Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A few more patients

Kossin Delou

Pre-operative

Post op


Dr Gary Parker (maxillofacial surgeon) screening Kossin

Just out of the OR


Kossin and his father - 3 weeks post op.


Sixteen-year-old, Kossin Delou, spent four years of his life sheltered by his family and kept out of the public eye due to an enormous tumor that dominated the left side of his face. When the tumor first appeared, Kossin visited local hospitals in Lomé, Togo. But his family could not afford the necessary surgery.
So, the tumor, which started from Kossin's upper jaw, continued to grow. It soon covered his eye, hindering his vision.
As the insidious growth enlarged, Kossin's life became more difficult. Kossin's father is a local pastor, and the church is an important part of his family life. But people viewed the tumor as a curse, so Kossin's shame prevented him from attending church.
In fact, the children who were once his friends now ridiculed him on the streets and at school. He even felt like an outsider among his own siblings.
His emotional turmoil intensified as his dream for his future began to fade away. Kossin wanted to study at a university to become a teacher. He wanted to enrich the lives of children with knowledge and love. His grotesque facial deformity would prevent him from pursuing his education.
Then Kossin came to our hospital ship, the Africa Mercy . After many hours of surgery, he emerged with a newly constructed face.
Joy radiated from Kossin and his family. His father, Pastor Delou, says, "In this life each one of us need s help in some moments of our life. I can say that through Mercy S hips, we have found that help. Y ou can have a bad story - but, before the end of your life , God will open a door and smile deep into your heart. I know that God is working through Mercy Ships for the best in my life and in Kossi n 's life ."
Kossin is ecstatic about his new life. He can go to church with his family and friends. He's no longer an object of ridicule. And - best of all - in September of 2010, Kossin will be able to start school to fulfil his resurrected dream of becoming a teacher.


Written by Joy Clary Edited by Nancy Predaina Photos by Debra Bell and Liz Cantu

The great difference between working Emergency back home and working on the ships surgical ward is that we actually got to spend time with and get to know our patients. I had Kossin as a patient a few days and had the opportunity to hear his story in talking with his father. Kossin's father is a local pastor of one of the church's in Lome. He explained how Kossin was not permitted to go to school because of his deformity, even though he had the books and uniforms. Kossin's friends mocked him so he had become shy and withdrawn not leaving his house. Kossin's father was mocked by others saying 'God can do miracles through you, yet your own son can't be healed'. Kossin's father's reply was that in God's time he would be healed.
Because witchcraft is much more prevalent in Africa witches tried to get involved in Kossin's life, trying to practice their witchcraft on him. When one witch was on her way to the Delou household she was struck dead. Pastor Delou rebuked these witch's work. What an amazing man with a big faith! So encouraging!



Afi




This is Afi. She is 19 yrs old. I don't know her story but I wish I did. Although she was my patient for a few shifts, I did not make the time to hear her story, and in hindsight I really wish I would have. She was so shy and withdrawn, so sad. Comparing 19 yr olds 'self image' problems back home to hers...well let's just say, there's not any comparison. I don't remember her ever having visitors, I'd like to think some did come on my days off. She had multiple surgeries and will be flown to Sierre Leone next year where the ship will be docked. Please send up a prayer for her.

Abel
The first day I saw Abel, I couldn't believe my eyes! So many of these conditions seem so surreal and literally you can hardly believe your eyes!



Abel & his father got to meet Togo's President Gnassingbe when he visited the ship.

