Judy, You are soooo Strong and such a beautiful writer. With ever word I felt your emotions so clearly. I know each day will have its challanges but it sounds like you are right on track and doing better than you feel! You are truly blessed with so many wonderful people who love you and of course Rina and Ric. I hope you have a better night tonight and get the pain under control. Sweet Dreams .
XOXO,
Angela
On March 9, 2011...
Judy:
I think if you read a lot of the journals, we almost all had bad times aroun day ten. I had the most awful backache that I sat on the bed clutching my heart pillow and sobbing until the Vicodin kicked in. The good news is those days get fewer and farther apart, and before you know if, life starts to feel normal again. Hang in there, but if your chest continues to hurt and you feel dragged out, INSIST on seeing the Dr. And having him listen to your chest and take an X-ray. Heart surgery is not easy, but it shouldn't be torture either. Do get help if it persists.
Terry C.
On March 9, 2011...
Judy,
Please do not apologize one more time for not answering messages and emails. For goodness sake, you are healing from major surgery...perhaps the "majorist"! hahaha. So glad you have such a faithful network of friends to take care of you. Will the plate in your chest always cause issues as far as pressure or will you get used to it?
Here at my place it is a three dog night! Hahaha. My newest arrival who is Sammy a "teenager" at 1 1/2 years old ...he is a labrador retriever who is having serious issues with overgrowth of bacteria in his intestines resulting in MANY trips outside each day. Poor little guy ( not so little at 80 pounds, but he thinks he is little so that is enough ).
So glad to see the reunion with the girls went well. I know Rina looked lonesome in some of the pics taken while you were at the hospital! She seems like such a sweetie!
My three furbabies wish you a quick recovery! They are currently sleeping but their lives are so difficult they need their sleep! : ) Ah, to be a dog in MY house!
Keep resting and eat even without an appetite. From pictures you do not look like you can spare losing weight.
I hope your weather there is nice and warm and brightens your day!
Mary Roberts
Canton OH
On March 9, 2011...
Judy,
Nothing like home sweet home, eh? And I bet your baby's missed you terribly!!!
I'm concerned about your nausea tho. Didn't the Dr's. prescribe anything? When my brother went thru chemo, he was prescribed two anti-nausea pills; one b4 he ate (as a preventative), the other when it became severe. I can call him and find out the names if u like.
PLEASE take it easy and bask in the glory that you made it through such an intense, surgery . . and you're back home!
And I can't reiterate enough, PLEASE call if you need ANYTHING! You're in my thoughts and prayers woman!
Sincerely,
Meg Jones
619 303-6454 La Mesa, CA
On March 9, 2011...
Judy, so glad to hear you are back home with your girls. I imagine you will probably sleeping in that recliner for some time to come. It is my philosphy that every home should have at least one recliner. They make a world of difference after surgeries or when dealing with bronchitis. Don't be so impatient with your recovery, The anesthesia takes alot out most people after any surgery. And your body went thru alot of trauma. It will take time, but you will be feeling a little better each day.
And it's nice to know that you have such good friends close by.. to stay with you and to those who took care such good care of the girls. Of course, it's not surprising, as you are an amazing individual who has had done so much for so many. I imagine you have always been one to put others above your own needs.
Take care, Judy! Allow your body to heal. I know taking it easy is not your style, but that is what you need to do right now. Prayers for you and the girls continue.
Love ya, Janine
On March 9, 2011...
congrats on your patient spotlight! You had a rough go around, but I'm glad we are both on the "other side" now! little by little, every step counts! :)
your friend,
Tara Gambardella
Judy Fridono Are you home now, Tara? How are you feeling?
On March 9, 2011...
Judy, I am so glad to hear you are home and settling into a new routine. Your writings about being reunited with the dogs was so tender. I will pray for you that you have the patience to heal and that you feel less pain with each new day. Janice lloyd
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy - I am sorry you had a rough night last night. I can't imagine the pain you must be in, but I am praying that every day your pain subsides and eventually goes away. Glad that you have been reunited with your pups. It's amazing how they know when we are happy, when we are sad, and when something is different. Even though Ric and Rina are concerned, I know that they must be so happy to be with you again. In time, things will be back to normal. I am praying for your speedy recovery. Please take it easy and one day at at time. God Bless. Nancy Z. (Katy, TX)
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy,
I feel so bad you are going through so much pain! Rina seems to be picking up on this, too. She is such a sweetheart and Ric, she is worrried, too, just shows it in other ways. Dogs have different personalities like we do. We all handle things differently.
