Tuesday Update

Hi again,

I'm sorry it has taken a while to update - we have been pretty busy while Sheri was here!

First of all, we wish to share some praise. Michelle's condition continues to improve. Each day she is able to do more and more, but by the end of the day she is pretty sore. She is still unable to drive and unable to lift Jaclyn, but she continues to have increased energy and seems more mobile.

The update from the doctors is that we have decided to take the advice of the Immunologist (actually, the team of Immunologists), not the Rheumatologist. What this means is that Michelle will continue to be on steroid treatments through the month of July. This will include periodic steroid infusions (she has one tomorrow) along with the pill form. She will also continue Methotrexate for 6-12 months. It also means that Michelle will continue to keep using her arms and legs until they hurt, and then no more (they call this a period of "convalescence"). They want her to focus on healing her body during this time. Starting in August, Michelle can begin physical therapy/rehab, at which point we're hopeful that some of Michelle's strength will return.

A special note of thanks to Sheri - for watching the girls, spending 6 days caring for our family, and REALLY (and we mean REALLY) helping around the house! The girls had so much fun with the special one-on-one time with Sheri that they normally do not get with all the kids around.

Also, thanks to Kim Attema for a delicious dinner and desert, and also to Carla (MOPS) for a great dinner! We also want to thank Noelle, Traci, Mary, and Kate for watching the girls and having some awesome play dates. We have also been blessed by my parents who have arrived safely tonight and will be with us through the 4th of July weekend! We have projects lined up, but mostly we're just looking forward to spending some quality time together. So - our prayer request is for the girls to have a good transition and that we don't wear Mom and Dad Brouwer out!

Again, we wish to thank all of you for your prayers, cards, calls, and visits! We are truly surrounded by God's Hands and Feet - you!

Love,
Jack (Michelle, Julia, and Jaclyn)