Abel walking with his crutch's & straight legs at our hospitality center.
Cast's off, home time!!
Abel had a normal childhood until a problem arose following an injection. His parents noticed he was having difficulty learning to crawl. His muscles had stopped growing, but his bones had not. As a result, his legs were not growing correctly because there was so little musculature to direct them. They began to bend backward at the knee, forcing his upper thighs out behind him. His parents took him to three different doctors, but none of them knew what to do for him.
Despite this condition, the resolute Abel learned to lean forward, correcting his balance enough to walk, climb and do just about anything any other active boy can do. He even became the goalkeeper on his football (soccer) team. The only thing he couldn’t do was ride a bicycle, since it requires sitting straight on the seat and pushing down on the pedals.
Abel’s physical deformity made him the target of ridicule from other children. But he remained optimistic thanks to his joyful spirit and his wonderfully supportive parents.
One day, there was an announcement on the radio that a Mercy Ship was coming to Togo, offering free surgeries. Abel’s hopeful father took his son to an orthopedic screening in Lomè.
A few days later, a wonderful surprise awaited Abel when he awoke after his first surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. His left leg was straight out in front of him, wrapped in a cast! As he admired his newly straightened leg, he asked his dad if his right leg would also be straight after the next surgery. His father assured him that it would. Abel jubilantly declared, “If the other leg is going to be like this one, I am going to give a big thanks to the Lord.” And a second surgery did straighten his right leg. He also had a third procedure – plastic surgery on his knees.
Through the round of surgeries and post-operative care, Abel’s sparkling personality and brilliant smile earned him many new friends among the crew and among the other children recovering at the HospitalityCenter.
Even though Abel loves soccer, his long-term goal is not to become a famous soccer player. He is now determined to become a surgeon, like those on the Mercy Ship, “because of the things they have done for me,” he said.
Finally, after more than three months of surgery and recovery, it was time to return home to the village of Homa, deep in the bush. Abel and his father, accompanied by a Mercy Ships team, climbed into the Mercy Ships Land Rover to start the six-hour journey.
And it was quite a journey! The Land Rover struggled for more than two hours to traverse the muddy, deep-puddled pathway to Homa. In fourth gear, the intrepid vehicle clawed its way over mucky mounds and through watery ruts. Occasionally, passers-by paused to see if the car would win its battle with the road. A semi-truck stuck diagonally in the mud almost ended the trip. But the Rover squeezed by, narrowly missing the swamp on the right and the side mirrors of the truck on the left.
Perseverance was rewarded when they finally arrived at the village. As villagers recognized the Mercy Ships logo on the vehicle, they ran to spread the word. Soon the Land Rover was surrounded by curious villagers who wanted to see what the volunteer doctors had done for the boy with the backward legs.
The suspense ended abruptly when the star of the show, a very happy Abel, climbed out of the vehicle … with two straight legs! There were gasps of surprise, disbelieving stares, and cheers.
Abel, dressed in his cheerful blue and yellow outfit, was the center of attention. The other boys in the village stood quietly nearby. Could this be the same Abel that they had insulted, beaten up, and called names?
Abel kicked a small soccer ball with his wonderfully straightened legs, and not one of the boys moved. Abel, who had never retaliated during the mistreatment, smiled graciously at them. He was clearly the uncontested victor on every level.
A beautifully prepared meal was provided for the Mercy Ships crew at the home of the village pastor. It was enjoyed with great appreciation.
The Dalome family – all 20 or so members – squeezed together for a photo commemorating this fantastic and unforgettable moment. Abel’s grandfather joyfully pronounced, “Now, I know there is a God because I see Abel has straight legs.”
When it came time for the team to leave, the villagers vigorously shook the hands of each crew member and expressed their thanks, saying, “God bless Mercy Ships.”

Story by Elaine B. WinnEdited by Nancy PredainaPhotos by Debra Bell and Liz Cantu

After long time...

'After long time'...a few email titles I've received from friends back in Africa. It's been just over 2 months now since returning home - sometimes it feels alot longer. It's amazing how you can adjust so quickly to being somewhere then everything changes again. Not a day goes by I don't think back to the previous 7 months. Definitely have moments of missing Togo & the ship. Work - kids running/screaming on the ward, drool hanging from maxillo-facial patients mouths, translators breaking out into singing and drumming each shift, spending time with patients, hearing testimonies. Life on the ship - community, hanging out with your coworkers, movie nights in the cabin, community meeting, football (soccer), volleyball at the hospitality centre, eating supper out on deck 8 overlooking the ocean, going on weekend getaways, afternoons at the market, mango smoothies. Hanging with the translators - ice cream, eating adamae/acumae at a local restaurant, playing card on the ward. So many good memories to cherish!
I've been wanting to post more from Togo since I've returned home, but with life getting in the way unfortunately, it was kinda left on the back burner. So here I am a day before I leave for Niger, procrastination at it's finest...quickly trying to post a few more things and bring a bit of closure to Togo.
Starting with the last entry about Lovelace...she ended up passing away on July 27th - she's in a much better place now - able to run and jump with no pain and...no tumors!!


I want to introduce you to a few patients I had the opportunity to work with. The stories I'm posting are from the communications department on the ship.

Lawson

Lawson is a gentleman I met at the first day of screening. It was great getting to know him and seeing him from screening, surgery, post op, and followup appointments on the ship.



