Greetings to all! Long time no post!! I am doing so well. As you can see I still have a bit of a lip droop. My bottom lip and lower chin are still numb but they are definitely on the way back. I am a bit tired of eating "soft" but it is good for the waistline for certain.



















I went to Dallas for my 6 month visit  - I flew in at 8 AM and out by 2:00. It was great to see Dr. Wolford - I kind of miss the ole' guy. He said my bite looks perfect and that I have the best orthodontist on earth (Hoping to suck up to the orthodontist and get theses braces off my teeth!). MY opening has gone from 25-33 which I thought was great but Dr.Wolford would like to see more improvement. He gave me permission to start  chewing "real" food with the warning that my chewing muscles have been out of commission for a couple of years and did recommend not starting with steak. 

 PizzA PIZZA PIZZA - that is all I have wanted. Although it looks good in the picture, I actually had to cut it up into small pieces to eat it. It was the best piece of pizza I have EVER had!
So I am working on adding some food texture and increasing my opening.
That is ALL good news. I feel great and am so happy to have it all behind me. i could never have done it without all my wonderful friends and family - and my awesome husband. He really rose to the occasion and beyond.
Of course I am still working on bills and insurance as well. 
For those of you who are reading this blog because you are having the surgery..... here is my tip: Dr. Wolford is the BEST ever. His office help is...... Let me just say that you need to represent yourself with your insurance company and do not get lulled into thinking that his office is going to take care of it for you.( Even if they say they are) Find a person at your insurance company that you can communicate with and call them frequently. Never take no for an answer. Appeal when you need to and then appeal again.  Expect that the approval process is going to take at LEAST 6 months...... or more. No kidding.
I will keep you posted on the improvements as they happen......
love you all!

Holy Heck What Just Happend

I am coming to my senses - getting life back on track the best I can. And Iam wondering what in the heck just happened. the whole procedure and recovery were beyond what I had imagined - or understood it to be. Which might be the worlds way of saying just trust that needs to be done and let it be.
What an amazing,difficult, difficult and amazing adventure this has been. The best part is that we ALL rose to the occasion just like we knew(hoped) we would. That is what love is about and I have never felt more loved in my life.
As i slowly got my brain cells back..... i slowly got some responsibility back. It was a beautiful day when I got to drive around the block to prove to David I could drive. Ahhhh my wheels are mine again.
We had a last sister hoorah day in the hot tub in the mountains in preparations for me going back to work. A day with my sisters. If that is not a gift I do not know what is. And then today....no more sweat pants, no more jammies........ it's the ......Bionic Nurse off to save little children of the world and dressed in real clothes (I do love to wear swear pants). I had a warm welcome at my school and I got alot done. It felt good to be using my brain and to be doing for others again. The baby sitting Jody "era" is coming to an end. Physically my chin is still MIA and half my bottom lip remains on strike. The roof of my mouth might be showing some signs of return but not very quickly. I am wearing my rubber bands like the perfect patient that I am in hopes of getting them off by the start of summer - maybe. maybe. I continue on my mush diet and dream of a slice of pizza. Lilydog and I have been faithful walkers and we are both feeling pretty shapely.
So I am back to work for 29 days..... and then summer break is there to rescue me. What a Life I have. Not too bad at all.
Thanks for continuing to check in on me. I love and appreciate all of you all.

Weekend Update (minus Seth Myers)

So after my visit with Dr. Wolford my mouth was sore - just as he predicted. I drove to Edwards Colorado to see my favorite orthodontist Dr. Alton Bishop and his lovely wife and assistant Shirlene(we all know who is really in charge). (Aren't they adorable?) Edwards was BEAUTIFUL! I enjoyed it up there. Dr. Bishop was very pleased with the report from Dr. Wolford but he did put me back in rubber bands. :-(
My teeth are still moving so very nicely with the bands that we must take advantage of it.
I am feeling very good overall. I do wish the bottom lip would rise and shine - and my chin as well. But I am told "all in good time". In a way the surgery seems like yesterday - and in some ways it seems like it has been a long time. But the beauty of it all is that I have not had one single migraine since the surgery. And no grinding noise in my ear that my jaw used to make when I moved it. So I will be patient (tee hee) because the payoff is HUGE.
For those of you wondering about the fire - we are not in any danger. Today they are beginning to get it contained. Yahoo.
So....... it's me and Dr. Bishop for 4 more months until the next visit with the big boss in Dallas. Slow but steady is the motto.
Thanks still and again to all of you who continue to help us out - we could not be luckier people. Love and hugs to all.
bye

The Return to the scene of the Crime!

