Sunday, May 17, 2009

Messages from Jodi and Tolan

Aloha, this is Jodi's Dad. I think it is important that you know each of your comments made on the blog are shared with Jodi as soon as they come in. These combined with the emails and calls, which we also shared with her make a huge difference in keeping her going. Actually, they are helping us all in a big way!

For the rest of this update I hope to be a faithful transcriber of what Jodi and Tolan want you to know tonight.

Jodi wants to express her love and appreciation to all of you --- family, new and old friends, and those she's never met. You have done so much to uplift and encourage her during these challenges. She wants you to know that her tears are tears of gratitude for the blessing you are in her life. It's never really been about the tumor. It has always been about how the God of Heaven blesses each of His children by working through others of His children. You have been the instruments through whom He has worked miracles in Jodi's life ... not just now, but always! She wants you to know how very grateful she is and how she wishes that she could reach out and hug each of you and whisper in your ear how much she loves you and how much she cares about you and how deeply she appreciates you.

She also wants you to know that every time one of the doctors or medical staff come into her room they comment on how her room is the nicest and best smelling room in the entire hospital, because of all the flowers...thank you! Many have asked if she plans to open a floral shop after she is discharged. Jodi says she couldn't do that because these flowers are heart-felt expressions of caring and are far too valuable to do anything with except to be enjoyed and appreciated.

Tolan wants you to know that Jodi has had a hard day. The lumbar drain is a painful process that intensifies the spinal headaches. A single two minute trip to the bathroom causes an hour of excruciating head pain. It is completely debilitating. She really needs to lay still in a dark and quiet environment. That's basically what she's been trying to do all day today. The purpose of this is to allow the body an opportunity to heal the spinal fluid leak on its own. Dr. Shelton said this works in about 90% of cases. If it doesn't work then Jodi will have to have additional surgery in the same place as the last one to place "fat grafts" in the hole to seal it. We certainly don't want her to have that incision opened back up and the surgeons forced to go back in. That's why she is going through the pain of the lumbar drain and why she has need to be isolated today. Dr. Shelton also said she'll probably need to be here for another two or three days. We keep praying the lumbar drain will be successful.

Thank you again for the wonderful things you are doing to help Jodi and the whole family. We are all so grateful! May the Lord bless you now and always for your goodness!

34 comments:

Jeff DuBois said...

Still praying for you . . . hang in there!

Joni said...

You are so strong Jodi! My husband ,I and kids said a special prayer for you today! We hope that in the next few days you will feel better! Keep up your spirits! We will continue to pray for you and your family! Much love,
The Elegante's

britt said...

I am praying that this process works and that there is NO MORE surgery! I also pray that you will be able to return home in a few days, and continue recovery in the comfort of your own home. I so wish I would have and could have done more for you during this time, but know I love and admire your courage and determination. You are a true inspiration to ME!!

Anonymous said...

Jodi, your spirit and strength are an inspiration to all who know you. You have approached this life trial with such dignity, courage, and strength. When you feel discouraged, let the prayers and love of all who know you carry you through. Also, know that God loves you and he knows your limits. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Hang in there!

Love,

Jennifer (Johnson)

Anonymous said...

We're still praying for you. It's got to be difficult to have these setbacks, but "keep the faith"! It's humbling to recognize how truly dependent we are on the Lord. We pray that He will grant you a speedy recovery. We pray that you and your family will be strengthened to endure this well.
With sincere prayers and best wishes,
The Auriches

Anonymous said...

Jodi-Sending you a little poem to your email. It is kind of cheesy, so you can enjoy it privately:)

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi, I"m so sorry for the set back, know that you ar in my prayers daily. I look forward to the day I can do a cannon ball again and you call me a crazy old man. Love, Randy

Cathy Peterson said...

Jodi,
It was so good to talk to you on the phone last night. I wish I worked at the University hospital so I could come take care of you. I know you are getting the best care and that you will be home soon with your family and all of us friends that you love you so much. Can't wait to see you.
Love, Cathy

Jon said...

Jodi - it is apparent from the posts that I have seen from your family and friends that you are surrounded at this time by love. There is nothing I can do or say that will make any of the pain and suffering go away. Just know that when I log onto Facebook and I see how your sister Kristi is fighting for you I experience what I can only describe as a surge of love running from the front part of my left shoulder into my upper left chest. This happens to me very rarely and only at times that one would call spiritual. Hang in there, be strong, you have Orgill blood running through your veins. That blood has divinity within it, I know because I have witnessed it before.

