Special thanks to all our friends and family for sending cards, flowers, meals, emails, phone calls and visits. We've had a rough go of things but finally 2 1/2 wks ago they came to a head with a visit to emerg. Over the last 10 months I've lost over 80 lbs without trying, had extreme bouts of pain, no appetite, which recently turned into vomiting. As we looked back into my medical records, lack of appetite and pain have been a constant complaint for almost 2 yrs... meds for the Crohn's were changed and I carried on with working, being a mom and preparing to move to NOLA to become Mark's wife.
There is a narrowing in my intestine, very close to where all the pain has been so Crohn's seemed the reasonable answer, although over the months I have been feeling better and better in that department.... my gut began telling me this was something else.
Didn't take long at all after arriving at emerg to have a CAT scan and MRI and ultrasound, confirming not the Crohn's at all this time, but rather an inflamed pancreas and a dark mass on my liver. Also I was diagnosed with severe malnutrition, which was their first major concern. The malnutrition caused the muscles in my body to go into spasms and painfully shake... leaving them weak and so immobile couldn't even feed myself for days. Mark spent three days and two nights at the hospital and our friend Jill relieved him two additional days so he could work.
After 9 days, I was released (much to the shock of everyone but the one doctor who sent me home) but we've managed. The hospital sent us home bags of medical supplies and a walker. Mary found us wedge pillows and devices so I could use the toilet (small pleasures of life).
Although my right leg remains extremely painful and other muscles weak, I am coming along. My diet remains fairly bland as Crohn's diet and pancreas are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Our only regret is I was sent home before receiving physical therapy and training from a dietitian. Thankfully my mom and Mark are doing as much research as possible via the Internet.
My amazing friend Rose Brubacher from Ontario happened to be in Texas when I got sick and came for 3 days to help Mark out.... love you Rose!
To clarify some of the rumors going around... yes, I do require a walker at this point.... wheelchair bound, I am not (although would use one if long distance or much standing required). No we are not financially destitute. Of course I have been unable to work at my part-time job but God does provide. As far as hospital bills.... there has not been one, and will not be any. We went to University Hospital which is a teaching hospital and state funded, with amazing care. They have approved us for 6 months FREE care at which time both Medicare and Medicaid should have kicked in. All my meds have been available in generic form, which means $4.00 each at Walmart. Today I will see our family doctor for some follow up but the appt itself will be $43. plus blood tests (which last time were under $20). (ed note: a few weeks back we had decided to see a GI speciallist on the advice of our GP, Dr. Newmann. It too one call, two weeks and we were meeting with him. It took 18 months for Barb to see a GI specialist in Canada.)
Previous to going to the hospital, I admit, I was terrified from all I'd heard in the Canadian media about costs in US. Since living here we have found none of them to be true for us personally. Our kids have free medical, dental, breakfast and lunches until 18 yrs old and Mark and I will qualify for Medicaid/Medicare. Tests NEVER received in Canada, or on waiting lists for 6+ months were preformed within hours of my arrival at hospital and many were repeated numerous times to compare results. We have nothing but praise and thanksgiving for the American medical field.
In the beginning a biopsy of my liver was a must, but as the days went on, tests began showing the mass getting lighter and lighter, until barely a shadow. At this point doctors have agreed to continue monitoring. When I questioned how this was possible, he smiled and said I am only a doctor, you are a woman of strong faith... you tell me!! Meanwhile we continue to pray for total healing.
At this point we try to expand my menu a bit more each day without sending my pancreas into spasms (which is not such an easy task) or flare up the Crohn's... it is a balancing act, but if it means me being my ol' healthy, energetic self, I will do whatever it takes. The pain has decreased hugely, although when there are bouts, my first reaction is not to eat... something I have to fight through.
Otherwise, life is good. I'm happier than ever before. Our house is full of laughter as the kids friends come and go. On Monday they officially began summer vacation, and although Luke is home schooled and will still be doing 'lessons' throughout the summer, he is having a lighter program for now. Rach, somehow is already a senior and will be looking into colleges in the fall.... big choice is to remain here or return to Ontario. Luke still remains focused on the US Army and anything ministry related.
