Praise the Lord!

Cassie Laman has completed her series of therapy programs and has returned home. After being thoroughly assessed, the doctors have ascertained that Cassie is an average sixteen year old girl with no residual brain injury. The doctors are amazed at the tremendous progress she has made. Cassie has been given credits for the courses she was taking until the time she became ill, so she is able to once again join her peer group at Rehoboth Christian School.

We rejoice with you, Cassie! Praise the Lord! The Lamans wish to thank everyone for all the love and support they have received throughout this ordeal. It is so very much appreciated!

Psalm 105:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works.
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord.
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore.
Remember His marvelous works which he has done, His wonders and the judgements of His mouth, O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Cassie update

A Cassie update from Joanne and Wilfred.

Cassie has completed three sets of 2 immuniglobin treatments with steady improvements day by day.

She is now receiving Occupational Therapy and School Tutoring each day.

Her medications are now being gradually reduced under careful supervision of Hospital Staff.

Cassie enjoys regular walks with Joanne on the McMaster University campus with trips to Williams Coffee Pub.

Since Mother's Day Cassie has been coming home on the weekends. We are very thankful for this.

Cassie's routine at home is to bake for the doctors, nurses and support staff.

The Lord willing Cassie will be at Rehoboth Christian School Formal Spring Banquet this Thursday.

She is also eagerly preparing to be Michelle's Maid of Honour for Michelle and Dan's big day June 7, 2008.

We again thank all those near and far who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers.

A Miracle

An update from Wilfred & Joanne:

Cassie continues to improve and miracles continue to occur right before our eyes.

Her is Cassie standing in front of the many cards and pictures which mean so much to her (and to us). Note the message on the whiteboard!

Cassie loves to go for walks. Here she is sitting in front of one of the buildings on the McMaster University campus.

Even the nurses are stating that Cassie’s present condition is a miracle. We are thankful for the wisdom given to the doctors, the staff and the medicine applied.

The Throne of Grace was stormed in prayer, literally around the world. So many people have stated: “… we constantly pray for you,..”

The power of prayer is evident. We continue to pray that God will continue His work and give Cassie a full recovery.

Now “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified … according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Wilfred & Joanne

Reasons for Praise

Here is an update from Wilfred & Joanne.

Cassie Update,

First of all we apologize for not posting this earlier this week as there was some uncertainty on the course of treatment.

From the Lumbar Punctures, MRIs and Video EEG it was determined that Cassie had contracted a virus as the white blood cell count in her spinal fluid was 39. Normally it is around 3 to 5 hence a virus was present. The white blood cell count on the last LP was 4. This indicates the body took care of the virus for which we are very thankful. The question that caused concern to the medical staff was, why wasn’t Cassie improving and why at times did Cassie’s condition appear to be recessing?

The theory is that the autoimmune system then started attacking itself. This is known as “Limbic Encephalitis” and “presents itself with many of the same symptoms (e.g. memory loss, seizures and confusion) as infectious encephalitis but a causative virus, such as herpes simplex, is not present. In fact, the cause is an antibody - made by the immune system. Antibodies are made by all healthy individuals in response to infections or after vaccination. The antibodies attack the infectious agent (such as a virus) and help the body’s immune system get rid of the infection. The immune system has to make literally millions of different antibodies in order to combat effectively different infections. It also makes antibodies to respond to damaged or abnormal tissue, such as cancer tissue. Unfortunately, a few of these antibodies may “cross-react” with the patient’s healthy tissue proteins, attacking the tissue and causing an autoimmune disease.”

Since April 30^th Cassie has had four – 4 hour treatments of intravenous and imoglobin (IV/IG).

Reasons for Praise: There has been a great improvement. Cassie can talk coherently, she has started to keep a diary, goes for long walks with us. Cassie has also started a rehab program which includes art, spelling and math. Finally, she is taking pride in the small things that we take for granted such as, washing her face, brushing her teeth, getting dressed and tying shoe laces.

Another big step was that Cassie was granted permission to come home for the day on Mother’s Day.

We continue to be grateful for all the prayers, support, acts of kindness and love. May the Lord continue to be gracious and grant full recovery to Cassie.

