAP treatment for three days, a break of four weeks, then again. Because of possible adverse effects on the heart and one little kidney, there will then be the MRI, CTscan monitoring procedures.
So, we'll see how it goes, but we both feel more positive now we have a regimen to follow.
Jenny
On Fri, May 15, 2009 at 10:52 PM, Huang, William C.
Jenny. Thanks for the email. You do have Abe's correct email address. Did Ian speak to him today on the phone? Did you get the prescription for sleep and pain?
William C. Huang, MD
Assistant Professor of Urologic Oncology
Department of Urology
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York
Phone: 646 744 1503
To: Huang, William C.; Ian Giddy ; Stephanie Rein ; Chachoua, Abraham
Sent: Fri May 15 14:11:07 2009
recent articles on chemotherapy for ACC - re Ian Giddy
Dear Dr Chachoua, Dr Huang, and Dr Rein,
Thank you all for your kind care of Ian during this difficult time.
I would like to draw your attention to these recent articles (I am sure your are probably aware of them, but as a former medical librarian, I feel it's the least I can do to try to help, and they make me feel more hopeful that something can be done.)
I'm not sure if this is the correct email address for Dr Chachoua, so would appreciate it if Dr Huang could forward this if it's not right. Thanks.
Jenny Giddy
Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (31)
Citation: P. Kaur, A. Chauhan, G. Singh, S. P. Kataria & S. K. Mathur : Incidentally Discovered Nonfunctioning Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature . The Internet Journal of Third World Medicine. 2009 Volume 7 Number 2
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2630932
http://www.cancer-therapy.org/CT6B/pdf/62._Guthrie_&_Jasani,_597-602.pdf
2008 review article - above
Thanks Peter. Yes, Ena phoned and they had a good chat.
It seems to me that Ian did sleep better last night, or maybe he's just adapting more quietly.
Jenny
PS Chris has just phoned. Very nice to have all this wonderful support.
I'm off to Paris now and next week (25th on) I'll start a series of
chemo treatments
I have a painkiller prescription so hopefully I'll be able to sleep.
Jenny has suggested that we try to get Julia and Laura to Wildcliff in
August and have you and Patrick (and immediate family) join us for a
get-together. What do you think?
Peter
16.5.2009.
The Southern Kings play the British Lions at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday 16.06.2009..
The game is due to start at 15.00.
I have bought and paid for 24 tickets for the South side of the stadium on the:
Legacy Upper Tier. Block 619. Seat numbers 4-24 to 4-38. And 5-34 to 5-38
And Block 620 2.1 to 2.4
The cost of a ticket = R85
Peter, Barbara & Ally & Mark
Charles, Ingrid and Ian
Anthony & Lana
Andrew, Tristan & Marion
Michael and Lene
Jaco (Paid R100) & Abe
Ron & Lynn
Peter & Elmarie
Earl, Bailia & 2 (Paid R300)
That is 24 Tickets.
Want anymore?
Peter
24.05.2009.
Saturday morning I met up with Adrienne, Susan, Maryna and Andrew Barton for a run from Hobie. I had felt heavy and tired but once I started I felt a lot better and ran strongly. Maryna and I did the full loop along Strandfontein and down Admiralty Way. While we were jogging I asked Maryna why she had never married. She is an acceptable looking, healthy (triathlete and paddler) woman. She told me that when she was a student at Stellenbosch she had a boyfriend for four years. Philip and herself were engaged to be married.
They had a group of friends who used to hike together in the Boland. They would spend weekends together in the mountains. They planned a hike in the Drakensberg as a group. But for a variety of reasons the group never got together. SHe was doing her internship in Pretoria at First Military Hospital. Maryna works at the University and is a Biokineticist. So it turned out that Philip and his friend, Lawrence did the Drakensberg hike together.
They walked up the mountain and pitched a tent. That afternoon as they were making their Toppers and Smash, they felt stones hitting their tent. They were being stoned by some Basotho men or boys. Lawrence ran out and was hit on the Jaw with a stone and he was badly hurt and fell into some bushes. Philip was stoned and then tied up and thrown over a cliff side and died.
Lawrence woke up the next day and, with a broken jaw, walked until he met a Basotho on a horse who assisted him to reach a settlement where he was able to recover. Maryna tells me that she cried for two years. I am sure that she has had many men friends since then. Maryna is a friend of the Burri's. When Susan was due to have MC she and Markus did the Canoe paddle from PE to East London.
