Nov 22, 2011

We had a good conversation with Arturo & Marisol a few days ago.  Marisol is still having back pain, but the Dr's expect this to continue, and gradually diminish, over a period of many more months.  A second opinion and lab work confirmed that what she has is Renal Tuberculosis (affecting a kidney and the ureter).  Since this falls under the class of a public health concern, the Bolivian government covers her treatment for this specific disease.  Any operation that Marisol may need is still under debate.  Her kidney function seems to be gradually improving on the affected side.  One physician wants to install another catheter, but the specialist is concerned that this would only increase her chance for infection in the weakened kidney.  The catheter (as well as previous hospital visits and procedures) would not be covered under the government Renal TB care program.

The greatest trial for Arturo & Marisol is coming from well meaning family.  They want Marisol to be free from pain NOW.  But the prognosis for recovery for this disease is very slow.  This requires a lot of patience for Arturo and Marisol.  The family is insisting on everything (White magic, etc.) and blaming this illness on Marisols Evangelical husband with his strange "Chrisitan" beliefs.  The Drs have told these people that judging by the spread of the TB, Marisol was probably infected 10 years ago, long before she even knew Arturo.  But that didn't go over too well with them.  Please pray for widsom for the Dr's, pray that the family would stop being so hard on Arturo & Marisol.  Thank you!

Oct 31, 2011

The current course of treatment was begun a few weeks ago.  Marisol is feeling better, the pain slowly but steadily subsiding.  Her kidneys also seem to be responding to treatment.  The Drs say that they will not be able to determine her chances for a complete recovery for a couple of months.  We are praying that she will not have troublesome side affects from this medication.  Thank you all so much for your concern! 

Oct 13, 2011

The Drs approved the Tuberculosis course of treatment for Marisol.  Some in the family insisted upon a second opinion.  The second Dr applauded the good work of the first physician and told the family, "you are lucky that they secured this treatment, the diagnosis is very difficult to establish with the Health Dept. and the earlier she gets started the sooner her problems will be resolved."
*We are praying that her weak kidney will respond and start working at a healthy rate and...
*We pray that the problems in the ureters will be solved and the pain will go away.
*Pray for wisdom for the Dr's to know when to remove the shunt (bypass) from the ureter.
Thank you for praying for Lindas brother and his wife!

Monday Oct 3, 2011 > A Family in Need in La Paz, Bolivia

We called Arturo & Marisol again today.  She is at home resting.  They are still caught up in the back and forth trips for medical tests and diagnositcs.  The renal shunt has helped, but Marisol still has inflammation in the ureter.  The Drs have asked for more tests, and a CAT scan.  There is also the possibility of treating her with a course of antibiotics specific for renal tuberculosis (common in Bolivia) to see what happens.  This is one of the possible solutions for her problems.   If she responds well, it could put an end to the disruptive cycle of expensive tests, medical speculation, and more testing.
*Please pray for wisdom for the Drs, for good helpful decisions.  All the lab work and imaging has been inconclusive up till now.  This makes me think more and more that this problem will ultimately be solved through united and focused prayer.  Thank you for praying for Lindas brother and his wife Marisol.

P.S.  Oct 4, Today Arturo and Marisol are going in for more tests.  The diagnosis needs to be confirmed for the government to be able to step in and provide for treatment.  The Dr will talk about Marisols case in a consult with the Public Health Physicians comittee.  The committee needs to agree to the diagnosis and submit the claim to the Dept. of Health.  The treatment for Renal Tuberculosis is monitored closely by Public Health in Bolivia to insure that the patients follow through with the entire course of antibiotics.  The good thing is that a confirmed case will be (should be) paid for by the government.  From what we have read about this illness, she needs to get on the treatment soon.
*Please pray that this process can be expedited.
*Pray for Marisol, the discomfort and the anxiety that she is coping with.
*Pray for Arturo and the many ways that this is stressing him, in addition to the medical crisis, domestic challenges with 2 children, he is bearing the brunt of senseless cristisism.

Sept 26, 2011

I called and spoke briefly with Arturo this afternoon.  They were on their way to the clinic for more testing for Marisol.  His cell kept cutting out.  He said to call back tomorrow afternoon after their big meeting with the Dr.s.

Arturo & Marisol: Update Thursday Sept. 15 2011

We called Arturo's cell phone in La Paz today.  He answered from the hospital and handed the phone to Marisol because he was busy recieving a progress report from the Dr's.  It was good to hear Marisol's voice.  She was very happy to be free from pain.  The Dr's wants to install a bypass Saturday.  Later they hope to do some more testing to determine the percentage of function her weakened kidney has.

We will be at our churches camp out until Saturday, then head out to the country again Sat. afternoon for a birthday party.  Will call Arturo again Sunday afternoon and see how Marisol is doing.  The Dr has instructed them to get help with the children, she must not over do it lifting up little Efrain.  Thank you for praying!
L&L

A Family in Need

My brother in Law, Arturo Chavez, works as a full time pastor/elder in a small Gospel Church in La Paz, Bolivia.  He is married to Marisol, they have 2 lovely children Areli, 6 & Efrain 3.  For the past year Marisol has suffered with lower back pain.  They depend upon Gods health care plan, their example of faith has been a great encouragement for many.  In the past few months this discomfort has increased to levels of greater concern.  Visits with the Dr. have prompted many tests and scans, some with frightening implications, but, each time, thankfully, those fears have given way to more commonplace, less urgent explanations.

Yesterday, everything seemed to seemed to hit all at once for this family.  Marisol had had an imaging solution injected in a kidney through a Ureter.  Later she returned home but did not feel well.  At the same time, Arturo had to be at the cemetery because the body of a close family member (deceased 8 years) had to be exumed, witnessed and signed for, as the casket was opened and the remains cremated.  After this difficult experience in the cemetery, Arturo returned home.  Marisol was there resting after the test, but the pain was so intense that she passed out.  Arturo did not tell Marisol where he had gone because he did not want to stress her more with all that was going on.  There is an additional challenge that Arturo handles with gracious patience, he is legally blind.

Linda called her brother yesterday and encouraged him to find his strength in the Lord.  We will be calling again in the next few hours for updates on Marisol's condition.  We are asking you to please pray for our family in Bolivia.  Arturo is concerned about covering this hospital expense, Linda told him "do not worry about that, tend to your wife and children."  "God will take care of this, just wait and see!"  Pray that the Lord would reveal himself to Arturo and Marisol in a most wonderful way that reinforces their faith and shines as a powerful testimony of encouragement for the others in their church, community and family.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  Thank you!
Leon & Linda