There has been a whirlwind of activity in the Nordell household over the last week.
Ron is doing VERY WELL, enjoying his clear liquid diet but ready to progress to full liquid diet (which will include puddings, sherbet, cream soups, skim milk, etc). He's a little tired of the same old broth, jello, popsicle for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although he does not take for granted these pleasures! The deciding factor on when he can progress is that he has to go 24 hours without having to unclamp his gastric tube. He has gotten a little bloated/nauseous feeling a couple of times at which he unclamps the g-tube and allows gastric juices to drain. Please pray things continue to progress well and that his body will absorb and process the nutrients from the food he is eating (drinking!).
Ron continues to have swelling in his calves, ankles and feet and it is difficult to keep them elevated all day; which makes for being stuck in one position. Between the swelling and the heat wave here in Texas it's been hard to find a time/place to get in the walking he needs to be doing to help with recovery.
His next scheduled appointment is August 11 with Interventional Radiology. As long as all goes well, he will have the gastric tube (g-tube) removed at that time. They plan to leave the PICC line in and have him remain on TPN for a little while after he has progressed to full eating to make sure he is getting proper nutrition as his body adjusts to the natural process of digesting and absorbing food.
We still do not know how functional his remaining pancreas will be; whether or not he will be diabetic. This will play out over the course of months; as will the regaining of strength and muscle tone. He still tires very easily but is improving greatly.
On to other news:
Most of you know Aaron and Kristin were praying fervently about moving to Lubbock. Aaron had been contacted about a possible job prospect and it looked like Kristin would be able to finish up her bachelor's there at Texas Tech. Aaron gave his notice at work and their lease on their apartment was up today so plan was in action to move. They were very excited about the move; until Ron was hospitalized again. Amidst their doubts, the job fell through and they found out Tech would not allow Kristin to come in as a senior after all, and it would take a minimum of 2 more years for her to graduate. They really believe God has closed the door there and are very much at peace about staying in this area. Plan B was University of Texas at Dallas. After talking with UTD and going through the application process, they found Kristin should be able to graduate sometime next year. After Aaron finds a job, they will move to the Plano/Richardson area. Obviously they will be much closer which will allow them to be a part of Ron's recovery time, being about an hour away instead of 5 (and if we need to make an unexpected trip to Presby, they'll be able to beat us there!!)
In the meantime, as of today, they are moving in with us! In 10 months time we have gone from empty-nesters to a full house, plus one! Crazy, how God's plans work out! It will be chaotic for a while but they have been over here most days since Ron has been home anyways, so not too different. I have spent the last couple of days cleaning out closets (which I try to do each summer anyways) and rearranging "stuff" in order to give them some space. I am so thankful Ron has his warehouse to store all their furniture and other household belongings, basically all they will bring are their clothes and toiletries.
Please pray for Aaron as he pursues a job in the Dallas area; for Kristin as she gets her schedule worked out and begins the hour (+/-) commute to school beginning August 21 and for their apartment search
Ryan and Stacee are busy with work, wedding plans, finding their niche in their new church home (First Baptist Euless) and spending time with the family. They are also in the housing market, looking for a place to live once they get married in November. (Ryan has been living at home since moving back and Stacee has an apartment right around the corner from us.)
I know Ron missed having the boys around, but I keep telling him there were probably easier ways to get them back! But honestly, this has been such an incredible bonding time for our family. We have all grown so much in our walk with the Lord, individually as well as together. Our prayer is that no matter the circumstance we have been faithful to exhibit total trust in God
"...the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love Him and obey His commands....If you listen and obey faithfully, the Lord Your God will keep His covenant of unfailing love with you, as He solemnly promised...He will love you and bless you..." Deuteronomy 7:9, 12 NLT
Our job is to be passionate about our faith, and to pass it on!!!!
"We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of His power and the mighty miracles He did...so the next generation might know them--even the children not yet born--that they in turn might teach their children. So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering His glorious miracles and obeying His commands." Psalm 78:4, 5b, 6-7 NLT
Thanks for joining in the journey!
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