mami's blog

Sunday 09/06

• Aunty Mary, Lyna, Paola and I picked up mami from the Dulles International Airport.  The connecting Brussels Air flight from Brussels to Dulles had technical issues; she was put on a Delta flight. She did not come out of the International terminal that we were expecting her, so the search for her at the airport was frantic. Finally, I found her sitting somewhere in the airport with a good Samaritan on the phone at that same moment calling me.
• Family gathered to welcome her, Ma Nandet and kids, Pa and mama Fomuso, Walters Ntang. This was a memorable welcome. 

Monday 09/07

• Mami chilling with Lyna the day after she arrived.

Sunday 09/13 

• Pride and Yvette visited mami and it was fun time, they also brought her food.
  

Monday 09/21

• Mami's left leg just started swelling and very painful. After unsuccessfully trying to get her downstairs, I called 911 and she is rushed to the emergency room at the Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham MD. There, it is discovered she had a massive blood clot on the left leg. Doctors say this is as a result of the long flight hours...
  

Sunday 09/27

• Mami receiving a transfusion at Doctor's Community Hospital.
  

  
Tuesday 09/29

• Mami is transferred to the Washington Med-star Hospital, Washington DC; she is seen by a host of doctors including Dr. Dainty, Dr. Boice and Dr. Neil Phippen. The assessment here was not good. They thought the disease had metastasized and the only way they could tell the extent was to do a PET scan. They wrote an order for a PET scan. Dr. Neil Phippen called me on my way back home and we had a long discussion during which he told me the prognosis for mami was 12-16 months.
  
  
  
  

 Saturday 10/03 

• Daddy, mama Fomuso, and Walters Ntang visited mami on her sick bed. Daddy prayed for healing mercies for her. Some peanuts to munch on too..

Sunday 10/04

• Laura Pefok and Ma Londi came to the house. They prayed for mami and gave her a lot of encouragement. Ma Londi prayed for her and the house whole. She also anointed her and asked her to say what she wanted from God. she said healing. She prayed to God to grant her healing.
  
• Simon Achu, wife and kids, his sister from the UK, with her friend, visited mami. She came down stairs and chatted with them. They encouraged her to keep fighting and that all will be fine. They also brought her food supplements. Thank you guys!
• Simon also visited her many times when she was hospitalized at Doctor's Community Hospital.

Sunday 10/11 

• Gideon Sama, future wife Morine Sama and Ma Grace Sama surprised us at home. They gave us a lot of encouragement, Gideon prayed for healing mercies for Mami and said Mami would attend his wedding coming up in a week's time.
  

Wednesday 10/14

•  Took mami for the PET scan in the Chesapeake Medical Imaging center, Bowie MD.

Thursday 10/15 

• Got the results of the PET scan that detailed the extent of mami's illness. The scan showed that the disease had metastasized. The doctor's at Washington Medstar recommended hospice for mami.

Saturday 10/17 

• Mami attended Gideon’s wedding and was seen singing and dancing Ndzowain. This was a really happy moment and it is all caught on video. I had to rush her home after her legs started swelling again.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Jessy's friend and her mother came to greet mom and prayed with her.

Friday 10/23

• Jessica and I sitting with mami on the bed recorded her will. 

Monday 10/26

• Had booked an appointment with a Gynecologic Oncologist at the Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring MD. We went there and mami was examined and we were to get an update after all information was reviewed by the doctor.
• As soon as we got home, we got called back to the hospital that mami was going to be transfused. Her blood level was low.
• The doctor(Gynecologic Oncologist) gathered us around mami's bed, with the chaplain and the palliative team. They explained the situation and said the best option for mami was hospice. They also said it was a matter of weeks and not months.
• Mami got transfused and released.
  

Sunday 11/01 

• Didian Tsongwain and wife Elise came to the house to see how mami was faring. Lots of encouragement from them. Thank you all.

Monday 11/02

• Beatrice Sama, Mangie, Britney and Emmanuel visited and told their stories about overcoming sickness and the strong faith that is required. Bea also prepared our all-time delicacy, achu and yellow soup. Mami was very happy to eat this. She ate only that achu for the next 2 days. Thank you Bea, you are awesome!
• Philip, Sylvie and Paris came right after Bea and family left. They also brought food and had some great words of encouragement for mami. They had also visited mami in the Hospital. Thanks very much for your support.

Friday 11/06

• Got a surprise visit from Daddy, mama Fomuso and Ma Kah from the UK. I had not seen Ma Kah for over a decade, it was really heartwarming. Mami was able to come down stairs and greet them and took pictures. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
  
  

Sunday 11/08

• Mami dressed in her CWF uniform was accompanied by ma Jessie to the Grace Presbyterian Church in Lanham, MD.
• Pastor Lyman Smith prayed for mami and she was happy to be with her sisters in Christ.
  

Friday 11/13

• Gideon with his Pastor Lucy Tene came and prayed for mami and asked God to heal her.

Saturday 11/14

• CWF visited us and talked about the story of Job in the bible. How he was sick and God healed him. They encouraged mami to keep believing and she would be healed. It is always fun time when CWF is around, always puts a smile on mami's face.

Sunday 11/15

• Pastor Lyman Smith of Grace Presbyterian church Lanham visited and prayed with mami. Mami said she feels the concern people have for her, and she is convinced that if they had the possibility of taking away the illness, they would do it. She also talked about how the pastor here was very fast in getting to her, comparing with the pastors back in Cameroon.
•  Mom asked if I was keeping a record of everybody that was visiting, that I needed to do this for a later testimony of healing and for her to thank everybody who visited, encouraged and prayed for her.
• Visit by Daddy, Aunty Fomuso and Walters ...told the Fomuso's about the gravity of the situation. I pulled daddy and mama Fomuso to my room and explained to them what the doctors had said. We all concluded that we should put our trust in God and asked that He takes control of the situation.

Wednesday 11/18

• Pastor Lyman Smith stopped by, for a word of prayer, he read from Matthew 7:24, how is you hear the word and put it into practice, you have a solid foundation that can withstand the storm.

