Leif's condition update by Mom 6/2/11PDT

[friend]

2 June 2011 Beijing China 4:30 pm 2 June 1:30 AM PDT

Leif up date

Hi all from sunny Beijing with bluer skies than I have ever seen here.

Moon and Leif's friends continue to be present in unimaginable numbers. At MN there were 3 new visitors at home, and calls asking if we couldn't do something to ease the restrictions so more people could visit Leif in the hospital. Moon is almost never alone. Friends manage to be here for her at all hours, keeping her spirits up and helping with everything.

No good news on Leif's condition.

The American Embassy says Moon is eligible to apply for an Immigrant Visa, Not what she wanted since her home is here, but still good news since if she has one she can at least visit with us, altho I'm uncertain of all the restrictions. A visitor visa was denied in the past and she still has a couple of weeks left on her business visa. She will fill out the application today. - Our days are full with just dealing with all that needs to be done and sitting and talking and singing to Leif.

I had a long discussion with his doctor today and his doctor feels Leif should be kept alive as long as possible even though he agrees there is no chance for any brain function. It is the Chinese way to cling to the body. Moon feels the same. Since Leif is young and strong this could go on for a long time.

In my American way of thinking the body is a vessel for the soul and death is a transition of some sort for the soul or spirit. I won't argue exactly what that is like, only that it is. I, nor do I believe any of my family, would want to be kept “alive “ like this. What is “living”? Because of this difference in belief dealing with medical issues is emotionally exhausting.

We discovered a reason Leif might have had the accident. There is a surveillance video of him in front a a Bar he liked, where Lance also went when he visited in the past. He was eating skewers from the street vendors and drinking beer. At one point he puts his hand on someone's arm, and the fellow turns around and socks him in the face – knocking him down out of the video. His head may well have hit something because then folks are eventually helping him to his feet. After this he is again walking around in the video trying to talk to people, but he seems to be staggering slightly. This may account for the black eye and nose injury he has. He was not staggering before this incident and whether that had any connection to why he had the accident is. And will probably remain unknown.

For those of you of a medical bent, Leif has pneumonia and a rash over his torso and arms which appeared yesterday when they stopped the dexamethasone. It is splotchy, red brown, about 3-10 mm in size, flat and blanches. It looks like a vasculitis to me, altho I thought it was an allergic reaction yesterday when it appeared suddenly. It does not look like folliculitis, which is their diagnosis. He has been intubated 14 days and needs a tracheostomy, but the surgeons are afraid to do it because his platelets are too low at 48,0000, and they are uncertain about stabilizing his broken neck during the procedure -something that is done routinely in the US. Current meds are imipenim, clindamycin, linezolid, fluconazole, interleukin -11, Oxygen at just under 50% and 7mm PEEP. I think they will restart the dexamethasone tomorrow.

More news as it happens.
MOM

[Joanna]

Renee, Thanks for keeping us updated. It must be akin to torture to watch your son suffer this way -- I continue to pray for all of you and the circumstances surrounding you.
With much love and concern, Joanna

[barbhaga]

Renee, our prayers and love are with Leif and your family. Those of us who know Leif from NVS are honored to read your many layered letters, where we have learned of Leif's teaching, and the huge respect and love of his students and friends in Bejing. Your incredible spirit and love gives comfort to all. Our love to you and Moon, and all, in your vigil and care.

[kathy]

Renee, Just wanted you to know that I have been praying for you, Leif and the whole family several times a day. I can't imagine how difficult it is for you and my heart goes out to all of you. Kathy Kyriss

[beckysbit]

Dear Aunt Renee, Thank you for the update. After reading and thinking about this my husband and I had a long talk about what we would like done and in the American way, once the brain function is gone, we wish to be released. I am so proud of you for respecting the Chinese beliefs since it is Moon's husband her wishes of course are the main concern, but I cannot imagine your pain and suffering sitting there by his bedsidey. You haven't met my second husband yet - Ernie - he is 63, 15 years older than I am, and a retired respiratory therapist of 41 years, now volunteer nursing home chaplain. He reads your medical updates and helps me to understand them, and you are in our prayers. The Sunday after the accident I had a vision while praying for Leif of Grandma Stringham opening her arms wide and welcoming him into what Christians call heaven -- it was beautiful and I have clung to that vision to give me peace. My husband and I attend a church similar to Reba where Grandma and Grandpa attended and I think of them often, especially when I am worshipping the Lord and thinking about how Grandma always wanted to be in heaven dancing before the Lord as she couldn't physically (and neither can I expect in spirit!) . I am sorry I never got to really know Leif as we have lived across the country and world from each other most of our lives, but I love you and your family and you all are in our prayers and thoughts. May God give you wisdom, strength and discernment during this most difficult of times. Never having watched one of my three children suffer like this, (my daughter Mindi is 24, Mike is 22 and Marc 19) there is no human way any of us can know the unbelievable pain you are suffering. My husband is also a motorcycle rider and it has caused me to pray more fervently for his safety. I love you and so thankful you can be there. Please give our regards to Moon. Does she speak English fluently? It sounds like Leif has lived a beautiful and full life making a difference in so many lives. Your niece, Becky (Patton Rusch) Ramsey, 2103 E Elm, Griffith, IN 46319 email: chaplainbecky@comcast.net

[Cathylynnchapman]

Aunt Renee

We continue to pray for you and the family. Thanks for keeping everyone up-to-date on what is going on with Leif's condition. Praying for God to give the doctors wisdom as how to best to treat Leif and for God to give the family grace that only He can give. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering you are going through as both my boys are healthy -- My oldest son Kirk is 21 and married now and my youngest Bryce just turned 16 last week. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through as a mom watching one of her kids suffer like you have with Leif nor can I imagine Moon's pain as a new wife. We will continue to pray for you all. We send our love.

Cathy (Patton) Chapman