Our winter was filled with northern visitors back to back from January until end of April, with Rose popping in this past week. Since Rach and Luke are going to be in Canada June 14 to July 15, Mark has declared the 'Chateau Chauvin' CLOSED until after the kids return!!!! lol Our hope is that I will be able to return 'home' for the first wk of October... by then it will be a year and half and I will be in much need for Canadian food!! Do you know today is ONE YEAR since we arrived in New Orleans?!?!?! Temperatures in the humid 80's and the hydrangea bushes in full bloom are reminders of that glorious day I finally felt I'd 'come home'.
Amy was down end of April, surprising kids for a week. It was awesome to see her again. Her summer is being spent working in Fort Erie and then she and Emily (Kim's daughter) will be sharing an apartment during her 2nd year of university. Soooo excited for them!!!
Mark is doing well... he is a gem of a husband and I love him more each day. Although he was scared watching me waste away to nothing, once doctors found out the cause he was relieved and felt even more confident I would be healed. Never in my wildest dreams did I understand how awesome it would be to have a husband who is a true protector, provider and prayer warrior but I wouldn't change a thing about this man (ed note: never mind, I'll keep my mouth shut).
Once again we want to thank everyone for their love and support. Enjoy all you updates.
During this our first, American holiday season, I’d like to take time to send an updated newsletter. It is now over 6 months since we moved south. We’re so settled that in many ways it feels much longer since we made the long trek.
The kids are settled into school and have made a number of new friends. They’ve returned to classes this week after a week long Thanksgiving holiday. Before we know it, Christmas break (2 ˝ wks off school) will be upon us.
We’re counting the days until Amy arrives on December 22. Seems like forever since we last saw her and even then, with the wedding we saw very little of her. This time will be a much slower pace, filled with family time. Amy is completing her first semester at the University of Guelph in Toronto. We are so proud of her!
When Mark is not busy at the church, you’ll find him cleaning the pool, putting up lights, organizing the garage… now that he is 60lbs lighter he has lots more energy. He is looking forward to Christmas in our own house, and with 4 decorated trees, it is a real treat.
I’m working full-time as the Custom Decorator at JC Penney’s in the Oakwood Mall (10 min from the house). In early November I began intense training and today received my last assignment until January when I’ll be going to Northern California to finish off my training. In the meantime I’ll be doing ride-alongs with decorators and installers in Baton Rouge, as well as running my own clients. Although it is straight commission after the training period, I’m up for the challenge! In today’s market it isn’t often you have such amazing employers but Mark and I have both been blessed in that department.
The weather is like a roller coaster here… one day it can be in the high 70’s or low 80’s and a few days later barely reaching 50 degrees, with nighttime temps in the low 30’s (zero for you who are strictly metric). I do love the sunny blue skies that dominate most days. One good thing about the lower temperatures (anything below 75ish) is there are no bugs and no geckos… still cockroaches but Mark sprays and keeps them at bay!
I put a fall wreath on our door (many of you have a similar one from our sale)… the berries are no longer since the geckos and lizards ate them all, and the leaves are falling off from the hot glue melting in the heat from the late afternoon sun. The things I didn’t think about until living here.
Slowly I’m becoming adjusted to the foods that are available and where to find specialty items… like my recent discovery of Canada Dry Gingerale by the case few weeks ago. You would have thought I’d won the lottery!!! LOL The kids are adjusting very quickly to southern foods and Luke seems to enjoy most of them… Rach and I still can’t do the red beans and rice. We now make corn bread stuffing as a staple and have served sweet potato casserole. A new family favorite is mirliton … it is a type of squash, yet different. Some call a vegetable pear or chayote. They are often filled with seafood stuffing, but we make on the bbq with a variety of other veggies. For those who come to visit from the north, if you want shrimp, we’ve got shrimp… or should I say mini-lobsters! Some were approx 8” after the heads were removed and the cost… $4.50 / lb. Mark puts them on skewers on the bbq with garlic- butter, served over lemon rice. Reservations at the Chauvin Château are underway!!! LOL
Speaking of Chauvin Chateau, we are looking forward to Dick and Marilyn (Barb’s folks) visiting in Feb/March; Kim and Laura end of March and Anne and Danny Bruce in April. Who’s booking in next???
From our home to yours, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas season.