Matthew 7:24

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Thursday 11/19

• Godlove Alukembom -- informed us that he requested prayers for mami during their CMF session, Bonaberi Douala.
• Talked with Hospice nurse - Hannah about palliative chemo.
• Daddy Fomuso - requested chain prayers for mami.
• Discussion with mami about my priorities -- her health, marriage formalities for Paola, construction  in Cameroon. Other family matters.

Saturday 11/21

• Call from Nelson Tendoh, he wanted to invite us to attend a prayer session of Rev Fobang, will take mami there tomorrow at 5 PM.

Sunday 11/22

• Listened to Joel Austin telecast. He talked about looking into your past about all the mercies that God had shown you and relating them to your present situation, no matter the situation, think of when God saved you, and have faith that he will come to your rescue in this present predicament. Shared this sermon with mami and she went on and on talking about the times God had shown her mercy, in accidents, travels, child birth etc.. the list was in-exhaustive.
• Wanted mami to attend Rev. Dr Fobang's prayer service. She could not make it, she was too weak and so had to leave her at home. The pastor prayed for her and said all will be fine. He also promised to visit her.

Tuesday 11/24

• Pastor Smith surprisingly came to pray with mami, he read from 1 Timothy 2, and in the Passage Paul was saying how the Peace of God is with his children even in difficult situations. He also told the story of an African girl who was sick. She had growths all over her body and was being treated at John Hopkins, Baltimore MD, after surgery the growths are going away, that was good news.

                                                                   

1 Timothy 2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.

Thursday 11/26

• Jessy and the Tsongwains came by to spend thanks giving with us.

Friday 11/27 

• Pastor Fobang came to visit and prayed for mami's healing.
• Finally received the letter from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to confirm mami's insurance, she will be covered from 9/10/15 to 9/9/16. I have been working on this for 2 months now, was not an easy process, but we finally got it ! Thank God for this.
  
  
• At about 8pm, after I had failed to convince mami to go to the hospital,  Paola finally convinced her that she should go to the Emergency room for checkup. I called an Ambulance to take her to Doctors Community hospital. she was admitted, transfused blood, was moved to a ward for monitoring.

Saturday 11/28 

• Mami being monitored in hospital. Discussion with Jessica, Manyi and I about mami's care and the way forward. Was really a pivotal point.....

   
Sunday 11/29

• Had a discussion with the Dr. in charged, Samuel Asfaw, he sounded like northern African or mid-eastern guy. Told me what he had treated mami for. Said her kidneys were still functioning ok, normal was 1.2 she was at 1.4, he won’t be concerned too much. Gave her antibiotics for her UTI, pain medications and discharged her. He also asked us to follow up with her Oncologist.

• During her stay we met this lady Clementine Atabong, she cared for mami on Sunday 11/29 and was very nice to her. We finally found out she was from South West Cameroon and she gave us a lot of encouragement, to keep fighting and to not waver. She told us stories of her mother and mother in-law's fight with cancer and said even when the doctors have said there is no way, there is always a way with God for He is a great God and we can rely on him all the time.

Monday 11/30

• Hospice nurse stopped by to check mami. Recommended “lacsics” for her swollen legs, hospice aide not doing a good job recommended she be replaced.
• Faxed mom's insurance to Dr. Dainty office, unfortunately he does not accept this insurance
• Wrote to Dr. Neil Phippen about insurance issue, he recommended contacting Dr. Boice/Kumar in the Medstar Franklin Square Hospital.
• Finally got appointment with Dr. Boice at Washington Hospital - Silver Spring 12/22 1pm
• Got calls from Dr. Nichols office - Radiation Oncologists -- appointment rescheduled to Dec 16, 2.00PM

Wednesday 12/02

• Pastor Smith stopped by to pray for mami. He remarked mami was doing well and was strong. He asked about how much she's been eating and if she is still getting visits. He talked about the start of Advent and the decorations that were going on in the Church in preparation for Christmas. There is going to be a Christmas eve service and wanted mami to come see how beautiful it will be. He read from Psalms 103, Psalms of David...He said we should praise the Lord, and think of the kind things he has done for us.He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

• Hospice social worker(Sheryl Simmons) stopped by and talked with mami, she asked about Thanksgiving and we talked extensively about the types of food that were served.

Saturday 12/05

• Jessica has been doing a great job helping out. She was also able to have mami get a bowel movement. She has not had one for a couple of days now. The family has also been calling trying to find out how mami was doing. Lih Madih, Manyi, Melvis, Leonel and Edward. Thanks all

Sunday 12/06

• After Sunday service, a powerful delegation from the CWF Grace Presbyterian Church Lanham came to visit and prayed for mami. Delegation was led by Ma Renate Akumji and Ma Caro. They sang songs of praise and prayed for mami's healing. Each time I tell mami that the CWF will be visiting, her face lights up and she really appreciates their presence and support. Mami is looking forward to get well and join them in thanking and glorifying God.
  
  
  

• Ma Nandet called and we had a long talk about mami situation. This was the first time I explained the extent of mami's illness and she was nothing short of supportive. She encouraged us to keep up the fight and take it one day at a time. She also relayed Daddy's situation and the challenges that he has been facing, this only should inspire us to not relent our efforts and keep up the fight. God will surely intervene and make mami whole again.
• Great call from Ma Justin Tunyi...She talked with mami and encouraged her to keep up the fight because God was on her side. She said she is going down on her knees to join us in prayers and we should keep the faith. She also told stories of a friend who was in a similar situation and the doctors had written her off, but she made a miraculous comeback. Thank you for all the support.

Monday 12/07

• Rescheduled nurse and chaplain's visit.
• Heading to Dr. Rosenshein's appointment later today in the Anne Arundel Medical Center --Annapolis MD.
• Dr. Rosenshein examined mami after a really long wait and said surgery is not possible at this stage. He was also concerned that the legs were swollen and she was not taking any medication for that. He sent us to see Dr. Rhee a medical oncologist. He recommended chemotherapy and that after that we can come back for a re-assessment.
• Dr. Rhee in the same building, so we just went down to the second floor and into his office. It took some time for him to see us.He had reviewed mami's history and asked a few questions and said he will do his best to help. That the situation was really serious and would recommend we start chemotherapy the following week provided the blood work was good.

