February 4, 2008
Dear CCAM Partners and Friends,
Buntheep was released from the hospital to Ronald McDonald House on Saturday evening!
The 2 1/2 hour surgery last Thursday morning went very well. Dr. Aldana performed a revision of the scalp incision, cleaning the area, trimming away unhealthy skin, and joining healthy skin edges together with new sutures.
The last time the incision was closed, the sutures used were the dissolvable kind. However, Buntheep was apparently allergic to them, because they did not dissolve evenly and at many places the incision spread apart and began to develop a fungal infection. Now all of those problems have been rectified and the new incision looks very good. Buntheep will continue to take an antibiotic and an antifungal medication by mouth until the site heals properly.
Probably sometime next week, the stitches will need to be removed by hand, after the doctor verifies that the wound has adequately healed. This will mean putting Buntheep asleep again for a short time, because it would be very painful to remove so many stitches with her wide awake. Please pray that she will not get sick to her stomach from the anesthesia like last time.
The other complication that was assessed while we were in the hospital was Buntheep's knee pain. Blood tests and X-rays revealed that the problem apparently is not a serious one. Probably her legs just need more therapy to strengthen the muscles servicing her knees. So we will be going to physical therapy later today to begin a new regimen of exercises. Buntheep will also be taking an anti-inflammatory medication for a while.
Please continue to pray especially for the speedy and effective healing of the scalp incision, as well as for strengthening of her legs, knees, and feet through the therapy. And please don't forget to pray for the return of vision in her right eye too, and for the healing of her fingers that are still somewhat numb and painful.
Local Cambodian-Americans (mostly Buddhists) have seen Buntheep's story in the local media. Some have come to visit and bring gifts. We testified to them about the power and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that through our witness of Jesus' love, they may find rest for their souls by taking refuge in the Highest God.
In His Hands,
Gioia and Buntheep