I wanted to update, so many of you have become so dear to me, I have so many private messages and emails that I have not been able to keep up so I figure a group email in the form of a Blog would do!…

[Jennifer and Jack]

I wanted to update, so many of you have become so dear to me, I have so many private messages and emails that I have not been able to keep up so I figure a group email in the form of a Blog would do!!!!!

I am very pleased to announce both Jack and I are coming along amazingly well!!!  The day my mom left was hard for Jack and I both. Jack was really acting out at yet another change and well I was kind of terrified at being home alone. Some wise women on here were right, we just needed a few days to adjust....and adjust we have. Thank you for your wise words.

In a way, not having someone do everything for me is so good for me, for one it gets me up, gets me moving, gives me more strength which in turn gives me more energy. I have astounded my home physical therapist with the amount of strength and energy that I have regained so quickly, so much so that I have been dismissed from the at home program!!!!  One less health care worker in my house YAY!!!!!

I am thrilled, and admit I  felt like a bit of a show off when I went through the exercises to show her I could easily do what was asked and then some!!!!! I take Jack for a walk myself once a day, we go slow and steady and I do about one mile of walking, sometimes less. We will get back to our three miles soon.

I will admit, it overwhelms me keeping up with my treatment schedule, I am literally attached to an IV or a breathing treatment of CPT at least eight hours a day and all night.. We don't have any stop date for this current plan except we know it will be one  year after my cultures become clear of the MAC and other NTM ......some days that really is so overwhelming, but I very seldom allow myself to take more then one day at a time. and thankfully, my days are getting better and better.

I continue to be overwhelmed and grateful for the amazing support system I have. Honestly, without the people in my life, I could not or would not be so fulfilled and happy.

I am breathing much better, heart rate much better, and the horrible memories of being on life support without proper sedation are becoming more and more dim, and in its place is my heart and mind being filled with tons and tons of love.

Jack is doing better, eating good, not really mopey and seems to like having less chaos in our house. He often will sit at the front door looking out, then wander into my bedroom, jump up on the bed, kiss me (lick me) and go back to what he is doing.. talk about melting a mom's heart.....

I think as each day goes by, more and more normalcy will appear. God willing, I will be able to stay out of the hospital for a good while and we can enjoy . I got a great new camera as a CHristmas gift with all kinds of great features on it and pretty soon I am going to start attempting more photo shots

I am on the computer non stop as for the most part I am staying home, avoiding overdoing it, so I am having fun catching up on stuff.

Jack and I are so blessed and so lucky to have such great people in our lives. I am most excited as I have a friend that I have never met in person before that is also a doodle mom, that is flying out to see me this month!!!! She has become a dear friend, through the internet, phone calls and soon to be in person.

I so wish the world can see what amazing people you are, someone said somewhere, (can't remember where that the media focuses so much on the bad stuff. I wish they would come on here and see the amazing amount of love and support that is lent to each other every day, all day.

If you ever lose your faith in humanity, just read through the threads on here and see the compassion ooze from people. or talk to me, I can tell you story after story after story after story of the kindness and compassion of DOODLE owners.

Love and gratitude to you all.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Jennifer, this is an awesome update. I'm so happy you are feeling better and so is Jack. Enjoy that new camera! I can't wait to see the photos!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is great news, Jennifer! 

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

Glad you improving every day. Keep well!!

[Leslie and Halas]

I'm glad you're both doing better!  Keep it up!

[Christine & Shelby]

Jennifer.... what a great post.  I am thrilled to hear that both you and Jack are doing better and settling in to your new routine and new "normal".  Hugs and Doodlekisses from me and Shelby!

[BG and Gavin]

Great update Jenn!  One foot in front of the other!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Denise, I am sorry they did not forward me the card, they were supposed to collect them and call me and we were going to pick them up, Bonnie, anytime you want to come, you are more then welcome, I would love it!!!

I am having a hard time finding the balance, I have always hit the ground running as soon as I could in the past, it is kind of how I roll, however, this time, I just can't do that, this was by far the closest I came to not coming off the vent so I am not overdoing it, yet I have to keep pressing forward because if I don't move forward, I move backwards, it is just the way my body works....

Soon I will be back to being independent, for now, I am learning to rest in leaving things undone, and that is not an easy task for an OCD control freak like me.

Thanks guys

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm delighted at the news of both your improvement and Jack's. Sounds like things are going in the right direction. I hope that the plan to go to Denver is still in the works and I'm wondering if it could have a positive effect on your treatments. I am sure you are wise to take one day at a time. I wish I were the doodle owner coming to visit you. I will have to be content with knowing you in cyberspace. ;o)

[Denise & Sophie]

I went to my mail box today and the Christmas card I sent you was returned to sender.. I guess the hospital didn't want to fwd it to you!  I am so glad that you weren't there to get it but was bummed that I didn't get it in the mail as quickly as I should have. I am happy that things are looking up for you and that you have been blessed with all this love from this wonder group of loving people!  Best wishes to you and Jack for the New Year!  Denise and Sophie.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Jennifer, thanks for the update.  You and Jack have been on my mind a lot.  I am so glad you both are feeling better.