Please, concentrate on getting well, don't worry on getting back to all us who write to you every day, the main thing is for you to get back your health and strength!
Once you start feeling better, look up Strauss Heart Drops on the internet. The main office is in British Columbia, Canada. When my husband Larry got back from the hospital after they put stents in, he had no energy and couldn't even walk. He started taking the Strauss Heart Drops and to this day, he still takes them with his heart medication. The surgeon wanted him to have a triple bypass by he refused because he is self employed and couldn't afford to take the time off work. His enegry came back and he was soon back to work. He is a flooring installer and it is very physical work. I always ask him if he ran out of his Strauss Heart Drops when I see him getting tired and no energy and he always answers, yes. Then, I make sure I or he goes and picks some more up in the health food store. I sware by these erbal heart drops, they have saved my husband from having a tripple by-pass. They are suppose to clean out the blocked arteries and keep them clear. They might help you with your recovery. Did you ever look this up, I sent you a message about it before your surgery.
Take care and give your girls a hug for me when your feeling better.
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
LOVING YOU FROM ONTARIO, CANADA
Connie and Charlie xoxo
P.S. Charlie says hello to his American girlfriend, Ric! He also says hello to Rina!
On March 9, 2011...
Hello Judy - Sending you great vibes and a super healthy recovery!!! - Halle the Weim and Charlie the Chiweenie
On March 9, 2011...
I feel for you so much. After my hysterectomy and my back surgery the worst part was the huge migraine (a problem I fight anyway) and the resulting nausea. I just thought if that hadn't been there it would be so easy. It really surprises you what gets you doesn't it? The pain meds are largely responsible, but hard to do without them. Can't win. It does come to an end, and I pray it does soon for you, it's been more than long enough for you. Thank God for your good friends and good dogs!!!! Sending you gentle hugs and lotsa good juju :)
Carol Martin
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy:
Based on a friend having a similiar surgery, it seems to me you are on track in your healing process. Each day will get better even though it doesn't seem like it right now. Rina and Ric knew your needs and adjusted their behaviour accordingly... however, I'm sure they are just waiting for the day when mom will be feeling so much better and can play with them. I have so enjoyed your FB page and all the work you do. Praying for you ~ Connie B. (Florida)
On March 9, 2011...
Oh Judy, that Vicodin is a catch-22, isn't it? Pain if you don't take it, yet toss your cookies of you do! Please don't dwell on your concern about individual replies--we all know how appreciative you are; just direct your energy toward healing. I know you have San Diego friends standing in line to help you, but know that if you should need anything for you or the girls, I'm always home...just ask.
Valerie Gerken Rios xxoo
On March 9, 2011...
hi, judy, it was so interesting to hear how things played out when rina and ricochet came home. that is really something how they sensed there was something different. i do hope you have a better night tonight. the nausea can really get to a person. too bad you have that because i'm sure it would be good if you had an appetite to get stronger. hoping each day and night gets better. glad you had and have the help you do, give yourselft time to heal and know you have a lot of people that care abt. you. and, know you will be remembered in prayer.
rhonda ferrara norman
On March 9, 2011...
Judy, RELAX and give yourself time to heal! Forget about thank you's for now. The way you can thank all of us is by taking care of yourself. What's the saying....time heals all wounds?
We love ya! Get well! ~ Liz
On March 9, 2011...
After my heart surgery, I couldn't sleep in my bed either 'cause like you, I couldn't get back up. I slept in a dining room chair with my head on a pillow on the table for 2 weeks, then moved to a recliner. It does get better but it's no fun waiting for that to happen. Have patience & faith. We're all praying for you. Love, hugs, & doggie kisses from Jeanne, Lee, Jonathan Taylor & Rascal. Feline purrs from Shadow & Peepers too.
On March 9, 2011...
Oh Judy, feel better!! We're thinking of you and praying for your quick recovery!
Julie, Tucker, Disney and Piper
On March 9, 2011...
Judy,
So glad you and your AWESOME furbabies are home. I had an accident 5 years ago, broke my hip in 3 places and shattered my left femur. My dogs were so incredible! Just like yours, they instinctively knew how to handle "Mom". You are in good "paws"! Remember to take it easy, easy to say hard to do! I remember well. Sounds as though you are on your way to great recovery. Thanks for sharing!
Carol
On March 9, 2011...
Sorry to hear you had such a rough night.. hopefully tonight will go better. I read your story of the reunion between you and your girls; Goldens are such special intuitive creatures! Their radar is just so fine tuned to us humans; it really is remarkable.