A little story before I go. If you remember from the Book of Mormon the story of the 2,060 stripling warriors: "they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them."
I like this story, but not for the reason we typically think of.

" And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood;... ...and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds."

Remembering that these stripling warriors were the most faithful, yet they were bloodied and beaten and some of them, ten percent, were so bloody and beaten that they fainted because of the loss of blood.

In life we all face trials and sometimes those trials, regardless of your faith will beat you down so much that you may "faint because of the loss of blood." Just know Jodi, that there will be a fellow "stripling warrior" along side you to pick you up, dress your wounds and carry you along. I suspect at times you may have helped Kristi when she has been fighting a battle and ended up bloodied, possibly to the point of fainting. Now I see her doing everything she can to dress your wounds and it touches me to my very soul!

May God grant us all the vision, not only in Jodi's current circumstance, but in all of our lives the perspective to know who has been bloodied and needs help dressing their wounds.

Rest well Jodi and good luck...

Peace,

Jon

Flints Facts said...

Jodi, I am so sorry for your setbacks, yet I know how strong and amazing you are, you will get through this. HANG IN THERE! I am praying there will be no other surgery needed and you will be recovering at home in a few days. Know that the love, positive thoughts and prayers continue.
Love, Kelly

j hall said...

Today in YW's the girls sang SAVIOR and dedicated it to you. They sang like angels. We are still praying for you and can't wait for you to be back with us. We love you!!!!

Anonymous said...

Jody,

Teresa and I just wanted you to known that you are in our prayers constantly. We put your name in the Mesa Temple. I'm sure that it has been submitted to many Temples all over the world. We admire your courage, strength and determination. We Love you!

Dave & Teresa

Diane said...

Jodi, my boys and I pray for you morning and night. It brings tears to my eyes when I hear one of them remember you in their sweet, simple prayers. I hope you know how much we care about you and are thinking of you! Love you, cousin!

Leavitt Family said...

Jodi, you don't know me though we may of met, I am an old ward member and good friend of your sister Tamara. My name is Carrie Leavitt. Eight years ago my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia it was such a hard time for me and my little family. Many many people prayed for us, many I did not know. These prayers were felt so strongly, and so I want you to know that I keep you and your family in my prayers everyday. I know Heavenly Father knows you and loves you and you will be blessed in this trial.You seem like an amazing woman who is loved by all.

Noellee said...

Jodi and Family - Trials and triumphs - oh my goodness! There are not words to express what is in my heart as I go through this experience with you - and it seems we have gone through many together in our years. I think this one takes the cake! Jodi, I’m a generation older, but have learned so much from you and the incredible example you set for me. Your determination, strength, tenacity, faith, resolve, fortitude, stick-to-it-ism, empathy, get-it-done personality will get you through this along with all the good will and prayers coming your way from everyone. I always feel better when we spend time together and I feel of your optimistic and fun attitude about life. I look forward to better days with all of this behind us. Please take care and know that you are thought of with great love and admiration. Love, Noellee

The Vaughn Family said...

Jodi, I wanted to let you know that our family is also praying for you- and even though you have no shortages of prayers on your behalf, each one helps, right? We are praying that each day brings you the chance to heal. I know that Heavenly Father will not challenge you past what you can handle- you are obviously a very strong person, you are enduring so well. Concentrate on getting well, you can do it! Love, Brittney (Thompson) Vaughn and family

Anonymous said...

hey jodi
this is hydee just wanted to say im thinking about you
Hydee Weeks

Anonymous said...

My dear Jodi, I am so touched by all that you are going through and I want you to know that we are continuing with fervent prayers in your behalf. You are such a beautiful Mom, and we are praying for a speedy recovery for you. Lets get over this hurdle and on with the recovery. I'm glad it's only a hurdle and not a wall and you can make it over it. Keep being strong. Love you!
Love, Carol Liptrot

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi:

Please know that we love you and your family. We continue to pray for your full recovery. I know you have been a faithful and righteous daughter of our Father in Heaven and I have the knowledge that He will never leave you alone. He continues to watch over you and I am sure He is literally carrying you in His arms during your difficult times. May the treatment and medicine be His way to help you. Again we love you.

