On June 16, 2010...
Hi Amanda

You had some pretty amazing help going there. I'm glad you are home safe and "sound". Take it easy - one step at a time. Audie sounds pretty amazing as well to have cared for you as he did. You really are fortunate.

Cheryl, Ontario
On June 16, 2010...
Hi Amanda
I did not have the night time sweating. I have read about it from a few others so it does happen. As far as cardiac rehab, I started later than most people because I had some complications including fluid in my lung cavities which had to be drained twice and a bad bout of lung congestion. The start up date seems to vary. There is a young man (Trevor) who is starting 2 weeks post op which is quite early. Your cardio is the go to person (or your surgeon) for this decision. Thursday's game will be interesting! Go Celtics!!!!
Fran
On June 16, 2010...
HI Carly and Amanda,

Great update, Carly! It is so wonderful to think of you at home. Surely you will really start to feel better with your family around you and Henri (note French spelling) looking after your every need.

You are in our prayers!

Love, The Hills
On June 15, 2010...
Hey Amanda!

I am so happy to hear that you are home now! It is a great feeling actually being able to sleep! I don't know about you but I hated the interruptions by everyone in the hospital. It feels great to have your own surroundings and you'll soon notice the healing process increases at home too. Hope you are feeling better everyday!

Trevor Nelson
Rockford, IL
On June 15, 2010...
Hi Amanda
Am picturing you in your recliner in your leopard skin jammies watching your Lakers whip my Celtics (as of now, anyway). Seriously glad you're doing so well, keep it up.
Fran
On June 15, 2010...
Hi Carly

Glad to hear Amanda is home. She has some really great help and believe me, every bit of it is needed in any form at all. Make sure she gets up and out of that chair and walks and uses her spirometer regularly.

Cheryl, Ontario
On June 15, 2010...
Hi Man, Burmie here

Well I always knew you were quite a warrior. You are doing fantastic!!! Don't wear out the family (be nice). I certainly hope that you have given Audie more than one hug. He came thru for you Man, but I'm not surprised. Tell Audie hi from me.
No mention of the Blackhawks!!! Chicago finally won something. Very big deal back here. Go Lakers.

Burmie
On June 15, 2010...
Carly: Thanks for the recent update. We keep expecting to see new photos up on the website: reclining chair, leopard-print jammies, Audie cowering as Amanda screams at him for something that is not his fault, Amanda shaking with the DTs as her narcotics wear off, THE SCAR . . . but nothing. Are we going to have to make an unannounced home visit to see these things in person? What's the dealio? The Turners
On June 15, 2010...
Welcome home! Amazing! And thank goodness we all had Audie to run the show! Rest up. Can't wait to see the scar! Michael and the Turners
On June 15, 2010...
Welcome home! What a short strange trip it's been! Between you, the doctors and the nurses, an incredible surgery and recovery! If I can be of any care to you and/or the kids, I'll be happy to give! Continued success with the rehab...Cornice is calling! Jeff
On June 15, 2010...
Hey Amanda, So glad your going to be in your own home tonite. I couldn't wait for the updates on your progress.your family did an awesome job on keeping your journal up to date. Please let me know how you are doing and please let me know if you need anything
love,
Tracy
On June 15, 2010...
Hi A,
Congratulations! Leopard jammies...to leave the hospital..after a mitral valve regurge...what did you wear post baby delivery? lol

Christine
On June 14, 2010...
Wish I had been creative enough to bring something jazzy to exit the hospital. I left in drab fleece, limping across the street to our motel. I must have been a sorry sight. However in Rochester, a sorry sight isn't out of the ordinary. My appearance probably didn't even evoke a yawn.
Are you the Amanda who has sent many kind notes, including the one with a remark about my nice looking husband? I told him and got a big smile.
Happy you are on your way to recovery. May it go with as few bumps and blips as possible.
Mary Ann of Sioux Falls SD
On June 14, 2010...
Wow, great news, even though your Lakers are behind. Did I tell you I was born a Celtics fan (I'm from MA)? One more game for them to win, so perhaps you shouldn't watch!! Seriously, you are doing so well, hope your recovery will move right along once you are home. Still want to know how you managed 8 hours sleep in the hospital, didn't they come in during the night at all? Love the posts and will wait for another one.
Fran
On June 14, 2010...
Hi Amanda, you have done exceedingly well...and I am so happy for you and your recovery ! I didn't leave the hospital in leopard jammies, but I have three pairs at home that I have worn since my mitral valve replacement in Jan. I can't remember if you have a mech or tissue valve, so will have to re-read your postings. So glad things are going so well for you. The best advice I can give you is listen to your body and take lots of naps. Napping has been essential for my recovery so please sleep whenever you feel like it. I've never been one to rest much but after my surgery I decided it was time to slow down a little.

