May 6, 2010

Crystal's condition seems to continue to regress. She is still having some pain and we are concerned with the way it has affected her walking. We talked to Dr Friedenburg yesterday and had an appointment today. He was concerned, but really had no answers as to why her body is functioning this way. He was pleased with the muscles that were treated with Botox. He felt it relaxed some of them. He gave her another medication to see if it would help. He wants to schedule her for an MRI and another Botox treatment and several other tests for some time next week.

Yes, we believe God is good, but will admit to the fact that right now we must reach out in faith to our Heavenly Father and ask Him to strengthen us.

How is Crystal coping with all of this? I will briefly share. Up to this point she seemed to cope very well; then this evening it seemed like her world came crashing in. There's so many things she wishes she could be doing. Helping Shari with her house, going with the youth, she greatly misses not being in school interacting with her students. This evening I walked into the living room and I noticed she was weeping. I put my arms on her shoulder, and soon we gathered around her as a family, we cried together and prayed with her and again ask God to help us be committed to His way and will and again ask God to bring relief and healing. Sometimes tears have a way of bringing release.

I wish to thank all our friends and family for the flowers, cards, letters. We serve a wonderful God!

And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God.

We desire your continue prayers.

Dave

May 5, 2010

Dear Friends and family,

Good morning to all. We would like to again thank you all for your support and prayers and desire your continued prayers.

A brief update on Crystal. So far we have seen very little results from her treatments. The doctor said it could take 1-2 weeks till we see much change. Crystal is having a lot of pain the last 2 days making things very uncomfortable for her. We are not sure what is causing her pain.

We were recommended to take her to a Cranial Therapist to try to help stimulate nerve function. We are planning to see a therapist on Monday in Stevens, Pa.

Pray that she could have relief from her pain.

Pray for continued patience, grace, and healing.

Dave & Rose

May 1, 2010

Dear Family & Friends

Greetings to you. It's a warm sunny day.

We were all blessed with a good night of rest. By last evening Crystal was very sore & her body ached but she slept well.

The Dr (her Neurologist)who specializes in giving Botox actually opened his clinic yesterday just to treat Crystal. He knew we were desperate for help. He wanted her to be sitting for the test & treatment. The test consisted of about 15 different pricks to see which muscles are twitching. She lasted for 5 then needed to lie down because she felt lightheaded. He decided that was enough, because when lying down the muscles do not twitch as much. Dr. Frienedburg was able to give her the Botox shots lying down. He gave 4 different shots in the neck muscles.

The amount of Botox is a trial basis. He wants to see how her muscles react to this dose and said he will be in contact with us in 2 to 3 weeks then decide whether she needs more.

Probably the hardest trial for Dave & I was the fact that it could take up to 2 to 5 weeks till we see much results. And beyond that there are still some uncertainties as to how well her body will respond and to the ongoing process of treatments. Dr Frienedburg said his average patient needs to be treated every 3-6 months with the exceptions of some going into remission, for a period of time. As we consider this and the cost of these treatments, as well as the fact that at least in medical terms; it is incurable and something she may need to live with the rest of her life, it seems a bit overwhelming. We are convinced God Almighty is the Healer and has the power to bring results. We believe that he is able to heal if he so wills. We also know his grace is able to carry us through with whatever He chooses for us.

Pray that Crystal would be granted patience. For an 18 year old that is out-going, and loves being around people, this is a real challenge. At this time she is pretty much on the sofa all day. Just eating a meal at the table is a challenge for her.

Pray that God would give us wisdom in possibly finding other methods to treat it.

I can do all things through Christ which strenghtheneth me Phil. 4-13

Thank you all for your prayers and support, Dave & Rose

April 30, 2010

Crystal is scheduled for Botox treatment today at 12:00.Pray with us that the Dr. would have wisdom to know what the proper dose is, and the treatment would be effective. Pray also that she could relax and it would not be too painful. Our week has been long since she had her check-up on Monday. Seemingly, her condition has gotten worse. She cannot find a comfortable position where her head will hold still and relax, except at nighttime.

God is good and we want to trust him for our strength and courage.

Rose

April 26, 2010

Dear Friends & Family

We had an appointment for Crystal this morning with the Neurologist at the Geisinger hospital. We feel blessed that God answered prayers in the fact that the Dr. diagnosed Crystal's involuntary neck movement as Cervical Dystonia or(Spasmodic Torticollis.) Defined as a disorder that affects the nervous system. Improper signaling from the brain causes muscle to tighten and twist involuntarily. These muscle spasms force areas of the body into awkward movements and positions.

Blood work was done to verify that her body will be able to handle the treatment of botox, which is an injection in the neck muscle. After that they still want to do an MRI to make sure nothing was missed.

The cause of dystonia remains unknown and there is no permanent cure. We are VERY THANKFUL that it is treatable and she will be able to function normal.

Please Pray:

That there would be an opening for a treatment this week.

That her body would respond properly to the treatment.

That the MRI would come back clear

That God would give Crystal & us patience through this

Thank You all so much for your prayers for us already. Through your prayers we've been given courage to trust God even though the future is unknown.

Rose