It is Saturday evening and David and I just returned from my 8week follow up visit in Dallas with Dr. Wolford. The news is all good. The bite is “perfect”. He took off the rubber bands today to see if it is solid enough to stay without bands or not. I will follow up with the orthodontist next week and he will decide if they come back ( I expect they will be back) But for now it is glorious to open my mouth and actually eat off of a grown up utensil.
Teeth and gums are VERY sore but apparently that is a good sign of nerves waking up. I am going to start weaning the medication at night – and as that decreases my driving can increase. He says things will be hugely different in one month.- like energy for work!
Thank you to my wonderful eldest sister for taking the boys (and the dog) while we were in Dallas. I could not have done any of this without my amazing friends and family. I am feeling hopeful today that there really will be an end at some point,
We went to visit a boy (18) that had the surgery yesterday. He is in for the worst night of his life tonight but his family was very happy to see me at 8 weeks and know the misery is worth it.
I am feeling a bit like the young teenage crowd right now wearing my paints hangin off my butt and showing my undies. I will be seeking a ride to a mall soon for a new pair of pants (happily) and new bras (sadly).
so just wanted to let you all know that progress is being made and the news is all good. I took a picture in front of the hospital to send along.
Enjoy the beautiful weather – happy spring break for all of you have spring break.
Much love and thanks to you all,

The Magic of 8 weeks.

Hi everybody. All is going well - so we are off tomorrow for Dallas
for the 8 week check up with my favorite surgeon Dr. Wolford.
Doesn't he look like the nicest man? He is. Doesn't he look like the smartest man? He is.













Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted when I get back.
Love to all.
j

Time for an update.

HI everybody. Long time no chat. Things are going so well. 8 weeks really is the magic number. I am getting my energy back - no more naps and able to tolerate some real exercise. Lily and I took a 3.6 mile walk - we were both wiped out but we are going to get better at it. I changed my own rubber bands this week which was a big deal - and took me a very long time. Still trying to think of yummy mushy things to have for meals. (boring). Want a pizza. Half of my lower lip is starting to get some feeling - chin is still numb. I am off to see Dr. Wolford on Friday. I have a lot of questions for him and hope he has lots of answers. Will let you know how the visit goes when I get back.
Thanks to all - love ya
jody

A Real Date

Hi everybody. Everything is going well. My orthodontist appointment on Friday was good - he accidentally pinched my lower lip and it hurt! Ya hoo....... it must be starting to wake up. He says the rubber bands are working great and I am going to change my own rubber bands next week ( well probably Dr. David) and then see Dr. Wolford on 3/24.
David and I went out to dinner on Saturday night and I had egg drop soup and rice -with a REAL utensil. REal clothes ( which are fitting quite nicely by the way) and I did not spill any food on my real clothes. It was so fun to just be out with my hubby. I feel like I have had pretty good energy this weekend and maybe can get something done around home with less napping.
Looking forward to my visit with Dr. Wolford. I hope he thinks things are aligned the way he wants them to be. Fingers crossed.
Thanks and love to all
Bye Bye for now

IT'S GROUND HOG DAY

Hi all. Wish I had some "big" news to report but right now it is hard to tell one day from the next. Every thing is going well. My teeth ache so that must mean they are starting to wake up. Lip and chin are still in hibernation. Brushing and cleaning my mouth and teeth take up a large part of my day. I am definitely sleeping less! And I am down to one layer of clothing most days. Still wearing my black hat at night, very attractive.
I had a most wonderful lunch yesterday with my nursing associates - they brought lunch and laughs and flowers. Best day ever.
I go to see Dr. Wolford in Dallas on the 24th. Off tho the orthodontist tomorrow - tighter rubbers bands (boo) but it is an adventure out.
i have been cooking some meals for the family - in which the children have been grateful - although Dad has done a superior job all the way.
Guess that is all for now. Thanks to everybody!! XOXO
jody

Long time no post!