• I had the blood work results we had the previous stay at Doctor's community hospital. Dr. Rhee checked it and said it wasn’t bad but we have to do another one to see whether she needed to be transfused again before the onset of chemo.
• Dr. Rhee scheduled a chemo training session for Friday 12/11 at 11:00am and the Chemo treatment will start Tuesday 12/15 if everything is ok.
• Lab work will be done on Friday 12/11 morning.
• Pastor of the Grace Presbyterian Church stopped by with another lady and unfortunately we were not home. Paola left a message on my phone, but did not get it. Was probably on the move in the corridors of the hospital with Mami

Tuesday 12/08

• Jessy stopped by and helped Mami clean up and tried to have her have a BM, didn’t work this time around.
• Nurse from Hospice came by; mami's pain medication came in a few minutes before she arrived. She recommended increasing the dosage of the medication to help drain her legs and also some other medication for constipation.
• Sister Mercy Ndoumbi from CWF Grace Presbyterian Church visited mami. She could not make it last Sunday due to a wake keeping she had to attend. She stayed with mami and talked with her and encouraged her to keep her faith in the Lord.

Wednesday 12/09 

• Bea Called to say hi to mami, Mangie wanted to talk to mami but phone not going thru
• Gideon Sama and wife Morine called to find out about how mami was doing, will stop by to greet her again sometime soon.

Thursday 12/10

• Jessy came by with Fruits and food for Mami.

• Rev Charlotte the hospice Chaplain came to visit. She read from Psalms 27. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—

    Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? For in the day of trouble

    he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

         

Friday 12/11 

• Got up early to in the morning to prepare for the Lab appointment and the Chemo training. Got mami ready just in time, took some time to go down all the stairs and into the car. Took up like 30 minutes to get to AAMC.
• At the Lab there was a long line, we pulled a number and sat down. When our number was called, I walked up the receptionist, gave mami's lab order and her insurance information. We went to the back and her blood was pulled. This was in the Wayson pavilion. It was just about a few minutes to 11 when our Chemo training was scheduled, but I had called the training center to inform them that we might be a little bit late because we were in the Lab.

• Pushed mami on the wheelchair out the door, out into the elevator out on the Second level where the Donner pavilion is located. Had to push her along the sidewalk to the Donner Center. Before we could even finish with the receptionist in the Chemo training, the lady in charge of the training told us she got a call from the lab that Doctor Rhee wants mami to be transfused because her blood level was not at a level for chemo.
• Started back on my way back to the Wayson Pavillon with mami on the Wheel Chair. Got to the lab and waited a few minutes, her blood was pulled again for type and cross(Initial process to determine blood type), an arm band placed and we were sent back to the Infusion Center in the Donner Pavilion. That is supposedly where the transfusion will be done; even the chemo would be done there too. From Wayson Pavillon to Donner Pavillon it is just like 5 minutes.

• Waited for a few minutes after we got there and we were ushered into the Infusion Center. Took another 30 minutes and the first pine of blood was running. Started at about 1:15PM and ended 3:30PM. Mami was moved to another infusion cubicle. Adrienne the nurse took very good care of us and was leaving for the day so she transferred mami to the incoming nurse.
  
• The second pine of blood finished at about 5:30 PM and we were on our way back home. Got home at about 7PM
• Really a tough day, got out from home early and got back late.
• One thing that struck me was on our way back I was chatting with mami on how a way long we've come and how her treatment will finally start the following week. She looked up and said once her treatment starts, she was going to get well. She sounded so confident; you could see the poise, the determination, the conviction and most importantly the faith. I told her she was not only going to get well, she will be healed.

Saturday 12/12

• Surprised visit by Pastor Smith of the Grace Presbyterian Church. He talked to mami about advent and the preparation of the coming of Christ in the Church. He also gave mami Communion as was done in church.

Sunday 12/13

• Did watch Joel Osteen on Sunday morning TV and he talked about the importance of celebrating partial victories. You must not have the total victory before celebrating, but celebrate and give thanks to God for the milestones you have accomplished. God unleashes more blessings as you celebrate and give thanks. It must not be a complete recovery of an illness, or you getting the job that you ever wanted, but if you made any progress you should celebrate and give thanks. I am giving thanks for the things we have achieved during this past few months regarding mami's illness, we faced a lot of difficulties when mami first arrived, but now we did get her insurance and we are very much looking ahead to her first chemo session in 2 days. We pray God would use this to grant her some relieve and this is the initial stage of her eventual full recovery and healing.

• Jessica and kids stopped by after Church to spend time with mami.
• Robert Muluh also visited and encouraged mami to trust in God and not to let fear in her heart.

Monday 12/14

• Hospice nurse visited and we talked about improving her pain management.

Tuesday 12/15

• Finally the big day. We got up early and got ready. Check in time at the Infusion center is set for 10am prompt. We are scheduled for a lab exam before...
• Got to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) at about 9:30am and went straight to the first floor of the Wayson Pavillon where the lab is located. Lucky Us, the place was empty, we pulled the number 195 and waited to be called.
• Lab Tech called us, checked mami's information, had me sign and off to pulling her blood. It took about 5 minutes and we were off to the Donner Pavillon where the infusion Center is located. About a 3-5 minutes walk.
• Up to the second floor, we were checked in and about 15mins later, a nurse called us in. She checked mami's weight, BP and temp. She had a little bit of fever, her temp was about 99.7F.
• She handed us over to the nurse who would be administering mami's Chemo. Vicky she was called, very nice to us and took good care of mami. She said she had a friend whose husband was from Cameroon and was the nicest person ever.
• She checked mami's lab results and said they were ok for us to proceed with the treatment. Mami was first given pre-meds for any side effects for nausea etc.. She was also given Benadryl and 10mins later she was sleeping.
• The first drug she was administered was Taxol, it started at about 12:15PM and finished close to 3 hrs later. She was administered 500ml. Mami didn’t show any adverse reactions, at some points she was just itchy. Before Vicky started the first dose, mami and I said a prayer asking God to use this treatment to heal her. Thank you all for all the prayers, God is certainly going to grant our wishes. Glory be to Him.

