Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hospital Stay - Day 7

We are wishing that we could share an update that described an incredible day of progress with lots of good news. Well, it just hasn't happened that way! Since last Saturday night things have been just about the same.

Jodi still has the lumbar drain. This has gone on for three full days now. Unfortunately, the spinal fluid leak continues. Because the leak is still there the doctors just decided to increase the amount of the drain to be more aggressive. It will be more than 10cc's per hour starting tonight, but we don't know the exact amount yet. They want the body to seal over the hole, of course, and want her to be leak free for at least two days before they are willing to let her leave the hospital. We really, really need this to happen so surgery won't be necessary. We continue to pray this will be the case.

An optomolgist examined Jodi's eye today. Because of the malfunctioning eyelid and the concerns with the eye drying out causing damage to the cornea, Jodi is now receiving special eye drops and hourly eye ointments. If these don't solve the problem then the doctor said he would need to suture the eyelid closed to protect the cornea.

One of the big challenges remains the problem of not being able to move. She feels sore all over from laying in basically the same position for seven days now.

The hearing in the right ear is still not there, but the "noise" she has been experiencing is lessened. That helps!

Her facial paralysis continues, yet there is gradual progress in being able to control more and more of her mouth. Right now she can move maybe 70% of it. That's not enough to smile, but it makes it easier to eat. We've been bringing her fresh raspberries, strawberries, blue berries, and black berries. These have been a real treat and a nice break from the hospital food. She also enjoyed some instant peaches and cream oatmeal we fixed for her. That doesn't sound like much, but it was great compared to what the hospital provided for breakfast. Actually, many of the meals have been pretty good and the people here try hard to find things that taste good and that are soft enough for her to chew.

In fact, the doctors, nurses, and aids have been wonderful to help in whatever ways they can. We are grateful for all they are doing.

Jodi continues to be uplifted by your comments on the blog, your calls, and your emails. These truly are the rays of light that shine through the pain, the discomfort, and the long hours. Thank you!

Honestly, as Jodi's Dad I wish I could give all of you a hug to let you know how grateful she is and we are and what a difference you are making! I wish I had a better command of language to describe how much you really have meant to Jodi and all of us. May God bless you!!!

20 comments:

annie said...

This made me cry. I can't imagine the frustration that you are feeling Jodi. You are an inspiration to our family. You are continually in our prayers and thoughts. Keep the faith. xoxo

Brandi said...

I hope that the increase in the drain will help the hole to heal. It will be so nice when Jodi can finally join her family at home again.

I'm glad that you're at least getting some better food and treats that your family is bringing to you.

I'm praying for a really good day for you.

Love,
Brandi

Anonymous said...

it seems like the light keeps flickering- but won't come on! We won't let it go out!!!
We love you!
It sounds like you could do with a nice fruit smoothy?! We'll bring one down when you are ready!
Love you!
Belinda and family xox

Karen said...

One of the great blessings of heaven, is there is no 'limit' (wink), so we'll just keep praying, for Jodi, and for all of you, that are so compassionately caring for her! I wish there was more we could do to help! We will be watchfully waiting for some great news, even if small or simple....we'll take it! Thanks so much for keeping us updated! Love you all!

Flints Facts said...

I feel so horrible for you and what you are having to face...But I know that our Heavenly Father will not give you more than what you can handle. I am sure you are wondering how much more you can take, but hang in there and be strong. You are an amazing expample to me. Von, Sherry and Tolan thanks for the updates and know that our prayers are for you also. I look forward to brighter days ahead. Love you all. Kelly

=Molly= said...

Thank you for the updates.
I am constantly checking my blog!
I hope the healing starts to pick up!
Hang in there, YOU ARE AMAZING!
Love always,
Molly Alofipo

Macy said...

I am praying that things get better! I am so sad that you have to go through all this.

Anonymous said...

We are already blessed just by knowing Jodi. I await the day when the news will be as incredible as we all want it to be. In the meantime, this is just the pits for all of you,
especially Jodi. Don't give up. You've already seen miracles. Enjoy the little things...even if it is just instant oatmeal. Love, Wendy T.