Wishing you a comfortable a pain-free night; pain at C5 is a real bummer I know because that is right where my spine is messed up. Hope you get better sleep, and have a better day tomorrow.
Teresa and Kermit from Indiana :)
On March 9, 2011...
judy, it hurts MY HEART, to read of your pain and upset stomach ! it's literally minute by minute that you will feel this tremendous roller coaster recovery ride.
know that you are watched over, we're all pulling for you....much love and respect
sam mcfarland
On March 9, 2011...
Geez! What an ordeal you are going through! I hope things are better soon. I'm sure the dogs are so happy you are home. Please don/t worry about answering people back. We totally understand. Heal! Linda Shaffer
On March 9, 2011...
So sorry to hear you had such a bad night, Judy.Vicodon is really tough on the stomach and I always feel awful when I have to take it. I sure hope you have a better night tonight. Sounds like the girls were their incredible selves when they greeted you. Glad you are all together again. Sending positive energy your way...
Nina Wormuth
On March 9, 2011...
thinking of you and sending positive energy your way! so glad to hear that Ricochet and Rina are home with you, Rina seemed so worried! you're so lucky to have each other : ) wishing you a speedy recovery!
Missy Hermanson
On March 9, 2011...
Hey let me know when you would like a Reiki session, and I will come over. We don't need the table you can just sit in your chair :-)
Judy Fridono I forgot about that! I'm READY! Thanks so much.
On March 9, 2011...
Judy,
Hang in there...it's rough now. Hope you sleep well and feel soon.
Aw Rina and Ric are home already and such good girls! Give them each a pat from me.
Tammy and Sadie
Tammytalking@hotmail.com
On March 9, 2011...
We're praying for you and sending healing thoughts your way. Much love, Hagit & Buckley
On March 9, 2011...
Judy - I am praying for your quick recovery with the help of all your wonderful friends! I started following you and your pups last year and want you to know you are all truly amazing!
Much love!!!
Paula Johnston
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy- I've been following your story on Ricochet's FB page and just discovered that you have this journal. You hang in there, you're doing exceedingly well being home this soon etc. Your patience may wear thin, but you will improve a little every day. My Mom had major open chest surgery at 82 and is still going strong two years later. Lots of us keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the great work!
On March 9, 2011...
i feel for ya judy! Labradors can be such worriers! i'm glad rina was looking out for you though. Such devotion. You were probably better off with ric sleeping so I wouldn't be too hard on her.
I hope tonight is easier for you.
All the best, vicki, Toby, Sheila, Louie and Monet
On March 9, 2011...
Judy! So good to know things are progressively getting better for you. I know the nausea isn't fun, but soon that'll be gone too. I'm surprised to hear you've only got pressure on your chest after all the trauma caused by the chest-cutting/rib expansion.
Stay strong and I'm sure your kids, Rina, Ricochet, et al will be a great influence on your recovery.
Sending lots of love your way. Lou Jones
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy...glad you're home and the girls are with you. Please don't worry about responding to all messages.....we just want you to read them. Take your time and get well. You are making amazing progress. Keep the journal going and we'll keep in touch. God bless you all. Teresa
On March 9, 2011...
So sorry about your night last night. Just remember each day you are getting better, every time I have talked to you, you sound better than the day before. I am so happy Heather is there taking care of you, I know she is the perfect person to be there for your first few days. I think having the dogs back will help to. We miss them!
Love you! Jessica, Josh, Barley and Mira
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy,
I think you are doing amazingly well. You are tolerating the pain better than most, and you have such a great attitude. I am happy that the girls are back home with you. I know that they missed you.
Praying that each day brings less pain and that soon you will be sleeping through the night again. Big Virtual hugs, because I don't want to hurt ya...LOL. Tell the girls good job from me too.
with friendship,
Nancy
On March 9, 2011...
judy, i'm sending healing thoughts and prayers to you.......gentle hugs as well !....
On March 9, 2011...
Don't worry about writing people, everyone just wants you to heal and feel better. :)
You're really brave, I don't think I'd be so strong. We really learn how important family and true friends are when we're not physically well. But we'd do the same for them. I can tell that obviously you would, you always think of others.
Praying for your healing, still.
On March 9, 2011...
Oh Judy Im so sorry youre in so much pain!!!!
Wow what a neat thing the way Ric and Rina reacted to you. Thats amazing!!! I hope having them around makes you heal faster!! I hope you feel better soon!!! Love Valerie Joey and Kealani
On March 9, 2011...