After the run I spent the morning at work and the afternoon was spent watching Rugby on TV and catching up on some recovery time. Sunday morning I met up with Jacques Du Toit and Andrew Jonas for the same run again. Jacques told this story as we were jogging: He had been at the MMC and was there when Angus Buchan collapsed. This is his story:
Jacques Du Toit (Heart Specialist living in Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.
I later realised that one of the doctors who attended to Angus was Jacques Du Toit. Jacques is the husband of Riana Green who is also a doctor and who runs with the MPRG. On Sunday 17.05.2009 Andrew Jonas, Jacques and I went for a run on the beachfront.
As we were running and chatting we started to talk about the MMC. And Jacques told me that he had been there (his second visit). He had heard that Angus was in trouble but was well aware that in instances like this one, there would be a number of GP's who would willingly assist. Last year he had also offered to assist where he saw medical attention would be required but found a queue of GP's who were assisting the Para-Medic's
So when we were called to prayer he did not rush to see how Angus was doing. However he received a call on his phone. But as we all know, reception was almost non existent as there were so many calls going in and out. Then a few moments later he received an SMS asking him to help. He ran over to Angus' home where he summed up the situation: they were giving Angus a Drip and Adrenalin. If Angus had suffered a heart attack, then the Adrenalin would kill him.
He told them to remove the Adrenalin and to continue with the Drip. And, as he personally knew a doctor in Pietermaritzburg, he told them to fly Angus to the hospital. His advice was to either postpone the evening session by two hours or to allow Angus on stage only the next morning. He discussed this with Angus' daughter who is a nurse and with Angus' son, Andy who was in the Music Group.
Later Jacques also told me that his father in law, Riana Green's dad, had been the mayor of Clocolan which is the place where we had stopped on our was to MMC a few weeks earlier.
Ally was playing Drums & Barbara was singing in the music group that morning in church. During this service the minister, Jonathan and Graeme Gilmour made their appeal for funds and pledges. This is for the extensions that are planned. Tim Marshall added a lighter note with his singing and actions routine. I was able to break the news to Mike & Barbie Perks that we are no longer going to hike the Fish River Canyon this year. I handed over the booking documents to Mike.
After church Ally made a number of calls and set up for Hockey at Clarendon. We fetched Mark and he told us that he plays Hockey at his school in Linkside. We met up with about 12 to 15 children and dad's who joined us for Hockey. Ally & Alli, Luke and Luke, Jess and Jessica, Brad, MC and Emelio, Amber, Jonti and another dad, Mark, Ashliegh & Joshua & Greg....
This was the first time that I have seen Mark Du Piesanie in many years. He is doing modeling and has an agent. He was in Paris for a short while doing modeling there as well. He is in Grade 11 this year.
We had a great time playing and generally having fun outdoors. We dropped Mark off and then visited Charles where I was able to give him the tune for In the stillness of who you are and Lug jou hande na bo.
Today I made a booking for the Lions Rugby match that is due to be played in Port Elizabeth on 16.06.2009. at the new Nelson Mandela stadium. This will be the opening of the stadium and the first game to be played there.
I also made an offer to purchase Ian Spence's old Mercedes Benz for R5000 plus repairs to the vehicle of about R16 000.
The next week was just as busy:
I was home on Monday and went to the precept course at the Zeelies that evening. But Tuesday I left early for Jhb where I had good Head Office Meetings then stayed over at Keith Braadvedt. Suzanne and I went to fetch Julia who was playing Water Polo with the men. SHe was the only girl and played continuously for over 90 minutes. Julia is in Goals and saves some really tough and ferocious attempts. I slept well. I am reading Spud and find this to be a really funny book about this school boy at Michaelhouse. He reminds me of me at that age.
Wednesday morning we finalised some of the issues we had discussed the previous day and then met with the ADRS people. Corrie dropped us at the airport. I landed in PE and went straight to Alpha where I had supper and stayed there until about 10pm. THen next morning, Thursday I left at 5am for Butterworth.
I met Christo, Julia, Maria and Alfred there. I was able to give them feedback from our meeting and then went to King where Ingrid Botha had asked me to assist with the documents and induction of a manager. From there I drove to EL where I met Maria and we went to a staff member's home to inspect a lounge suite. It turned out to be legitimate. That night I stayed at Chimneys with Chris Zietsman.
Friday morning I went to Josh, Price, Barnetts and Morkels in EL before driving home. Ally went to her evening guild at the church.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and Elmarie for a run at the beach. We met Susan Burrie, Andrew Jonas and MC Botha. We did our normal circuit. A bit too fast and I ended up with a sore knee. From there I went to the Post Office to collect forms for the purchase of a vehicle and withdrew the cash that I would have to pay the Spences.