His gentle eyes betrayed his desperate hope. ? I came here so I could get help ,? said Lawson, struggling to speak clearly. A large growth stretched his mouth and cheeks horribly, causing his teeth to stick out in all directions. It had been growing for four years, inhibiting his breathing, eating, and speech ? and, eventually, his ability to work.
The tumor destroyed his life, separating him from everyone and everything he loved. The people in his village would not sell him food because they said he was a devil. His wife left him, leaving behind their three children. Without work or food, he could not provide for his family.
So, Lawson, once one of Ghana's most prominent football (soccer) players, now hid inside his house.
Then, a radio announcement said that a hospital ship, the Africa Mercy , would soon be coming to Togo, offering surgeries free of charge. Daring to hope, Lawson left his children in his mother's care and went to the patient screening.
Lawson was literally at the brink of death as the tumor slowly suffocated him. He was immediately admitted to the hospital ship, with surgery the next day. It took three doctors eight hours to remove the benign growth and repair his nose, upper lip, and cheek. The large amount of blood required during surgery was donated by crew members.
Lawson was overjoyed when he touched the bandages on his cheek ? the tumor was gone! There will be more surgeries within the next year to complete the reconstruction of his face, but the immediate result saved and restored his life.
Unable to hold back tears of joy, a delighted Lawson exclaimed, ?I can't believe what has happened to me. It is a miracle! My way was crooked, but now my way is straight. Now, I am a man!?
Lawson can hardly wait to surprise his family with his transformation. He is anxious to eat real food again ? especially his mother's ademe, a stew made with legumes, fish and red oil. Then he will think about starting his new life.
He has photos of what he looked like before surgery and after. ?I want to show pictures to everybody, so people can see what Mercy Ships did for me. Everybody who sees me, they will be surprised,? he grinned. ?I survived! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Amen!?


Written by Elaine B. WinnEdited by Nancy PredainaPhotos by: Debra Bell



Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Wli Waterfalls, Ghana - June 18-20

Headed back to Ghana, really good to go back...and being in an English (well mostly) speaking country again was a bonus! We headed out to Wli Waterfalls, the highest in West Africa.
It was a little walk through the bush to the lower falls, then a steep hike to the upper falls. They were beautiful! There's something so majestic and awesome about waterfalls - I love swimming in them!

Sarah, Ruth, myself, Christina & our guide


View on our hike to the Upper falls



The hike was steep, I was quite disappointed at how out of shape I felt...then remembered I had just donated blood to one of our VVF patients a day and a half before the hike, plus not eating breakfast. That gave me some relief in remembering those things :)
Upper Falls


Ruth, turning Africa...resting wherever, even on gravel :)
On the rocks beside the waterfall there's thousands of bats, difficult to see on this pic. Crazy to see so many covering the side of the mountain.

When we were hiking we heard gunshots echoing through the mountains. Returning to the lower falls we met up with this gentleman who had shot this bat he's holding. He was going to take it home for supper - gross!!!!

Sunday night we stayed in a city called Ho. We decided to visit a patient who had been on the ship. Her name is Lovelace. She is 5 years old and has large facial tumors that our maxillofacial surgeons were unable to operate on. Unfortunately there's nothing we can do for her. We decided to take a trip to the local market and buy some gifts to bring the family. I don't think I've posted any food market pics...so here's a few on a typcial grocery run.
Tomato paste, spices, oil, rice in the bowls.
Roasted corn on the cob - Lovelace's dad Micheal loves these, so we got some for him.
Eggs
Oil
Different varieties of beans.
Smoked salmon

More fish
Crabs...some alive, some not so sure.
Sarah decided we should buy them a chicken...so we did. Here she's bargaining for that chicken. Great job Sarah!
Sarah carried the chicken for the 15 minute walk to their home.
Sorry Mom...can't say I miss those butchering days and plucking feathers.
We arrived at Lovelace's house when the family was still in church so we waited around their apartment complex till they returned home. Of course somehow all these kids seem to find us 'yovos' and hung out with us.

Here Sarah is sweeping up all the chicken droppings...we literally scared the crap out of it. Sarah is also turning African, sweeping the sand with the straw broom :) The chicken hid behind some barrels till the family came home.
Hanging out with the kids.

A kid with the chicken, while it was out of hiding.

Lovelace's family was surprised when they came home from church to an unexpected visit from us - fun! Here is her family - her Mama (Esther), Lovelace, her Dad (Micheal) and younger brother Bright.

The tumors looked larger then when she was on the ship a couple months ago. She in quite alot of pain - to her hips and thighs, and she was unable to walk (making me think the cancer has spread to these areas). She was taking medicine the ship had given her earlier. Quote from Micheal (her father) 'When people say yes, God can say no. When people say no, God can say yes.' Micheal is an amazing Papa to Lovelace - his love for her was so clearly seen when he was her caregiver on the ship and also on this visit.
Please pray that if God doesn't work a miracle and takes her to heaven that it'll be a peaceful death.


Ok...so on to lighter matters, FanMilk vendors are out all over in West Africa. I love them...nothing like a cool treat of icecream or yogurt on a hot day (like everyday). It's almost an obsession.
Bus station to head back to the Ghana/Togo border and back to Lome.

Toothpaste anyone? You can buy most anything at the bus station as well. Wheelbarrels can contain anything you might want to buy.