• Carboplatin was started few minutes after Taxol finished and it took close to an hr.
• It was few minutes after 4pm and we were set on our way back home. Had to give her pain medication before we set off.
• Got home ok, got to her room and she was off resting..
• This was a successful day, everything went fine, no hitches and we thank God for making this possible. Mami is on the way to recovery.
• In the waiting area of the Donner Pavillon, there is this fabric hanging on the wall, I couldn’t help but notice. The title on this fabric reads “What Cancer cannot do". The fabric consisted of different patches, some rectangular and some squares with different colors, green, blue, yellow, white. Some of the boxes have the following messages stitched on

Cancer cannot silence courage

Cancer cannot erode confidence

Cancer cannot destroy peace

Cancer cannot invade the soul

Cancer cannot cripple love

Cancer cannot steal humor

Cancer cannot corrode Faith

Cancer cannot stifle laughter

Cancer cannot shatter hope

Cancer cannot erase memories

Cancer cannot kill friendship

Cancer cannot conquer the spirit

 

Wednesday 12/16

• Jessica visited and spent time with mami. Melvis also called and spoke to her. She was really in a good mood and spoke to blessing (Melvis' daughter) also.

Thursday 12/17

• Nurse Vicky from the Infusion center in AAMC called to check on mami. She reminded us to call if we noticed any reactions. She also reminded us to have her eat lots of proteins, and drink at least 64oz of water a day. Her temperature in the morning was about 99.9F, she was having a little bit of fever, but this subsided.
• Mama Fomuso also called and talked to mami. She told her they are praying for her and everything was in God's hands.
• Walters Ntang also chatted with me on Facebook seeking to know how mami was faring. He had tried to call mami's phone and mine and didn’t get any response. The day he called, we were surely in the hospital.

Friday 12/18

• Effects of Chemo are becoming apparent. Mami is very weak; she can no longer get out of bed by herself. She used to take those 13 steps to the bath room, she can’t anymore. We have to help her get out of the bed. The nurse at the Infusion center had said days 3 to 10 after Chemo are the worst days. This is when the medication is really working and there’s going to be side effects. Today is day 4 and she is very weak, I think anemic, can’t really eat much. Most of the time mami is sleeping.
• Jessica came by to help her with eating and cleaning.

Saturday 12/19

• Jessica stopped by to help mami clean and eat. She didn’t eat much..
• Effects of Chemo are still there, very weak, sleeping most of the time.

Sunday 12/20

• Jessica, Kids and grandma stopped by to help encourage mami
• Pastor Smith also came and prayed for mami, and that during this advent season and the birth of Christ she might be healed and regain her strength. We should stay faithful and trust the Lord in difficult times like this.

Monday 12/21

• Follow-up appointment with Dr Rhee. For every appointment we need to do labs before. We got to AAMC in time and off to the first floor of the Wayson Pavillon (http://www.aahs.org/gethere/wayson_driving.php). It took a lot of time to find a vein from which blood could be pulled.
• Ended up missing the 12:15 appointment with Dr. Rhee because of the delay in the lab. At Dr. Rhee’s office I insisted that the labs be checked because it seems mami was anemic. Nurse wanted me to reschedule appointment and they will call me if anything was wrong with the labs.
• Lab results finally came, she is anemic and we were sent to the Infusion center for a transfusion. Since it was late in the day, she could only get one pint of blood. Infusion center at the Donner Pavilion (http://www.aahs.org/gethere/donner_driving.php) closes at 5:00PM.
• Appointment with Dr. Rhee rescheduled for Dec 31st
• She was transfused and we were discharged and got home at about 6pm. Nurse Elizabeth took very good care of mami, she is very chatty and like mami very much because they have same first name. She told mami she was the fifth and last in her family, mami seems to be amused by this.

Tuesday 12/22

• Got up early and got ready to head to the Donner pavilion for second bag of blood.
• The triage process was faster today and we got into the infusion center like 10 mins after we got to the Donner Pavillon. Other days it takes 45 to 1 hr. to clear triage.
• The IV that was used yesterday was not removed, so the process of starting the transfusion was faster. This is due the fast thinking of Nurse Elizabeth. She started off at about midday and took 2 hrs. to finish. We got home at about 3 pm.
•  Last 2 days have been tough...
• Got mami's friends number --Lih Kezong, talked to her, she lives with her daughter in Lanham. She will visit mami one of these days. His son Kezong with whom we grew up in the same neighborhood is also visiting with his family from China.
  

Wednesday 12/23

• Hospice aide came in and helped with cleaning.
• Hospice nurse also stopped by, ordered her medication and did some checks on mami.
• Jessica also stopped by with food for mami.
• Mrs. Sheryl Simmons the Community Hospice Social Worker came by to see mami and wished her Merry Christmas

Thursday 12/24

• Christmas eve, Mami's first in the US. We helped her downstairs and took some pictures.
  

Friday 12/25

• Christmas day 2015. We spent the day at home with mami and family. The highlight of the day was Lih Kezong’s visit (mami's friend in Sisia, Bamenda, Cameroon). She traveled to the US on September 5 and mami on September 6. They met briefly in Douala before traveling. She gave mami a lot of encouragement and prayed for her. She told her not to be worried because she is on her way to recovery. Accompanying her was her son Kezong from China, with the wife and daughter Gina. Christentia, kezong's junior sister also came with her son. I had not met Kezong since we were kids growing up in Sisia, and this was a good re-connection after a long time.
• Jessica also joined us. We spent the day talking about childhood memories and how he used to come over to our house for Christmas to eat chin chin.
• Was all in all a joyous day and put a smile on mami's face.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Sunday  12/27

• Walters Ntang called to wish us merry Christmas. I also talked to Daddy and mami Fomuso. We wished each other Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. They also sent warm greetings to mami and continue to put her in their prayers as we do the same for them.

