Monday, August 5, 2013

Video link

Hello friends 

 The link to the videos of Lenora's Funeral will remain active until the 10th of August. So if you want to see them do so this week. Thank you for following Lenora's story here. I trust you have been encouraged and challenged to follow God more closely.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Tributes

Good morning,
Below you will find three video tributes we put together in memory of Lenora. These will be showed on the funeral.
Please scroll down to the bottom and there you will once again find the link to the live stream event and more information about the streaming. So please scroll to the bottom and read the entire post.





Lenora's closest and best friend Darlene Penner, sang lead on the song "Friends are Friends Forever".

Now to the streaming. I wish I could promise you a flawless experience. I can't. But we'll do our best.
We plan to be using SLR cameras for streaming because of technical reasons.. One of their limitations are battery span; chances are pretty good that the screen will go black with a sparkco advertisement while it's off, during the time we are changing batteries. So if you suddenly see a screen with a link and advertisement, just ignore it. Hopefully it'll soon be back to a video stream. (We hope to be able to have a quick switch and it shouldn't take long.)
We may also from time to time throw up a still image of Lenora or something related like that while we do battery switch or reposition cameras so don't be alarmed if you see a still image for a minute.

And if you have questions, don't be afraid to use the chat.

Finally, the funeral starts at 2 PM Central Time. We hope to have a steady feed up at 1:30 or sooner. There's a choir and stuff before 2 already so you might wanna tune in for that.
The burial is out of town so there for a few hours the broadcast will be off. But for family and friends who want to see the reception later too, we plan to also broadcast that but I haven't heard an exact time for that. That will just kind of happen once the meal is over and so on.

Here is the link again.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Streaming Funeral Online


Dear friends/supporters of the Loewens,
Below you will see a link to watch the funeral live on Saturday; Our aim is perfection - but we are still somewhat limited to technology on this edge of the planet.

(NOTE: Let there be no confusion: the funeral starts at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time - regardless of what the "event" on livestream says. I'm not 100% sure what timezone it is running on.)

Please do try watching it if you can't make it here in person; and we would welcome you to join in on the chat as well and give us feedback on how the view is. I hope to be able to have someone monitor the chats and respond if there are any issues.

If something is plain not working or the audio is terrible, put it in the chat; if there is no change within 60 seconds, (in our testing there is a slight delay) then please text me at 204, 494, 1234.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Live stream

Details for a live stream are coming together well. I will be posting the actual link Thursday night.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Updated funeral info

There is a funeral service for Lenora in Grandview at the Grandview Kinsman Community Center at 2pm on Friday, July 12. A Light lunch will be served after.
      465 burrows street Grandview, Manitoba

On Saturday, July 13 there will another funeral service at the Arborg community hall at 2 pm followed by the burial service at Interlake Mennonite church cemetery. After the graveside service there will be a reception back at the hall in Arborg.
  North end of Ingolfs street, Arborg Manitoba.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Funeral service

The plan is to have a memorial service in Grandview on Friday July 12 and the funeral and burial in Arborg on Saturday July 13. Most likely both will be afternoon services. I will confirm this when plans get finalized.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Finally free!!

Lenora passed on peacefully. Her face turned redder and redder until it was blue then her breathing slowed until she stopped breathing altogether.
I will be posting further plans later.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Fever

Hey Lenora has been fighting a fever throughout the afternoon. Doc says this fever comes as a result of her congested lungs. She drank less than a cup of water because she slept most of the day. Thanks to those of you who have made it a point to come see her in Grandview. The support means more than you know!

Not going downhill today

Hey to us it looks like Lenora is not going downhill today. Lenora does have good reflex in her feet. This is encouraging because the doctors were looking for this reflex when she was in Winnipeg but she didn't have it then. This afternoon she told the nurse she was ready to go home; and that in a fairly clear voice!
Lenora is getting a medication to dry up the phlegm in her lungs. She is also getting hydrated through IV because she can't swallow and therefore has no other way of absorbing liquid. She isn't able to eat.
Remember to count your blessings.



Thursday, July 4, 2013

Not looking good

Lenora looks quite peacefull she opens her eyes a little bit but her legs and arms are cool on top and sweating underneath. Mostly her chest and forehead that are warm to the touch. Not looking good

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Very weak

Before lunch Lenora drank a little bit. After lunch she was so weak she couldn't even swallow.
Mom got a few words out of her today but not enough to be able to communicate with her.

Sleeping a lot.

Today went much like yesterday, with Lenora laying quiet, sleeping, except for waking up at noon long enough to eat. In the afternoon, Carla, a massage therapist, came in and massaged Lenora's feet, and she woke up.
It's strange how Lenora's skin color looks normal considering she was diagnosed with cancer.
Tonight Lenora was awake for a while and we sang with her for a while. I brought my guitar and it seemed the sound of music made her want to play her violin. It hurts to see her simply laying there unable to do anything day in and day out. After singing for about 20 min, we gathered around her bed and prayed together. She closed off with a short prayer she said too quietly for us to hear except for.. 'thank you for hearing and answering our prayers, in Jesus name, amen.'
That's all for now.
May God bless you!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Camp over, I'm back

Camp is over so I will be much more reachable again! :) (at least as far as the blog is concerned) God was able to reach hearts this week. My prayer, our prayer as camp staff team, is that the commitments that were made will remain real in spite of all the mental garbage that modern teens get bombarded with by the media.
Lenora is slowly getting weaker. It did look like she was going to have another seizure this Friday but fell asleep before it was able to set in. The lady who stayed with her that night enjoyed discussing heaven and other spiritual discussions with Lenora. Saturday Lenora's mind was more confused again and today was no better.
Thank you for offering prayer support. It makes our load easier to bear. May God bless you for continuing to pray that His will be done!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Episodes

Yesterday (Thursday) Lenora slept for 8 hours. Then she woke up for a bit and seemed fairly clear for a bit. Then she had something like a seizure but soon fell asleep again for 4 hours.
When she woke up she was very clear and could communicate well. She asked for something to eat and drink. 
But then she had another episode where she had difficulty breathing - to the point that her face turned blue.
Amazingly, Lenora did pull out of that again too. She slept for most of the night – didn't even necessarily wake up completely when they turned her in her bed.

As far as we know Lenora does not have any pain; she is not moaning or anything like that in her sleep so we praise God for that.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Short and to the Point

Please pray for Lenora's constipation.
Thank you!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Sitting up in bed

Cindy asked me to post this while Justen is busy with camp. ~ Delmar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday, Lenora was very weak. Her voice was so quiet, it was quite hard to understand her when she talked.
Today,  She looks and feels better.She's alot brighter and her mind is clearer. She's easier to understand when she talks. She's eating a little more and drinking better. 
They had her sitting up very straight in her bed.
Her prayer request is that she would get stronger.
~Cindy

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Camp week coming up.

Well it appears Lenora is drifting in and out of consciousness. By the afternoon her face looked more pale then it's been for the past week. And yet by evening her face had more color in it again. Mom figured her memory was really poor. Lenora does recognize people sometimes but other times she's clueless. All things considered, I would say Lenora is worse then yesterday. Guess we'll wait to see what tomorrow brings. Pray Lenora will continue to rest in the everlasting arms of God. May you be blessed and refreshed this Lords day!


P.S. I will be working as counsellor at Wellman Lake Bible camp June 23-30 and will not be posting updates until after I get back, or if something happens that's significant enough for me to leave camp early. In this case, consider 'no news to mean good news'! So long.. Enjoy this last week of June.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Not as much rest

Lenora was awake much more today then she was yesterday. She ate a pint of refried beans at noon. She talks very quietly.
This evening she had a sharp pain in her temple after which she seemed to sink into her blind world and made no extra effort responding to people talking to her.
That's Lenora's day in a nutshell. Thank you for checking in. God bless you for caring about her!

Fairly alert

Yesterday Lenora slept deeply until 2 pm. Then she was wide awake for several hours and spent some time on the patio in the sunshine. We were surprised how much she remembered about things that happened while she was very sick in Winnipeg. We didn't think she was aware of what was happening outside her world but she seemed to somehow have caught that Grandma was in the hospital but is now home again.
Lenora ate fairly well and was quite alert. We spent some time last night singing with her. I accompanied with my guitar. She sang along as best she could. She is so weak that her voice is very quiet a lot of the time.
This morning she said she had some pain in her back. Otherwise she's pain-free. Dad talked with her on the phone for 10 minutes this afternoon. That was a real surprise!
Thank you for praying for Lenora. She is at peace in her situation. When she prays you can tell she is talking with God as with a friend!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Fundraiser

There's a fundraiser happening in Arborg MB. I attached the poster. Screenshot was the simplest way for to convert to image file as blogger doesn't attach pdf's. Or I haven't figured out how-to at this point. Back to the point. See below for further details..

.....

Lenora seems to feel fine in spite of throwing up occasionally. She slept real deep from morning until 2 pm and was quite alert while Dad was in to see her for a few minutes. There doesn't seem to be any significant upward or downward spiral today. Let me put it this way. The waiting and uncertainty got old a while back already.
Thank you for praying.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Doing ok

Lenora had a fairly good day yesterday with lots of visitors. She was awake and sang with us for a while. Her memory is short so she doesn't remember who's all been there to see her. Thanks for coming and showing your support.
She slept ok this past night and is doing alright this morning.
Below us a picture of Lenora in her room in Grandview.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Transferred to Grandview

Lenora arrived in Grandview 430 this morning. She seems to be doing ok. I fed her breakfast and lunch. Both times she ate a little bit.
It's great for Mom to be home for part of the day at least. It'll be great therapy for her since she loves the outdoors, gardening, and the family time that comes with summer.
God's grace is abundant and we are grateful to you all for praying for Lenora. We trust God will fulfill His perfect plan though this valley experience. As Revelation puts it. .... "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (Revelation 5:12 NASB)

Friday, June 14, 2013

Getting transferred

Lenora is having a much harder time staying positive now that she seems to be feeling better. The plan is to transferred Lenora to Grandview hospital tomorrow around noon. We are looking forward to having mom live at home again and Lenora much closer!

Justen Loewen

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Doing ok

Well Lenora is doing ok. She sat up a few times yesterday. There's enough improvement this morning for her to be feeling discouraged. Sounds backwards to me but that's how it works. There's not much more to update on so I'll leave it at that.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Holding on

Another night and Lenora is still hanging in there. She was fairly alert, mentally, throughout the night. She dozed off once in a while but didn't really seem to rest well.
We'll see what today holds for her and us. God is Good!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Actually hungry?

Yesterday evening Lenora became quite alert and so we sang for her about 15 minutes. Then teresa came in with her 2 week old baby so Lenora could feel him at least since she cannot see. She handled the night quite well. Even in her deteriorating mental condition, Lenora is focused on others, a sign of the unselfish character she had before she turned sick. Around noon today Lenora ate 1-1/2 pancakes with peanut butter, 1/2 an apple, 1/2 bottle of ensure.

Below I attached a pic of Lenora touching her youngest nephew.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Seizure

Shorter not as severe seizure but involved her whole body. Called this a brain storm. The doctors are saying she should be gone already considering her illness and the symptoms she's been having over the past several days. He also said she could likely go today yet but that it might be 3 weeks. Unpredictable.

And still hanging in there

God is good. He gave us all of Saturday evening and Sunday to spend time with and talk with Lenora. Many visitors came to show us their prayer support and walking through today's uncertainties with us. God is good! I don't know how long we will have Lenora but we are very grateful to have been able to experience this weekend with her together.
She drank quite a bit of water and ate a bowl of soup, a piece of breaded fish, and drank part of a bottle of meal supplement. We feel pretty good about that! As far as her mental clarity is concerned, quite random and mixed up. Her answers to direct questions would mostly make sense but her tongue rambled on and on. We did a lot of singing and these were the only times she could stay focused on something in reality.She slept about an hr and a half last night. Hopefully this night is better. We trust Lenora into God's hands. His plan for her life is bigger and far more fulfilling than any plan we can make up on our own! Whether God takes Lenora home tonight, tomorrow, next week, or 50 years from now, may His name be glorified on earth because of Lenora's testimony! Your prayer support as brothers and sisters in Christ has been phenomenal! The grace of God has been very real today! Praise The Lord!

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5 NASB)

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Still hanging in there

Lenora is still hanging in there. We're talking with Lenora right now. She was listening to Dad talk about her youngest nephew. After a bit she started snapping her fingers. I asked her what song went well with that. She started singing 'In the Sweet by and by' so we joined in and she switched from lead to alto. Beautiful!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Awake for a bit

Here's Lenora awake for a bit! Treasure every moment!

24 hrs left

Doctors say Lenora has less then 24 hrs left. She is in a coma now. Dad testifies to the very real presence of God with them at the hospital. Thank you so much for your prayer support as we walk through this time of grieving and yet rejoicing for the time we had Lenora!!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Prayer request

I know there are more people then we know about, who are praying for Lenora and her family. Lenora's condition is becoming increasingly unstable as the days go by. We as family are asking for special prayer for Lenora. The following update gives you an idea what is happening right now.
This morning, Nurses had Lenora sit up with her legs off the edge of her bed. She ate a little bit but then she asked if she could lie down to finish eating. Mom seemed a little less discouraged this morning compared to yesterday. Everything considered though, Lenora seems to stabilize unpredictably, but isn't improving. The recent trend in her health has been ups and downs with each down a little more down then the previous one. The doctors are saying that back in January when Lenora first went to Winnipeg, the cancer was already too far advanced for them to be able to cure it. Even if they had been able to diagnose it at that time, chemo or radiation would simply have extended her life without solving the problem. Only those who've gone through either of the two treatments know what it's like. I've heard it's not fun in any case! This type is very hard to catch in its early stage but that's the only time there has been success with curing it. Medically speaking Lenora has no chance surviving. We're finding out if Dr James from Good Samaritan in Mexico has any hope he can reverse Lenora's deteriorating health. The reason she is loosing mental capacity is this: normally your nerves work to protect the surrounding nerves. When glial neoplasm sets in, nerves no longer function this way and begin slowly shutting down as they allow the surrounding nerves to be destroyed. Since the brain is the command center for the rest of the body when it shuts down as a result of more and more nerves malfunctioning, the rest of her body will follow. Unless God does a miracle there's no telling how long we will have Lenora... I find so much peace in knowing Lenora is ready to go see Jesus whenever He takes her home to heaven. As long as there is life in her body though, there is a possibility she will survive. She has a very strong will to live!

If you want to read more about this type of brain tumor there is a lot of info on the Internet. The details I gave you are from the doctor.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Moved out of step-down

Lenora has been moved to a regular room from the Step-down unit. It seems she's gaining some strength. She no longer uses the feeding tube and is eating orally. It's pretty awesome she doesn't feel nauseous! She's taking steroids orally to reduce inflammation in her spine and brain. Hopefully when the inflammation goes down, she will receive her sight agin as the optic nerves shrink to normal size again. She is stable enough to no longer be on oxygen. Not being attached to external support machines gives her much more freedom to move around. I guess this is all for tonight.

Thank-you so much for carrying us on prayer. Your support means more than we can ever repay!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Preliminary results

As many of you are wondering what's happening to Lenora here's a little update on her. The preliminary results of the biopsy came back on Thursday. They says she's got glial neoplasm. The cancer team was in to see her Thursday. They are talking Chemo or radiation but are not giving much hope either of these will be a cure.
I saw her Saturday. Below is a picture of Lenora and my face.



Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Feeding tube

As some of you already know, the doctor mentioned having to insert feeding tube so Lenora couldn't throw-up the nutrition she so desperately needs. Well, the tube went in today at 1 pm. After lunch a physio-therapist came in and had Lenora walk a bit.
 
Looks like right now its waiting time. Up to this point, every-time the doctor comes in he says the results from the biopsy haven't come in yet. It's not 10 business days since the surgery so I suppose not having results yet is ok.
   Thank you for continuing to pray for Lenora. Her life is in God's hands.


Romans 8:28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  

We will keep believing God's promises and He will prove Himself faithful in the end!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Signs of improvement

Yesterday evening Lenora became much more alive then she's been since the surgery. She ate quite a lot of supper without feeling nauseas afterwards. Ice packs on the cut site really seemed to help the swelling go down allowing her to think more normally. She was lightly brushing her hand over her head when she felt the staples. 'What's this?' She asked mom. Mom told her the doctors had done the biopsy we were trying to avoid. She was like 'oh...' And continued running her fingers along the length of the incision. That was the first time she realized she had undergone another surgery.
She always dreads needles and when the nurse came to take a blood sample, Lenora started singing 'Carry me, Lord!' The needle went in on the first try! She seems to really be able to enjoy singing again a of last night! Mom is much happier now too!
Thank you for carrying us on prayer.

...weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning! Psalm 30:5

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Sat night

Lenora Is doing ok. She's on some oxygen, She's got headache from the biopsy. Her one eye is almost swollen shut. The headache should leave in a few days as the internal cut site heals. She's not eating much so hopefully that will change soon. Below is a pic of her this evening. Thanks again for praying. We feel unworthy of the support.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Out of surgery

Lenora is out of surgery. She's got a bit of a headache but otherwise she's doing fine. The doctor was able to take enough tissue through the small hole by the shunt so he didn't have to make any large cuts. She's awake enough to talk. Jesus was definitely in the operating room with the surgeon!

Surgery

Lenora went into surgery at 8 this morning. Instead of 1030. Mom was going to see her around 8 but when she got to Lenora's room, Lenora wasn't there. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated as the doctors do what they're good at.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Surgery scheduled

Dad said yesterday before he left winnipeg, Lenora mentioned she saw shapes moving at times. Is her eyesight maybe coming back? I don't know for sure. Hopefully she starts seeing color soon :) Surgery is scheduled for 10:30 AM Friday. Estimated to take roughly 4 hours.
Thank-you for praying. I know we are being carried on prayers.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Surgery/biopsy

The plan is to do surgery on Lenora Friday. Right now she's hallucinating some of the time.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Transferred to Winnipeg

Well, Lenora did fine overnight and during today. She wasn't really in any pain and neither was she nauseous. At 10 minutes to 3 this afternoon she left Grandview in the ambulance on a transfer to Winnipeg. She is allowing the surgeon to do the biopsy on her brain. And as reluctant as we are to have her go through with this there may be a slight chance the biopsy holds keys to her illness. She is in God's hands. Thank you all for praying. I don't know when the surgery will be but quite possibly within the next few days.

Severe headache!

As many of you have already heard, Lenora was in very serious condition around 5 pm. Pastor Ron and his family stopped in at the hospital for a prayer and anointing service and she came down with a severe headache just as we were gathering around to pray. We got her to swallow tylenol but she threw it all up a little later. She then became incoherent. Not recognizing anyone. Moaning and mumbling, as we prayed and cried out to God for mercy and healing. I really don't know what is happening to her. We'll just have to wait and see what develops by morning. We really appreciate your prayers. Dad did say by 10 pm Lenora was able to think clearly again but she doesn't remember anything about an anointing service or that she had visitors for over an hour. I'll try to keep you posted on what happens. Tonight has been emotionally draining for all of us family and close friends. Answers would be great. This while episode was a real surprise although she had a similar one around 2 AM. At that point Mom and Dad brought her to the hospital. At 9 this morning, Mom went to see Lenora again and stayed until 130 afternoon and came back home completely at peace about Lenora's situation. Even when we arrived at 5 she was sitting up eating jello. She looked a little uncomfortable but she recognized us and seemed alright. But about this time the headache came in and dug in deep!
   Back to while she was moaning I recognized she was humming a song or two. One of them I'm pretty sure was "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty" the other one I can't remember right now but it was a praise song based out of Revelation as well. I'll post it when I remember it. What a blessing to hear her humming even when she was in so much pain she couldn't think. That's all for now. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you are doing for us, even if all you're doing is interceding for Lenora in prayer. It means more then I can express!

This is Lenora after the pain subsided somewhat.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Headache..

Lenora is back in the hospital since about 230 am. She had a severe headache and kept throwing up. We thought she was fine yesterday. She was eating well but then when she lay down to sleep in the evening the headache came in and hung on. It did ease enough for her to fall asleep by 3.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Not good news

Well, Lenora is still at home, although she's come down with the flu a few days ago. She spent a night in the Grandview hospital to get re-hydrated through IV. She can't keep any food down and is again loosening weight. She is blind. She can see shades of light and dark but that's it. It's really hard to see her this way. Please continue praying for her health. Thank you.

Here's Lenora 2weeks ago with her nephew.
He fell asleep in her arms. That made Lenora happy!!



Monday, May 6, 2013

Benefit Supper

Hi it's me again.

Lenora is happy to be at home. She is resting a lot but especially notices she can cope with boredom now that she is no longer at the hospital. I've noticed a slight change in the numb side of her face. I believe her mouth is beginning to respond a little better. That's good news! The sad thing is she is quite blind. Blind to the point she can see shapes and darker and lighter shades of light with her better eye but no more.. Lenora told Mom today that she didn't have as much pressure in her head as she's had for a long time! This confirms the changes I've been seeing. Praise The Lord!! I have hopes this release of pressure is the beginning of many more improvements!
Alright. On to the other reason for my update. Someone requested I post details about the Benefit supper planned for Sunday May 12. From 5-7pm. @ the Grandview community Hall. That's basically all I know so.. that's all I will tell you. The whole family including Lenora plan to be there!
Have yourself an amazing week and remember, God cares about the details in your life. He is not a distant God like many have painted Him up to be. Rather, He longs to walk hand in hand with you through life. If only you will say yes to Him!


The pic:
Lenora with her nephew.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Short note

Here's another short note on Lenora. She's still waiting for improvements in her eyesight. The pain in her leg is much the same. She is adjusting to needing other people to be her eyes, be it to see how much food she's taking at meal times, what she's typing into her iPod or computer, etc. this is why she doesn't communicate much via social media. In spite of this handicap, Lenora does take a walk outside every day since the weather has turned nice. Otherwise she's feeling alright. Seldom nauseous, she eats some every mealtime.
She does enjoy being home.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Biopsy rescheduled indefinitely

  Well, I'm back with a little bit of an update. As I mentioned last week, Lenora was scheduled to have that biopsy done this coming Friday. I'm super happy to inform you the biopsy has been postponed again, this time indefinitely! Lenora does have an MRI scheduled in about 4 weeks to check on the lesion. In the meantime, being home and eating good food will give her body the rest and nutrition it needs to fight the inflammation that has plagued her for so long already.
  Please pray-
- that her vision will be restored soon (it's quite bad at this point)
- Her leg pain will ease off and completely dissipate.
 She doesn't have nausea to speak of and is eating and walking as well as can be expected considering her condition.
  We continually thank God for the healing in her body up to this point and trust that even though we would love to see Lenora heal rapidly, He will provide strength and patience for her to walk the road back to good health as before. Healing isn't an overnight process as we have come to realize. Thank you for praying for Lenora!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Biopsy postponed

Just a quick note in Lenora. Mom and Dad went to Winnipeg yesterday to have a meeting with the Doctor, who agreed to release Lenora for a weekend. The biopsy has been postponed to next week Friday. In the meantime, we're happy to have her at home!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Another biopsy?

Well its been a while since I've posted about Lenora. Not a whole lot has happened since I posted but there is potential change coming up in the near future. Lenora is doing well. She's been waiting around in Health Sciences for the last two weeks while doctors took blood tests, MRI's, etc. She took steroid treatments to get rid of the lesion in her neck, but a follow-up MRI revealed the lesion didn't disappear as expected and possibly got just a bit larger instead. One of Lenora's doctors mentioned a week ago that they wanted to do another biopsy on Lenora sometime. They have scheduled to do this on Friday but are waiting for our go-ahead. We do not want this done if there is an alternative. The plan is to take a sample of brain tissue and see if that reveals anything. Giving the lack of results from the other 2 biopsy's and also how much they set Lenora back, the whole family is dreading this ordeal.  Please pray for an alternative so Lenora won't need to undergo this surgery.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

PET scan

Lenora has been in Winnipeg since last week Wednesday. The doctors have done a lot of testing. Lenora is basically waiting for results at this point. Other then a minor bout with nausea today, Lenora has been feeling fine. Well enough to visit nurses she became friends with on other areas of the hospital she stayed in earlier this year. She had a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan this morning. The results are supposed to come back tomorrow. Hopefully she will be released to come home after reviewing them.
We appreciate your prayers as Lenora continues to recover.

Although we don't understand why lenora is walking this path, we fully trust God is in control. The Bible tells us.. 'All things work together for good to those who love God'

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Shunt valve

Just a quick note.. Lenora is in Winnipeg since yesterday evening to get her shunt valve adjusted. It was too loose and causing her nausea. Dr Beco got the valve adjusted so that should help prevent future occurrences of the sort. The plan is that Mom is going home tonight leaving Lenora at Health Sciences for a day or 2.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Blogging less often

Today was an average day for Lenora. Much like yesterday. She mentioned she's got more aching in the leg that used to spasm so much. This started a few days ago and quite possibly comes from the burbles being so messed up for such a long time.
In other news I will be slowing down the regularity of this blog, posting once a week and if something big happens :) if you want more details about how Lenora is doing, she is only a phone call away!

Thank you for thinking about and praying for Lenora over the past 2 and 1/2 months. She would not be where she is now if it wasn't for your prayers. God has been faithful!! It wont be a short journey back to normal by any means but 'with God all things are possible' and I, for one, believe Lenora will one day play basketball again for recreation. That's all for now. Until next time... Take care and God bless you!!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Adjusting to home life

   Lenora spent quite a bit of time resting today since traveling made her exhausted. She's also had a headache lurking in the background; enough to be uncomfortable and keep her from running all over the place. She finds Canada really cold to be completely honest but is happy to finally be home again! Lenora has been telling us all about experiences she had while in Mexico. She already misses the hospital staff. She had so much fun with them, in between the needle pokes! Thank you especially for your humor, Good Samaritan staff!!

  The first photo is Lenora on her birthday; the second is the front desk. That verse set the atmosphere for their whole stay.
 


Knowing there are friends far and wide praying for Lenora's situation means more than we can express. Lenora isn't back to normal health yet so we continue to thank God for Healing up to this point and continue to pray for complete healing. Like the plaque says, With God all things are possible! We are continuing to trust He has it all in His control.

Home at last

Lenora did make it Home sunday night!! The whole family got together at Irvin and Teresa's for supper and then Dad, Mom, and Lenora came home with myself, Cindy, and Londa. We arrived at 11 pm. Yeah it's full house again but it's good to have them home!
A far as Lenora's health is concerned I'll have more on that tonight, probably late, depending on how my evening turns out.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Is this for real?!

Well Dad called me today after church. He's like "can you check for tickets El Paso to Winnipeg? Preferably between Saturday and Tuesday sometime. You guessed it!! The tickets are booked for them to arrive in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon!! This seems unreal. But hey I'm not even close to thinking about complaining!!

God is good,all the time!!

Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness. (Psalms 33:3, 4 NASB)

Emphasis on the last phrase!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Consultation with specialist

Mom, Dad, and Lenora visited a cancer care hospital in El Paso today for a consultation with a specialist.  The specialist did say Lenora's case is a rare one and that her symptoms don't point towards cancer. If it was cancer she should still be having those up and down days only each up and down would be lower than the previous. Instead every day seems to be just a bit better then the previous. Hopefully I will have more on that tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Thank you again for praying. Pray especially for God's leading in Mom and Dad's decision making over the next few days.

Happy Easter and may you be reminded of what truly took place on Easter morning  just over 2000 years ago. Jesus is still alive today!!

Steady uphill

Lenora is steadily climbing uphill as far as her health is concerned! She is feeling well enough to not dread the trip home the way she did a month ago when mom and Dad took her to Mexico. I still don't know when they will be coming home. Hopefully by the weekend but I haven't heard what the plans are for certain.

Otherwise there isn't much to update at this point. Thank you so much for praying!! We have all felt strengthened because of you!! Pray for Mom's Health as she is feeling a sick although not near as bad as yesterday morning.

May God bless you for all you've done for us as a family!!!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lenora had another great day! The MRI yesterday confirmed that everything from neck upward is all cleared up! The lump in her neck is dormant but has not completely disappeared.

All the inflammation she had to deal with is gone so it shouldn't be too long before she's home in Canada again!!

In spite of everything else seeming to have cleared up really well, her eyes and the one side of her face are responding slower then Lenora would like. Both are improving though it's not noticeable on a daily basis.

Than you again for praying! God is answering Prayer!!!

Eye sight

Someone asked me how Lenora's eye sight is by now. I'll share an incident to help you visualize. For a while now Lenora just couldn't figure out why Mom would read in such low light conditions at bedtime. It's bad for your eyes, you know. Then, yesterday she realized it wasn't as dark as she had thought. It was only that her eyesight is that bad. The fact that she realized this indicates her eyesight is getting better; though slowly. Thank you for praying for her in this!!

I mentioned a few days ago that Lenora would be coming home early this week. Doesn't look like she will be home by tomorrow. It's not settled at this point since the MRI results haven't come back yet. The Doctor who goes over these results was in surgery and didn't have time to sit down and talk.
Lenora is really optimistic and cheerful. She tries proving she can do everything herself. This is good! She walks very well and quite fast already but needs to gain weight.

Lenora and mom and dad send you heart-felt thanks for your prayer support! May God Bless You

Sunday, March 24, 2013

MRI


Lenora is taking chelation treatments again but is off all other IV. Dr James scheduled an MRI for Monday. I'm curious, we all are, what that will reveal. Hopefully she won't even need radiation. I'll know better tomorrow. The way things look now, if she does need radiation it will be only a few treatments. The results this MRI reveals will play a large part in when Lenora will be released.

Lenora has been playing outdoor lawn games as it helps take her mind off the fact she is in a health Center and would love to be living normal life at home already.

She is eating well and generally feeling pretty good. She can do a fast walk already. The docs are impressed! Lenora does her own dressing, bathing & combing. Sounds like she should be able to start exercising on Monday which potentially will help her gain weight. Her exercising will involve mostly the treadmill & bicycle.
This eve she came to mom & asked if the leftover subway sandwiches from lunch were already wrapped. She wanted to help clean them up...feeling absolutely better, mom says.


So, thank-you for praying for her as she walks steadily towards health and wellness again. God is faithful to finish the work He has started in Lenora and in everyone who has been touched by her as she is going through this. Lets keep on praising Him!!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Same...

Still in Mexico Lenora s looking forward to coming home soon. Hopefully soon means early next week!
In other news Lenora improved some since yesterday. She's still taking hydration and some anti-nausea through IV but otherwise is not on any steady medication right now.

God is good and we will keep trusting Him to do 'abundantly more then we can ask or even imagine'
Thank you for praying!! God bless you for caring!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Blood-work

Dad, Mom, and Lenora went over Lenora's blood-work with Dr James.
Among other improvements her liver is rid of the toxins it was loaded with when she first arrived in Mexico. Her negative blood count showed too high when they first got there. That has dropped down to normal.

Lenora did more walking around today than yesterday or the day before and overall she was in better spirits. Thank you for praying for her! You are making a difference!

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; (Psalm 37:23 NIV)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Inflammation almost all gone

Ok so Lenora was in bed most of yesterday. She is feeling better though and is eating some again along with drinking the dreaded Ensure, meal supplement! She drinks only as much as she gets told to drink! Quick question: Do all hospital patients hate that stuff? She got so tired of it when she was still in Winnipeg!
It looks like she's on the upward climb again. She can walk as well as before her nausea spell. If things keep improving this way or quicker 😀 She possibly will come home by Monday or Tuesday.

Today Lenora went outside the front entrance to lay on a bench in the sun for a while. Apparently the temperatures were up at 25C!!
Nurses are giving her something for her stomach through IV along with Hydration fluids. (I did mention her veins are collapsed. Just by way of clarification, they are not collapsed. They are only really hard to find. My aunt tells me veins react to pokes and get smaller and 'hide' I didn't know the difference between collapsed veins and veins that are hard to find. Sorry! Hopefully this helps!!)

The biopsy and test result reports came from Winnipeg today. We are really curious what Dr James will conclude when he goes over this information!
The inflammation on her brain lining as well as in her stomach lining has cleared up!! Thank-you, Jesus!!

Many have been wondering what we were hoping to accomplish by taking Lenora to Mexico over treating her in Manitoba. Treating her here would have meant using steroids. None of us, including Lenora, wanted to risk the side effects possibly involved. By Treating her in MX we were able to tap into natural treatment methods and thus avoid many, if not all, side affects. Were we not going out there to get a diagnosis? No! We would have been happy to get one but the main reason we went was to find help so Lenora could regain her health and come home to live normal life again.
The decision to take her south was hard. It would've been so much easier for right now to stay here. But we believe the long term benefits will be worth it.

Lenora did ask for special prayer that Dr. James will find what happened that caused her to have this bout with nausea.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. (Psalms 145:17-19 NASB)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Morale wearing thin


I don't have much for news tonight. Lenora is feeling better although she's still flat on her back. One tough experience today since Her veins are mostly all collapsed, was trying to find a vein big enough to insert an IV needle. This really seemed to take a chunk out of Lenora's spirit.

So pray that Lenora begins eating again and gains weight. Pray for mental and emotional strength for her and Mom and Dad!

Thanks again and God Bless you!





Saturday, March 16, 2013

Gastritis

Dr James found out Lenora has gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. She dehydrated because she threw-up so much on Friday. To treat Lenora they are hydrating her through IV along with an antibiotic treatment to cure the gastritis. She is being confined to bed for 24 hrs.

She did eat a bit today again except for birthday cake which Mom saved in the refrigerator for her until she feels well enough to eat it.
Lenora has a little less movement in her face and her eyes are slightly more dilated then before, Otherwise there is no real noticeable setback from this bout with nausea. Mom said Lenora had the same symptoms now as she did back in Winnipeg leading up to the seizure and nausea she experienced there. Mom is definitely getting better at noticing symptoms and analyzing them based on what Lenora has already gone through!

The good news is that Dr James says Lenora may still be able to come home in a week, depending on how well she responds to this treatment.

Praise God for answering prayer! We serve a Living God!!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Steady progress interrupted..

Well, there has been a setback in Lenora's steady upward climb. She started feeling nauseous night before last, felt a little worse yesterday, and quite bad today. She ate breakfast, but mom brought her lunch in bed, and no supper because of CT scan.
Dr's are working to find the cause for this new wave of nausea. I'll keep you posted..

Even as we continue praying for Lenora and thanking God for what He has already done, let's remember that God is in control here and even when Lenora's situation seemed to finally be a steady upward climb, the path out of the valley is seldom straight up the slope. Often there are foothills to cross and more valleys to go through, before we reach the mountain top again.


Luke 18:27 says 'what is impossible with man is possible with God!

For what you (God) have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. (Psalm 52:9 NIV)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lawn game

Mom, Dad, and Lenora played a lawn game outside yesterday. Sounds like summer kind-of fun to me! Especially when I look out the window and see not ankle deep or knee deep snow but snow past my waist! Not that I'm that tall but there's absolutely no chance I will be playing any kind of lawn game involving throwing beanbags in a croquet type game outside for at least 2 months yet!! I honestly love the snow though! It's great workout material! If you find yourself running out of fun ideas, try taking a brisk, 20 minute walk out in the middle of a ditch full of snow! It's quite exhilarating to say the least!!
Sometime this coming week Dr James plans to check out Lenora's entire digestive system using a camera. They will push it down her throat to check if there's any indication her problem will have come from something wrong in there.
They are treating her for the intestinal inflammation she contracted from being constipated for so long. She kept feeling pain in her side we thought was from the biopsy in her lower back, while she was still in Winnipeg. Dr James found out the pain actually came from her colon being inflamed. Her body is responding well to the treatment they are giving her for this and the inflammation is clearing up quite well!
As for the inflammation in her neck and spine, this is clearing up well too. Praise The Lord from whom all blessings flow!! The MRI she had last week showed the lesion in her neck was about 50%. The plan is to do another MRI or CT scan before leaving the health Center to check how much is left of the lesion.
Lenora spent a good hour on the roof soaking up vitamin B in the sunshine!
She is doing so well, Dr James is talking of doing a thorough checkup and then releasing her to come home! Next week sometime!!

Thank you for remembering us and especially Lenora in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you for caring!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Went shopping

Lenora is growing stronger day by day. She walked the 5 blocks to the mall, which covers an area of 2 blocks, to do some shopping with mom and dad. They walked a number of aisles inside and then walked back to the health Center without Lenora even hanging onto mom's arm!! I consider that a noteworthy improvement! According to Dad Lenora is walking straighter then before! Her smile is slowly becoming wider!!

That's about all I have for news tonight!

Steady Improvement

 Sounds like Lenora keeps improving, feeling stronger!! Praise the Lord! She walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes, did physio therapy, then Chelation, and spent time soaking up the warm sunshine again!! She is walking straighter and is becoming more confident on her feet!  Her smile is just a touch bigger.
   Dr James said Lenora might be able to come home next week Wednesday!! That is exciting!!

  Praise God for what He has done already and will continue to do! The only thing God forgets is our sin when we repent and choose to walk with Him. He has heard all our requests for healing and has He not promised to answer our prayers? He has answered them and is continuing to answer them.. in His time.

(4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive with Christ (by grace you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4,5

Monday, March 11, 2013

Stairs

Lenora walked up the stairs onto the roof of the health center. There is a Gazebo up there. I'm not too sure what else but after spending a bit of time up there she walked back down the stairs. Walking stairs really helps her regain normal walking since this forces her to use her ankles.
She told someone yesterday that, "If two other people would receive help as a result of all my pain and suffering, it will have been worth it..."Now that I feel better!"

Everyone who comes to see her down there now says they expected her to look much worse then she does. Lenora asked the one patient how much he would say she had improved since she got there. His reply "when you came you looked like a corpse. Now I'm beginning to see you really are a beautiful young woman!"


Lenora asked me to share this verse with you.

"And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:4 NASB)

And to cap it off I did get a few pics. Pardon the quality..




Sunday, March 10, 2013

Another good day without much news

Well it sounds like Lenora's face is slowly waking up. Her eyes still tire quickly and so she does prefer to listen to her Bible in audiobook form rather then read it. She told me she spends a lot of time emailing and facebooking because typing even a short message takes her a long timer to write. This problem with her eyesight is what she finds most frustrating of it all. Otherwise she's doing great spiritually and is real happy that her situation keeps improving.
Lenora did sit outside on the lawn in the sun today. I must admit I envy her.. But then I remember she can't go snowboarding in that kind of weather! Thank you for praying. I know God hears and is answering so lets praise Him for His goodness to us, to Lenora!!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Lenora is doing excellent

  Well, I was going to write more last night.. If I'd write down my excuses you wouldn't believe me anyway!
So here goes,,
  Lenora is continuing to improve. They're concentrating more on helping get her facial muscles wake up again. Sounds like they will be using various methods to help her gain back her smile and other movements she's slowly lost over the last several months. Among these is stimulation using mild electric shock. Massaging her face will also help. I haven't heard that someone volunteered to to this for her so I guess she will have to settle with massaging her own face!
   Winnipeg sent the information we were waiting for. Comparing the MRI's taken then and now, revealed the lump in Lenora's neck is definitely shriveling up. Hopefully things keep moving forward positively so she can come home before too long. We trust they will!
  Lenora's cousin and his wife stopped in to see her last night. He watched Lenora walk towards them and commented: "Who was it again we came to visit?" Apparently Lenora really is looking better. Not that I don't believe what Dad tells me only it sounds affirmative coming from someone else!!
   She is learning to walk normal again. Heel to toe instead of completely flat footed.

Continue praying for healing to her facial muscles ,her eyesight, and for the doctors as they make decisions. Thank God for the healing He has already given Lenora. You're prayers make a big difference!! May God bless you!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Neck lump

Not much has changed down in Mexico other then, as of before lunch today Lenora claimed to having heard more cop sirens since she came to Mexico then the rest of her life combined! Interesting! Also, the MRI Lenora had yesterday revealed the lump in her neck has shrivelled up to look like an empty balloon! Praise The Lord!! God does hear and answer prayer!! And no I have not yet heard what her diagnosis is. We are expecting continued healing. God is good! Hopefully I'll have more tonight.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Lenora speaks for herself.

