8-6-03
Dear Family and Friends,
I have an update and an urgent request.
I was finally able to meet with Tim's doctor today. Wonderful folks from the Med. group were there as well, to make sure that all my questions were answered, and that I understood everything that was discussed.
Here's the jist of it: The swelling in Tim's brain seems to have decreased a bit more but it appears that Tim has suffered some damage to his brain stem as well as areas in his higher brain. As his sedation level was decreased, several neurological studies were done. These studies coupled, with the latest images in his CT scan, led the doctor to believe that there was indeed damage. Yet, Tim is breathing spontaneously (He's still on the ventilator, but it's not assisting his breathing) and his heart is beating- both brain stem functions. He remains comatose. We have seen some movement since they have reduced his level of sedation and taken him off the muscle paralyzer. The doctor says his movements are only reflexive. HOWEVER, we have seen some movements that we believe were in response to our touch and voice.
The doctor at this point really doesn't know whether Tim will recover or not. Only God knows that, and we will leave that to Him. The doctor says he predicts the outcome to be either: 1) Vegetative state (bedridden, no speech) 2) Wheelchair bound (feeding tube, incomplete communication). As I've said before, God was not included in his assessment, and HE is the one who will have the final say. Our hope is in Him.
At any rate, we will be heading back to the States very soon. Since we don't know how long Tim's recovery will take, this will probably be a permanent move for us. My biggest prayer need right now is for wisdom. We can relocate anywhere we want, SO I NEED SOME FEEDBACK FROM STATESIDE FOLKS REGARDING FACILITIES THAT CAN CARE FOR TIM. We're looking for a great place for Tim, yet, with a low cost of living. I'll be heading home this evening to start making arrangements, so please email Becky or I, or call, (011-81-176-57-0097) with your input. Thank you.
The initial crisis has passed (ie: brain swelling did not cause brain death) so we are thankful for that answer to prayer. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING. I hope that no one thinks that God hasn't been listening just because Tim isn't up and around yet. God has heard every prayer, and just because we don't get exactly the answer we want when we want it, doesn't make Him any less God. He is good, He is sovereign, He loves us, and He knows what He's doing. These circumstances don't change His character. We're not throwing in the towel just yet- we're still praying for a miracle.
Please pray for the kids. They've been great throughout all of this. Continue to pray for their strength, especially since we'll be moving.
I've been at the hospital for two weeks. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support you have given us. Thank you for writing, calling, visiting with my family and I, for coming by the hospital to pray for Tim, for translating, for driving my family, for spending the night with the girls and I, for entertaining Daniel, for arranging meals and transportation, for all the food, water, Yen, books, music, etc. you've brought. Thanks Misawa, what an awesome community. We're sad to leave. Robb and Merry and Family- we love you!
Love,
Carole and Kids