It’s been a while since the last update, so I’ll catch you all up on the last couple of weeks. They found that the internal bleeding was caused by several ulcers on Jordan’s large intestines and colon. The doctors were able to clamp the ulcers and treat them, stopping the bleeding and allowing Jordan to regain some strength. They also found a bacteria that had been in his blood, and once they treated that with antibiotics Jordan hasn’t had any fevers and has been able to keep down food. Corie has been able to stay in a hotel only a mile from the hospital with Jordan’s sister and oldest brother and his wife, so they have been able to cook Jordan some meals and that has also helped his appetite.

Jordan’s birthday was October 10th, and the staff came in and sang him happy birthday and gave him a cake. The best surprise was Corie was able to sneak Gabrielle in to see her dada and share lots of birthday kisses through his mask. She was so happy to see him, she didn’t want to let go when it was time to leave.

Jordan finished his last day of chemo treatment yesterday. Today is a day of rest, then tomorrow the transplant! For the last few days, Jonathan (Jordan’s oldest brother, the match for the transplant) has been getting shots to increase his blood cells for a better transplant. The doctors will be harvesting his stem cells today for the transplant tomorrow. Jordan is on a lot of medication to protect his body from infection as well as amino suppressants to help his body accept the transplant.  Right now Jordan is struggling with anxiety, nausea, and diarrhea because of the chemo, medications, and all the water retention in his body. He has handled everything with so much grace, but the doctors say the hardest part will be in a week from now. Pray for rest, strength, and endurance for Jordan as these next weeks come.

I got to spend 10 days with Jordan’s family and marvel at the strength God has given them. Gabbie, even though teething and missing her parents, was still the cutest thing and always willing to give hugs and blow kisses. She and her cousin Aiden (my son) loved playing together and getting to know each other as they don’t get to see each other often. God could not have given Jordan a more loving and caring wife. I was so impressed with Corie’s strength, dedication, and even peace through all of this. Though I am sure she doesn’t always feel that way, as an outsider it’s impossible not to notice. I only got to see Jordan twice, but it was so good to see him. I went in hopes of encouraging him, but he ended up encouraging me instead. It was so nice to just hang out and talk and see how much God is working in his heart. The most amazing thing is seeing how much he focuses on what God has blessed him with. Even though I still see the charming, charismatic, and slightly devious brother of my youth, I also see a new man. A man who has seen what he can lose, and has clung to what he knows he’ll never lose.  He is standing by his decision to allow God to refine him through this experience, and a sister couldn’t be more proud of her big brother!