Hi friends and family. I know I am a bit behind and am not sure why. Last week I had Cooper home with me puking (him - not me)
WE watched movies and napped for a couple of day.
I have been sleeping less - actually doing some laundry and paper work!
Looks like my smile muscles are getting better - the physical therapy is helping with that.
I wish my lower lip would wake up - it seems to be bothering me the most. The chin is still completely numb but my checks are starting to tingle. I just learned today that caffeine actually causes pain in nerves as they wake up so we will be avoiding that. I have not gone back to coffee anyway - no fun when it has to be in a syringe. My best friend the orthodontist is happy with the progress but he thinks the rubber bands will stay on as long as long as the braces are on. That was a bit disappointing to me because that limits my ability to open my mouth further than a fingers width. That is limiting my ability to speak and I really need to go back to work and speak. I go to see Dr. Wolford March 25th. in Dallas. He will decide if he can use bigger rubber bands to give me a bit more opening.
I miss my WHEELS! I am hoping that Dr. Wolford will give me the OK to drive and life will get significantly better for me as well as all my friends.
As for the food choices, I am quite BORED. All the fun of eating is gone. Good for the scale but still boring.
I need the wind to stop because whenever I go out for a walk it is quite painful on my face. Started riding the stationary bike in the basement. Have just finished the entire 7 seasons of Weeds. Loved Loved Loved by the way.
OK......... i guess that is it for now. WE continue to limp along with the help of friends and family.
One very exciting thing I forgot..... I can now use a straw!!! Life changing. Happy.
Bye Bye

Behind on Posting

So I am way behind posting cause there is nothing really exciting to report. Things are going along as they should be(seems slow to me)
The orthodontist is very happy with the rubber band s and how well they are working. Chin, lips, and cheeks are still snoozing - that is a frustrating part -the bottom lip.
Brooks has been home sick all week with cough cold and ear infection and now it appears as though Copper has decided to try it for the coming week.
I am starting to do some things around the house - laundry and help with meals. I am sleeping a lot less. David is grumpy - pretty much most of the time - and there is a possibility that I may be a bit grumpy as well. I NEED WHEELS!
Next ortho appointment for me is Friday and I will be scheduling my follow up visit in Dallas for 2 weeks!!!! Cant wait for it to be time for the rubber bands to come out.
Thanks for everything to everyone.
Talk to you soon.
bye

Kathleen the cruise director

Hi everybody. Today was another orthodontist appointment.... I am the best patient ever by the way. He says things are still looking great and the rubber bands are still really working. And..... that I have very clean teeth (not an easy task with all the rubber bands in the mouth). I am suppossed to start the side to side physical therapy 3-4 times a day. Maybe tomorrow. Aunt Kathleen was my cruise director for the day and she always comes equipped with with starbucks.... out of a syringe of course. After the dentist we took Brooks to The Children's ortho clinic to get his cast redone because it was not on correctly. Then a stop a Walgreen's and who's day woul not be complete with all that!! I am feeling more clear each day and able to stay in the upright position longer each day as well. Getting Better. Yahooo.
now so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open. Thanks for the yummy dinner tonight - thoughtful as usual.
Feel ready for some company if anybody wants to say hi in person.
Love you all and thanks for everything.
nite nite

Looking Pretty

Look at my pretty toes. My sister took me out for a little beautification (more needed). Not all of the toes are mine. We had starbucks (out of a syringe....trendy) and had a pedi and mani and then........... we even stopped at the pharmacy. Then it was straight to bed for me. It was so great to be out.
Today on this presidents day I am celebrating by using my brain. Paying bills.... yes they have started rolling in. Brooks has a bit of cold so he is chillaxin with me and Cooper went to meet with "the band".
Tomorrow is my next orthodontist appointment. We are starting physical therapy and it does NOT look fun, easy or painless. Ill keep you posted on that.
Still sippin yummy soup out of syringes thanks to all you good cooks. Thanks for everything.
BBye

