This blog is for Susan...

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

O.K., I’ve been busted.
I did not blog last night. Susan caught me.
Susan and I had the opportunity to meet yesterday at Mayo. Like several of you, we have exchanged messages, and I learned that Susan’s Ron was waiting for a Mayo kidney. I had a strong feeling we would meet there, but Ron did not think his kidney would come during Jess’s stay.
Was it 24 hours later that the kidney arrived with Ron’s name on it? True story, I make up very little these days.
The transplant was a success; Susan reported Ron was feeling well immediately. Isn’t that terrific? Susan takes her prince home today. Me on the other hand, not so fast.

Susan and I had an opportunity to meet on the Mayo patio over a cup of coffee. I shared with her how her messages and those from other DK family members have really helped me during our family challenge. I would love to meet all of you over a cup of joe. And the doodles – you must bring the doodles! Think of what therapy that would be for Jess to see a romp of Doodles on the Mayo patio!

Jess actually phoned me Saturday and Sunday morning! He was able to pick up the phone and punch the numbers!
He is in his new room. His CCU room had a sheet of plywood over the window to provide protection during construction outside. I was looking forward to getting upstairs so Jess could have real sunlight. His new room faces the Mayo lobby and is also dark. I am hesitant to make an issue of this, but I may have to. I did mention it to the nurse “politely” and she responded that the goal was to get him outside this week.

Some friends came by to visit along with the regulars, Jody and Kathy. My sister and brother-in-law were able to stop in the evening after I had left. The nurse asked to keep the visiting traffic low over the next few days as she wishes to get him up walking (with the platform walker) about three times a day and have him rest in-between. Jess’s body is weak, but his brain is strong. He reported that he sat up in bed by himself and asked the nurse to transfer him to a chair last night. When he returned to the bed, he felt better and actually had a better night’s sleep.

Phoebe is going to have an all day play date today. She will spend the day at the Davis’s and romp with Schnauzer-poo Rosie, and antagonize schnauzer Izzy. Shari will be home cooking all day; I had to remind her of Phoebe’s counter surfing skills. Last visit Phoebe managed to score a container of guacamole and beans. : - )

My next door neighbors had invited me to dinner last night. It was very sweet and a nice visit, however I was pretty tired, I can’t imagine how Jess feels. I went home and stared at the ceiling for about two hours, too exhausted to move. I just thought about Jess, what he has been through and his recovery ahead. His current state is the price he had to pay to live. Now we must treat the weeks ahead as a training program.

Enjoy your Sunday. Please also say a prayer for Ron’s recovery and that he may continue to feel more energy.

Doodle kisses from all the Klein’s, J,J, P, and H.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I check for your blog every morning - I am on the East Coast and not awake when you get home. I was alittle nervous this morning when there wasn't one. I am thrilled to hear all is well - each day is better. Not fast enough, I am sure, but everyday progress. If you want to make Jess giggle, show him the new 'flick' I posted for the furkids birthday party today at the beach. You can't imagine what we humans made our doodles go through today.
Hope tomorrow is even better!!

[Jeri]

Hey I have been gone for a few days and am catching up. Glad t0 hear of the improvement. Let the nurses know how you feel about his room and ask for one with a view. He should have one with a view to improve his sense of well being. Take care

[Deena Womack]

I am so glad Jess is pulling through this. His strength and endurance as well as yours has just been incredible. You both have come so far and you are in my thoughts every day...

[Beverly Wright]

What a great story........you and Susan get to meet......all of us friends throught doodlekisses!!! Janet, it does scare me a bit when you miss blogging!!!! I am so glad to know that Jess is getting stronger every day and the fact that his brain is working fast is wonderful! Please give our hugs, and doodle kisses to Jess. We will keep him in our prayers.
Bev

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Susan and Janet, I am excited that you met. It seems that doodle owners have a special bond and I think it really gives us a boost to actually meet face to face. I am praying for both of your guys.

[Susan]

Janet, I was teasing you! You don't have to write every evening. I know you are exhausted. The days at the hospital are long, and I can only imagine how you feel. My few days have taken a toll and you have already been through 5 weeks more than I. I am on the way to see if Ron will get to go home today. Last night they had said a 50/50 chance. The creatine level was a little higher than they like and they had to wait for labs this morning. My fingers are crossed! I had to clean house this morning so I am late going to the hospital. The chance of infection is great, so everything must be spotless. I am praying for Janet and Jess to stay strong and fight so that he too may go home to Phoebe and Hobbs and start his life again. Let me know if you need anything at all...I am only a phone call away and can be there in a few minutes!

[Jennifer Pooler]

I'm so happy to hear that Jesse is out of the CCU and becoming more independant! Walking and able to pick up the phone and call you- how wonderful! I hope he enjoys some good sun this week. :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I was looking for a post last night and wondering if everything was all right with you & Jess. It's nice that you and Susan got to meet, even if the circumstances are not what you would have chosen. All this good DK energy is extending to Ron, too!
It sounds like now that those first touch & go crisis days are past, and that adrenaline rush is subsiding, your exhaustion and worry are finally allowed to come out. It's healthy, Janet. Please take care of yourself, too, you do indeed have a long road ahead...but one that is filled with hope, and new beginnings.
T & P to Jess & you, and to Ron & Susan, too. Have a good day.

[2SCdoodles]

I am so glad that Jess continues to improve! Ron will be in our prayers as well!