Wednesday, July 5, 2017

New journey

I haven't written a blog post in over 3 years but thankfully this little site is still here. It occurred to me that keeping my health updates in one spot would be a simpler way to share the information with family and friends.

If you want to start at the beginning, here it is. About 3 months ago I started noticing I was having vision issues. I was seeing double at times and couldn't figure out why. In early April, I visited an eye doctor hoping it could be corrected with a prescription change. No such luck. The eye doctor could see the problem and wanted to find out the cause. I went to a series of doctors and some things were ruled out (like diabetes and thyroid issues).

In the meantime, the double vision was getting worse. It was happening (and still is!) constantly. I had an appointment with a neurologist on June 7 to check for possible neurological causes. An MRI on June 20 showed a tumor on my brain stem.

At this point, we are waiting on doctors at OHSU in Portland to review my case and recommend a treatment plan. What we know is the tumor is in a high-activity center of my brain and the neurosurgeon said a biopsy is too risky and he considers it a non-surgical case.

We are expecting more information on Friday afternoon and have been told treatment will likely be a combination of radiation and chemo. As of now, I have a few symptoms but no pain. My eyes only work individually and not together so I spend most of my day with one eye patched. My coordination and balance are off so Brack helps guide me around. I am recently noticing my tongue is feeling numb and my speech is starting to slur. Also, my handwriting is getting worse so be glad you're reading a typed message.

Brack and I have been blown away by the responses of people near and far already. From Fayetteville, GA to Parkdale, OR we've received calls, texts, emails and cards from friends old and new. Our co-workers have already gone above and beyond during their summer break to make it clear they are here for us. It's such a comfort to know so many are thinking of us and are willing to support us in this season. Thank you.

Brack and I are praying people. We are hopeful that God is already working toward healing and we are thankful for the peace and grace we've been receiving each day. We're also thankful for humor--if you know us at all, you know we're making jokes. Laughter fills our home each day and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Our kids went back east to spend July with grandparents. While we filled them in on what we know, it's not something that's too easy to understand. I'm thankful they are having a fun summer with family while Brack and I try to figure out this new rhythm.

My mom flew out to come see us this week. She's been a huge help around our new place in Parkdale and of course a great encouragement to me. Those of you who know her understand why I'm so glad she's here.

I'll keep posting when there's more news to share. Thanks for being part of our story.

-Jordan

Me and Brack at Crater Lake


View of Mt. Adams from our friend's house in Parkdale, OR (our new town!)


On Mount Hood (in June!)


Mom and me enjoying the summer in Hood River

15 comments:

  1. Jordan, Pastor Tom and I ate praying and believing, for you and with you, for God's healing. I am so thankful that you have a strong relationship with Jesus and trust Him. I know He will continue to provide you and Brack with His prace and guidance. God bless you and your family. In Christ, Stephanie Summers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jordon we have watched you grow up into the Godly young woman you are today. We are honored to pray for you and your family. Love Nancy and a Bill Bonner. Fayetteville, GA

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ever since I've met you, I have thought about what a strong woman you are. We are praying for you guys constantly, believing for complete healing. We love you so!
    Malissa

    ReplyDelete
  4. Many prayers for healing, peace, and comfort for you and your beautiful family.
    Pam Coon, Wapakoneta, OH

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Jordan, I'm a friend of your Aunt Vickies here in Muncie. She has asked for prayers on your and your family's behalf. I'm so grateful that I may do this. Prayer is powerful and God's blessings are sure. You said there is still laughter in your home, proverbs 17:22 says, a cheerful heart is good medicine". Let the healing begin. In Jesus name, Amen.( My name is Connie.)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a Touching Hearts sister, and have known and loved your mom for several years. I was heartbroken to hear the news of your illness, not because I don't trust Gods's sovereign plan, but because as a mama myself, my heart hurts for what Kim and all of you must be going through right now. Just know that I am praying for you all back here in Georgia!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jordan, the Graves family is praying for you daily. Your story will one day (and probably already is) encourage others! Blessings and prayers!
    -megan

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jordan, our entire family is praying fervently for you and God's hand in this situation! I so love your mother's sweet spirit and love for The Lord! She and the other women on the leadership team... and my fellow sisters in Touching Hearts have been one of God's greatest blessings to me in our own family's personal storm. They have encouraged, interceded for me in prayer, hugged me endlesslesy and loved me through my tears, pain and brokenness.
    My husband was diagnosed with inoperable multiple brain tumors nearly two years ago.
    This has been a very difficult season of life... but undeniably one of the most joyous and peace filled times as well! I have never felt closer to or grown more with my Heavenly Father than in this season! I pray that you and your family experience His perfect peace in this season as well! The peace that only comes from the Lord as you seek His guidance with care and the next steps with treatment.
    I am heartbroken for your family for having to travel this journey but I pray that you feel all of the love, prayers and blessings that are being sent to you moment by moment!!
    You are a precious daughter of the King!! He is Sovereign and He alone has equipped you to walk this journey that will be used for His Glory! I already see His presence in this situation with your blog... and how The Lord prepared you for this journey years ago when you started this!
    I am so encouraged with the Godly woman you are at such a young age! Be encouraged and know that you are loved and prayed for by your brothers & sisters in Christ daily! ����✝️����

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jordan, may God surround you with His love through His people! I pray that He will go before you and be with you through this chapter. I know that He will use this trial to His glory through the woman of God that you are! I will be praying for you! Blessings! Tamara Vorwald

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow, Jordan! Wish i could hug your neck. . Crazy, i was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, which basically means i am at high-risk of developing cancer over the next 10 years. These past few months have been filled with dr appointments, and we're waiting for new doctor visit at Emory in Atl next. It's weird, to be so young. But God, I have to believe, is working for our best, YOUR best. And His glory, all the time. Love from Rome.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Wylams have long cared for your entire family and we wish you nothing but the best.

    ReplyDelete
  12. God is the number one healer! You and your family are in our daily prayers, in Vancleave, MS

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Jordan - I do like your photo's and your smiling faces in Oregon. Chemo and radiation are not fun, my dad just did that combo. The Friberg's will be thinking of you and be ready to help out with whatever you need. See you soon...Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jordan,
    We have prayed for you since before you were born and will continue to do that now. Your wonderful parents were in our wedding when Kim was 8 months pregnant with you and even in that condition, she sang like a dream. I'm happy for both of you to be together right now. Sometimes we need Jesus with skin on. May you experience God's presence surround you as you walk this journey.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are in my prayers daily. Having my mother go through something similar I know some of the trials. Remember Psalm 6 and Jude 24-25. You are loved.
    Lawanna

    ReplyDelete