I Actually Went OUTSIDE in REAL clothes

sorry about the delay the last couple of days but I did think there should have been a tad bit more enthusiasm for the shrinking badonkadonk. just saying....
Yesterday, I put on blue jeans ( no jammies , no sweats) and went to Cooper Dickerson's basketball game. Which he won. The blue jeans not such a good choice since i do still have healing incisions on my abdomen....but the jean were looser. It was nice to get out and then even nicer to get back in. The breeze is really bothering my face as the nerves and muscles try to remember what they are supposed to be doing. Still sporting my favorite black hat !
I feel like the last three days have been a bit of a corner turn. Starting to sleep less and follow conversations. Auntie Joan came and "helped" me bake valentine cookies for my boys. Nice eh? I even paid a couple of bills.... hoping that worked out the way it should.
Today was a bit rough as the boys were home from school (don't they ever go to school?) and it seemed a bit high maintenance. Not quite ready for that so bedtime will be early. So I'm feeling like there is actually progress going on. Today is ONE month. So..... i guess this is a bit rougher than I thought it might be. But it can be done.
Thanks for all the yummy food and flowers and love and valentine cards.
Love to all

The Shrinking Badonkadonk

There certainly have to be a few perks along the way. I see this as one. Big one.
Today was my best day. I felt energetic in spurts (Auntie Joan helped me make valentine cookies for my valentines (they were kind of lame but loving). I attempted to open a few pieces of mail - and thank you for the Valentine cards - made me happy. I took only advil for pain today and that seems like a big step forward. I have not been doing well with my daily walking as it is icy and the cold air is actually painful on the nerves that are starting to wake up. Might have to ride the bike in basement for a while. Even read the newspaper (a little) and a couple of syringes of Starbuck Chai that auntie Joan brought me. Thanks for all the foods and grocery's - greatly appreciated.
The orthodontist appointment yesterday said that the there had been a 60% improvement with the rubber bands since last Wed. That is what we are looking for - perfection. But apparently that takes patience so i am working on that. Becoming ZEN.
Brooks got a bright red cast on today and that is one more crisis averted for today. Poor David has not gotten a day a work done in weeks. Of course it does not help that the kids have a four day weekend coming up and that is usually mommy entertainment. WE might be putting together a lot jiqsaw puzzles. I may even break my own rule and get WII for my sanity and the sanity of those around us.
Anyway.......today feels good - I hope it is a trend and not a fluke.
Big hugs to all my valentines xoxo

Sunday Night. We made it!

I know you are all getting sick of looking at the same black hat..... My ears hurt alot it keeps them feeling better. Perhaps I could change colors but this one is so FUZZY. No action picture today but I think my smile might be getting better!!
Cooper worked on homework this whole weekend due to being a couple of weeks behind (I think he considered our absence a vacation) David worked so hard with him and aunt Kathleen finished the laundry. Brooks waited fairly patiently for Coop to finish his work so they could go to the lake and play some ice hockey. As for me......it took me most of the day to shower, clean my teeth/mouth - I did get a good walk in with Brooks and Lily and then a good nap.
So right now David is at the emergency room because Brooks broke his wrist in ice hockey. (sigh) The good news.....bring it on my deductible is P.A.I.D. consider this a free Break. Thanks for all the yummy food. XOXO

Saturday at Home

the best part of today was that my sister kathleen came and did the laundry and changed all the sheets. Yipeeeee. Priceless,
I was put in charge of helping Cooper get caught up with his school work which seems to me a little like asking me to sew a prom dress by 6:00. Apparently I did not do it the Proper "Dave Way" and will be passively punished for a period of time. That was not the fun part of the day because it is hard to state your case when unable to speak. I am sure the pressure of the household is getting to him.
Other wise it took me all day to shower dress, comb my hair eat and return to bed for a nap. Not really a high powered day. One of my rubber bands came off and Dr. david and his trusty assistance Kathleen got it right back in place.
Hopefully there will be more harmony tomorrow. really need harmony right now.
Thanks for alll the beautiful flowers and cards. they mean so very much.
I feel loved