Wednesday 12/30 

• Pastor Lyman Smith stopped by and prayed for ami, wishing her recovery and a happy new year.

Thursday 12/31
             

• A really tough day for mami and I, but we still made it through.
• Had a follow up appointment with Dr Rhee - the Medical Oncologist, he reviewed mami's labs and made recommendations.
• Mami is still anemic, will need a transfusion.
• He also ordered us to do a CAT scan
• We left Annapolis en route to the Chesapeake Medical Imaging center in Bowie where the CAT scan would be done after Rhee's assistant had called them and scheduled an appointment. But before, there was an issue about whether they would accept mami's insurance, the Maryland State Program for Cervical and Breast Cancer. I called the Program to check if the procedure would be covered and they assured me that it was. When I got to the Chesapeake Medical Imaging, they told me they were not familiar with the Insurance and that I had to pay out of pocket. There was so much back and forth and I asked to talk to the Manager and she confirmed that there was an agreement btw Maryland State and their institution, but mami's ID number on the Insurance letter, was not traceable in their system, so they could not proceed.

• While this was going on mami was given 2 bottles of Barium Sulphate suspension, this is in prep for the CAT scan.
• I finally decided to pay out of pocket and proceed with the scan; meanwhile I tried to get in touch with the Maryland State Cancer Program.
• Finally got through to them and they told me not to pay for the scan because it was covered. The nurse called Patricia asked to talk to the assistants at the Imaging center but they would not. Finally gave her the number to the Center and she called and explained to them how to go about getting paid for the scan.
• After over 2 hrs. of this back and forth, the little suspension that mami had drank could not stay down. It all came out.
• Scan could not be done and this has been rescheduled for Jan 14.
• Got home mami and I so exhausted, struggled and got her upstairs into the house and then to the room where she went to bed. I still managed to stop by Chuck e Cheese to wish kezong's daughter happy birthday.
• Looking forward to the New Year
• Monday Jan 4 -- Type and cross for transfusion at AAMC
• Tuesday Jan 5 -- 8:30am Transfusion
• Wednesday Jan 6 -- 11:30am -- Chemo treatment
• Thursday Jan 14 12pm -- CAT scan at Chesapeake
• Friday Jan 22 2:00 -- Follow up with Dr. Rhee
• This was the most difficult day so far for mami and I, it started at 3 am in the morning till we got back home at about 5pm.

Friday 01/01/2016

• It is New Year 2016 and I am grateful to have seen another year, I am also happy that mami made it and it is also her birthday.
• So we are doing a lil celebration of her birthday and this one of a kind, don’t remember when last we celebrated her birthday. But it is important this time around to lift her spirits up, and give her the support she needs to keep fighting. I told her that by this time next year when we are celebrating another birthday, she will be strong and on her feet. She smile at this.
• Flayvne offered a prayer for God to touch mami with His healing hands and make her well again.
• Amadee sang a sweet birthday song for mami.
• Mikella also said a prayer for healing.
• Jessie Kezong said happy birthday and when asked to who? He pointer to his grand ma.
• Lyna didn’t make much noise but paid attention.....
• Lih Kezong said a prayer in Babanki and wished her well.
• Mami made a wish, cut the cake and blew off her candles.
• Others in attendance, Nelson Tendoh and Wife Yvonne, with their 2 kids (Ijang and Amou)
• Kezong and wife from China, with their lil girl Gina, Kezong's sister Christiancia and son Bryan
•  Nelson's friend Roland and sister from the UK.
• Jessica and kids and her mother in-law, Goddy joined us later in the day.
• It was a great day especially because mami had a smile on her face.     
  
     

Monday 01/03/2016

• Hospice aide came in and helped clean mami. The hospice nurse came right after and checked her. Everything seems ok and she is going to order some supplies.
• Had  a type and cross done at the Lab at Wayson Pavilion AAMC for the transfusion tomorrow. 
• Got a call from Dr. Rhee's Assistant Jessica saying that Dr. Rhee needed to see mami tomorrow at 10:30am. She also wanted us to do another lab before the appointment.

Monday 01/04/2016

• Got to the lab at Wayson Pavilion at about 2pm, asked the lab assistant to do both the type and cross and the lab test.
• Type and cross completed and wrist band placed, headed back home. Was really difficult getting mami back to bed, she was really weak.
• Today is also the anniversary of Stuart Scott's death. Stuart was a sportscaster and anchor on ESPN, most notably on Sports Center. Here is a tribute from his daughters

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/stuart-scott-daughters-video_568a7cbde4b0b958f65c1680

• The most amazing thing that Stuart said that stuck with me

                     "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer, you beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

• So it is the fight that matters and not the outcome. For Christians, you win the battle to go meet your creator. Mami has told us that if she dies today, everything will be fine, she is just going to meet her maker and that’s the way He wanted it to be.

Tuesday 01/05/2016

• Have an early morning today. Have to see Dr. Rhee in the Wayson Pavilion and right after head to the Donner Pavilion for the blood transfusion.
• Dr. Rhee says the Chemo scheduled for tomorrow cannot go on because her lab results don’t look good. We have to go ahead with the transfusion, and wait until we can get better labs before proceeding with the next chemo session. Dr. Rhee made this analogy of her progress, "It’s like we are trying to turn a big ship around and it may take some time to get it completely to where we want it to be".
• He also wants to see the results of the CAT scan scheduled on Jan 14, at Chesapeake Medical Imaging Bowie.
• We are back to see Dr. Rhee on Jan 15.
• Headed to the Donner pavilion and mami settled in for the transfusion. The nurse who took care of mami - Julia Buckel was very compassionate. She checked on us every now and then to see if we needed anything. She gave mami a boost drink and a fruit cup. I was happy mami was able to finish the fruit cup and didn’t throw up. She has been eating very little lately and has been on ensure only. Nurse Julia and I talked about lots of subjects, she asked about our family, how many kids, where my sister lived and the situation in Cameroon, asked about my other siblings.
• We also met Nurse Vicky who ushered us in from the triage area; she had taken good care of mami during her treatment on 12/15/15.
• Transfusion went hitch-free and we got back home at about 5pm. Maybe the only issue was getting the vein for the transfusion, it took a little while to get a good vein, but nurses did an awesome job. Thanks.

