More answered prayers!
Yesterday was a bit of a bummer because the ophthalmologist told me I had a bacterial infection in my good eye (I knew something was wrong!) and he put me on an antibiotic. I have to go back tomorrow to see how things are going. He said that the antibiotic he gave me is about 4 generations old in the US. We are so resistant to antibiotics, that more and stronger ones have to be developed all the time. I'm hoping my 1st generation NZ antibiotic works!
What a great day! Today we went back to Lower Hutt for an appointment with the plastics doctors. I was armed with a million questions and hoping to see and thank some of my favorite doctors. Although it took about 3 1/2 hours, it was a very productive appointment. They answered all my questions and gave me new dressings. I got a medication that may get me closer to hearing from my right ear. Dr. Natalie pried all the metal and wires out of my mouth! What a relief! She even gave me a heap of "spatulas" (tongue depressors) to use to help me open my mouth. Right now my jaws are so tight, I can barely get a baby spoon through my teeth, and a toothbrush is an ordeal. I got to see and thank Dr. Jonathan as well. He and Dr. Natalie had been with me since the beginning, not just in surgery, but before and since. They really cared about me and our whole family. I will always be grateful to them. Dr. Natalie gave me a set of DVD's of my (plastics) medical records to take home and hand over to the next doctor that will get stuck with me.
And the very best thing about my appointment today is that Dr. Natalie and Dr. Jonathan CLEARED ME TO FLY NEXT WEEK! We are hoping to fly home next Tuesday, August 4th!! We have been so excited all day about the news! We still have a lot of healing to go, but it will be so much better among family and friends who have been worrying about us and praying for us for so long.
I read and reread the blog every day. It is uplifting and heartwarming to read your responses and especially wonderful to know that you are thinking of us.
Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. We'll remain in touch with you. Please keep the prayers coming.
Love and blessings,
LuAnn
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I am so happy to hear your good news!!!! If there is anything I can do for all of you when you get back please call or e-mail me. My home e-mail is kiwiloco@aol.com. Have a safe trip back! Looking forward to visiting with you when you feel up to it!
ReplyDeleteNancy Kovacs
hello-
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps, Smiles and Tears!!!
So very happy for you all, only wishing that I was in Ohio to give you hugs. I am sure there will be plenty of those so mine will wait.
Love -
Jen Bowo
Oh my gosh you guys!
ReplyDeleteNot even sure if I am blogging right now. Still new to me. I have just now had the courage to read this blog Kathi Moorman sent me about your "trip". My prayers are with you all, I can not imagine what you have all been going through.
I have always thought of the the Shuster-Tucker clan as being strong, resilient and capable of handling adversity. But this one takes the cake! I hope to see you at some point. If there is anything I can do please let me know by email. janevgl@yahoo.com
I am so happy you will be returning home on the 4th. Take care and know you are all in my prayers.
Jane
Oh what great news :) Remember we are just around the corner and there for whatever,whenever you would need us....even if it is just for company. Julie will be home for 2 weeks Aug.8-21 before heading back to BG for the year, and I know she would be more than happy to be a taxi driver if you need one. My hours are flexible and Amy is close as well and flexible. So another words call when you need one of us. We will be there with food or gentle hugs if needed :)
ReplyDeleteBelow are "all" our numbers
Lee work-216-520-7192, cell 216-347-7088,
home 216-228-7129
Julie cell 216-269-1639
Amy cell 216-2546273
Love and prayers,
The Girman/Carpenter clan
Dear LuAnn, Joe, Sarah and David,
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible journey for an incredible family! God's blessings are many, but your ability to notice and respond to them so positively amidst the most difficult of circumstances is truly inspiring!
All of the McGaws have been praying for you since we first heard the news and we have read your blog (thank you so much, Joe and LuAnn for the wonderful stories and pictures!) through tears and giggles. We are SO happy to hear the wonderful news of your recoveries - - and that you are reunited as a family with plans to be back home soon.
Your stories of the kindness and hospitality of strangers are so moving and uplifting! And the courage and positive spirit each of you has shown, while not surprising having known you, is so inspiring - - you are an amazing family who somehow manages to turn adversity into an adventure, a life lesson, and an example the strength of the human spirit!