Take care Amanda and keep on posting!
Lori from Hood River, OR.
On June 14, 2010...
Hi Amanda,
So glad to hear the good news....the big escape is underway. Leopard pajamas sound so appropriate for your exit....ha ha. I will wait for your updates.
Congratulations,
Theresa Callanan
On June 14, 2010...
Hey Amanda, keep up the great recovery process! And we will keep praying for you! Barb York - Weiland
On June 14, 2010...
Oh my gosh you really are a wonder woman! I can't believe that you are still making me laugh even when you're post-surgery and in the hospital. Congratulations on your amazing recovery...do you wish you'd gotten this done sooner??? I am so proud of you.
Welcome home.
Becky Noble
On June 14, 2010...
Well Hello,

So glad you are doing so well & are able to go home now... Thannks for all the updates we were all very well informed by Audie, i had to laugh alot with all his updates so glad this has not changed you amnanda. Hope you get a good nights rest tonight. By the way went to the Doc's with my bro all is good they say they got all the cancer out.. Whoo Hoo
Talk to you soon,
barbara
On June 14, 2010...
Amanda - I am so happy to hear that you are being sprung today... this is awesome news!!! Keep up the good work.

Peace,
Kellie (MD)
On June 14, 2010...
Way to leave the hospital in style A. So happy to hear that you are recovering so smoothly. Peanut butter hershey kiss cookies coming your way next Tues night. xo Jen
On June 14, 2010...
Well I have to say if I had to rank the writers in the family it would have to be:
1. Carly
2. Audie
3. tie for the rest of the family...

sorry Amanda they are stealing your thunder. It is great to hear you are doing well, I will see you real soon.

Dave
On June 14, 2010...
How was the English cinema? MT
On June 14, 2010...
way to keep ahead of the pain - that's my girl! sorry about the Lakers loss last night, but hopefully the LA teams understand who they are winning for tomorrow night- all our love Annee & Jordan
On June 13, 2010...
Keep popping those pain meds!! Hoping you get home quick. Tell Carly & Cole to be super-nice to mom. Audie, great that you came to the rescue. You all take good care of my best neighbor ever!!!-Karen Thomas
On June 13, 2010...
Hello from Chicago!

Glad to hear things are progressing well. We're keeping up with the posts & have been thinking about you all week. Hope you get to go home tomorrow & are feeling better each day.
Thanks for sharing the journey.
Take Care,
Emily & Faron
On June 13, 2010...
Amanda...competitive? I never knew that about her. Oh wait, I do remember something about her being the only girl allowed to play on a boys' little league baseball team when we were growing up. It's coming back to me now...

Watch out spirometer!

Lynne
On June 13, 2010...
Audie,

I don't even know you but you're the man! Thank you SOOO much for updating us over the the past few days while taking care of Amanda. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Corey
On June 13, 2010...
It was a nice visit with you this morning. Great to see you looking so good! I do mean recovery wise..you hadn't yet had a shower. Want me to make a tee time for us?
Wendy
On June 13, 2010...
Dear Amanda, Just found that Kris and I share the same birthday. I knew there was something special about him. Hope you're doing better each day. Love you! Tan
On June 13, 2010...
Amanda, Great to hear you made it through with flying colors! I have been reading all your postings and it sounds like you are getting back to your normal self. I had a drink for you last night in Minneapolis, actually several drinks... We were at a bar that you would have loved! It was like I was at the Regal Begal. They even had a polka band playing. The old timer, Ruth on the sqweezebox, had a whooping 3 teeth up top! priceless. Anyway, keep up the good progress! Love ya, Fargo
On June 12, 2010...
Hi Amanda

You are doing amazingly well. Good luck on getting home in good time. You've got good stamina. Keep it up.

Cheryl, Ontario
On June 12, 2010...
Can't wait til you're home. You will feel so much better when you can get some peace and quiet and see your doggies. Plus we need to start planning the pool parties. Just because you had a little operation doesn't mean you're getting out of them.
Wendy
On June 12, 2010...
Great to hear you continue to improve. Cole was on fire in game 1 at the basketball tournament in Whittier this morning. No doubt it was the bacon and pancakes Peggy made for breakfast. Cole made some beautiful 3-point shots and brought the team back from a deficit to win the game. And Cole went on his tear after the coach was ejected for getting two technicals!