Joni said...

I have been thinking a lot about you all today and praying that things will go your way soon! You are such a wonderful family! Heavenly father is watching over you and there will be brighter day's ahead! We pray for you Jodi daily and for your family that you will heal and will return to the life you had before this all started! May God be with you all!

Unknown said...

We think of you daily and keep you in our prayers! We hope to see you on the other side of the fence soon!! Just keep swimming!(one of our favorite quotes from Finding Nemo!)

Love The Lovatos

Anonymous said...

I'm sure there is an overwhelming feeling of so many emotions going through your mind. Remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, we just don't know how long that tunnel is. We are all praying for you and your family. I know prayers are answered in so many different ways, and we will continue to pray for peace, comfort, and healing. Please know that your children are doing just great. We are all watching out for them. I look forwawrd to coming over and visiting you when you get home.
Love, Annette

Josh and Melinda Adams Family said...

Jodi you are so strong! You and your family are an inspiration to us and a great example of faith, love, and endurance (without any complaints...at least that we can hear) You are amazing! I continue to pray for you and check your blog a few times a day, so thanks for the updates.
Love,
Melinda Adams

Anonymous said...

When we arrived home from the temple, we were so sad to hear that your day was not good! Our prayers are constant for you, and know that good days are going to come! You are awesome Jodi! You inspire all of us and we KNOW that the Lord not only knows you and loves you but He assures The blessing will come!
Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

The feelings that come while we are in the Temple are positive Jodi. We know the LORD is watching over you! And no matter how you scratch it YOU ARE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL BUT AS I TOLD YOU, YOU ARE A VERY CLASSY LADY! and I love you!
Grandpa.

Nichole Giles said...

Keep your chin up, Jodi. We're thinking of you.

Just a suggestion. When Brayden was so sick and in the hospital a couple of years ago, (sixteen of the longest days of my life) he couldn't eat ANYTHING. And when they finally let him try, he couldn't keep anything down. We searched for food he could eat so they would let him come home and the thing that finally worked was drinkable yogurt.

Just a thought. Love from us.

Nicki

amy wicks said...

Jodi,

I'm sorry to hear that you are still experiencing so much pain. I keep checking for updates and sending positive thoughts your way every day. I hold every hope that your course of treatment will work, surgery will be avoided and you can return home to complete your recovery.

In my garden I have golden and red raspberries, strawberries and blackberries that will be ready in the coming weeks and months. I'm usually stingy with the berries in my garden, but you can have free reign to make up for the week of hospital food you've been subjected to.

rek said...

HI Jodi and family
I wish I had a fraction of you're strength.
I go to bed each night thinking of you all And am very proud to be part of ypu're family.
And as the lord has blessed me HE must hold many wondress blessings for you.

as always your loving uncle Randy

Anonymous said...

Hey Jodi, hang in there. You are such an example of faith and endurance. I am going to lose all of my hair again but I bought the cutest wig. With a wig I always have a perfect hair day. I know people look at me and think that would be the worst thing ever if they had to keep continually losing their hair but as I have gone through my illness my children have been so overwhelmingly blessed that I don't really have the words to describe. I know as a mom you lay there and worry about your kids more than you do yourself. The Lord will bless them beyond measure I promise things that my kids have gone through are too tender to share but know that your chilren are being watched over by our Heaveny Father and amazing things will happen. The growth that my children have experienced has brought me more joy that I can discribe and the cancer for me is just background noise. You are an incredible lady.

Love Nancy

cathy said...

Jodi,
reading this made me so sad. I can't believe all you have gone through. I wish I could come and be there with you. You are still in my prayers and thoughts daily. Love you!, Cathy

Anonymous said...

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. I am brought to tears by the thought of what pain you are experiencing. I can picture Jesus holding you and bringing you comfort. The prayers continue for you,your family and caregivers. What a blessing that you can eat. Love Anna