Wednesday 01/06/2016

• Got a call from the Chesapeake Medical Imaging, they seem to have gotten their act together and will proceed with the scan as scheduled on Jan 14th. They also gave me the direct number to their Billing Rep - Pam U - 410 571 0350 x130

Thursday 01/07/2016

• Aunty Fomuso and Daddy called and asked about mami and how she was doing. They also informed me of the untimely passing of Colonel Fomuso (Ma Sophie's dad). This was really a sad event just at the start of the year. I sent a message of condolence to Ma Sophie.
• Just dawned on me that Ma Nange was not aware that mami was here in the US and very sick. Sent her a text and she called me back and we talked about the situation. She promised to visit.

Friday 01/08/2016

• Early morning text message from Nabila (Childhood and school friend), wishing happy New Year and seeking to know how mami was doing. She said she had a dream about Mami and when she woke up she was so tired. She said in the dream she is walking to mami and mami was smiling and saying it is well. She also requested prayers for her at Hope Presbyterian Church. She promised to come see her.
• Thank you so much for all the prayers, like mami said in your dream IT SHALL BE WELL, AMEN

Saturday 01/09/2016

• Got a voice mail from Ma Nandet expressing her support and prayers for mami.
• Mrs. Akumji from CWF called to inform me that CWF will be coming tomorrow to visit mami.

Sunday 01/10/2016

• CWF was a no show, they had a meeting that went on very long and could not make it; so visit has been rescheduled for next week.
• Jessica was home; Nange called to check on mami and also wanted to talk to Jessy. Asked her to try the home phone again.
• My IMO app mistakenly called Justin Tunyi, just as she was thinking about us and about to call us, what a coincidence!! We talked and I walked upstairs for her to greet mami. Mami recognized her and she encouraged her to keep fighting, that she is going down on her knees every day to pray for her, God will give us strength to continue caring for mami.
• Pride and girlfriendstopped by to wish mami well.
• Georges Tiku was also here; he wished mami well and helped me in wrapping up boxes, prepping them for shipment.
  

Monday 01/11/2016

• Missed call from Walters Ntang, he wanted to find out how mami was doing and give her his well wishes.
• Hospice aide and nurse stopped by; ordered refills for mami's medications.
• Hospice chaplain called and will be stopping by later in the day, its 14:00 now.
• Rev Charlotte -- Hospice chaplain stopped by and prayed for God's intervention in mami's situation.

Tuesday 01/12/2016

• Aunty Fomuso called and talked to mami, she was very alert and consistent; she is doing better
• Walters Ntang also called to wish mami well.

Wednesday 01/13/2016

• Hospice nurse surprisingly stopped by to check on mami. Everything seems fine.
• Tough night, mami won’t take her medications all day; Paola had to go talk her into taking her meds.

Thursday 01/14/2016

• We have a CAT scan at 12pm, at the Chesapeake Medical Imaging
• Mami still can't keep down the suspension for contrast that is needed for the scan
• Called the Imaging center and they say they can proceed with the scan without the contrast.
• Scan was really quick. Looks like they learned their lesson from the last time I was there.They finally did it with the insurance.

Friday 01/15/2016

• I am writing this entry for 01/15/2016 on 01/18/2016. It has been a tough few days for us which started Friday when I went to see Dr. Rhee.
• We got to the Wayson Pavillon early and went to the lab. Mami's blood was drawn and sent to the lab.
• We then went to the second floor to meet Dr. Rhee. Since we were early it took some time in the waiting room before Dr. Rhee came in. The expression on his face showed he didn’t have great news. The CAT scan results were in and lab results too.
• He told me the Chemo did not work against mami's disease and the CAT scan showed that the disease had progressed. This was devastating news for me...Dr. Rhee said although her kidneys were doing better he had to discontinue Chemo and refer us to palliative care. He said there are limited options available from this point on. He also said I should call him if I needed anything else.

• It really hit me when I went to the front desk and the assistants gave me paper work and there was no follow up date on it.
• Took mami down to the car and we left AAMC en route home.
• Mami was already thinking how she will get back into the house because she was in pains, told her I will find a way. She told me she has seen that I have tried my best and God in Heaven has also seen that I have tried my best. This was just heart wrenching, I had to fight the tears and be strong, I just told her I was just trying to help and that God is in Control.

• When we got home, I struggled and got mami in, then called Jessica, she came and we finally got her back to her bed.
• I also explained to Jessica, called Manyi and Edward and explained to them the latest and the way forward. Manyi will be coming on Tuesday 01/19 from the UK.
• Also got messages of encouragement from Valentine Akumbom in Holland.                       
• Called the University Of Maryland Photon Therapy Center, will follow up next week.

Saturday 01/16/2015

• Calm day, just trying to keep mami as comfortable as possible.
• Received a Facebook message from Ma Kah about some help tips we could try to improve mami's condition. Thank you!
• When mami came from Cameroon in September, she brought us tradition clothes. We had wanted to take pictures with these since New Year’s Day and kept postponing. Today was a perfect day to do it. We dressed in our traditional dresses and when I stepped into mami's room, she was like wow! "It really looks good on you". Paola and Lyna also came in and she liked it. I asked Paola to put on Lyna a necklace just like the one she was wearing. She said Lyna didn’t have any necklace; that I didn’t buy one for her! oops! Mami jumped in and said “Don’t worry Lyna, when I get well, I will buy you a beautiful necklace". Even with all that was going on, mami still had an unshakable faith and more to that Hope. It just made my heart sink to my stomach!
• We took pictures with mami at her bed side.
• Pride also called to ask about mami and wished her well.
  

Sunday 01/17/2016

• Powerful delegation from CWF from the Grace Presbyterian Church came to visit mami after Church. There were 7 ladies and 4 kids. They sang, prayed and gave a check to support mami. This was really a great fellowship and mami thanked them for thinking about her and told them that when she will get well she will visit and thank them.
• Mami was in a very good mood and spirit today. She talked with Melvis, her kids and husband. She also talked to Leonel and was told about the people back home asking after her and wishing her well.
• Queenta and Meemee also called to wish mami well.
• Jessica came by and helped clean and feed mami, she also called hospice nurse and they prescribed an ointment to help with the pain.

