Category Archives: Updates

Updates

Update on Catherine

Catherine had no seizures during her last stay at the Montreal Neurological Institute. However, we were very encouraged by what we learned. First, it sometimes takes several visits before they find anything; second, even with a full seizure captured on video camera, the EEG recording can be normal. This happens when the seizure activity starts deep within the brain—EEGs catch only surface waves. Third, a change in medicine, again, is also normal. Fourth, the head nurse assured us that we were in good hands as the Neurologists on Catherine’s case will not give up until they have conclusive evidence as to what is going on. Fifth, there are more tests that can be run, but because of their nature, they are reserved for the hard to crack cases.

So, for now, we try the new medicine, continue to journal Catherine’s episodes and go about life as normally as possible. We have a reevaluation of the situation in January.  Thank you for your continued prayers for our family through this important episode of our lives.

Pictures, Updates

Wedding Bells!

Amy and Benoit
Amy and Benoit

We already announced our daughter Stephanie’s engagement to Jérémie Savard in a previous e-mail update. But, we are also delighted that God has led Benoit Guillot and Amy Templeton together for His glory. Benoit is quite busy these days catching up at his government job and moving into a new apartment after a year’s sabbatical for seminary. Like Jérémie, Amy is a graduate of Northland. In fact, it was Jérémie that introduced her to Benoit! Amy is the daughter of Missionary Stanley Templeton and grew up helping her parents in their ministry in Peru. The wedding is to take place in Pennsylvania on November 6th. Do pray for Amy as she will be adjusting soon to a language, culture and climate quite different from South America.  Of course, she already has the wonderful advantage of being an MK!

It is the desire of both these young couples to be a part of the ministry team in the work here. This of course, is very exciting and encouraging for us!

Updates

update on Catherine March 19th

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers!

Catherine got out of the hospital today. She is having a combination of problems: epileptic seizures and fatigue/stress related non-epileptic ones. She is on Triliptol and we are to monitor her situation. She can go back to school in the fall barring anything new between now and then. However, she is under strict orders to only take 12 credits, work a job where she does not have to get up before her usual rising time, get 8 to 9 hrs of sleep, and eat regular, decent meals…no getting by on a snack. We have direct contact with the hospital if any further problems should develop.

Both she and Melanie have to go back to Montreal for another test each on April 6th and to meet with Dr. Andermann.

We have a wonderful God! From what Melanie heard from a pediatric neurosurgeon who specializes in epilepsy, the Neurological hospital of Montreal is the top hospital in the world for epilepsy. We could not have been in better hands.

Again, Thank you for praying.

Updates

Update on Catherine (and Melanie) March 17, 2009

Melanie took a 6:00 a.m. bus on Monday from Montreal to Quebec City in order to attend her class at the University of Laval on Tuesday.  Up to now we have managed to drive her back and forth.  Because of her own condition, she is not able to make the three-hour trip alone.  Last week, Stephanie went down to pick her up and we both drove her back on Tuesday night.  This allowed both Stephanie and me to be present for consultation with three different neurologists on Wednesday, have blood work done, then drive home late Wednesday night.  Anyway, the original plan for this week was for Melanie to take the bus back to be with Catherine late this afternoon.  However, the hospital called and requested that Melanie herself be admitted for surveillance at 8:30 a.m. today.  Sooo…  since  Stephanie was off work today, she and Melanie left at 4:00 a.m. this morning to go directly back to the hospital.  Melanie will most likely share a room with Catherine and both of them should be released to come home by Friday evening – at least that is the current plan :-).

Updates

update on Catherine March 11th

Catherine had a seizure on Monday night, but the EEG was so garbled with activity by her movements that they could not find the “epicenter”. However, they do have a video recording of what was happening to her. Mike, Catherine and I were able to review it with the Dr. and were able to confirm that what was being seen was what we have witnessed in the past.  The Dr. is keeping her through next Friday. Tomorrow, she will undergo at least two other tests and a third will be scheduled as an outpatient once she is released next week. Thank you for your prayers.