Thursday, April 23, 2009

Daven's Birthday (and no more answers yet)

April 23 is little Daven's birthday. With the hectic crazy things that have been going on, the birthday approached without much warning. But, the neighbors and friends recognized that a 2nd birthday cannot go on without a party. So, they brought a party to Daven!

Right after the kids got out of school, Kathryn showed up with a cotton candy machine, Jeff and Andee brought balloons and the whole neighborhood full of kids (somewhere between 25-40) showed up for treats. Many kids and parents came over to visit and brought Daven gifts and presents. It was truly unbelievable. Jodi's mom made her a nice bed outside so she could witness the whole event and marvel at the party that was brought to her home. It was amazing.

Today was a much better day for Jodi, though she clearly doesn't know what to expect for the new "normal". She had hoped to function well, now that the spinal headache was gone, and was disappointed to see how dizzy she still was and how little functioning happened. She was also very sick to her stomach all day. This could be because of the steriods she is on for the tumor, but it could be just the stress of the week. Regardless, she had hoped to feel better and is still hoping to be doing better tomorrow. It was still a much better day, and that is a blessing.

She got a call from the doctor's office, and they simply let her know that they know she is still waiting for answers. They will call when they have any news to share...so still waiting.

Tomorrow she is scheduled to go back to McKay-Dee to meet with an ENT and hear the results of her tests yesterday. The early indications suggest she does not have any major hearing loss (or maybe any at all), despite where the tumor is sitting. She also does not have facial paralysis or nerve damage, but all of these things could still come if the tumor continues to go untreated. Hence, the need to figure out what it is and what the treatment plan will be!

So, everyone keep praying for answers and looking for solutions. She is hoping to be more functioning tomorrow and hopefully hear back from the specialists soon.

22 comments:

Karen said...

Thank you SO much for creating this blog and especially for sharing it with us, during this confusing, difficult, frustrating time. We all love you Jodi SO much, as obviously, so does everyone else you have ever met. LOL!! It was so neat to hear about how many people have rallied behind you and your family! A true testament to the life and example that you have been to others. Our prayers will continue to be with you...and we will be hoping...praying for the miracles you deserve! We love you Jodi!! Love, Karen

Diane said...

Happy Birthday, Daven! We love you, Jodi!

annette said...

Jodi
Every morning when we are on our way to school, Angela says a prayer for you in the car. We are thinking of you, and what a sweet, dear person you are.

annette

Tami Searle said...

Dear Jodi,

I am so glad to get some more information. I have been thinking about you and praying for you. Thank you so much for contacting us after all these years. I hope things will turn out okay and you will beat this thing. May God bless you and your family at this time.

Love, Tami

Joni said...

Jodi, I'm not sure you know who I am but, I want you to know that my prayers are with you every day! I hope they can figure out something to do that will help you get back to a normal life again! Know that Heavenly Father is watching over you and your family at this time!
Much love,
Joni Elegante ( Tamra''s Friend)

Kim Campbell said...

Jodi, I just want to let you know that I am thinking about you and that you are in my prayers. You have always been so concerned about me and my health issues and have always listened to me vent. Nothing I have been through can ever compare to your challenge right now, but if you ever need an ear I am here for you. I love you. Kim Campbell

Shane's Angie said...

Dearest Jodi and Family,
I'm a friend of Tamra's and though I've never met you, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Our family will continue to hope and pray for the best.
Well wishes,
Angie Sullivan

Tema Hunkin said...

Aloha Jodi,

My name is Tema Hunkin and I work closely with your father (and mother).

I just want you to know that our whole team is praying for you (as well as everyone else in Hawaii who knows your parents).

We will continue to pray for miracles and for the angels of heaven (and earth) to surround you and bear you up.

Love and aloha,

tema

Debbie Kidd said...

Dearest Jodi, Tolan and family...

