Justin Update - JULY

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Yippppeeeeeee! 1 to go! WOW! Our countdown is drawing near! Justin had number 11 on Thursday and has had a good recovery period this time around. Side effects are becoming more apparent such as lack of feeling in his arms and legs and funny fingernails! This is from the long term effects of the chemicals in the body. Photo’s attached are of us at Constantiaberg Sunflower ward and the last couple of weeks together.

Last treatment date is the 31^st July – then we will see Dr Du Toit around the 20^th August and then Justin will have a PET scan. This specialised scan can only be done in one place in Cape Town and is a full body scan that detects any cancer cell in the body. At this stage Dr Du Toit has said he will wait on the results of the PET to see whether he wants to proceed with further treatment or radiation. Should the PET be clear, then he wants to leave Justin alone! We trust God for His perfect plan for us in these results too!

We are ready to celebrate! We are planning a mid week break away middle of August and then a 4 week holiday sometime around October to relax and have some fun!!!!!! We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our niece sometime in August J Going to be an Uncle and an Aunt for the 1^st time!

Looking back to the 13^th Feb which was the day of diagnosis, there have been so many significant changes in both of our lives. We know when treatment ends, we won’t go back to normal life like we had before– we will be living a “new kind of normal”. One marked with completely different eating and lifestyle habits, being grateful for the somewhat insignificant moments and blessings in life and a renewed trust in God. There is no better place to be than in the centre of God’s hand, where He holds every moment, and you let him! Where there is an incredible peace even amidst uncertain times and not knowing what the future holds for us. What a relief to know that God delights in carrying our worries and anxious thoughts and we can confidently leave these all to Him.

We were sad to hear about the passing of Jessica (7 yrs old) 2 weeks ago. We got to know her and her parents during the treatments Justin has had. She was recovering from her 2^nd bone marrow transplant and 3rd relapse with leukaemia when she relapsed for the 4^th time and the doctors sent her home. Please keep her family in your prayers. They are rejoicing that she is dancing with Jesus but such a sad loss for her family (www. Friendsofjessica. com ) We continue to pray for all our other friends we have met in the ward. James (4) and Bea (10) recovering well after treatment for leukaemia) Bilqees, Candice and Craig all receiving treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma and Nazliya (who was at school with Jenny) is trying to find a bone marrow donor. Please keep them in your prayers.

Once again we say a BIG BIG thank you for all your prayers and loving support – we couldn’t have done this without you! And we love you all!

Justin and Jenny

Joshua 1:9 – “Yes, be bold and strong!  Banish fear and doubt!  For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”              

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up with My right hand.

Jer 17:7-8 – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit”