Email from Mom

Dear Praying Family and Friends,

Exactly 4 weeks ago today my family and Pastor George Carr checked me in to Mcleod Health for brain surgery. This morning I am sitting in our kitchen thanking the Lord, enjoying a sunny South Carolina day with the puppies Aida and Bailey asleep on their blanket! How good God is!! I write to thank all of you for the precious prayers, a hymn sing, cards, phone calls, e-mails, visits, flowers, gifts, delicious meals delivered, practical tasks, rides for Elisabeth, not to mention care givers extending love, mercy and patience. I echo the words of Paul: "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3) Until I am able to contact you personally, please accept my gratitude via this group e-mail.

Yesterday the neurosurgery called to request that we come at 9:15 rather than the afternoon. Elisabeth was at The King's Academy, having been dropped off by her Daddy, who arrived home safely Saturday evening from OM's newest ship, the Logos Hope.

(The ship was berthed in the country of the Faroe Islands, so yes, please indulge this old, former Baltimore County Social Studies teacher, and look it up on a world map... hint: northern Europe!)

Dr. Naso, my neurosurgeon checked my reflexes, commented on the good healing of my "hairband" incision, and agreed that I no longer need to take any prescription pills! I may take as needed over the counter pills for headaches and/or pain. Beginning in May I will return to Mcleod fitness and enjoy exercising with my water aerobic buddies!! I will continue to be driven around town by care-givers until at least June 24, the next scheduled check-up.
(Have you ever seen Driving Miss Daisy? We really do have a Piggly Wiggly here in Florence!)

Thank you to all who are praying for rest and sleep. Last night I was sleeping/resting in my bed for a full 8 hours!

Have you heard the phrase, "Hindsight is 20/20"? As I look back at the 261 days since Elisabeth and I arrived in Florence, I rejoice over so many answers to prayer:
feeling warmly welcomed, accepted and encouraged to settle here after over 20 years overseas serving God
meeting the orthodentist to begin Elisabeth's long awaited treatment
registering at The King's Academy, a wonderful Christ-centered private school for Elisabeth's first day of attending school in the USA
meeting Elisabeth's 9th grade girl classmates at a party especially lovingly given by fellow classmate and OM kid Lisa and her mother Rosalyn
staying in a furnished condo of dear Christians
borrowing an OM car to drive after 2 years of hardly ever driving while living on MV Doulos
seeing our new home under construction of expert builder John and his lovingly hospitable, helpful wife Angela along with their skilled team of electricians, plumber, cabinetry maker, etc.
visiting churches in the area, being lovingly welcomed at each, then realizing that Lamb's Chapel would become our new local church home
realizing that providentially our associate Pastor Jerry is part of the real estate team of our new development, Villa Toscana

I could go on and on about the many concentric threads that have been woven together, but you can see that we have experienced day by day the truth of Proverbs 3:4-6. By the time that dear husband and father arrived in September, we were all seeing God's blessings and clear direction.

On October 12 our family expanded to welcome our daughter-in-love Kari and her dear parents Albert and Andrea along with many relatives, army and FBI work colleagues and friends in Manhattan Beach, California.

Each day I have prayed, " Lord, direct my steps" as the Psalmist wrote, and also as young Samuel prayed, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening". Most of you have heard about how God used even the mis-steps when puppies Aida and Bailey caused me to fall on March 22. The scan of my head revealed the benign brain tumor. How grateful we are to be here in Florence, and to have received such excellent care from the neurosurgery practice, the internal medicine group, as well as so many professional staff at Mcleod Health.

Now during this time of recuperation, I am determining in my heart to pray, read God's Word, and listen to my Good Shepherd who leads me as in Psalm 23. Please do send me your prayer requests!

I am happy to have visitors! I am happy to prepare from my British heritage a cup of hot tea, from time in Asia a cup of hot green tea, from Austrian years a cup of strong hot coffee, and now I am learning to have Southern tea ready, a Florence favorite, which is sweetened iced tea!

Loving thanks,
Badeen

Almost Home

Dad is on his way back from the Logos Hope. He should arrive in Columbia around 9:00pm, and then will drive home from there. Auntie A stayed with Mom during the week and left yesterday afternoon to take the train back to Maryland. A friend from church is staying with Mom until Dad returns home.

On Wednesday, Mom and Auntie A were in a little car accident. They are both fine, but the person clipped the front of the car and took off the front bumper. Mom went to see her doctor on Thursday just to be sure that everything was fine.

Elisabeth went to her first prom last night! I talked with her afterward, and she said that she had a great time with Josh Tong (her friend, whose parents work with Mom and Dad).

Please continue to pray for healing for Mom and that she would be able to rest as well. Please pray for protection for Dad as he travels today and that he will be able to get some rest when he returns home. Also, please pray about the car situation that insurance will cover all of the damages and that it will be fixed soon.

Faroe Islands

Dad arrived safely in the Faroe Islands after an eight hour delay. During his first night there, he slept for nine hours! Please pray that he will continue to get some sleep while he is on the Logos Hope. He is excited to be there and has met some of his old friends.

Yesterday, Mom and Cricket went to Lamb's Chapel for the first time since Mom's surgery. She loved being back at church. She also took Benadryl on Saturday night and said that she slept for a few more hours than usual, which is great.

Please continue to pray for healing and a full recovery for Mom.

Maryland Friends

Dad left for the Faroe Islands on Friday. He called me while he was on his way to the airport and said that he almost canceled going on his trip. Mom was flying around the house tearing things apart looking for a neck pillow for him to take, which he did not want or need. Then she was talking to Aunt Helen on the phone, and Aunt Helen fell, so Mom was trying to contact 911 in Rochester, NY. Without success, she then tried calling Uncle Kevin and then Aunt Nancy. Since she could not contact either of them, she then called Jeff. So, while I was in class I got a phone call from Jeff and then my Mom. I then woke Elisabeth up to go and check on Mom. Meanwhile, Dad was trying to gather all of his things for his trip and get to the airport. Needless to say, it was a confusing and hectic morning for them.

Elisabeth stayed with Mom all day and then Cricket Barrazotto came to Florence to stay with Mom for the weekend. She is wonderful and a great blessing. We are so thankful that she is going to stay with Mom and Elisabeth while Dad is gone.

Tomorrow, Auntie A (Allison Gault, mom's college roommate) is coming to stay during the week. Another huge blessing. Mom will have so much fun with Cricket and Auntie A. Lately, she has been frusturated with Dad and how he is trying to protect her. I do not think she realizes that she is still in the healing process, and it will take time.

Please continue to pray for Mom and her recovery because her personality has changed. She still is not sleeping a lot because she only sleeps for about three hours a night. Please also pray for Dad while he is away. He does not like being away from Mom, and he also needs to sleep and rest. Please pray that even while he is in the Faroe Islands and busy with work that there will be time for him to rest.

Email from Dad

Badeen is improving daily. She is still fairly hyper and only able to sleep 2-3 hours a night as the steroids continue to affect her. This could last another 3-4 weeks. Her staples are out and all the medical staff are extremely pleased with her progress. We have a DVD with the MRI showing her tumor. I’ll see if I can email you some images.

I leave tomorrow to take 16 publishers to the Faroe Islands (north of Scotland) for a week on our newest ship, Logos Hope. Cricket and Allison are coming from Baltimore to have a girls week. Several ladies from our office & church have supplied us with loads of food and will be around to help if needed. Elisabeth is doing very well.

I’ll have email but no phone while I’m away.

Many thanks for all your emails, gifts and prayers. We deeply appreciate all our family has done for us during this time.

Blessings,

Joe

Please Continue to Pray

Last night, was another rough night for Mom. Dad called me around 11:00 and told me that Mom was upset and being completely irrational. Please pray for her recovery. The surgeon said it can take 4-6 weeks for the steroids to be completely out of her system, but this process is hard for both my mom and dad. She is still only sleeping a few hours a night.

Dad has to leave tomorrow for the Faroe Islands for work and will be gone for ten days. He does not want to leave Mom, but fortunately some of her friends from college and Bible Study Fellowship from Maryland are coming down to take care of her while he is gone.

Please pray for safety for Dad while he travels and that he will be able to get some rest during his trip. Please continue to pray for healing for Mom. We really appreciate your prayers!

Easter & Staples Removed

Easter morning, Dad, Mom, Aida, and Bailey (the puppies) were up for sunrise at the house. They stood on the back porch and Mom sang some hymns and then a church nearby had bells that played as well.

Grammie and John came back to Florence on Friday and stayed with Myles and Patty. They came over to the house during the day to stay with Mom. On Easter Sunday, Myles and Patty had everyone over to their house for Easter supper. They are such a blessing! During the afternoon, while Mom was at the Taves' house, Dad got a chance to go and take a nap. He is not getting very much sleep since Mom is still only sleeping two to three hours a night.

Aunt Jane McAfee also came to Florence on Sunday evening to stay with Mom and Dad for a few days and to help Dad. She has been such a blessing to our family. She has been watching Mom during the day and taking Elisabeth around to her friends' houses. Elisabeth is off school this week for spring break.

Mom and Dad went to Dr. Naso's office yesterday to have Mom's 40+ staples removed! They met with a nurse, and she answered some of the questions that they had. Mom is still on an anti-convulsant to prevent seizures. Also, they were told that it can still take 4-6 weeks for the affects of the steriods to wear off. Mom had her last steriods on her last day at the hospital, but she still has acted differently since being home. The affect of the steroids on her is having increased energy, increased talking, and not being able to settle down and sleep for long periods of time.

Please continue to pray for Mom. We are so thankful for her progress, but there is still a long way to go. She becomes confused about different topics and still switches and talks with a southern accent sometimes. I am not sure whether or not she is aware that she is doing it. Please pray for Dad and continued strength for him. He has been doing an excellent job and is so patient and loving with Mom.

Home!

Mom was discharged from McLeod hospital yesterday!

After getting home, Josh and Dad did more projects around the house. They cleaned out the garage so that Mom's car can be parked inside. I think that the neurosurgeon said she is not supposed to drive for up to six months. Mom was very excited that the guys got all of the garage taken care of. Josh being at home has helped Mom and Dad so much.

I talked with Mom last night, and while Josh and Dad were cleaning and running errands, she was watching Marlie & Me with Elisabeth. Mom was oriented and talked with me about school and Easter. She did, however, keep flipping into a southern accent, which seems to be one of her new things. She likes imitating the nurses and her friends she has been around since being in the hospital.

This morning, I talked with Mom, and she was disoriented. Last night, she slept for two hours and then was up to say good-bye to Josh, slept a little bit more, and then was up again. She also refuses to sleep in her bed and is sleeping on the reclining couch in the living room.

Josh (and Bella, his dog) left this morning at 4:00am to drive back home to D.C. Dad talked with him and said that he made it home safely.

Elisabeth stayed home from school today, and thankfully Patty came over to help Mom because Dad had to go into work today.

Please continue to pray for healing for Mom's brain and body and that the confusion will stop completely. Also please pray for Dad because he is not getting a lot of sleep and has so much to do, taking care of Mom, the family, and now going back to work as well.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. We really appreciate how everyone is praying for our family.

Medical/Surgical Unit

from Dad...

Badeen continues to improve. Slept 5 hrs last night. We walked a bit this morning and although weak she’s gaining strength. Neurologist is hopeful that she will be able to go home tomorrow. He said her tumor was the size of his fist. It was so large that the inner cells of the tumor were dead because of lack of blood. Elisabeth commented, “How could the tumor be so big because Mom has a small head?”.

After her operation, Badeen was drinking large amounts of water. Actually, the nurses said she holds the record for highest urination in ICU history. Unfortunately, her sodium levels are now low so she’s restricted to 2 liters of fluids/day which is really difficult. Other than this, everything else is OK.

Thanks for all your emails and prayers,

Joe

Monday

Monday afternoon, Mom was moved from the Trauma Surgical Unit to a Medical/Surgical floor. I talked with her this morning, Tuesday, and she told me about her move to the new floor. She said that a tech wanted to "bless" her and played "I Can Only Imagine" on her phone. Mom said that she was so relaxed and at peace that she stopped breathing, and she was still connected to her heart monitor and pulse ox so it started alarming. The charge nurse came rushing in to see what was wrong. Everything was fine and she took deep breaths. Mom said she thought that she scared Josh and Pastor Jerry.

Mom said that she likes her new room and that it is larger and has more windows than in the ICU. She enjoys the nursing staff and the nursing students who are working there.

Monday morning

Over the past few years, Mom read through a Bible for each of us kids and highlighted different verses for us. When finished the Bible she gave it to us on New Year's Day. Here are some verses that I read this morning that she had highlighted for me.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." -Psalm 27:14

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." -Psalm 29:11

Still in TSCU...hopefully just one more day

From Dad...
Sunday was a good day for Badeen. Doctors are happy with her progress. Able to back off some of the pain meds. Good appetite, and she has found a liking for grits! Orientation improved as the day went on. Looks like she'll be able to move from the ICU later today. Hopefully, home by Wednesday or Thursday!! Thank the Lord and thanks to so many of you for your prayers and emails.
Joe

From Aileen...
I was able to talk with Mom yesterday morning. Josh was at the hospital and put her on speaker phone for me. She even asked about my test that I have on Tuesday. Please keep praying for her recovery and for Josh and Dad's strength.

Kari left yesterday and took the train back up to D.C., but Josh and Bella (their dog) are staying in Florence until Wednesday or Thursday when Mom comes home from the hospital. Elisabeth is still going to school and doing well. The puppies are home and recovering from their surgery. They should be going to get their stitches out today.

Saturday Night

An email from Dad. He is at the hospital tonight staying with Mom. Josh and Patty have been there during the day, and Grammie and John came to visit as well.

Saturday 10pm.... Badeen improving throughout the day. Anxiety level
down and less disoriented. Able to sleep for 2 hrs this afternoon.
Eating well and pushing lots of fluids. Managing her pain ok with meds.
Many, many thanks for your emails, cards and prayers. Nurses just bathed
her and getting her ready for sleep now. Doctor increased sleep
medication and praying she rests well.

Mom on Wednesday afternoon after her surgery. This was when she was oriented to what was going on and asked me to post this on here. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

from Dad

This is an email Dad sent out to our family this morning about Mom's progress.

Saturday a.m....Badeen had a better night, slept for 5 hours. Meds handling her pain and she's more comfortable. Still very disoriented. Able to eat some solid food. Looks like she'll stay in intensive care for 1 more day. They changed her dressing, and I was amazed at the size of her incision, across the top of her head from ear to ear. Easy to see why she's in so much pain.

Doctor was just in saying that she's progressing well.

Thanks for all your emails and prayers.

Joe

This was taken Tuesday night after the hymn sing. Elisabeth is missing because she was outside with her friends, and we could not find her in time.

Another Day in the TSCU

Today, Dr. Naso decided that Mom should stay in TSCU for another day or two. Dad stayed during the night and said that Mom was still anxious and would not settle down to rest. She has great nurses who have been taking care of her. Last night, Jack was back again and they really like having him there.

Josh went in during the day, and Patty Taves came and stayed all day as well. She has been an amazing friend to the family.

Another side note, Myles Taves played a practical joke on Mom and Dad twenty years ago. Mom had surgery on April Fool's, so...when Mom woke up from surgery, she was convinced that "it was all Myles' fault, and Myles did this to me." She kept saying that it was the biggest practical joke he has played, and she would get him back. When she got to the TSCU, she laughed about what she had said about Myles.

Dr. Naso also decided today to back off on some of the steroids to see if that will help with Mom's anxiety, restlessness, and talking. They are also going to back off some of the Valium, and hopefully this will help tonight.

Please keep praying for healing for my mom and that she will not be in so much pain. Also, for strength for Dad, Josh, Kari, and Elisabeth. Thank you so much for your prayers! We really appreciate it and have also loved hearing from you and your love for our family.

"Another 30 Years...Stay Tuned"

Yesterday morning, Josh went to Wal-mart to get pillows to support Mom's back because it had been bothering her all night. She has pain all the way down her spine from surgery. So, I took Elisabeth to school and then he loaded my car with all of the things that he had found...
He got four water noodles and duct taped three of them together, a mattress foam pad, a pillow, a seat cushion, and the best of all a life vest to support her neck.

I got to the hospital, and Kari and I took the things to Mom's room (getting funny looks from people on our way up to the 9th floor). When we got there, they had just given her Phenergan for nausea. It was great because it made her fall asleep, and she needs to rest.

She slept for two hours! When she woke up, she was restless and anxious again. Mom was talking a lot, but everything does not make sense. She recognizes people, but she just talks and talks. She wanted to go through the alphabet and find languages for each letter. Then she started saying a phrase in Korean. Then I sang with her, after which she started singing in French and then speaking in German.

One thing that Mom also keeps talking about and telling us is how all of this is a miracle. She told Dad today, "I'm going for another thirty years! Stay tuned." (Mom and Dad will have been married for thirty years on August 11th. And on Tuesday, Mom had told me that thirty years with Dad just wasn't enough).

Dad stayed at the hospital throughout the whole day, trying to calm Mom. Grammie and John came for a while and so did Pastor George. He is a huge blessing to our family and such an encouragement. We are so thankful.

I stayed until 2:00pm, and then Dad wanted me to head back to Samford for class on Friday. Later in the afternoon, the nurses got Mom out of bed and into the chair to sit, but she kept trying to stand up. Please pray that she will rest because she gets herself so worked up.

Dr. Naso came back in the afternoon to check on her and said that everything is going well. Mom tried to stand up when he came in to show him how well she was doing and that it was all because of Jesus. Mom is witnessing to everyone who comes into her room and asking them if they know Jesus.

Josh slept some during the day and went back over at night. Kari got Elisabeth from school, saw the puppies who have been at the vet, and then went to the hospital. Dad came home at 4:00pm and talked with me and then slept for a little while. Then he went back over to the hospital and stayed the night with Mom.

First Night in TSCU

Last night, Josh stayed with Mom. She only slept for about an hour and a half because she is in a lot of pain. Dad went into the hospital at 4:45 this morning and then Kari went in around 6:00. Josh is just getting home, and I'm going into the hospital now too. Please pray that her pain will get better today.

Trauma Surgical Care Unit

Around 2:45 the nurse called and told Dad that we were allowed to come and see Mom in the Trauma Surgical Care Unit. Everyone (Dad, Josh, Kari, Elisabeth, Aileen, Grammie, John, Pastor Lonnie, Pastor George, Myles, and Patty) all went upstairs to wait in the TSCU waiting rooms.

Dad was allowed into the room first and then came back to get Josh. They only allow two people at a time to be in the room with Mom. Then Dad came back for me, but he told me I was not allowed into the room because I have had a sore throat and just started on antibiotics this afternoon. I got to see Mom from the door to her room. Elisabeth went next and got to see Mom. Then everyone else took turns going to see Mom.

She is very alert and talkative, which is great because the surgeons were worried about her speech being impaired for a while after surgery. She is on morphine, which is helping with her pain. Her head is wrapped and has a mesh netting over it.

Everyone stayed until about 4:30 and then headed out. Dad is staying with Mom right now. Grammie, John, and I have been in the waiting room. Josh is coming back tonight to spend the night here with Mom.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers! We are so thankful that everything has been going well.

Surgery Day

This morning at 6:00am, we (Dad, Mom, Josh, Aileen, and Pastor George) arrived at the hospital for pre-op. They took Mom for a CT scan and started an IV and gave her anti-nausea medications. We waited in the pre-op area until about 8:30, and then they transferred Mom to the holding area for surgery.

In the holding area, we met with the anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, a grad student nurse anesthetist, and Dr. Naso, the lead brain surgeon. They started another IV and pushed the first dose of anesethia medications. Mom commented, "Wow, I wish I had these for each of our voyages, it would have helped." Then she was in an out of sleep. Dr. Naso came and spoke with us, and then the nurses took her to the OR.

We have been waiting to hear a report. Kari took Elisabeth to school, and the puppies to the vet to stay overnight. Then Kari came to the hospital in time to see Mom before she went into surgery. I had to go back to the doctor, and when I was finished at 12:00 I got a call from Kari saying that the surgeons were closing. It took a lot less time than expected. Dr. Naso had told us that we should be prepared for a four to five hour surgery.

At 1:30, Dad got a call from a nurse saying that Mom was in recovery. She is awake and speaking! Her speech is unaffected which is amazing because that was one of the main concerns. She also has sensation in her extremities. The Lord is so good! We are all so excited and relieved.

The nurse told Dad at 1:45 that in about another 45min we should be able to go and see Mom. She is going to be transferred to the Trauma Surgical ICU. I think that she is going to spend the night there tonight and then be moved to a floor.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! My family and I really appreciate it. We could not get through this without you. Thank you.

Hymn Sing

Last night, Mom and Dad invited some of their friends from work and church over for a hymn sing at our house. My Grammie came into town and played all of the hymns that my mom had picked out. It was wonderful to have friends around us for support. We really appreciate all of the prayers!

After the hymn sing, we spent time together as a family. It's wonderful all being together at Mom and Dad's.

Prayer For A Friend on the Day of Surgery

Mom received this prayer from Aunt Coo and wanted me to post it.

Lord, God of all creation, you have bestowed on surgeons the art and the gift of correcting our bodies when we have experienced a disorder. It is a marvelous talent which comes through the use of mind, and of eyes, and of hands. You put these pieces together in your divine plan so that bodily healing can take place in our earthly life.

At this time we ask you, through the Holy Spirit, to guide the surgeons as they go about repairing the body of our friend Badeen. She has placed her trust in the doctors, and has placed her life in Your hands.

We also ask for your divine blessings on all the people involved in this operation. Keep them strong and keen. Keep Badeen comfortable and peaceful, and grant her full recovery so that she can continue sharing your goodness with all creation.

Note from a friend

Mom emailed me this from one of her friends and wanted me to post it.

from BSF friend, Gail:

I just read your message about God's grace in revealing your brain tumor. I , too, praise God for ordering your steps and bringing you to this exact place in these exact circumstances, frisky puppies and all. Psalm 16:5 says, "You have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure." All that went before has prepared you for this event in your life. Amazing grace!

You haven't lost you sense of humor! You have TWO good excuses for being disoriented.. What about the rest of us? I use the "I'm getting old" one. It's not very original. Most everyone I hang out with uses the same one!