An update from Wilfred & Joanne

Dear friends and family,

The new medicine that has been administered to Cassandra over the last week continues to stabilize her.

Cassie now sleeps peacefully every night and she has regained an appetite.

Things that we take for granted such as tying shoe laces can now be performed.

Wednesday April 23^rd a video - EEG was performed.

This is new technology combining video and brain wave recording simultaneously allowing analysts to properly diagnose brain wave activity with body activity.

A preliminary diagnosis is that there is no trace of Epilepsy.

Detailed analysis is ongoing in the attempt to discover why seizure like activity is present.

I witnessed Cassie’s 4^th Lumbar Puncture performed on Monday to determine whether the body has fought off the suspected virus.

Once again encouraging news – The results came in approximately one hour later with a white blood cell count of 4 (four).

Previous levels were at 39 and 30 with an acceptable level under 5 white blood cells.

Further viral tests will be performed on the Spinal Fluid extracted on Monday in the attempt to determine which virus has occurred.

To date all viral tests have come in negative.

This being said, we were told that there would be a 75% chance that we would never find out which virus caused the cranium swelling.

McMaster stated that they are literally in communication with medical professionals throughout the world in the attempt to determine the specific cause.

The medical team at McMaster Children’s Hospital have been absolutely great.

Cassie’s condition is referred to as an acquired brain injury therefore speech, actions and moods are very spontaneous and at times unpleasant.

They have been caring, profession and extremely patient.

Each and every one of your cards to Cassie wallpaper her room making confession of your and our hope and faith in our Triune God.

They have inspired nurses, health care aids and support staff to make comment and even testify of their Faith.

To quote one HCA,

“I was requested to come into Mac, an 1 hour 15 minute drive, wondering why my placement was so far from home.”

Looking at the wall of cards she said, “I now know why. I am a pastor’s wife. May I pray with Cassie tonight?”

Nurses have also stated that at times, in the midst of Cassie’s illness and frustrations, there is a sense of immediate calmness when one prays with Cassie.

Based on this we are truly thankful for the progress that has been made, Prayers are being answered.

“PRAISE be to (our Lord and) God from whom all blessings flow”

Wilfred & Joanne Laman

Monday April, 28

We are thankful to report that Cassie's condition is improving.

She is eating much better than she was a short while ago. This has relieved one area of concern.

Cassie enjoys going outside for 30 minutes or so - especially on a sunny day. Today, the medical team will carry out a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to further assess her progress.

Her interactions with others are getting a little better as is her sense of coordination. There is, however, still a long road ahead and the exact cause of her illness remains unknown. The results of various tests may still take some time to come in.

It is very touching to see how Cassie responds to those praying with her in the room. She immediately sits up and a big smile covers her face.

We are very thankful that the Lord has heard the prayers of countless family, friends and church members. Keep praying for her continued progress as well as for her parents and siblings. May the Lord continue to give them the strength to carry their burden and to be a witness for Him.

An update from Wilfred & Joanne

Here is an entry from Wilfred & Joanne to bring us up to date with what happened over the past week:

Monday (April 14): A third MRI was taken to check for cranium swelling.

The third Lumbar Puncture was performed to further analyze her spinal fluid trying to determine the foot print of the virus.

Wednesday: The gastronomical tube that was inserted to provide nutrition was pulled out by Cassie that night.

Thursday: Family, Doctor and medical staff meeting concerning Cassie's prognosis:

We discussed the three MRIs over the last month.

The medical staff still believes that Cassandra contracted a virus (either through an air borne spore or a bug bite) resulting in her infection with encephalitis.

It was noted that there was some swelling in the posterior of the brain in the second MRI a couple of weeks ago and that it was not present in the MRI taken last Monday.

The doctors stated that analysis is literally being done in multiple places throughout the continent.

The spinal fluid white cell count is normal in the last two Lumbar sample therefore there is no virus present at this time.

Friday: Rehabilitation Treatment has begun to try to stabilize Cassie.

Weekend: We have started to see some improvements already however healing will take some time.

