On The Way Home

Fourth Infusion

I am glad that these updates have been uneventful.  Thank you for praying.  Melody is doing well.  I've enjoyed talking with Dr. Cantu while she sleeps--he has to stay with her for the 2 hours in which the ketamine is being given in high doses.  The children are having a good time.  We have one more high dose infusion tomorrow, then we fly out Wednesday morning. 

Buenos Noches! 

Third Infusion

Dr. Cantu reached 1 gram of Ketamine today which was his plan.  Melody tolerated it very well, which means that she slept through it without problems of any kind.  Our children seem to be doing well also.  We are so thankful for the love and understanding of so many folks who are praying for us and supporting us while we are away. `

Lissette Garza came by today and visited with us.  She told us that her little sister Priscilla was a top five finalist in the Miss University Paegent in Monterrey--a major event broadcast on national television.  As a finalist, Priscilla was in the national spotlight.  If I can find a picture I will post it. 

Second Infusion

All continues to go well. Saturday was a good day. Melody was alert
for a nice visit with Andres Garza before the second infusion. She
continues to tolerate the infusions well, although the doses keep
going up and we are not at the max dose yet. Great to know that folks
are praying for us.

Jaime and Natalia

Jaime and Natalia after Melody's First Infusion

First High Dose Infusion

Dr. Cantu was very impressed when he saw Melody today.  He said that she looked much, much better and encouraged her to simply do what she had been doing.  He said that it could take a year or more for the injury to recover.  She should stay the course and be encouraged.  He gave her the first high dose infusion and she tolerated it very well.  Jaime and Natalia brought a basket of fruit and an air matress for me, so we are all set for the evening.  I'll upload a picture of Jaime and Natalia in the next post.

Hello From Monterrey Video (read the text below before watching)

We have a great internet connection so I thought we would load up a video of Melody in the room before starting the infusions today.  The sound is not strong, so turn up your volume as loud as you can.  But, for those who cannot hear this is what is happening:  I say hello, noting that we arrived last night without incident.  Melody describes the breakfast that she is eating with approval--eggs sunny side up with "Mexican style potatoes" (cheese on top).  Melody then shares that Jaime and his wife Natalia picked us up last night.  They are a lovely couple.  (Jaime is completing his Th.M. from RTS Jackson and is leading a church planting project adjacent to the university affiliated with Hospital San Jose--Monterrey Tec, one of the most (if not the most) prestigious universities in Mexico.)  Then, I pan over to take a look outside our room.  We have a problem with the blinds that we need to work on with maintenance, but we have a partial view of the beautiful mountains surrounding Monterrey.  Dr. Cantu is coming at 10:00 AM this morning to get started.  No coma.  24 hour low dose infusion and 5 high dose infusions (about four hours each).  Thanks for praying.    

Heading to Monterrey Today

We are in the airport now, waiting.  This trip is very different than the last trip to Monterrey.  We sat at this very gate with Jacob and Rob in August.  Many unknowns went before us.  It all ended up being harder than we imagined.  More knowns than unknowns await us now: Dr. Cantu, the hospital staff, the city now familiar to us, and of course our friends the Garzas.  The hard part this time was leaving everyone else behind.  But, last we checked everyone was doing quite well.  Please do pray for our trip.  Melody's prayer is to be equipped to do what God is calling her to do, at the level that he is calling her to do it.  Her faith has grown so much and that is an encouragement to me and the children.

Specific things to pray for on this trip:
(1) Safety for our travels.
(2) For Dr. Cantu to get a quick start with Melody.  He will definitely start by Friday, but could he get started tonight? 
(3) For the children to learn even more about the goodness of God, His sovereignty, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit while we are away.
(4) For the caretakers helping us to be sustained.
(5) For the treatment to be effective.
(6) For Dr. Cantu to have some additional insight that may help us. 

PS--No coma this time--some people thought this was another coma but its not (thankfully!).