If you show me your scar, I will show you some photos of your baby (full grown man-child) in action from this morning's game.

Keep us posted on your progress!

-- Michael and the Turners
On June 12, 2010...
Thanks for the note. So glad you are finding the tapes an excellent tool. Our minds and thoughts can make or break us sometimes. We really are what we think. You are doing so well. Stay on top of the pain. Post op I had a button on my IV that I could push every 8 minutes to get a small dose of pain medicine. I did use it several times and it helped. You'll recover faster once you're home, at least it will be quieter!
Fran Z
On June 12, 2010...
Amanda so glad your doing well thinking about you keeping you in our prayers
nancy and terry mccall
On June 12, 2010...
with this progress, Wondufest might still be a possibility.
xoxo
Mother Lee Lee
On June 12, 2010...
Amanda,
So glad to hear the updates on your progress...can not wait to hear you are home and recovering. I wish you a continued positive recovery and hope you are released soon. I think your feisty attitude is an attribute in driving your recovery progress.
Take care,
Theresa Callanan
On June 12, 2010...
Hi A -
Caught Jake and Tricia sneaking into critters last night only to find Houndy drinking solo (he says he was picking up Katie from her new job at Gringo). Jake said he expected you to be comatose and hitting the pain med button with vigor but instead he found you alert and strong. Love your power!
Hugs,
Leens
On June 12, 2010...
I'm so glad to hear that Amanda is doing well. I was very surprised that she was able to watch the basketball game much less wanted to watch the game.

Keep up the good work and know it is all worth the effort.

Tim from Greensboro NC
On June 12, 2010...
Amanda: So great to hear that you continue to do well. Cole is spending the night here and we are taking him to the basketball tournament tomorrow. He, Austin and Kevin ate pizza and played video games all evening. They are now eating drumsticks and watching raunchy comedians on Comedy Central. My house - my rules!! I asked Cole about his visit with you today and how you are doing. He said that you were whining, bitching and moaning -- so you are back to your usual self! Great!

And Audie, you are a champ! If I had an ex-wife, she would likely sneak in to the hospital and pull the plug when no one was looking. I really admire you for stepping up and being a great man and a great dad.

Hang in there, Amanda. We are all pulling for you.

"Oh, waitress, I'll have another Percocet, please."

-- Michael and the Turners






On June 11, 2010...
Hi Audie

Oh the abuse our caregivers sometimes take. She'll be owing you big time!

So glad to hear how well Amanda is doing. Tell her we're all wishing her well and looking forward to her return home. Tell her to be good.

Cheryl, Ontario
On June 11, 2010...
Hi Freeman Family,

We are celebrating all the great news. Audie, thank you so much for the vivid updates. Please let Amanda know how happy we are she is on such a stellar road to recovery.

Love to all,

The Hills
On June 11, 2010...
Thanks for the update, sounds like she's making a picture post-op recovery. She'll feel better when those chest tubes come out and mobility will be improved.
Fran Z
On June 11, 2010...
Audie has redeemed himself with more frequent updates. Good thing...

Glad you're doing so well, P. (That's "P" as in Amanda Peabody Jones, in case anyone was wondering)

Lynne
On June 11, 2010...
Dear Amanda & Audie

I couldn't be happier for both of you. Amanda your doing a great job, keep up the good work and soon you'll be back at it. Audie, thanks for being there, you have really been a rock.

Love,

Burmie
On June 11, 2010...
Dear Audie, Just want you to know how much we love you and appreciate you being there for Amanda. Tan Tan
On June 11, 2010...
Hey Amanda, keep up the good work.So glad to hear your team of doctors are all pleased with your progress.They should just call you superwoman.Sorry about the lakers. Thank you Audie for all the updates,your doing a great job. Let me know if there is anything I can do. I would love to help out
Love your friend
Tracy (smith) 310-891-3568
On June 11, 2010...
Nothing like OJ, Cream of Wheat and morphine to get you going in the morning! Brings back memories of your college days, right?

We are so happy to hear how well you are doing! GO AMANDA!!!

Audie: Thanks for keeping us posted with so many details. I am sure Amanda is disappointed that you haven't shared any info about personal hygiene or bedpan/bathroom activities. Maybe next posting?

- The Turners
On June 11, 2010...
Great news!! I am so glad to hear that recovery is going well and home is not far off.

Kellie (MD)
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