Cautiously optimistic with some surprises along the way...

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Yesterday was a hard day for me. It was the three week anniversary I did not want to remember. Filled with fear, I came across card after card that Jess had written me over the years and felt how much this man loves me and how we need to continue our story. Phoebe must have sensed it as she crawled into bed with me for the night and stayed close. (Maybe it is because she is shaved, but I am going for the compassion angle)

I was getting ready to leave this morning and my friend called to remind me that she would be spending the day with me. Surprise no. 1.
I stuffed a $6,800 air conditioning bill in my purse, believing that it was due in May. After a series of phone calls I was told it was paid off. Surprise no.2.

Waiting at Mayo, and waiting and waiting. Jess's surgery was pushed back and they finally took him at three. Nearly three hours later the doctor comes out and tells us the right ventricular support is off! Hell-o -- the right side of his heart is back! A little medication to support it, but mostly it is his right side working. I am delighted, speechless, and for the first time have an appetite. Completely different news from last week. Surprise no. 3, the doc is not giving up on Jess's own heart doing the work for him. His chest is still open and I don't believe it will be closed even if they can turn off the left side so it can be watched. I just pray it all happens soon.

What have I learned for all this? You have to take baby steps, but it is hard. As your mind spins out of control creating a multitude of scenarios, you have to be patient and positive. I have tried my best and know that this journey has a long way to go. I really hope that this series will end with a footnote from Jess himself -- he is a far better writer. Then I can get back into the business of Doodle reporting.
Goodnight all -- thanks for your prayers.

PS Doo is making this high-pitched whistle noise. What is up with that? Is that a Doodle thing or a Phoebe thing? It is very intermittent and rare, yet is is a distinct whistle.

[2SCdoodles]

Oh, what wonderful news! Your blogs have made my eyes fill with tears, both tears of sadness at first and now tears of joy! What blessings you have experienced.

My doodle, one of the two, sometimes makes this whistling sound almost like a snore. And, after my doodles are shaved, they are cooler and often like to be up on the bed a bit more- but in your case... I am thinking that was another blessing in what seems to be a day filled with miracles.

[Carol Ramsey]

Actually Janet, I am so damn happy with this news I want to go out in the street and YELL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my GOD!!!!! YOU GO JESS!!!!!! Ok, ok, I'm calming down. I'm hugging you! Can you feel it??? XXOO

[Carol Ramsey]

Need I tell you how HAPPY we all are in the poodle/doodle hacienda??? Oliver is dancing with Jack........actually they are, what I call, SPARING: standing on their back legs boxing with one another.......I think they are happy about Jess!!!

[Leslie and Halas]

Great news! Hope things continue to improve.

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

That is such great news, I keep you all in my prayers.

By the way, as I was reading your blog I was thinking that you are a a very good wirter. I was surprised when I got to the paragraph that said that Jess was better than you.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

We'll continue to keep Jess and you in our prayers.....that is fabulous news!!!!!!!

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Great news, I hope it goes on in this positive way. Stay strong, we are all thinking of Jesse and you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so thrilled with the positive news that Ned and I are doing a happy dance. Ned "talks" with excitement. It is kind of a purr, low yodel, mumble type noise. He does this everyday in the morning and when he gets really excited. It is accompanied by prancing around, jumping on and off furniture. He is doing this right now for you, Jess and Phoebe.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sending prayers that Jess will continue to improve, and looking forward to the day that he posts his own update!!!
A whistling doodle...maybe Phoebe is trying to cheer you up. Hugs to you all.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

We are thrilled to hear that Jesse is making some progress! You are right - baby steps - very hard to wait but the steps are in the right direction! Glad to hear you have a little appetite - please try and take care of yourself. I know how hard that is to say and to do but you are Jesse's strength and you need to keep yourself healthy - for all 3 of you!