     Today Lenora went to a different hospital to get an MRI done. Hopefully tomorrow we will find out if the lump in her neck has changed. Hopefully it has shrunk. Maybe you remember I mentioned her vision being permanently damaged from the pressure in her head. Apparently its her optic nerve that's damaged. Time will tell whether the vitamins and other detox treatments will change that. At this point her eyesight is improving little if any or so it seems at least.. So keep praying for healing. God is hearing and answering prayers even though it seems slow at times. Isn't that the way we people are though? Always wanting everything right now!? I believe God's timing is perfect.
   Lenora's face is slowly 'thawing'! She's got her crooked smile back again.  ;)

Some of you have read Lenora's post on facebook, so this is for those of you who haven't but are interested in what she has to say for herself, here you go...

Sunday, March 3

Feeling the burn from sitting in the sun this afternoon! Now, many of you are wondering what I'm doing here in Juarez, Mexico.
  I see Dr Ricardo James (who, by the way, seems to be able to SEE what is wrong with you), get Chelation through IV, eat good food, sit in the sun :) , blood work, physical therapy, massage therapy, foot detox, beam ray, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, get pumped full of vitamins, learning Spanish (teasing nurses in the process :) , and visiting with the Amish, Old Colony Mennonites, none-denominationals, hillbillies, and others :) its interesting, to say the least.
  I'm really enjoying having my Grandparents as next door neighbors! Oh, and I'm walking by myself, though still weaving a little. I'm not nauseous anymore, YAY!!! only on natural 'medication'. I read a storybook chapter to Mom, and , I'm on Facebook! This is an answer to prayer, my eyes are improving!!!
  So there you have it, folks. And thanks again for all the prayers you've sent up on my behalf!  God is answering your prayers, though it seems slowly. That's another thing we really appreciate about this clinic, the staffr are all Christians, and are praying for me.
    Well, that's it for now..... Good night

P.S. I did find out today they are treating Lenora with hydrogen peroxide in gas form in the the hyperbaric chamber.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Walks 5 blocks

Lenora is slowly looking better. She walked 5 blocks to the mall and halfway back before taking a seat in the wheelchair! She does have a bit of a hard time with depth perception so that makes walking the streets challenging.
Please continue to pray for healing. Thankyou so much again for all you do for us!!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Sunburnt

Lenora is feeling good! She sat out in the sun today long enough to get sunburn! She's on Facebook and email again so that will help her to feel more connected.

Thank you for continuing to pray for healing. Lenora isn't nearly well yet and so we continue trusting that God will bring complete healing! Pray for Doctor James as he looks at all the details of Lenora's case. God bless you in return!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Toxins

   I listened to Mom tell stories for about a half hour tonight. One of the things she mentioned is, doctor James admitted this case is a tough one.
  I thought Lenora's balance was alright yesterday and the day before yesterday but according to Mom her balance has improved quite a lot. Sounds like even Grandpa is impressed with how much Lenora has improved since she came there!
   Mom said they have some interesting foot spa with a kind of mineral water that changes color depending on what part of her body is releasing toxins. These toxins are released through her feet. Apparently her body is loaded with them.
  Lenora has been able to enjoy all the food they've served there so far. She's not taking any anti-nausea or anti-seizure stuff.
   Mom has lots of stories to tell about how much they're enjoying their stay there. I'm beginning to wonder if they may just end up not coming home!
   Lenora spent several hours outside in the warm afternoon sun today. In the sun its t-shirt kind of weather but in the shade a hoodie is comfortable.

   Please keep praying for Lenora and for the doctors as they study her case. Thank you for your prayer support!!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Hyperbaric chamber

Lenora seems be getting better and better! Last night she slept 7-8 hours straight! She hasn't done that in a long time. At this point I haven't heard a specific name for the treatment she's getting, only that it cleans her blood and takes care of inflammation, or for sure what they will be treating her for on the long run. For right now the focus is on strengthening her body and that is working.
Among other things, she spent a half hour in a hyperbaric chamber. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's an air-tight chamber where they give you 100% oxygen for a short period of time to completely saturate your blood with oxygen. Personally, I've always wanted to sit in one, or in this case lay in one. The chamber is just big enough for a person to lay in flat. There's clear glass all around you and you can communicate with family/visitors via mic and speakers. Dad said Lenora looked very white through the glass. Whether that's because of the air pressure/ high oxygen level or simply that you're looking through glass I don't know. I do know that some professional sports teams have their own hyperbaric chambers to speed up healing of injured players.
One of Lenora's most dreaded experiences is all the needles. Dad's teaching her to speak Spanish with the nurses. Anyway, when the one nurse came and asked if he could poke her, she she replied with 'I will poke you!' That made his day! Lol!!
The health Center is a dedicated Christian facility who's goal is to get patients back on their feet so they can enjoy life again. The atmosphere is a very peaceful one.
Right after lunch everyone who gets treated through IV takes a seat in one of the many leather recliners set up there specifically for that purpose! The main lounge is also lined with leather couches. Very relaxing in any case! That is all I have on Lenora for now. Thank-you for taking the time to read this.
We can never thank you enough for praying for Lenora, for us as a family, and for the medical staff that's done their utmost to help Lenora get well again! Ultimately it is God who grants the healing. For that reason we keep bringing Lenora before Him in prayer!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Cleaning her blood

Yeah the treatments Lenora is getting are aimed at cleaning her blood to get rid of inflammation. Right now they're doing blood-work The doctor asked for 3-4 days to give us a clear answer as to what Lenora's core problem is. This morning her balance was a little off but She is walking by herself. Things are moving ahead positively! Lenora is under very good care.

Arrived safely

Well Lenora, Mom, and Dad made it safely to the Good Samaritan Health Center, although by this time Lenora was exhausted. They were very well received. Lenora was immediately taken for a complete physical. It didn't take the doctor long to decide what he would treat her with. So in went the IV. Then after the treatment, Lenora went for physio-therapy. Apparently that went well because walking in she had to lean on a nurse for support but walking out she did without any support, nurse or walker. 
   This does mean no more visiting in Winnipeg. But if you do happen to be passing through El Paso and would like to step across the border, by all means do stop in and say hi! It's only 5 minutes into Mexico!

   Continue praying for healing. There's still a mystery at the core of her condition. Although Lenora has switched hospitals and treatment methods this doesn't mean healing is a given. We know that Jesus is the Great Physician. Without Him no healing will happen!

I do have more about what lead up to this decision to go to Mexico. I'll share that another time. God Bless you all!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Mexico

Well, there's a big change for Lenora happening right now. For those of you who haven't heard, Lenora is going to Mexico for treatments. At 1030 this morning, Dad texted me saying they were in Denver. Only had a 15 min layover so that's not bad. Lenora took the flight quite well!
Continued prayers are appreciated as she undergoes treatment out there. Treatment period is 10 days. Hopefully she'll be able to come home after that.
I'll post more later.

Positive news becoming almost normal!

   It's looking like Lenora is steadily growing stronger! We are ever grateful to God for answering prayers in this way. One very noticeable sign that Lenora is stronger is how well she takes physio-therapy. She wasn't exhausted like yesterday after her daily 1 hour therapy. She likes to push her walker around although she can walk without it. This way she's got it there, just in case :-) 
   Lenora talks a lot, helps to pass the time I guess! Some of you will have noticed how much of a radio she is when she's bored and has nothing better to do! Ha!!
   Hopefully she'll sleep well and feel real strong tomorrow!


Pray
-for strength
   -emotional, physical, and spiritual
-ultimately for complete healing of both the lump in her neck and her vision, two primary concerns.


Monday, February 25, 2013

Eye specialist

   Lenora had another lumbar puncture today. This didn't really set her back any. She's continually growing stronger! We are expecting the doctor to bring the results tomorrow morning.
   As far as her daily activities are concerned she had physio-therapy today which really wore her out. Interestingly enough, after a 1 hour rest she was good to go again! She seems to tire quickly but then rest quickly too
  The eye specialist she saw today said her eyes are somewhat damaged from the pressure in her head before they put the shunt in. The grey spot is gone from Lenora's eye, though, so maybe that's a good sign things are going to be alright. 
  Continue to pray for healing'
-of the the lump in her neck
-her eyesight
  and pray for continued and increased strength for Lenora over the coming days. It's not easy to feel so much better and not go home!

