Happy Holidays from Jack and his Mommy

[Jennifer and Jack]

Hi,

I know I seldom post on here but I read on here often.   This past year, 2014 was both the most trying, difficult, defeating and almost life ending and at the same time the best, best year of my entire life.

I have spent the past year with a trach in my neck  hooked up to a vent breathing machine because I had a very rare airway disease called Tracheabronchial Malacia, I had 100 percent collapse of my airway, I was able to get air into my lungs but not exhale.   

Through many, many months of research I was actually flown to Ann Arbor Michigan in July, I was going to be the first human adult to receive a 3-d printed airway splint, They took images of my airway and recreated it with a 3-D printer, it was astonishing, In the beginning of July, no matter what they did, they couldn't oxygenate me so the decision was made to put me on a surviver flight to U of M for what would be the first ever adult to get this, the procedure was done on babies but made out of different material, My entire family gathered in MI along with my closest friends, I was interviewed by the News Paper, New Stations and all systems were go, 16 hours before my surgery, the FDA called my surgery off saying that one of the materials was not safe for human use and more animal testing needed to be done.

The hospital essentially dumped me because researchers could no longer use me or help me.  We traveled home by car in July with no hope, me not being able to breathe, we all thought this was my last shot as I was repeatedly told their wasn't anything else that could be done, I was told I could no longer live at home because I needed to high of a vent setting and I lived alone so they  wanted to place me at the age of 41 in a nursing home.  

I was never so desperate  in my life, I wanted to live so badly but didn't want to live like this….. I became obsessed with finding someone to take a chance with me, Finally I read about a surgeon in Boston who has done a surgery called a tracheobronchial plasty, I sent him my records and begged for him to just see me… One of my best friends and I went,  and a long story short I got along amazing with the team, and I ended up staying in Boston for three months. I successfully had a 16 hour open chest surgery on October 8, they restructured my entire airway, removed a portion of my right lung, ( I have cystic fibrosis too)  I woke up and the next day was walking around.  

I am now a little less then two months out from my surgery and I have had my trach removed, can breathe on my own except for bi pap at night and have more energy then a teenage girl.    My airways are healing, I was not supposed to even feel a difference for three months but already I do….   a  big one...

I go back in Feb and I can't wait.  I will be going back to work, as a nurse one day a week some time next year and I got my life back, I went from almost being put in a nursing home to taking Jack to see Santa the other day. 

2014 was one of the hardest years ever but by the Grace of God and the love of everyone I have in my life, I am doing amazing……   

I am so looking forward to a New Year and all the amazing things in store.  Whatever Holiday you Celebrate, I pray it is a good one, I pray you are filled with hope, love and peace.

[Shoney & Ruby]

So glad that you are feeling better. You sound like a strong, brave woman.

[Becka]

What wonderful news--so glad to hear that you found your miracle surgeon. Great picture of you and Jack, Jenn! All good things for both of you in the New Year!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

You are very blessed during this Season of love and happiness!  I am so happy for you Jennifer and know how hard you have worked to get here today!  Love to you and Jack!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Jennifer ~ thank you for posting this wonderful update.  You kept the faith and you did not give up - you look so beautiful with your little Jack and Santa.  Happy Holidays!

[Donna K & Quincy]

It's so wonderful to see you looking so healthy, happy and beautiful! Happy Holidays to you and Jack, hope it's your best one ever.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you! I am so grateful for this season of my life . I love having Jack back, walking him myself, taking care of him myself.......life feels good right now,mite amaZing

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

What a wonderful update !  I've been wondering about you & this is the best news ever !  Enjoy every minute of every day :)

[Carol and Banjo]

Wishing you the very best Christmas ever Jennifer.   What a beautiful picture of you and your "guy"!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you ! So exciting to be able to enjoy the simple ordinary things.... It sure makes you not take anything for granted.....this year I was surrounded in my love and support than I ever have been combined total in my life. So grateful to be restored to health

[Christine & Shelby]

This is great news.... I've kept up with your blogs and this is great, great news.  What a roller coaster of a year.  I am so happy for both you and Jack and wish you continued strength in your recovery.