Hit the Wall- Three weeks today

This would be me hitting the wall. Just got kind of tired of feeling like this. I probably did to much yesterday and added to my maxed out feeling.I went to the boys conferences which was not enjoyable in itself. My face is starting to wake up and that is an unpleasant feeling. I am warming up though. NO hat or long underwear today. So I got a little weepy and that really hurt my jaw - so I ended up taking diaudid. That took care of all the problems quite nicely. Still sleeping a lot which is good. Hopefully we can have a quiet weekend around the house.
Seems to be a lot of stress here right now. Tomorrow is a new day!
see you tomorrow!

To.Tired.To. Post.

see you tomorrow

The warmth of the Sun

This is an amazing Maui sunset that a friend sent to help keep me warm. I feel better already.
Today was my visit to the orthodontist who is now taking over. We had to see him in his Frisco office today - it was a nice drive but turned into a long day. (no nap!) He changed out all of the rubber bands which tightened up my bite again so I am back to the syringes instead of the baby spoon. The surgeon had told us that the surgery would fix the bite about 98% and the rubber band manipulation would take it the rest of the way - so the rubber bands are a vital part of the treatment. Our orthodontist happens to have a lot of experience with the surgeon in Dallas - they had worked together for years so we feel well taken care of. My jaws are barking tonight after the ortho visit but I am sure will be better tomorrow. The other fact that Dr Bishop told us was that it takes about 1 week of recovery for every hour of anesthesia. So, at some point my brain will clear. Until then, sweet dreams to all.

Home Sweet Home

Wow - I guess i clean up pretty good at the end of the day. I slept amazing last night and then again this morning . Had a great walk with my fun baby sitter and then a nap. Thanks for the yummy meal s you guys have been delivering - it sure does help that daddy evening stress time. I am going to try to sleep without my hat tonight!
Tomorrow I am off to Frasier to see the orthodontist. New rubber bands and a little pain to go along with it. I have been taking less pain medication so I hope to not need a sitter for too much longer. The days seem a bit "ground hogish"
Thank all.love j

Home at last!

It is so nice to be in my own bed! The first day home was great and hard at the same time. I think everybody might have expected that all was going to be back to normal when we returned from Dallas. (me included). We have to find our groove again and then it will be fine. Poor David has appeared to have hit his wall yesterday - but today was a new day and we are all back at it. I had wonderful help during the day and will slowly figure out how to take care of my self - I know my wits will return at some time. Thanks for all the offers for food - we will take you all up on that. Still wearing my hat - my ears hurt. And I have been freezing!!! I still have no feeling in my chin,lower lip and cheeks - but I think my cheeks are trying to wake up.
Thanks for keeping up on the post !
Love yall
j

Dave Update: "Home at Last!"

Hi everyone,

After two and a half weeks, we are home in Denver and getting settled back in our home with the our boys and Lily again. It feels great.

The trip was uneventful, and without any unusual pain for Jody, which was good, as we had been concerned about the pressurization's effect on her new joints and her ears. No problems though.

She's getting used to the altitude change, and slept well last night after meds and a brief dinner. Now we can get her on track for even better healing, especially now that she's around her friends and family.

Now that we're home, I'm going to turn my blogging duties back over to Jody when she feels up to it. She will be a heck of a lot more interesting than I have been.

In the meantime, thank you again to everyone for everything. You all have been simply amazing. The adventure continues, but it is a lot more bearable with your wonderful support.

With much love,

David

Dave Update: "Last Visit to Dr. Wolford Today"

Hi everyone,

It's Friday evening and we just completed our last office visit for this trip with Dr. Wolford. It is a major milestone, and Jody is very pleased as you can imagine.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I can't say enough about the level of care and compassion we received from Dr. Wolford, and everyone in his office.

Every question, every concern, and every part of the surgical and recovery process has been met with kind words, great care, and non-rushed explanations. In a world where we don't see much brightness in the health care system, Dr. Wolford has been a true beacon of light. I wish you all could meet him, as I know you would be every bit as impressed as we have been. A photo of him today with Jody:

We're heading home tomorrow afternoon. We both know it's not the end of the adventure yet, just the beginning of a new chapter.