God bless you for caring!! It means the world to her; to all of us family!

Still getting stronger

Lenora looked really good today! When my sisters and I went to see her this afternoon, she was sitting in a chair cracking jokes with her room-mate! It was so good to see her looking that well!
Lenora says it's so good to feel so well! She did get quite tired of sitting up like that and talking so much. We all sang together for an hour or so! Good times!!!
Keep praying as there's decisions to be made that affect Lenora's long term health. She's getting stronger but her condition remains a mystery.
May God continue to bless you all for praying for Lenora as you think of her!





Friday, February 22, 2013

Continuing to grow stronger


Lenora's doing really well. She walked to the cafeteria with several of her aunts and Mom together to eat lunch. That was as much walking as she could manage without a rest in between!
Lenora's condition is continuing to look positive! As her body grows stronger her nausea is diminishing. God is answering prayers!

Continue praying for patience as she waits for her body to grow strong again.
Pray especially that Lenora will find the inner strength each morning to be positive where she's at right now!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Took a walk in the 'forest'

If you've been to Health Sciences you may remember the 'forest' a short way into the William street entrance. Lenora took her walker and rode the elevator down for a walk with Mom there today! She is so much stronger then yesterday! Physio-therapy went really well too.
I mentioned yesterday that her side hurts like she ran too much. It doesn't hurt as much today.
'Hey look, there's doves flying around outside!' She told mom suddenly today afternoon.
Her eyesight is definitely improving. They look very normal when she lies in bed but they pop out a little more when she stands up.
She's taking no pills other than nausea and seizure prevention.
The doctor says she looks very healthy in the face.
Lenora can move her upper lip a tiny bit. Compared to yesterday, more of her teeth show when she smiles. I say smile but what you see when she tries smiling is hardly a smile yet.
She is definitely healing well. We're praying the problem will be diagnosed but especially that she will become completely well soon!

Mailing address

I put this in a previous update but I forgot the postal code. Here's the updated address.

Lenora Loewen
820 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1R9
(Canada)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Little/big improvement

   Today was a good day for Lenora. She did very well in physio therapy. The therapist had her try to stand up from a sitting position in a chair. Lenora stood up without using her hands! You may not think there's much to it but it takes quite a bit of strength and balance to do that when you've been mostly immobile for 5 weeks! She can walk from her bed to the bathroom without using a walker. Hopefully it won't take long and she will walk out of those hospital doors without a walker!! The plan for tomorrow is to do physio-therapy in the physio-therapy department. Guess we'll see how that goes.
  Lenora is still using medication to help keep her nausea under control. She has felt anywhere between ok and good over the past few days. Thank-you so much for praying. There have been days over the past week during which she felt very uncomfortable even with the medication. Be assured your prayers are making the difference.
  As far as feeling in her face goes, Lenora can smile just enough to reveal Her teeth. Her eyesight has improved a bit over the last few days as well. 
  Other then her sides hurting like she ran too much, which is probably a result of the muscle biopsy, Lenora is basically pain free! Praise the Lord!!

  Please continue praying:
  -her eyes will keep improving!
  -her nausea will go away completely!
  -the muscle biopsy will show all it is supposed to show.
  -for a diagnosis.
  -ultimately for complete healing!

God bless you for all you've done for us as a family over the past 5 weeks. The little things to you have been the not so little things to us! It's meant the world to us because we felt the heart behind the deed!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Balance improved noticeably

Doctor came in today and reported on the results from the blood tests they did. No answers. The results from the muscle biopsy haven't come back yet. So that means some more waiting. Something we keep getting better at, (cough). No, honestly, a person can get only so used to waiting.
Thank you so much for praying! There are a few improvements we are thankful for!
Lenora's pupils are less dilated today then a few days ago!
She got up and moved around 8 times today. Her balance has improved enough for her to walk 10 - 15 feet without a walker! That hasn't happened since before she went to Winnipeg!
Lenora has been able to keep her nausea under control for a few days now! She's processing food, so hopefully she'll keep getting stronger quickly! Since I asked you to pray for bowl movements, she did have to go twice today! That's definitely a praise item!
Mom is with Lenora, has been for 2 weeks now. Both of them are homesick. I guess that's the one way Mom is sicker then Lenora.
God bless you!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Making music

   On yesterday, Lenora felt quite rough. She took anti-nausea meds to calm her stomach. She did feel good enough for a short while, long enough for her to play most of a song on a violin one of her cousins brought. The first time she's played in at least 4 weeks! Thanks, Waldo!
   She can twitch the one side of her mouth a bit when she tries smiling but otherwise her face is not responding yet.
Today she's feeling a little better. Well enough to sit up and eat. She hasn't really felt that nauseous today. Really happy for that!
 
Below is the picture of Lenora on Sunday.
 

   She really needs to be able to keep food down so her body can regain strength. We're still waiting for a diagnosis for what's causing the inflammation in her spine and brain tissue. Thank you for providing prayer support for us as a family through this whole ordeal!! It means more then we can express! Wishing you God's richest blessings!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Really good day!

  Lenora felt really good today! She didn't need anti-nausea meds. That is exciting! She felt good enough to eat supper with Uncle Peters and Mom in the lounge. Hopefully she keeps improving this way.
  She had lots of company today. You timed it well :) So whether or not you made it a point to come when there was no one else there, very well done! 
   Lenora can move her bottom lip up and down. She can show her teeth slightly when she tries smiling. Feeling is slowly returning to the rest of her face. 
  Thank-you so much for remembering Lenora in your prayers. It's because of your prayers we keep seeing improvements! 
  Seems its the dark days in between that give us reason to rejoice when the clouds lift and the sun shines through warm and bright!! Today was one of those sunny days.   Thank you, Jesus!
   Until tomorrow.... 


Friday, February 15, 2013

Still waiting

Mom said she'd gone to bed with high hopes Lenora was gonna be over her upset stomach but when mom saw her this morning, those hopes crumbled. Lenora was holding a kidney basin. She had to use it several times throughout the day. By supper time though she felt a little better so she ate some and drank a bit again.
The physio therapist had Lenora do bed exercises. That went well enough. She also walked to the double glass doors and back to her room, twice!
Please keep praying for a diagnosis!
Like I've said earlier, God can see the problem. God can see the whole picture, the past, the present, and the future. And yet, He wants us to bring our needs to Him and He promises to grant our requests. His timing is perfect though, unlike ours. This is why He tells us to wait! Waiting is hard. Especially in today's society where we expect everything to be at our fingertips instantly.

Better in body then spirit

Lenora hasn't thrown up since day before yesterday! She doesn't feel nauseous.
A nurse came into her room and asked
'How are you this morning?'
'Better in body then in spirit' was her reply. It's hard to stay optimistic when there's no diagnostic after more then 4 weeks of waiting. So keep praying for courage and hope in this situation, but especially for a diagnoses!
Lenora did say that having visitors come in made the time pass quicker. She does appreciate it though if you don't all come at the same time :) just a thought to keep in mind when you plan to come see her.
If you can't make it in to see her in person, sending her notes and cards is a great alternative! :)

I'll have more later...

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Prayers answered!!

Lenora had a pretty good day. She had excellent bowel movement. Lenora is no longer constipated!! Prayer answered!! Yesterday she took meds to settle her stomach. That didn't seem to help. Today she didn't take the meds and has been able to eat alright without feeling nauseous! Another prayer answered!!!
Visitors who have seen her every week since she came to Winnipeg commented on how good she looked today!
The strength in her arms and legs is back to normal, which means she's at her strongest since she came to Winnipeg.
The unresponsiveness of her mouth is not considered numbness. It's called weakness. In that case, with exercise, she will regain the movement in her face.
We still need the diagnosis for her core problem! So please keep praying that God will help the doctors find what's wrong with her; be it complicated or simple.
I can not thank you enough for keeping Lenora in you thoughts and prayers. It means so much to all of us!! God bless you!!