I spent a few hours at work and then went home to do a tip run with the gardener, Kevin. Saturday afternoon I first watched Ian play rugby against Paul Roos. He did not have a good game and their team lost. To their Credit, Paul Roos simply outclassed Grey. We watched the Third, Second and First teams all get beaten by Paul Roos. I heard that the Hockey team had also been beaten the previous evening.
Paul Roos is the name of the first Springbok Rugby Captain. The story goes that he was wearing a T-Shirt with a Springbok emblem when their team went to play Scotland in 1906 and hence the name "de Springbokke".
Saturday evening Michael and his two boys and I went to a church supper at Admirals restaurant in 2nd avenue Walmer. They seemed to have a great time. We gave a lift to Jonny Pearson who told me that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It seems that it is inoperable and he is having chemotherapy as well as Radium treatment. I dropped him off at his home in Waverly drive.
Sunday morning Barbara & I dropped Ally off with Michael and then drove through to Plett. Ena made us Breakfast and then we walked to the Spences where Alice signed over the Mercedes Benz. She charged us R5000 plus the repairs that she had just had done to the car to the value of R10 000. Ena gave me a good box of Rusks. I love one or two of her rusks for breakfast.
We filled up and then drove home. It was an easy drive and once I had got used to the size and feel of the car it was not too bad. But it certainly feels like a tank to me. We collected Ally from Michaels home and after lunch went down to Clarendon where we again had an excellent afternoon of Hockey with this ad hoc group of people who seem to turn up from all corners to enjoy a game.
I had the Five Ways Garage put the car through road worthy and then licenced it at the Post office the next day. No trouble and the Merc is now officially ours. I am not sure what I will do with it but it is useful to have an additional car.
Monday evening we met at the Besters for precept. A good evening with plenty of discussion. At this precept course are: Pierre and Bronwyn Bester; Hannes & Jacqui Zeelie; Owen Biggs; Bobby Stevenson; Garth & Noelene Slatem; Rob Ermes and ourselves.
Wednesday evening Ally had a hockey game against Summerwood in the afternoon. She is now in the second team and last year they thrashed Summerwood. Today it was a different story altogether. The had a really tough match and were unlucky to not score a goal. They were beaten 1-0. Ally had a Big Band Competition at Alexander Road where she played well but Barbara commented how out of date the music was compared to the music being played by other schools. Unfortunately Ms Judd ( the music teacher) was attacked in her home and was not able to be there. It seems that she is okay but shaken up.
I had an excellent Alpha session. Fell asleep during the DVD but not noticeably. Our group sessions after the DVD are turning out to be real out pouring of heartfelt stories and problems. I am sure that this will draw people closer to God. The support that members feel from fellow group members is strong.
Hi All
No doubt you will all have heard & read about the tragic death on Sunday evening of Kim Trzebiatowsky.
Kim was an ex Achillean and was likely to shortly rejoin the club.
Kim's tragic accident happened on the Seaview Rd in the company of Chris Gedye, Peter Marriott and Shane Norris. Graham Channon explained that they had been at Van Staadens for the weekend. And that Peter and Kim had wanted to cycle while Chris and Shane were running. Peter had done a U turn to meet up with the runners and they were also doing some hill training. Kim did a U-turn without looking and a lady in a BMW hit her. The driver had no chance and to add to the hurt, Graham tells me that the driver knew Kim.
Kim was also Chris's girlfriend.
To the three of you we extend our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your very special friend. We also have you in our thoughts with regard to the trauma of immediately dealing with a loved one in those circumstances.
Fortunately Kim was not alone and opened her eyes to her loved one(s).
We pray that you will all find strength to deal with this tragedy.
Best wishes
Bruce
Saturday 30.5.2009.
Up early but no one there to meet for the morning run at the beach. So I decided to call it off. I have a sore knee and it is just as well that I dont run for a while until it starts to heal. Went to the shops with Barbara, did a tip run and then Ron & I headed off to Grahamstown to watch rugby. Unfortunately we had missed Ian du Toit's match but we watched from the U16's.
It was a really chilly day and a visit to the pavilion at St Andrews in Grahamstown was required. Ron had a traditional G & T while I had a beer. The Pavilion is really a success with a quality bar, luxury cushions, big couches and a fire place. They had organised a buffet lunch as well as the hot dogs and hamburgers on the braai. The Colliers, John Stapleton, Hennie van Eck, Lindsay Pearson, Arlene Wulfson, Hiedi were some of the parents we saw there.
