Amidst problems and conflicts, a child life was saved in the past few weeks. So, overall it was a very good month.
A girl of twelve, who always had a hoarse voice, presented with severe airway obstruction of two weeks duration. The girl was disorientated and was not going to live through the night. At surgery, papillomas were grossly removed from her larynx enabling her to breath and thus to survive. The papillomas were caused by a viral infection that was obtained from her mother during childbirth. These papillomas will recur since they cannot be removed totally and there is no cure. She may need a tracheostomy.
I am presently home in the US enjoying my family and the holidays until January 19th. I have gained six pounds in ten days - so difficult to stay slim in our affluent environment.