Hospital Stay - Day 19 - New Surgery Date & Today's Snapshot

We've learned that Dr. Couldwell is back in town and will do the surgery to seal the spinal leaks tomorrow instead of on Tuesday. Jodi is excited to get it done as soon as possible. We don't know for certain the time yet, but it looks like it will probably be mid-day.

Dr. Couldwell will need a good deal of fat for the grafts. He's not certain they will be able to find enough fat for this purpose from her stomach (wouldn't it be nice if all of us could have that kind of problem), so they will probably take some from one of her legs, along with some muscle to make the seal stronger and to help hold the fat grafts together. One of the doctors said taking muscle and fat from a leg will mean she'll be more sore there during her recovery than anywhere else. Apparently, when the leg muscle is stretched after a portion of it has been removed the resulting pain is "interesting" and takes awhile before it returns to normal.

Jodi really has enjoyed visits and calls from many friends this weekend. It's been a real treat. Also, yesterday, Tolan and the kids came for a visit. They watched a movie together complete with popcorn and goodies. You should have seen the room afterward...what a glorious mess! It looked just like a regular theater. It was great!

Jodi went for a 5 minute "unassisted" walk this morning. The nurse was close by, but Jodi didn't need any help (see picture below).

Jodi and Tolan are really grateful (as are we all) for the continued offers of help and for the assistance with all kinds of things --- whoever has been mowing their lawn, for the Rhoads who took the kids for an overnighter, for the amazing cards, flowers, gift cards, treats, and well wishes that continue to pour in. Whew! It's pretty breath-taking to see the many expressions of love and support, including the members of her ward, who are having a special fast for Jodi again today.

So far, its been a very good Sabbath day. For the third Sunday in a row there have been married students from the University of Utah who have come by with a spiritual message and the sacrament...just another way Jodi is being blessed.

Jodi wants also to thank her friends in the 5th Ward for the many things they have been doing, including the freezer meals, flowers, calls and well wishes.

Also, OC Tanner has been wonderful and supportive throughout this long process. Both Jodi and Tolan are so grateful for the many expressions of support. The company itself and many individual employees have been incredible in the way they have shown they care. OC Tanner has been simply amazing in the way they have been willing to support the Brown family...a special thanks goes to them!

All the Virginia friends who have reached out to Jodi after so many years have made a tremendous difference. That reaching out, even after such a long time, has been a testament to the power and wonder of the true bonds of friendship.

And finally, to the many who have never met Jodi or even a member of her family, yet who have shared their prayers, their faith, and their support have also become a blessed part of this on-going miracle.



Look at that...no visible means of support!!!