Janice

Once a year we have a site visit from the MDA office.  Janice England, Lay Mission-Helper Director, did our visit this year.  We met Janice in Bamenda last Saturday and had the opportunity to have lunch with Debbie and Frank, 2 new Lay Mission-Helpers from the Kumbo Diocese.
 
We returned to Njinikom and Janice spent the next 4 days with us.  We had become good friends with Janice during our Formation time in Los Angeles.  It was nice to be able to catch up on each others lives after not seeing each other in 15 months.  Janice was able to visit the hospital and Terry’s school and investigate potential positions for LMH volunteers.  We had a wonderful celebration with the Sisters in the Convent Tuesday evening before Janice left.  Janice is spending 2 days with the Archbishop of Bamenda before returning home to Los Angeles.

Victorine Update

I have written about Victorine previously.  One year ago she was knocking loudly on Death’s Door with  HIV, recurrent Tuberculosis and a hemoglobin of 2.5.  She amazingly recovered although her weight dropped to 66 pounds.  

She comes in monthly for her HIV medications and I am in awe every time I see here.  She has now gained 75 pounds since her discharge last year.  I think Victorine enjoys the smile her presence puts on my face.

Happy Transformation

Kerena is a 2.5 year old child who was diagnosed with HIV several months ago.  She was malnourished and had little strength.  She was started on HIV medications and given additional nutritional supplements.

Kerena returned today for her monthly medication refill.  Terry and I were both delighted to see the radiant smile on her face.  She was very interactive with us, something she had no energy for a few months ago.  She still has a long recovery road ahead of her but life seems to be enjoyable for her now.

Early

There has been a young lady in the maternity ward the last month with recurrent premature labor.  Dr. Dabo has been caring for her and yesterday her uterus won out and she delivered a 3.3 pound boy 10-11 weeks early.  I was worried how developed his lungs would be. So far little Emmanuel is doing well.  He is in an incubator which is warmed with a light bulb and he has a feeding tube.  Each passing hour at this point increases our optimism regarding his survival.  

Keep Emmanuel and his family in your prayers.

Returned

Welcome Back Terry

Terry arrived back from home on Saturday.  We had a nice return trip from Douala on Sunday.  She has been handling the usual jet lag quite well, or at least from my perspective.  She had a staff meeting at school yesterday and her classes begin on Tuesday.  My nurse Germar will be on holiday the next 3 weeks so Terry will be filling in for her when her teaching duties allow during that time.
 
Today, I was very thankful for the financial support that many of you have given Mission Doctors Association.  It has allowed Terry and I to help many individuals who could not afford the tests to diagnose their medical problems and the medication to treat those same problems.  This morning I had a young mother and her 9 month old child both diagnosed with HIV.  Mom did not have the 6 dollars for the required tests needed before beginning their treatment.  Your donations allowed me to proceed with their tests and treatment.  Likewise I had several other patients in clinic today who received similar help.  We all have a role in helping others.  Thank you for your support.