Finding a comfortable routine for Jody will be the first order of business, as well as me getting back into the swing of things with the boys. It will be great to have our family together again, and it should help her heal.

We have to be back for an office visit in Dallas in six weeks, and Dr. Wolford has told us the whole healing process will take six months to a year to be complete. She's worried that everyone will expect her to be back to normal once she's home, when she is really far from it right now. But she is making progress.

Her orthodontist, Dr. Bishop, will now be seeing her each week, and she likes him very much, as well. He's also a colleague of Dr. Wolford, which will be a huge help in ensuring her care stays on track. We are definitely headed in the right direction, and I feel certain every day will be that much better.

Thank you again to Aunt Kathleen and Uncle John, Aunt Becky and Uncle Joe, Pat, Camille, Lora, Larry, Eric, Dan, Stacey and everyone else for your wonderful support these past two weeks, and for all the good thoughts and prayers. They have helped every step of the way, and we're looking forward to being reunited with each of you soon.

With much love,

David and Jody

Dave Update: "Much Better Day Today"

Happy Thursday everyone.

It was a much better day today for our patient. I took all the meds we have and went over them one by one with the doctor, and we were able to eliminate two of them, and will be finishing up with a third in another couple of days.

That was really good news, and should greatly improve her mood and her alertness.

The rest of the check up went well, too, and we celebrated with a walk at White Rock Lake and lunch at Luby's cafeteria (an old favorite from my childhood that Jody used to hate, but that is now a good source of soft vegetables for her.)

We had planned to be home Friday evening, but a large winter storm has American Airlines canceling flights, so we are now coming home Saturday at 3:00. She's really looking forward to it, and we are going to use the extra day here tomorrow to go for one last visit to Doctor Wolford, which will be that much more reassuring for her.

In the meantime, we back in the hotel and settled in for the night. As I said, it was a much better day.

Thanks again to everyone for all the notes, prayers, and good wishes. They make a huge difference, and are truly cherished.

Much love.

Dave Update: "A Little Tougher Day"

Hi everyone,

It's Wednesday, and we're just settling in for another night here in Dallas. This is a picture of Jody at the breakfast table this morning.

She was just kind of okay today. I can't tell if it's the meds, or just everything else catching up with her, but she was pretty much in a fog all day.

The doctor visit went well. He changed out all of her rubber bands, which hurt a bunch and precipitated the need for more pain meds. Advil wasn't working, so we're trying Tylonol 3 (codeine) as an alternative to the Dilaudid. She's still on seven other things as well, so we're also trying to figure out how to balance everything properly.

The doctor also said we might still be able to go home on Friday afternoon, which I know makes her happy.

I know, too, that we need to relieve our family members who have been filling in with the boys on the home front. Aunt Becky and Aunt Kathleen have been absolutely fantastic, and have made this whole trip do-able, but we're very sensitive about not stretching their goodwill too far, so getting home to spell them will be good.

In the meantime, Jodes is in bed and ready for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day, for sure.

Thank you again to everyone. Sleep well, and know that we love each and every one of you.

David & Jody

Dave Update: "Stronger Every Day"

Hi everyone,

It's Tuesday, and we're still in Dallas, but doing well.

Jody went 24 hours without a dose of Dilaudud today, which is huge, as she had been on one dose every three hours. It's an industrial strength narcotic, so it really made her loopy - but did knock the pain down significantly. (Driving around Dallas with syringes of apple juice laced with the stuff was a little weird to be sure.)

We're now trying a shift to Advil and, so far, so good. If she can stay on that, she'll be back to operating heavy machinery in no time.

The doctor is hinting that we might, indeed, be cleared to come home by week's end as planned. In the meantime, she's sleeping, eating, and walking. The swelling continues to subside, and we've already made an appointment with the Orthodontist in Denver for next week, just for the good karma factor.

Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers and good thoughts. They help so much, and we treasure every one. Hope to talk to all of you soon.

