March 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friends,
We just finished our prayer letter which is now old news. On
Wednesday, March 12, our GP rang and was able to get our April 16
appointment with the neurologist moved up to that Wednesday.
Thank you for your prayers concerning this matter!
We went down into Wellington and saw the same neurologist Dale saw in
the emergency room and also one of the heads of neurology in
Wellington. They did some of the same basic strength tests on
Dale and asked a lot of questions. To make a long story short,
the head of neurology (Dr. Mossman) has diagnosed Dale with MS due to
his symptoms, the MRI, and Dale's dad having MS. I felt as
though the doctor gave his diagnosis as if Dale had a simple cold.
Our first reaction was shock (we still suspect it could be MS), but it
was the way he presented the diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is
little treatment in New Zealand for MS unless you become totally
disabled. Dr. Mossman suggested we go back to the states for
further consultation and possible treatment.
We have been praying that the Lord would open the doors if Dale
needed to get a second opinion in the states. Many things have
been worked out towards that end. Right now our thoughts are to
go back sometime in May and have more tests run. Dale's sister,
Doreen, is engaged to a doctor (Ernie) who knows the chief neurologist
at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. As soon as we can set
a date, Ernie will set up all the necessary appointments.
Initially, Dale was going to return on his own and I would stay here
with Micah. After the emotional roller coaster we have been on
the last two weeks, Dale has asked me to come back with him. He
doesn't want to be there without me when they have a final diagnosis.
I know that I won't be able to stay longer than two or three weeks.
If Dale needs to stay longer to start any treatment, I will return to
NZ and he will follow later. We are still working out the
possibility of Micah staying behind and someone in the church taking
care of him. He has just started high school and it would be
very difficult for him to miss any school. Please pray with us
about finding someone to look after Micah.
We will let you know when we plan to return as soon as the details are
closer to being finalized.
We know that God has a plan,
Janet