Monday 01/18/2016

• Hospice aide and nurse stopped by to take care of mami.

Tuesday 01/19/2016

• Hospice Social Worker Sheryl Simmons stopped by to check on mami.
• Talked to Dr Nichols of the University of Maryland Proton Therapy center to find options on what could be of help in this situation. She is going to get mami's Scans from Chesapeake Medical Imaging and look at them and get back to me in a couple of days. She also said the proton therapy may not be the right option because of the metastases.
• Communicated via email with Dr. Neil, Washington Medstar Hospital about a way forward, he recommended trying Avastin(another Chemo) -- He said this was the only hope if we could find a doctor to administer. He cautioned against Radiation, given mami had received a full dose. Dr. Nichols was not too concerned about this. She said they are a university Center and can do what other facilities cannot. Dr. Neil also told me to contact Dr. Boice.
• Manyi arrived from Manchester UK today. Goddy picked her up from the Dulles Airport. She will be here for a couple of weeks to see the situation for herself and help take care of mami. She showed her a video of her and kids sending get well wishes on New Year’s Eve(On memorial site). They also sang a song mami taught them while she was in the UK. Bounty said she wanted mami to get well and come to the UK and be yelling at their mom just the way she yells at them all the time.

• Called Dr. Boice office in Franklin Square Baltimore wanting to schedule an appointment. They have issues with the insurance and transferred me to their billing office.

Wednesday 01/20/2016

• Called Dr Boice office for follow up, still waiting for billing office.
• Hospice nurse stopped by to check mami, she said she was dehydrated, needed to get a drink something with electrolytes, like coconut water or pedialyte.
• Mangie (Bea's mother) called to wish mami well.

Thursday 01/21/2016

• Jessica had an accident coming back from work, car got damaged. Thank you Lord for saving her life. Slippery roads are treacherous.
• Mami talked to Lih Madih and Leonel, they called to wish her well.
• Mami also talked to Allison Ntuba.
• Manyi's friend Winifred Fombu, husband and kids visited. She prayed with mami and told her to not give up because God is in control. She also had several stories of her struggles with illness and plight to have children.  
  
        

                         




Friday 01/22/2016

• Got a call from Dr. Boice office, appointment set for February 5 at 1pm.
• We have just been indoors, onset of the snow. We got about 30 inches.

Saturday 01/23/2016

• More snow, indoors all day

Sunday 01/24/2016

• My birthday, getting older...Happy birthday to moi.
• Started digging out the snow, got blisters on my palm, got help from Chris
• Manyi has been helping with mami all this while and this has given me some time to rest.
• Jessica and family visited with mother in-law, took pictures with mami.

Monday 01/25/2016

• Got a call from the hospice nurse to check on mami, complained about the muscle spasms.
• Called Dr. Rhee's office to complain about the shaking, Dr. Rhee called back saying further transfusion will not help that I should get in touch with Hospice.

Tuesday 01/26/2016

• Call from Rev Charlotte from hospice to check on mami. Little chit chat about the snow....
•  Mami was able to talk with Aunty Agnes; she encouraged her and said she should trust God that everything is in His hands.
• Got a voice mail from Dr. Nichols, she is still trying to get mami's scans from Chesapeake; she will revert back to me in a couple of days.
• Also surprising visit from Daddy and aunty Fomuso. This was the first time they were meeting manyi since she came, but they had talked on the phone. Daddy prayed for mami and told her everything was going to be OK, same from Aunty Fomuso.

Wednesday 01/27/2016

• Hospice nurse stopped by, checked mami and ordered refills for her medications.

Thursday 01/28/2016

• Jessica had slept over.
• Discussion between Manyi, Jessica, and myself about mami's condition and the way forward.
• Left the house at about 3PM to drop Manyi off at the airport. Dropped her off at about 4PM.

Friday 01/29/2016

• Manyi sent me a message that the boarding was without issues and she arrived Manchester safely. We thank God for journey mercies.

          
Saturday 01/30/2016

• Melvis called to ask about mami and her situation. We talked for about 10mins. Mami could not talk to her.
• Rev Dr. Fobang called and left a message, he was just checking on us since he has not seen me for long. Called him and at round 6pm he came to the house. We talked and we went upstairs and prayed for mami.
• Also talked to Pastor Reuben, he offered words of comfort and assured me God was in Control, he also offered prayers for mami.
• Simon and Evelyn and their kids visited us to support us and wish mami well. They brought ensure (bottle nutrition) !

• At about 7pm mami started having breathing trouble. There were 2 oxygen supplies in her room from Hospice, one emergency bottle supply and a longer term permanent electric supply. We tried first the emergency supply but this was my first time of doing this, I didn’t master how to start the flow after connecting the tube to her nose. Paola called Jessica on the phone to help out while I called the hospice. The lady at hospice asked us to use the more permanent supply and walked us through the process of connecting and starting the flow of oxygen.
• Jessica came and helped mami and stayed with her till late, got mami ready for bed at about 11pm, the breathing was still abnormal but she took all her meds and slept.
• Its 2am and we hear mami in distress, she was in a lot of pain. I changed her Fentanyl patch, gave her Morphine and Lorazepam. Pain persisted till morning. Mami's condition is rapidly deteriorating...

Sunday 01/31/2016

• Jessica stopped by and took care of mami before leaving for work.
• Got a call from friend Joseph Mbongo wanted to wish mami well.
• Went to Rev. Fobang prayer meeting at about 6pm. He preached about using the word of mouth to authoritatively ask God for the things we want changed in our lives. Gospel was from Isaiah 55:10-13.He also relayed mami's condition to the members and asked them for prayers and when they are chanced they should visit her. We also listened to testimony of a man present who was in so much difficulty, no job and with a family, could not even provide for her daughter and after prayer sessions with Rev. Fobang things started changing in his life....