Much love,

Jody & David

Dave Update: "First Bite with a Spoon!"

Hi everyone,

Happy Monday from Dallas.

It's 5:11 pm and we've just gotten back from the daily doctor visit. It went well, and all rubber bands are doing what they are supposed to do. (I even managed to get the front one on and off with the hemostat, so I'm forcing Jody to refer to me as "doctor" from here on out.)

To celebrate the good check up, we went to Boston Market and it was a milestone, as she managed to eat with a spoon and drink from a glass. We have to go very slow and have lots of napkins at the ready, but it really gave her an expanded sense of freedom.

All the excitement has worn her out for now though, so we're back at the hotel, taking the evening's meds and settling in for the night.

It's still looking good to come home at the end of the week, and she's excited about that as you can imagine.

In the meantime, thank you again to everyone for everything, and much love to you all. We miss you, and hope to see you soon.

Dave Update: "First Stitches Out"

 

Hi Everyone,

It's Sunday in Dallas and we've just come back from our daily visit with Dr. Wolford. Today he took the stitches out of Jody's neck incisions, and told her she was continuing to do well.

He also re-adjusted her septum, which hurt, but is helping her breathe better through her nose.

We celebrated with a walk at White Rock Lake which is where we used to go when we were young newlyweds here in Dallas.

We're back at the hotel now and she's down for a nap following lunch (Campbell's tomato bisque soup, applesauce, fruit drink, and a milkshake via syringe). We've gotten a pretty good routine down, and she's making the best of it.

We miss you all, and want to tell you again how very grateful we are to everyone for all you are doing to help us. This would simply not be possible without you, and we never forget that fact. Thank you very very much. We think of you all every day.

With much love.

David & Jody

Dave Update: "Still Doing Well"

Hi everyone,

It's Saturday in Dallas, and Jody is still doing well. We've just returned from our daily visit to Dr. Wolford (he sees surgical patients on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as every day of the week. Amazing).

He added a new rubber band. This one in the very front, running at a 45 degree angle across her upper and lower teeth. Kind of a bummer for her, but he needs to retrain her jaw muscle from pulling in its old direction.

He showed me how to take the new band off and put it on for her, using a hemostat. (You can imagine how much she's looking forward to that!) and we'll get it figured out.

It comes at a bad time, as last night she actually managed to eat some sweet potatoes and dressing (watered down and made thin with gravy) from Boston Market with a spoon (kind of). It was the one thing she had been craving since the operation, and she really enjoyed having something besides soup for a change.

But, for now, we are going back to liquids, as getting that muscle retrained is very important. We did venture out for her first milkshake on the way home from the doctor, and she loved it.

We're back at the hotel so she can have a nap now. She's in good spirits (still cold all the time due to the low hemocrates) and her attitude is still good as well.

She's trying to write and call everyone, if only for a few minutes, but she wears out pretty quick so forgive her if she skips out on it every now and then. She misses you all very much.

Right now, she seems most comfortable here in the security of the hotel room, rather than venturing out, but we went for a nice walk along Turtle Creek yesterday, and are hoping to again today as well. It's bound to be helping her healing.

Thank you again to everyone for being such great friends. Have a nice weekend, and we hope to see you soon

Much love.

Dave Update: "It's Friday!"

Hi everyone,

Happy Friday.

We made it through our second night at the hotel (and with no further microwave "mishaps") today Jody is up, showered, and dressed. We don't have anywhere to go, but you know how good it feels just to feel like you can. As soon as she was done, she nodded off on the couch and is sleeping now.

She saw Dr. Wolford again yesterday and he added a few more rubber bands, took an x-ray, and said she is right on track. I am still amazed at his level of care. We see him again today at 4:30, and then every day until next Friday/Saturday when we will hopefully be released to come home.

I know home won't be any easier...maybe even a little harder for awhile, but just being back among family a friends is bound to help her healing even more.

In the meantime, we're settled into a bit of a routine here. Meds every three to four hours and sleep, then walk whenever she can. She's got good intake, but because her hemocrates (nurse friends forgive my spelling) she is cold all the time. We've got double blankets on the bed, and I added a fleece one from BB&B last night (Dallas does have everything in terms of shopping.)