Glad you are home, and on the road to a better life! Be careful with the dogs. At first mine wanted nothing to do with me, but I had been gone a long time, and the hospital smell was confusing to them. I was lying on my chaise in the den, and all of a sudden Hero one of the affies ran over, and jumped right on my stomach! I thought he had killed me! Soon they learned not to jump on mom. Its hard for them to understand why we smell and act different. I bet you are happy its behind you now. Frankie is going for some tests next week. He needs a heart cath (my suggestion), and to stop smoking (he doesnt want to ehar that).
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy,
Dogs know when something is wrong or has changed with us just like when we are upset, they won't leave our sides. They are like sponges, absorbing our moods.
They will be good medicine for you Judy.
Take Care and God Bless All Of You!
LOVING YOU FROM ONTARIO, CANADA
Connie and Charlie xo xo
On March 9, 2011...
Hi Judy, I'm really glad your home I have been following your progress on line and even tried to call you yesterday. If your feeling up to it give me a call.
Mary
Judy Fridono Thank you for your calls. I do want to talk with you, but still am too weak.
On March 9, 2011...
I am so glad you are getting stronger and better each day, and that the dogs are back in your life. They will be marvelous helpers to you!
Cheers,
Pattie
On March 8, 2011...
Judy,
So glad to hear that you are back home and Rina and Ric are back with you! I'm sure their love will help with your healing. So glad to hear that you have good people staying with you 24/7. I was worried about that when I heard you were leaving the hospital. God bless you and the good people that are helping you through this! This is the time for you to rely on friends help as needed. I was so glad to hear that Jessica was keeping Ric and Rina while you were in the hospital. Jessica is such a nice person and a great dog owner too. So I knew your Ric and Rina would be fine. Take good care of yourself so you can make a full and speedy recovery!
Love and prayers, Debbie
On March 8, 2011...
hi judy - been keepi g up on ur journal entries and im so glad 2 hear ur home! and that ur getting back 2 normal a bit at a time....i bet the doglets were thrilled 2 b back home w u! thought and prayers 4 continued healing and quick recovery! bless u 4 all u do!
becky kemp
ps when u feel up 2 it, give rina and ric hugs and kisses from me <3
On March 8, 2011...
Hi Judy,
So glad to hear you have friends taking care of you 24/7!
What was it like seeing your girls again for the first time since the surgery?
Take Care, we'll pray for a speedy recovery!
LOVING YOU FROM ONTARIO, CANADA
Connie and Charlie(woof, woof!}
On March 8, 2011...
Hi Judy,
I'm gald to read that you are getting better every day...I'm sure that your little angels will help expedite this process.
Much love to you all,
Hagit & Buckley
On March 8, 2011...
DeaREST Judy,
I am so relieved that you have your team of amazing friends to stay with you 24/7! Dont worry about getting back to me, I just wanted you to know I was available if needed. God Speed to your recovery, and I am praying for you to have the wisdom to know what you can safely do and not to over do.
I'm so glad you are in good hands.
Annie and Golden Roxie
On March 8, 2011...
Hi Judy, I've followed Ricochet ( & Rina!) & the wonderful work that you all do, on facebook - Really just wanted to to wish you a very speedy recovery, from me & my dog, Raspberry Roundbum here in France and hoping you can now enjoy some rest & relaxation & recuperation with your two wonderful doggies.Hopefully you will start to feel so much better soon !
Love & thoughts,
Vicky & Raspberry xx
On March 8, 2011...
So glad you are coming along & now home with those precious pups. Take it easy~you will be good as new very soon. Hugs those pups!
On March 8, 2011...
Judy,
Wilson and I are glad that you are home and that your fur pals are with you. Wilson was such a huge comfort to me when I was recovering from surgery, He had never slept in the bed with me before my surgery, but when I came home,he jumped into bed with me and told Ken he was staying until I was healed. And he did!
Sending love and good thoughts your way.
Dodie and Wilson
On March 8, 2011...
So glad to hear you are "on the mend." I'm sure your spirits - and recovery - will improve once the four legged kids are home. Don't let them wear you out though!
Carol Crow
On March 8, 2011...
You are an inspiration, you and your dogs have done so much for others and by being so open about your current surgery...yet again you are helping others. You are remarkable and I so admire all you have done.
As a golden lover and a child therapist that does ATT...I understand your passion.
Get well quick!
Jeanie from Maine
XOXO,
Angela