In this section of the web site, we shared information that we had on Lynette's medical condition and other developments relative to her activities and treatment. After May 2006, the updates are done via Lynette's Albanian Diary.
January 24th , 2006:
First, the Hoppes want to share with all of you that they enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. All of Lynette's brothers and sisters traveled, with their families, to Lynette's parents' house in Minnesota to be with Lynette and her mother for Christmas. Lynette thanks everyone who sent cards, letters, and good wishes for the holidays. It was truly a blessed time for the Hoppe family.
As to her condition, Lynette's pain level continues to increase, necessitating an increase in the dosage of her pain medication. About a week ago she spent a particularly difficult 24 hours, after a spike in her pain level, waiting for the increased dosage to take affect.
There is also an issue now with blood transfusions. About two weeks ago, her hemoglobin level was low enough to call for another blood transfusion. However, with the number of transfusions she has already had, the doctors decided her body might have a bad reaction to yet another one. Every time she has a transfusion, her body builds up more antibodies, thereby increasing the risk of a bad reaction.
The result of this situation is that , instead of a transfusion, Lynette needs pure oxygen periodically throughout the day and night. She has an oxygen unit in the house, and one in the car so that it is always available if she needs it.
February 27th , 2006:
Lynette has struggled with low hemoglobin for some time now and was getting blood transfusions regularly to offset this problem. Her doctor said that she needed to take a break from blood transfusions for a while as the body was building up antibodies that might cause her to reject blood in the future. Instead she was put on oxygen at night and during the day if she struggled with shortness of breath. At the beginning of February, Lynette was able to attend her 25-year class reunion from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. A few days prior to leaving for the reunion, she was given another blood transfusion and that has been holding well for the past three weeks.
Lynette was feeling fairly poorly during the reunion but was able to enjoy the different schedule events and other visits with friends. She did crash when we returned to Minnesota and had to be in bed for about a week while we increased the dosage of her pain medication in an attempt to bring the pain back under control. She is enjoying some good days now and is very thankful for them.
April 9th , 2006:
Lynette's mom, Marcie, continues to grow weaker each day. She has been struggling with nausea lately and lost eight pounds this week. Two of Lynette's siblings, including her brother from Africa, have come to spend some time with their mother before she passes away. Lynette is very happy to have other supportive family members around to help keep Marcie encouraged.
Lynette has stopped taking her nausea medication and the episodes of anxiety have ended. She is controling her nausea now by drinking tea made from freshly grated ginger. The depression also has lessened, and Lynette is very grateful to be more like her old cheerful self. A recent blood test indicated that her hemoglobin had dropped very little after two months, thanks be to God.
May 12th , 2006:
Lynette has been feeling better these past few months, so the Hoppes will be returning to Albania for a few months. Please pray for them especially on May 17, as that is the day they will be flying from Minneapolis to Tirana. They are very excited about being able to live and serve again in Albania, even if it is only for a short period. Please pray that Lynette's health will hold up for the duration of their visit. Lynette received a blood transfusion yesterday to help prepare her for the trip. Her hemoglobin has been holding up much better these past few months, for which she is very grateful. Please pray that this will continue. Lynette's mom, Marcie, continues to be about the same. She is fully supportive of the Hoppes' return to Albania, but will find it hard to have her daughter gone. Please pray for strength for her and for Lynette's father, who is the primary care giver.
May 21st , 2006:
Lynette and her family arrived in Tirana, Albania on May 18th at 7:45 PM local time. She and Nathan report that the trip was smooth and that Lynette and the children did very well. They were able to lay over in London for almost 8 hours and visit Lynette's cousin who lives there. This also gave Lynette the opportunity to rest for a few hours before continuing on to Albania.
After arriving at the airport in Tirana, where a number of people greeted them, they were whisked off to their house in Tirana where a large contingent of missionaries, students, and coworkers awaited their arrival. The reunion was blessed but short, as everyone wanted to give the tired family a chance to rest. In the last two days they have been busy meeting friends and even visited the beach in Durres on Saturday with many of the seminary students.
Lynette sends her thanks to everyone who has been praying for a good trip!
From this point on:
Lynette writes her own updates in her Albanian Diary.
Lord, hear our prayers.
