Update
May 12, 2008
Dieter asked that this photo from May 7 be posted; I would never allow a photo of myself in the blue hat to be out in public! On May 7, doctors removed a filter that had been placed in Dieter’s abdomen as protection against the blood clot he used to have in his leg. Since the clot is gone, the filter had become unnecessary. We have been lobbying for over a month to have it removed, and last week we got 24 hours’ notice of a chance to have it come out. Everything went well, and we are so glad to have one item crossed off the list.
A new item on the list of medical questions that need attention is the chance for Dieter to participate in a clinical trial of a device that would move his right wrist and fingers while vibrating the muscles. The idea is that the combination of assisted movement and vibration will help the brain to re-engage with the hand. Dieter has decided to go ahead with participation in this trial, which will last about 2 months. He’ll go to San Francisco 2 or 3 times a week for the treatments.
Finally, we aren’t seeking any more opinions on whether to put a stent in Dieter’s carotid artery or not. It’s clear that, no matter how many doctors we ask, they are going to divide 50% for and 50% against, and, in the end, the decision is Dieter’s. This week and next, Dieter will have some tests to measure blood flow and oxygen delivery in his brain, and we are hoping the results of those tests will bring clarity to this decision.
Thank you for hanging in there with us. Val
great pic! Very good news.
Hello All,
Thanks for the update. We consider it a privilege to pray for Dieter, his full recovery, and stamina for everyone. It is true a picture is worth a thousand words. Dieter you look good in blue or any color for that matter. Thanks for keeping our intercessions fresh with the blogroll.
Gratefully,
Vivien for all 8
It’s really been a blessing to see you all at church. We all think and pray for you often and the girls continue to thank God for your healing at dinner each night.
Valerie, I was so encouraged as a wife and mother when you shared on Sunday. You are such a light even in the midst of all you are doing. I appreciated all you shared.
Praying for your blessings big and small,
Liz
Thanks for the update. We were wondering. Still with you!
Great picture. It is actually really good! But I’m with you Val, no postings of me in one.
Kath
Thanks for all the updates. We’re continuing to pray for you.
Pat
Hi Dieter-
Just wanted to let you know that we’re thinking and praying for you often. I think I’m with Val on the blue hat… : ) Great to see the photo, though.
Take care,
Jimmy & Leanne
I sort of like the white wrap-around dress!
Thanks for the updates, Val. Please know that I’m continuing to pray for you all and for God’s complete healing and restoration for Dieter.
Thank you for keeping everyone informed. It has been wonderful to see you at church and, especially, at Pat’s service. I know it meant so much to her family.
Your testimony on Sunday was so compelling, Val, and I empathize with the feelings you conveyed. It is also very helpful to have specific requests for prayer.
The trial sounds exciting and promising, and I am not surprised that you are eager to “go for it,” Dieter. Your spirit and grace under pressure are inspiring.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dieter, how could you possibly, take a photo without that FABULOUS haircut showing? I need the name of your publicit. Just kidding. Only you could still look good, looking like that. God bless you, if anyone of us had to pose like that, it would be disturbing. So thank God for your good looks. You are amazing to everyone and so is your family. You are blessed. I pray for you all every morning, before my feet touch the floor. You have an amazing wife and children, because you are an amazingh husband and father. I am proud to have you in my life. And hands down, I am a better person for knowing you and Val. I too am blesed.
Dieter and Val–First of all, Dieter, you are hilarious! But this is the more profound thing that has been pressing on my heart the last two weeks each time I think of you. The day before our wedding you guys told Mark and me that our wedding really was one of the most intimate experiences we would share with each other and God; that the wedding is really a worship service, an intimate time in that cord of three strands way and that though other people would be there, they would be in a lot of ways–oh, to express this properly!–they were truly guests and witnesses to the extraordinary thing God was doing. They were people we loved who were privvy to these intimate first moments of our bond in marriage. I feel like these months walking with you in prayer have been just that–it is a nearly unspeakable honour to stand with you watching the beautiful vulnerable intimate redeeming work God is doing in you and through you. God is glorified. So sorry my words fail me here, but I so hope you hear this spirit of gratefulness that you have allowed us to stand with you and pray with you along this intimate and personal journey of your marriage and family, one that is completely yours and yet a ministry to so many. You are ones to shine. We stand in the glow. Thank you. You are dear beyond words.
We would love it if you would post a photo of your family. Haven’t seen you in years and have never seen a photo of the kids. I like to have photos in sight to remind me to pray. Thanks
Sue Steger