Desmond

Good News, our little Desmond was discharged from the hospital yesterday. 

As you may remember, he was the little infant with the bad staph skin infection that looked like a burn.

His father thanked me for all the care we had given him and his mother was beaming to take her little infant home recovered from his infection. 

I would also like to share with those following this blog some of the other sites I have enjoyed.  The land is full of life and newborn animals along the countryside.  I cannot help but enjoy the beauty of Cameroon and in particular this area.  After my work in the hospital and clinic I often get to take hikes nearby both on the grounds of the hospital and in the village and area beyond.

Who but YOU can stand up for children's needs?

I was called from the children's ward yesterday morning to go to the Maternity ward where I had admitted the 12 day old male infant with the severe staph skin infection that looks like scalded skin.  The father had arrived and was wanting to take the child out of the hospital and seek the care of a 'Traditional Healer' ( a local healer who treats with herbs and other tribal remedies).  The staff was quite upset and very negative about this whole issue, but best to get the story first.  Dr. Jim asked if I wanted him to go with me to speak to the dad as I had only been local for a few days, but I said if I can be ok in South Central L.A. then I could probably handle this.   

 

In the end the man was quite complimentary towards the care but was concerned about the bill he might receive (after all it is about $2 a day for the room fee about equivalent to the average daily wage in Cameroon).  The infant might well have had the infection become more severe without the proper treatment, especially returning to the environment that had fostered the infection.
 

I was able to allay both the father's concerns and the mother's worries supported by all you who have so kindly donated to my mission through this web site.  I am happy to report that little Desmond is continuing with his treatment and all seems to be on track.

We are not in Kansas Anymore, Toto

It has now been 3 work days under my belt in Njinikom and I must say it is even more interesting than I could ever have imagined.  I am truly trying to 'work from my head' which makes the cases I am seeing so rewarding, yet my heart keeps pulling me too and this is good as I try to help my interesting charges here.  

The case of the 2 yr old girl who is about the size of a 1 yr old with severe malnutrition and skin lesions that was near death when her grandmother brought her to the hospital from a very far distance last nite, and the 12 day old with a severe staph skin infection that looks like someone dropped him in boiling water, and the 14 yr old girl who presents with weakness, unable to stand up without support who most likely has a brain tumor but the family cannot afford to take her to the 'City' for the CAT scan to make a diagnosis, let alone the treatment.  It is a different world where you cannot always make things perfect again, like we are so often expected to do at home but trying and providing the best one can is rewarding and goes far. 

Thanks for all your support and well wishes.  This is a wonderful experience and opportunity for me and the people I am privileged to help.

Arrival

I have arrived after an almost 48 hour trip and am now in a remote area of Cameroon in West Africa.  This has been such an incredible trip and now I am on site at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Mission Hospital in Njinikom.  It is in a beautiful green mountain region with beautiful flowers and singing birds and my hosts, Jim and Terry Hake along with the nuns here at the hospital, have extended a warm invitation and quick orientation to life and activities here.  I rounded with Dr. Hake at the hospital and have seen some unbelievably interesting patients along with their families.   Some very sad cases, such as cerebral malaria, and some happy little patients that are showing quick responses to their treatments for pneumonia and simple malaria. 
 

It can be a very far distance for some of the patients to reach the hospital,  one young man came comatose on the back of a motorcycle...what an ambulance that made but no sirens like the ones along Santa Monica Blvd down from the office.  Thank you all for reading this blog and stay tuned. 
 

Best to All

Bon Voyage

Leaving LAX and bound for Douola, Cameroon via Paris.

 
Do they have a shot for jet lag, kids?

Farewell

Good Bye, Dr Malphus
We will miss you
Love, your friends in the office!

Thanksgiving

This is my final posting before I actually depart on my mission and adventure.  As I leave Los Angeles I would like to thank all the folks that have been so wonderful in allowing me to make this trip.  I of course want to thank my dear wife, Mary Lou, for all her support and understanding that makes me free to go and assist in Njinikom, Cameroon.  My associate, Dr. Sheila Phillips, for holding down the fort at the office while I jet away to distant lands.  Elise Frederick at Mission Doctors Association (MDA) and the Board for their support.  And all the fantastic individuals who have contributed to my mission, which is allowing me to take some much needed medicines and medical supplies.  And of course to all my dear friends who have wished me well and hosted and toasted me before I depart.    

On the other end of my journey I wish to thank Dr. Jim Hake and his wife Terry for hosting me at the Mission Hospital and Sister Xaveria for extending the invitation for my mission.

And thank you to all my patients and their families for their enthusiastic interest and encouragement. Patients, Sophia and Stevie share a parting song below.

And thanks, Jessica, in the MDA office for establishing and maintaining this blog site
 
Next Stop...Cameroon!!