We would like to publicly thank our Father in Heaven for His sustaining Grace as we travel down this road we can say with Gloria Gaither, "God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there." For He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

We would also like to thank all who have supported us in many ways such as meals on wheels, cards, flowers, visits, other tokens of love, words of encouragement and above all your prayers.

Wilfred & Joanne Laman

An update on Cassie

Cassie's condition has improved again to some degree for which we thank the Lord.

Here is a brief update from Pastor Schouls:
"I spent an hour with Cassie and her Mom on Tuesday afternoon. When I came she was just getting dressed after a shower, which she enjoyed very much. She gave me a big hug when I came in. We went for a little walk and even went outdoors very briefly but she then preferred to be inside. Her cousin and dear friend Jordana also came then, much to Cassie's obvious delight.
Today a feeding tube is being inserted because she is losing weight. This is not unusual in some cases. Joanne told me that the last MRI showed inflammation deep inside the brain. There has been some delay in analyzing one of the blood samples; a new one had to be taken and it may take as long as a month before results are in. Joanne and Wilfred are holding up amazingly well - their dependence on the Lord is notable. Let us continue to pray with and for them that the Lord, whose power has no limits, may cause all this to work to her physical and spiritual well being and the glory of His name."

A turn for the worse

Cassandra has taken a turn for the worse over the last few days. Since she eats and drinks very little, she has lost a great deal of weight. This week, most likely Wednesday, a feeding tube will be surgically inserted in order to prevent her from experiencing potentially serious organ damage. As well, there will be a meeting involving the medical team, the Lamans and advisors to determine what the next steps should be. From a human point of view, the situation is quite serious.

Everyone is asked to storm the thrown of grace on behalf of Cassandra and her family: Ask that an accurate diagnosis will soon be made ; that wisdom would be granted to all involved to make the right decisions; that the family would be given all they need as they go through this very difficult time; that this trial would be used to convert sinners and draw God’s people ever closer to Him.

1I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help?
2My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Palm 121:1 & 2

Thursday - April 10, 2008

Cassandra continues to have good and bad times. During her good times, she is able to walk around the McMaster hospital ward she is in with only minimal assistance. She is able to sit outside with her mother Joanne for brief periods of time and enjoys the sunshine. Also during her good times, she recognizes some of the people who come to visit her. When asked to look at someone, she turns and looks at that person.

When someone says "lets pray" she sits up, folds her hands, and closes her eyes. These are blessings from the Lord which encourage her parents.

More testing is being done in the coming days - including another MRI.

Mysterious Illness

Cassandra began experiencing severe headaches on her way home from Atlanta, Georgia, where she had spent a few days during March break with her mom, dad and brother Daniel. A few days later her family, friends and classmates realized that she was going through periods where they couldn't understand what she was saying. After being brought to the hospital, her condition deteriorated further.

Now, three weeks later, although her condition has been improving relative to her worst days early on, she continues to experience good and bad days.

Numerous tests have been undertaken, many of them multiple times. A vast spectrum of doctors have been involved and all are baffled. The latest theory is that Cassandra may have caught a virus from an insect bite. Blood samples have been sent to both Winnipeg (the Canadian center for infectious diseases) as well as to Atlanta ( the center for American infectious disease research), ironically enough. Results, unfortunately, may not be available for several weeks.

Pray that the Lord will help the doctors clearly diagnose Cassandra's illness and further pray that a remedy would then be available to bring her back to full health. At times like this we are all reminded of man's weakness and limitations but we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord knows and controls all things.

Wilfred and Joanne speak of the day to day strength that the Lord is providing them. They know that their family, their church family and countless others from far and wide are praying for them. They are greatly encouraged by this. Please continue to petition the Lord - He is merciful, His compassions fail not, great is His faithfulness.

Periodic updates will be provided on this blog. While the Lamans are greatly appreciative of the calls they are getting at home, it is becoming difficult to return the many messages on their answering machine when they arrive home each evening. It is hoped that this blog will provide a means to keep everyone informed. Please note that if Cassandra's condition doesn't change significantly from one day to the next, then there will be fewer updates.

Rick Postma
Brantford Free Reformed Church

Some Pictures

Here are some pictures taken at a February 2008 youth group outing.

Cassandra is on the right above.