Our prayers and thoughts are with you continuously. I am so happy that you have set up this blog to keep us informed. I haven't wanted to bother your parents for updates knowing how busy and concerned they are. Their efforts need to be with your family now. I wish I would have know earlier about your spinal leak... I had one also once. I know all about the blood patch. That was my first thought when I read your symptoms. I am so glad you had friends "angels" that picked up on it and got you the help you needed. Your name is on the Washington, DC Temple roll and you are prayed for daily in our family and personal prayers. Our love and prayers are with you all until this fight is won!

Love from your Virginia friends,
The Kidd family

Sharon said...

Ditto to everyone. The support and love that has surrounded you is only proof of the amazing person that you are. We love you, Jodi! Thanks to Tammy and whoever is updating the blog. Please call me if any of you need anything. Seriously.

We love you and will keep praying for you!

Aaron Firestone said...

Jodi, I will continue to pray for you. I have a funny feeling that this link is something your doctor should discuss with you:

http://www.neutrontherapy.niu.edu/neutrontherapy/

Fermilab sounds like the best place for treatment... but I admit, I don't know much about oncology.

Kim Campbell said...

Can someone tell me what Jodi's favorite colors are? I would really like to make her a rag quilt that she can snuggle under. And take with her to her hospital stays etc. Thanks Kim Campbell

Brandi said...

Jodi, I have been thinking about you constantly since I found out the news. I can't imagine what you're going through right now, but please know that you have many, many people out there praying and pulling for you. I pray that you can find some comfort and some easing of your pain soon. I pray for a miracle for you. I hope that you can get some answers soon so you and your doctors can move forward with some sort of treatment plan.

Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. We love you all so much. I would like to come and visit with you one of these days, if that's all right with you.

With much love,
Brandi

Brian Lopez said...

Jodi,

Just wanted to let you know that our family is thinking of you during this difficult time. We have added you to prayer chains through our family and friends, and we're all praying for your miracle.

Brian Lopez & Family

Sue Davis said...

Dear Sweet Jodi,
I love you! I am praying for you and your cute family daily. Know that I am not that far away and would come at a moments notice to help you or your family with anything that you need. I am so grateful that you have had "angels" around you. I know one angel is your Mother. Cami, Ashley, Kirt, and I are praying daily for you. We love you Jodi. I am so glad for this blogspot. Jodi, you are loved by many.

Sue

Stefan Erickson said...

Jodi,

I'm sorry to hear you're having to go through this. We're praying for you.

Stefan

Jill said...

I can't believe your cute little guy is getting so big. I hope you know that both my family, sisters, little brother, and especially my mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Leslie said...

Discovery...I emotionally demand to see the distant scene and one step is not enough for me! However, your current challenge reminds me...life demands that I do not see the distant scene and that I consent and comply with one step. I witness how God gloriously connects us with one another deeply. YOU, Jodi, are God's angel for so many at this time. Hearts are touched, lives changed. We petition God to restore your health and additionally we learn patience and faith in the unfolding of an individual plan. It is so wonderful for me to read about the many people who surround you with love and attention. THEY are an answer to prayer! I love you and your precious family. Aunt Leslie xo

Anonymous said...

Jodi, You truly do have many angels all around you and that is because of the amazing person that you are!!!! You have always been there for me no matter what I have been going through. Our friendship, as we have talked many times before, has truly been a blessing from above and just meant to happen. I want you to know that I am hear for you in whatever you need...please don't hesitate to let me help. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily, stay strong and know that I believe in miracles!!! I love ya Jodi!! Kelly

Kelly said...

Jodi,
I am truly sorry that you are going this this horrific ordeal. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You sister is amazing for doing this blog, it allows us know how you are doing. Thanks!

Von Orgill said...

Jodi, I conitnue to receive many wonderful messages each day from people all over the world who are praying for you, fasting for you, exercising their faith on your behalf, and reaching towards Heaven in humility seeking the blessings of Heavenly Father upon you and your family in just the ways you need.

It is quite simply amazing to see and feel the outpouring of love and support for you and your family.

I love you, Jodi.

With love and gratitude,

Dad

rek said...

HI jodi
Your Uncle randy again
Looking foward to seeing you at the next family reunion
MY granddauter LILY RAE SAYS god loves you
me too

love RANDY