        
Monday 02/01/2016

• Hospice nurse and aide stopped by to help take care of mami.

Tuesday 02/02/2016

• Called hospice nurse to refill mami's meds.
• Hospice aide stopped by to help clean mami.
• Hospice Social worker, Miss Sheryl Simmons also came by, she encouraged me and we talked at length about the situation, the family situation and our plans, she also asked about siblings etc....
• Jessica also came by and stayed with her.
• Mama Sama (Mangie) called me to encourage and support us. She said we should put everything is God's hands and trust in him in every situation. She wished she could come see her. She also asked about Daddy and Aunty Fomuso.

Wednesday 02/03/2016

• Jessy spent the night over and took care of mami all night. She also sang to her.
• Jessy's friend Miriam visited.
• Got several calls from Dr. Boice office, asking for mami's record and confirmation of appointment on Friday. Had to explain to them the situation of not being able to take mami to the appointment. Gave them mami's date of birth and names to pull her records from AAMC and Chesapeake Medical Imaging, also faxed last CAT scan report to Dr. Boice office.
• Really depressing for the first time, I cannot take mami to her appointment....

Thursday 02/04/2016

• Today is world cancer day! Got a message from Manyi about that. What I wish on this day is that more effort should be put to the fight against cancer. I know President Obama has designated Vice President Joe Biden who lost a son to Cancer to head the fight against this terrible disease, the United States and partners around the world should stop at nothing to find a cure to this illness and help the millions of people fighting every day to overcome it, today that includes my mother Elizabeth Mangwi Chongong.
• Manyi talked to mami today using IMO, she tried to call her name although just faintly, but could understand what we were saying.
• Talked to Melvis and Lih Madih and explained mami's situation to them. We continue to pray and commit mami in God's hands.

Friday 02/05/2016

• Jessica came home to take care of mami, her friend Miriam also visited and encouraged her.

Saturday 02/06/2016

• Jessica came in and cleaned mami up, and saw that she had all her meds; she also sang songs to her...
• My former class mates visited, Yves Sinjui came with his kids (Ivana, Bryan and Channel). Valentine Tita also came and offered words of encouragement.
• Members of Pastor's Fobangs prayer group visited us. They brought food.Nelson, wife and kids(Kennan, Ijang and Amu) and Sister Monica. Sister Monica offered a powerful prayer for mami's healing and asked God to take control. We spent some good time together and they encouraged mami to keep fighting.
• I went to late Colonel Fomuso's wake, but could not be there for long. It was in Silver Spring, met Aunty Fomuso, Walters Ntang, Ma Nandet, Ma Eso, Ma Nange and Ni Felix, Ma Lucia, Ni Mboti etc...Didn’t get to see Daddy..
• We talked a little bit about the gravity of mami's condition and they are to stop by tomorrow before heading to their various destinations.

Sunday 02/07/2016

• Meemee (Rosaline Mbongo) called to see how mami was doing. She encouraged us and asked that we put all in God's hands. She will also be coming to visit next week or so.
• Chatted on Facebook with Martharoot. She is very hopeful that her grandma is going to make a comeback. She asked about how her pain meds are being administered and if she could recognize and speak to people. She also said she and her brothers would like to come see mami.
• Ni Felix and Ma Nange stopped to see mami en route to Virginia Beach. Told them the struggle we have been going through with mami, they offered encouragement, prayers and also financial support.
• Powerful Fomuso delegation came to the house. Ma Nandet and kids (Golda, Praise and Gabby), Ma Eso, Ma Lucia and friend Michael(sorry got cut off in the pic below). They prayed at mami's bedside asking for God to relieve mami of the pain, to comfort the family, to give strength to our household to continue with the difficult task of taking care of mami, and for God to touch all the other family members who are sick. They also supported us financially. I heartily thanked them for their presence, encouragement and support. It shall be well in God's Almighty name.
• Nabila and Yvette also came to the house. They brought groceries and also provided financial support. Nabila talked at length to mami, held her hands and we prayed for her asking God to intervene and take control.
• This was a busy day. Just want to thank everybody for coming today. Your presence helped lift up our spirits and we know in our hearts that we are not alone. Immense thanks for not only the moral but financial support, God will bless you and replenish in ten folds.
• Jessy came in the evening to spend the night with us.
  

Monday 02/08/2016

• Jessica took care of mami during the night and in the morning before leaving for work.
• Goddy (Jessica's husband) stopped by in the afternoon to see mami.
• Hospice nurse visited and did all her checks and ordered her meds.

Tuesday 02/09/2016

• Mami not doing well today. It’s been a hard day, called the nurse to come check on her. She couldn’t do much, just to see that she takes all her meds and try to sleep
• Talked to Manyi and Jessy about the situation.
• Rev Charlotte from Hospice stopped by. It was very cold that evening so we stood at mami's bedside talking while she rubbed her hands together to get them warm. We talked about mami having fought the good fight and now we have to let God's will be done. She said mami has been faithful and hence is at peace, she asked God to continue to give the family courage and strength as we handle the situation. She read from 2 Timothy 4, an excerpt of it say's

            "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

She then held mami's hands and prayed that God should grant her faithful servant relieve.

Wednesday 02/10/2016

• Hospice aide came in the morning and helped with cleaning.
• Jessica came and was with mami upstairs singing and talking to her.  
• Paola had gone to school and I was downstairs trying to make Lyna take a nap.
• Jessica came half way down the stairs and called for me to come up. Mami was just taking her last breaths. We told her goodbye and hugged her. I looked at the clock on the wall she had asked me to get for her, it was 2:40PM.

                 

Would like to heartily thank everybody for their support during this very difficult time. Your visits, calls, encouragement, and financial support greatly helped and made a difference. You made us feel we were not alone. May God continue to bless and guide you.
Thank you Jessy and family for the support. Thanks to Manyi for also coming and supporting us.
Special thanks to Paola and Lyna for their support. They were there everyday with me at the forefront, it wasn't easy but God got us through and today mami is resting peacefully in his bosom.  
You will always be in our hearts, We will always love you, till we meet to part no more. Bye Bye.