The main game was closely contested and it was the Grey first team kicker (full back) who scored the first 9 points. The St Andrews boys managed one unconverted try and one 7 pointer putting them at 12 points. Grey scored a converted try and they were at 17 points. Ron & I started to walk towards the car as we wanted to get home to be able to watch the second half of the Bulls/Chiefs Super 14 final.
As we stood behind the poles the Grey team were awarded a penalty. with the track record we thought that this would be the deciding points but the strong West wind put the striker off and no points were scored. But a few seconds later the St Andrews boys played some classic passing rugby and scored from ten meters from their own try line. The try was converted and the game won by the home team. There were huge celebrations by the boys who know that beating Grey is always a significant victory.
Nicci and Stefan had left CT early and arrived in PE at 13.30 in time for Joshua's party in Kragga Kamma. Ally also had a party: Emma at the Boardwalk where they played some ten pin and dodgems.
We had a quick drive home and were in time to watch the Bulls beat the chiefs by 61 to 17. A margin of 44 points. The Bulls were in top form and the Waicato Chiefs were floundering.
Sunday morning: Church with Nicci & Stefan. Then Nicci, Stefan & I tried to find a suitable camera for them to take to THailand but we were not successful. Barbara, Ally & I went to the Bridge where we looked for some DVD's to play for the little children when Nicci and Stefan are away. I collected Mark and we headed off to Clarendon where we had another good turnout of hockey players: Jonti, Jessica, Joshua and louise. Hannes & Amber. MC, Emelio and Jason. Alli Mitchley, Rob and a few friends; Jessica Giddy. I think we had a total of about 18 people in the two teams.
Life is charging on.
Friday 12th June.
Nicci & Stefan are back from Thailand. They were in Phuket where they did a photo shoot for a wedding. At one time they were taking photo's while there was a group on a balcony and the whole balcony collapsed. People lay about in shock and injured.
The final count was one in hospital and many others with minor injuries. We had the three children: Christian, Aaron and Zara staying with us. Surprisingly not a huge effort although I can hardly speak as I was away on business a lot of the time. Also I had the Alpha Weekend last weekend. What an exhausting experience. We stayed at Willows. Yesterday Nicci & Stefan returned. We had a braai and everyone was in bed early.
Both Michael & I had the day off on Friday. I had to spend a short while in the office and then attended Jessica's sing song carnival at the school. Barbara joined me. After the show we saw Nicci and Stefan off. They drove through to Ena for the night. We will leave early on Saturday morning, meet them in Plett and then all drive through to Wildcliff.
While all of this has been going on here; Ian has been having a really tough time. He has been diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Cancer. Right now he is in Intensive Care in a NY hospital and has been sedated.
Some emails.
Thanks Barbara. I'll have a better idea tomorrow night as to prognosis.
They are keeping Ian in a coma for 24 hours, so I should find out by tomorrow evening what is happening.
At this stage, I would say no as he is not conscious, and I don't know if he will regain consciousness.
Jenny
Jenny please let me know if you feel Peter should be coming over to be with Ian. Peter is in meeting in East London today. You can contact me on my mobile anytime you need. Not sure how you do it internationally (0842272272 or my landline 041 3748191) the mobile is the better option.
God bless and stay strong
Barbara
Ian in intensive care will let you know
Hi peter and barbara and patrick and Marianne
We are all back at the hospital again today taking turns at ian's bedside though he is still unresppnsivr
They are now warming him up slowly so he will go from 31 to 37 at about 5am. I will go home in about am hour but will come back v early or they will call me if he shows any response.
I am so glad julia couldvfly in last night and it is a comfort having her and Rachel and laura and Jovy here
My James will come soon. He is probably still a bit in shock after yesterday when I called him for help just to help me and ellen move ian back to bed by the time he arrived ian was gray and he had to do CPR until 911 people arrived plus the policemen I'd run to call from across the street.
My brother roger had yet another biopsy and may be released for a few days with tons of morphine until they decide whether to give him chemo or radiation
it is nice to have my sister In law Tory for company
Hope all is giping well there
Take care.
Love jenny
Hi Jenny
How is Ian? Peter has phoned and told Ena and said we will keep her up todate.
I was so shocked to hear about Roger. How bad is he? Sorry all the questions,but very difficult being away from family when they are going through such a rought time. We will be going to bed in about an hour, but you have my mobile number so you can call me at any time of the night.
084 2272272.
We are all off to Wildcliff for the weekend. Cathy and Saul will join us there. This will be Michael's first visit to WC. He is taking the Merc.
Peter
12.6.2009.
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