Please know that we will continue to pray for you as you journey home and make the transition to life back in Lakewood as you seek to return to some sense of "normalcy."
May God continue to give you strength and blessing!
Warmly,
Vicki, et al
First, thanks to my mom for volunteering me.
ReplyDeleteBut she's right I will help with anything you need. I have nothing to do those weeks. (Besides you drove me to Florida right). Please don't hesitate to call.
Hi, LuAnn
ReplyDeleteI am very glad to hear that your exam went so well and that you have the wires out of your mouth! I know that you are all anxious to get home, but don't push the travel if you think you need a little more time to recuperate. Travel is exhausting even under the best of conditions ... but once you get here, you will have many hands to help. It is a blessing to give AND to receive help.
Best wishes,
Jean and Charley
YAY! That is all great news, especially that you all will be heading home soon!! Remember that we are practically right around the corner if you guys need ANYTHING at all :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Holly Sajna
What great news, LuAnn. Expect all of us to be falling all over each other trying to help! If we get to be too much, send us away - promise! You know we will all be thrilled to help with whatever, whenever, wherever. We will see you soon. Count on continued prayers and good thoughts. Love to all, Trish
ReplyDeleteHi guys so I already posted on this entry but I thought of a funny memory that an episode of Gilmore Girls just reminded me of...
ReplyDeleteI just remember how we were at the Beach Cafe on Manatee Beach (with the best pancakes ever of course) and someone, I think it was Sarah or LuAnn had told the person at the window that their name was "Stella" just so the person that brought out their food would yell "STELLA" to announce the arrival of their food. Unfortunately the waitress that brought it was quite timid and just kind of spoke the name but we all laughed anyways.
I'm glad you are all well on your path to healing and I hope to see you while I am home for several weeks.
So very happy to hear all of your good news...
ReplyDeletePlease know that we are all continually praying for your recovery and return and will be here whenever you need us!
LuAnn, just let me know when to plan the next girl's night and we will celebrate your homecoming and healing as only us girls can!
God bless you all,
Sue
Hi LuAnn, Joe and family - we are so pleased that you have finally got the clearance to travel home and to be back with all your friends and family. It has been a privilege to get to know a little bit about you and your family during your stay here in New Zealand and through your blog. I hope one day we may be able to meet you all when things return to normality for you. My wife (Christine) and I may even be passing by your way next year on our way to the UK. All the very best for a full recovery and a lovely trip home.
ReplyDeleteKind regards
John (Nelson - NZ)
Our Prayers are answered.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are coming home, that is awesome news! That will be a great birthday present.
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! I can't wait until I can see you all again!!!!
ReplyDeleteHallelujah!!!! An answer to prayers - - with many more to come for continued healing. Hope you are treated like royalty on the flight home -with first class service and (most hopefully ) seating! May the pressure changes be kind to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy that you are together again. Perhaps it is good that your kids are long past the school level where a first assignment has traditionally been, "What I did on my summer vacation ..."! Your blog has been wonderful in keeping us all up-to-date, and will save you many explanations upon your return. Thank you so very much!
We are here to help, but not impose. You have our phone number. Please use it. We will check in, too. By the way, your house and yard have looked beautiful throughout your absence. Judy
Good to hear you're on your way...speaking of course in regards to your recovery and back home to us! Thank you so much for sharing with us the events of your time in NZ...There is so much to be learned from the way your family has approached this situation... Have a great trip home and can't wait to get in touch with you soon!
ReplyDeleteMegan, Mike and IJ
So glad you're be coming home! Glad you had good care there but nothing can beat being surrounded by loving family and friends.
ReplyDeleteGreat news!
ReplyDeletePut me on your on-call list. I don't return to work until August 17th so I would be happy to help in any way I can. (transportation, chores, comic relief...anything) So glad to hear you will be home soon.
Jeanne
Just have to post about Julie's last comment....I remember the "Stella" day with the pancakes at the cafe! How many people did we cram into the back of that convertible seabring that day??
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jenni