May, 2007

May, 2007. We continue to praise the Lord for being kind and gracious to us in regard to Antonia. She continues to make small but noticeable gains in various areas, which are always joyfully welcomed. Antonia has recently had a prosthesis made for her mouth in order to lift her soft palate and help her speak better. We were very hopeful that this would help her enunciate much better, but the results have been more subtle than dramatic. The doctor said she probably needs to have it built up a little more, but the speech therapist thinks it is ok and that she needs to build up her diaphragm strength—I think she needs both. With regard to Antonia’s speech, this is an area we could use some more prayer. If Antonia could speak a little more clearly and quickly it would then take some frustration away she experiences and it would make easier for us to help her with her needs. Antonia has also had some oxygen treatment in a hyperbaric chamber recently. She has had seven sessions, between 40 min to 1hr. each session. This was intended to help get oxygen into the small capillaries in her brain, and thus rejuvenate some cells that were alive but in a stupor state because there are receiving minimal oxygen. It was the kind of situation that help out to us more promise that it delivered, and caused us to question whether we should continue to pursue it. Because of the questions we had we decide o discontinue using it and look at other options. A great friend and help from the church designed and built Antonia a standing frame. We are trying to put her in it everyday for around twenty five minutes a day, and are seeking to extend that so she can stand for 25 minutes several times a day. This is an important aspect to her recovery, as she uses various muscles she hasn't used in some time, and stretches the tendon in her left foot, which was shortening due to her lack of standing. Something quite amusing happens one day while she was in the standing frame, Antonia was holding on to the frame, looking out the window and wobbling all around when she quipped, "I feel like one of those bobble-head dolls." The most Recent development has been some interesting discoveries of what is happening with stem cells (no need to worry they are not fetal/embryonic stem cells). We have spoken with a Dr. in California, and have done some research on the internet, about some new stem cell therapies that use a person’s own stem cells from their bone marrow. They extract bone marrow from the patient, begin manipulating the cells toward—in Antonia’s case—a neuro cell and then inject it back into her close to the area of need. The cells then go in and repair the damaged cells they can get access to. This doesn’t mean everything gets fixed, but it does repair cells that are accessible through the blood stream. This is also a very expensive procedure, so please pray regarding this procedure as it is very costly. Thank you for your faithfulness in praying and your monetary giving. We are forever grateful! Blessings, Dean and Family

February 2007

February 2007.
We are rejoicing in God’s goodness! These past couple of months we have continued to see little improvements in Antonia’s everyday activities. We are most thankful for the advancements in her speech. We are able to understand her better all the time, and she is even able to sing audibly now. One evening when Dean arrived home from the office she sang, “You are so beautiful, to me...” (It is truly amazing to witness these moments). She has also recently prayed with the kids at bedtime and they were able to understand her without any need of clarification—this was a real blessing to all. We also just heard that she was approved for the prosthesis for her mouth (Which we talked about in the previous update), and will be going for a fitting on February 28th. This should further enhance her speech and make sharper clarity a reality.
Kim continues to work with Antonia twice a week helping her gain greater strength, and she is teaching her some basic cooking skills. Last week Antonia chopped and tore some veggies up for soup. This is such an accomplishment for her as she really wants to help out. One day Shirley was washing down the cupboards and Antonia wanted to help, so she gave her a cloth and Antonia wore the cloth out scrubbing on the side of the cupboard (Her true personality shines through in these tasks).
Mary took Antonia back to the university and she was approved for more therapy. They could not believe how far she has come since they had last seen her. She has had two sessions thus far, and with the help of a nurse has taken steps in parallel bars with a brace on her left leg. When she was asked if she had enough, Antonia turned to the therapist and asked, “Why, are you tired?” One of the nurses, after seeing her progress, commented by saying, “This is going to be a good year for Antonia.”
Antonia continues to tell everyone she meets about the lord. She asks almost every stranger she talks to if they know Christ, and then proceeds to tell them that he died for them. This usually causes a funny and awkward moment as we usually have to translate for her and watch the victim squirm.
Antonia’s outbursts have also diminished greatly. She is sleeping better at night, and more aware of where she is. Please continue to pray for her short term memory and that God would grant complete restoration.
Blessings on you all,
Dean & family