Sunday, August 8, 2010

. . . . . Family Update

Now I know for sure that the Lord sustained me during the funeral and the days following my surgery. I know because now I feel like I should have felt then. I have slept a ton and I still can't quite get feeling better yet, but that will come in time.

I did go to an hour of church today, and despite not physically feeling well, I was glad I went. I always feel the love of my friends and neighbors, as well as the love of my Savior when I go.

But, clearly I still have more recovering to do before I am functioning again. One positive note, the doctor in CA told me that because of my facial paralysis, the swelling would be either delayed or not as bad as normal, because my glands don't work and don't send the water signals properly. So, the good news is my swelling is at a minimum, though the lovely, flattering photos below will show that the bruising has set in.

Oh, and my nose is crooked now, too. That's a new one, but I guess it is because the paraylzed muscles and good muscles are pulling things in opposite directions but the forces are uneven, so I am crooked, yet again. All in time...

This is a good reminder, once again, that our physical bodies are not representative of our spirits. I am not my bruised and battered face. Inside, I like to think I am glowing after all the love I have felt and lessons I have learned from God.


I wanted to give an update on my sister, Tami, and her baby, Kurt. He is only a month old now and went in for a CT scan Thursday to check on the status of his CCAM tumor. Well, it is bigger than they thought (4.5 x 3.5 2.5 centimeters) and in a lower lobe of his lung. What's worse, it is still growing, fairly rapidly. The surgeon told Tami to pay attention to his condition constantly and if ever ANYTHING appears of out the ordinary to take him into the hospital. They will have to do surgery, but they hope to wait until he is a little bigger and stronger. Please include them in your prayers so we can have miracles for little Kurt, too!

While you are at it, please pray for my sister, Kristi, as well. She is in the process of being diagnosed for a still unknown disorder that is causing her to grow cysts throughout her body and put on massive weight gain. She is tired all the time and her hormones and entire body is out of whack. The process of figuring it out is very long, as there are literally thousands of potential causes they are sorting through. This is difficult both physically and emotionally as they try to figure out why her body is fighting against itself.

So, if you have enough energy left to exert on our family, please add my sisters to your list! Thank you! I love you all!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jodi, it's funny but the bruising of one eye makes me see how pretty your eyes really are--by contrast. I am sorry about Kami's baby and Kristi's discouraging disorder. I will pray.

Nichole Giles said...

Wow, I'm behind a lot. I'm glad to know your surgery went well and that you're recovering. Sorry to hear about your grandpa and the changes in your plans. Good thing you're so flexible.

Tami and Kristi both have my prayers, as well as you and your family. Remember, you're only given as many trials as you can handle, and no more. All I can say is that your family (and your parents especially right now) must be choice people.

Love from Pleasant Grove, UT.

Ogden Family said...

Jodi,
My computer has been down for a little while and so I am so excited to see that all went well with the surgery and that you are able to see small tender mercies from our Father. Give yourself time to heal and we will be praying for your extended family.

Love to you,
Heather Ogden

Anonymous said...

Jodi - I'm a little behind the times. I'm thrilled that the surgery is working and you are able to blink. So amazing!! I would like to hear more about it when things settle down a bit. Sorry to hear about your Grandpa, little Kurt and Kristi. Oh my word. The trials of it! My best to all of you. I hope and pray that things look up soon. Love, Noellee

Anonymous said...

So nice to see you yesterday.... i was not going to bother you , surrounded with many others.
And i assumed you would be tired... ha ...Can't expect to tick at full speed after the emotional, and physical things your little (with affection) has been through. We'll keep your family in our prayers. And do hang in there lady...! Love you!

britt said...

Wow your family is having their fair share of challenges (as if yours alone wasn't enough). You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Hurray for your blinking eye :)
love you

Brandon Rhoads said...

Jodi just checked your Blog to get the latest update. Thanks for keeping it updated. Someone (won't mentioned names) is not as detailed with the latest so I lean on the blog it is my favorites list. You are amazing Jodi. Just keep up that great attitude.

Brandon

carolyn said...

Aloha! I am glad surgery went well. Post recovery will take some time. I will be praying for Tammi and baby Kurt, and Kristi, too. Exercise is on the downside now. I've been too exhausted with all upheavel with gym situations! Now I drive in the opposite direction to Kaneohe and HNL (I miss the North Shore drive)...we get to drive by the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Interesting to watch filming in production! Now can't wait until next summer to watch movie with a different perspectives! Aloha and hugs.....