Logo Apelu and Family
Laie, Hawaii

Cathleen Sparrow said...

Jodi - You're probably tired of being told to be strong! But your spirit and determination is what makes you special and unique. you've always been an inspiration - strong - tough - direct - you go girl! Loving thoughts and prayers surround you - you are in my thoughts...love, Cathleen

Cathleen Sparrow said...

All the girls in the Foundation are pulling for you! You aren't far from our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Jodi, my 6-year-old, Libby, and I pray for you daily. Thanks to this blog, we know God has answered the thousands of prayers by so many people for you to recover. Now Libby and I will change our prayer to easing your second-by-second pain and discomfort. What a family you have! You were blessed the moment you touched down on earth.

Anonymous said...

I know that when Nancy was going through the real nasty chemo, the thing that helped her the most was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Her favorites were "Consider the Lilies" and "Peace Like a River". I hope that helps.
My family and I are praying for you and your family all the time. I wish there was more I could do!
Please hang in there, Todd Howard

Cami said...

Jodi
Thinking of you today! Stay strong and positive. I have a constant prayer in my heart for you and your sweet family.

Brandi said...

Jodi, I pray that the lumbar drain will work so you won't have to go through any more surgery.

Hang in there. Many, many prayers are still being offered in your behalf.

Love,
Brandi

ChrisandWendie said...

Jodi,
I am sure by now you are wishing this could all be done with and you could go home to your own bed. Hang in there. You have been so strong and I know that the Lord will see you through this set back as well. We are thinking about you and your family. I visited my brother today who is recovering from a surgery on his shoulder and I couldn't help but wish I could visit you too. Love you, Wendie

Kara said...

Jodi,
We are praying for you and your family! You are such a wonderful, strong person:)

Anonymous said...

As I was reading the Ensign, these last few days, I find that each message is of Faith!
Faith!!!! We all have the faith in you, Jodi and in each of you there - the Lord works miracles - each with a trial - to allow us to grow! but miracles He does!!!

We love you all, and are always thinking of you!
Keep the Faith!!
Love Always, Kelly, Belinda, Kymira, Kenya, Braadland, BayLen, Brennley and Baby Bysen.
p.s. Bysen is now 10lbs!!!!

Teresa said...

hang in there Jodi - we sure love you and are thinking about you and praying for you

Anonymous said...

Aloha Jodi & Ohana & President and Sherri,
We send our love and offer our prayers that goodness, peace and joy will permeate your lives. We pray that the pain will lessen and cease soon, that the warmth and love of your family and friends will embrace and uplift you. We pray that the memory of all the sweetness of the best desserts you've tasted and imagined is revisited and brings a great smile to your face until you can eat them again. We pray that your family's uniqueness, humor, spiritual and endearing qualities warm your spirit and buoys your soul. We pray that soon you'll be able to vacation and recuperate in the warm sunshine, feeling the gentle tradewinds caress your face on our quaint Temple Beach, your toes tapping to the rhythmic beat of the Tongan drums of PCC, as the waves lap at and tease your toes and body into full immersion of "da best" beach with a view of the beautiful sunsets of the northshore and the pristine beauty of the Laie Hawaii Temple.
May these visions inspire your healthy cells to rev up and get you all well ASAP. YOU ARE LOVED and CHERISHED. May you be comforted and strengthened in your testimony of the Lord's true love for you and your knowledge of the gospel. Malama pono, (Take care),
Boysie & Ivy Kahalepuna & Ohana

Unknown said...

Jodi,
You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. We hope you have a speedy recovery so that you can get out of that hospital and be back at home with your family. We love you!

Laura Hartley (Clark's wife)

Anonymous said...

In the scriptures, we learn it was in the 4th. watch before the Savior went to save his disciples "who were tossed with the waves for the wind was contrary." He loves and cares, listens and answers prayers, but he decides how and when to intervene, sometimes in the 4th. watch. We join family and friends at this time in praises and thanks to God, and in appealing to Him through Jesus Christ for the gift of healing in your behalf. Aloha and best wishes.

Lesumas

Nichole Giles said...

Wow, when you decide to be tested, you don't do it halfway, do you?

Well, you know what they say, gold has to be melted in a fire before it can be refined.

It stinks, though. And we're sorry to hear you're still in so much pain. We'll pray the drain will work so you don't have to go through another surgery.

Nicki

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi please get well soon!

Love,
Rheanna.