Prayer request

Good morning! I don't have much this morning only this; Lenora asked that I send out a specific prayer request that God will heal her of nauseousness. She didn't throw up yet but she's again feeling like she will. This nauseousness comes and goes. It doesn't allow her to eat and therefore keeps her from re-gaining strength. She has become painfully thin. Her body keeps food for a few hours then her stomach becomes uncomfortable and she again brings up everything she ate. Her body just can't process energy she takes orally. What I'm trying to say is this; Although her face doesn't really reflect it, Lenora is thin. As thin as though she hasn't eaten in a month. She's eaten some since she's been at the hospital but her body has not been able to benefit from any of it.

Here's a reminder from Scripture, I want us to claim for Lenora:

"and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise her up, and if she has committed sins, they will be forgiven her". (James 5:15 NASB)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Significant vision improvement!

The muscle biopsy they did today afternoon went well. So thankful for that!
She can definitely see better. That's exciting!! Her smile is still none-existent although there is signs of the one side of her face beginning to thaw.
She's not nearly as nauseous today as she's been for a couple of days. She ate some at supper time and didn't feel uncomfortable afterwards. And that without meds to settle her stomach! That's always good news!!

That's all I've got for today.. Hopefully tomorrow brings more good news! 😀

Thank-you for praying! Lenora has definitely been more optimistic today then she was yesterday.

Muscle biopsy

Lenora is scheduled to have a Muscle Biopsy done on her hip tomorrow morning. A small surgery according to the doctor. The biopsy they did on her neck didn't reveal anything other then there's inflammation in her spine. Hopefully this muscle biopsy holds a clue.
She had a significant bowel movement today. That is an answer to prayer!
She sat up by herself. Then, with a walker , she walked down the hall to the double doors and halfway back. So it's not that she can't move around. Only she has no energy to grow strong again as long as she can't process the food she eats. .
It was yesterday evening she began feeling nauseous and throughout today she kept throwing up.
Something is obviously still not right.
God Almighty is the only One at this point who knows exactly what is wrong with Lenora.
Pray for God to reveal to the doctors what the core problem is so they can do what needs to be done to get Lenora back up and running!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Moved out of Step-down


Sometime this afternoon, Lenora says to Mom "look at my right cheek. It's got a slight tingling. Sure enough, there was a slight movement when she tried to smile.
Her vision has improved slightly! For those of you who've been there in the step-down, she was able to read the time on the clock hanging by the nurses desk!
Also, Lenora had enough of a bowel movement today that it's worth talking about! Your prayers are being answered. Thank-you, Jesus, for hearing and answering, in your time!! Hopefully she'll keep improving quickly!
Her eyes are noticeably brighter then they were this morning. They seem to get brighter right after a bowel movement. This may be coincidental or not, I don't know for sure.
Lenora sat in a chair to eat supper. She ate half of the food they brought her which is more then she's eaten in a long time! She hasn't brought it back up yet! :)
I am surprised at how little pain she's got following surgery on Saturday when they installed a 'shunt' To drain the fluid collecting in her spine and head. This fluid built up pressure which is believed to have caused the headaches and what I'll refer to as the 'seizure' she had just before they moved her into the step down the second time. She took only a regular Tylenol at 2:00. The first since midnight. Tells me she doesn't have that much pain now!
The physio-therapist had her stand and take a few unassisted steps today. She can feel the stomach incision when she stands but otherwise, like I mentioned earlier, she's got very little pain at the moment. Hopefully it stays that way! Her headaches are gone!! Another answered prayer! This is strange for her! She hardly remembers the last time she wasn't suffering from headaches.
They took a blood test yesterday and were hoping the results would come back in a few hours. Instead the samples got sent to Ontario for more advanced testing.
Thank-you for remembering Lenora and the rest of is in your prayers. I mentioned earlier today that Lenora was discouraged and having a hard go at remaining positive. That changed this afternoon sometime! So, thank-you especially for praying for her in that way!! May God bless you!

P.S. she's back in the inpatient ward so the 'scented flowers and gifts' ban has been lifted!

Monday, February 11, 2013

A visitors observation

Probably Lenora's toughest battle this morning was fighting to stay positive in the midst of her still being in the hospital. All the unanswered questions are wearing her out. Pray she can keep her spirits up!
I'll have more later...

Below is an article written by my good friend Delmar. He's been a real support for me and the rest of the family. His sister is one of Lenora's super close friends but has been at Bible school in the US since before Lenora went to Winnipeg. Delmar has been her eyes and ears back home.
You will notice he's a writer - it is physically impossible for him to write short articles!! :)






A visitor’s observations:

I came into the hospital just like usual and made my way through the maze to the elevators and went up to floor 5 – GA-05. I ignore the sign on the door that says “No thoroughfare” and just enter the wing like I know where I’m going.

Just then I notice Justen has returned my text telling me where they actually are – cause they moved Lenora to a different room recently. Thankfully I was on the right track and headed down the hall.

We (Loretta Bartsch, Jennifer Plett, Clifford Penner and I) see the Loewen family gathered and head over that way.

“Hmm… what ever happened to her head??” I wondered to myself as I saw that they had cut a couple inches of her hair on the top of her forehead and a very obvious U shape cut with staples.

I hadn't been aware that they had done another surgery on her recently – I couldn’t quite get which day that had happened.

“Hi, welcome here,” she said, shaking our hands. “Please don’t be offended that I don’t smile – I just can’t.”

When she talks, it appears to me that she has no control over her lips at all; that makes her words quite a bit less clear to understand.

We sang some songs – softly, so as not to cause a disturbance – and if I heard right it seemed like Lenora was singing as well as the rest of us; chances are I heard one of the other girls though, I don’t know!

I had brought my laptop with a message on it so we could have our “Sunday service” there. It was almost quiet time for that ward and the doctors came to do a brain test on Lenora so we had to leave; we went and hooked the laptop to the big screen in the lounge and listened to the message while “some people” took a nap.

All of us young people went for lunch at about 2 PM; but first I set up the laptop for Lenora so that she could watch/listen to it on her own too.

Later when we came back I discovered she had watched about half of it – 20 minutes worth. She said she had started feeling somewhat dizzy and therefore quit.

“So how are your eyes, can you see well? Can you see me?” I asked, standing a typical 4 feet away.

“I can see you – at that distance I can see your eyes,” pointing to Loretta, “and I can see what you are wearing.”

“Can you tell if I’m looking at you or not?”

“Well, I think you’re looking at me, and I can tell your smiling.”

“So you can’t see across the room and see people?”

“Not clearly; I can see when the nurses come to me and often I can recognize them by their shape and how they walk.”

“Can you read ok, or is that a problem?”

“It’s different; sometimes I can read one psalm and sometimes two before I have to stop. I find it somehow easier to read on my iPod then from paper – I don’t know, maybe it’s because of the light behind the text.”

“How about your hearing? You have any problem with hearing?”

“Oh no, I have no problem with hearing; I can listen to stuff anytime.”

She does have the Bible on her iPod and would also enjoy audio books to pass the time.

We had some humor and I noticed that when Lenora laughed, her face does not change at all; she starts shaking if she laughs hard enough and times you can hear her, but she will keep a perfectly straight face as if she didn’t even hear you.

She is still pretty weak from my observation because when she was going to show us the wound on the back of her neck from the big operation a few weeks ago she needed help to turn unto her side a little more.

From overhearing some conversations it sounds like the doctors are perhaps almost as frustrated with not being able to pinpoint the causes as we are.

~~Written by Delmar



"There's no God like Jehovah!"

Doing well

Sunday Lenora had a good day. She had enough visitors but not that she grew overly tired.
She's feeling quite well actually. Well enough to begin feeling discouraged at times because she's still flat in bed. She's getting more ideas like having one of us push her bed out to the lounge so she can be 'out' for a while. I don't blame her. What else would you use all that 'think time' for then to come up with little schemes!
She can't smile at all which is hard on her. I miss her smile too. At the same time she takes it as well as is to be expected.
Below is a pic of the '7 stitches and haircut'
Lenora told me today she wishes there was a way to repay everyone who's praying for her. The healing that's happened is because of your prayers. May God bless you!