Thanks to you all for checking in on her, and to our great family for watching out for the boys and keeping everything on track at home. Becky and Kathy are doing yeomen's work, as is Pat who continues to make this blog possible.

Much love from us both, and please keep those positive thoughts coming. We miss every one very, very much.

Dave Update: A BIG MILESTONE!

Hi everyone,

They released Jody to the hotel last night. She walked out of the front door of the hospital, which was very symbolic for us both.

We've got some eight different meds to be given at a variety of different times, so the coffee table in the room looks like a pharmacy, and she has to eat my cooking (who knew a can of soup would blow up in the microwave?) but, all in all, she's doing great. She's pretty lucid and still joking when she can. You know Jody.




Pat adds: Our next model Jody is wearing the slouchy pink robe with the loosely tied belt that were first seen on the runways of Milan this year. Note the fashion-forward  "Evening Pajamas" she is sporting.   Hair by: Salon de BedHed

 
We go back to see the surgeon this afternoon, and in the meantime she's napping without anyone poking her, which is nice.

Thank you for all the kind messages and good thoughts. Next step...home for real!

Love to you all,

David

Dave Update #2 for Wednesday: "She looks like Jody!"

This is today (Wednesday), which is Day Five after the surgery. She is sleeping on her side (which is something she really wanted to do.)

She still won't be operating any heavy equipment for a little while, but she is looking better every day.

Dave Update: "Best Day Yet" [Wednesday]

It's Wednesday noon, and Jody had the best morning so far.

Best news of all was that she got to take a shower and wash her hair, which really perked her up. We then got to take a stroll and, because she was unhooked from her pumps, we went downstairs and out the front door to have her breathe non-hospital air for the first time in six days. It was huge.

She' s asked them to leave the PCP pump and IV disconnected for awhile - so we're pushing fluids via more syringes (35 per day goal) and managing pain with oral meds. Fingers are crossed that it works, as they can then release her to the hotel if it does.

Right now she is sleeping - on her side, which is something she had been craving.

Thank you again to everyone there, especially Becky and Joe and Kathy and John - and to Lora and the Book Club ladies for keeping our boys and our household running - it is such a load off our minds for us.

And special thanks to Pat, again, for her great support (and for listening to my endless concerns daily) and for creation of this blog. It has been such a great help. And also to Annette and the other Jeffco nurses for keeping Jody's place warm ... She misses all of you.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends, and I pray we can find a way to repay each of you one day soon.

With much love,

David

Email Problems: Verbal Report

Love our computers when they work; hate them when they don't. Dave's email is acting up so he is having trouble sending emails, so he AND JODY!!! just phoned.

I answered the phone, and it honest to God sounded like a drunk woman saying "This is Jody Dickerson" -- slurred speech and I laughed and said that if I didn't know better, I would think she was hanging off a lamp post somewhere, having had one too many of those martinis you women talk about.

So the bad news is she has some kind of minor throat infection which is being treated and is supposedly no big deal. She did 10 laps of walking today. Her dinner tonight was applesauce via a giant hypodermic needle which is how she eats -- squirting it into her mouth.

When they first called, we only talked for about ten seconds and then the doctor arrived so they hung up and called me back when the doctor had gone and said the doctor said everything was fine. The swelling is down.

She has various stitches in her neck, ears, scalp and gums so I helpfully pointed out that her head is in no danger of falling off and she joked back that yes, her head is "securely fastened."

The best news, however, is that tomorrow the doctor said she can take a shower and wash and condition her hair. I know she will feel like a new woman. I said, "You'll be pink and pleasant again."

Dave and Jody both expressed their continued thanks for all the wonderful support from their many friends.

Stand by for Tuesday's Report

Dave sent a report for today, but it's lost in the electronic ether somewhere so he's going to resend when he has a chance. There's no wifi in the hospital so he has to send from a nearby Barnes & Noble.

Think of Jody as you enjoy your meals. Dave was telling me today she drinks this stuff called Boost -- you know it's that kind of liquid meal where they try to convince you it tastes just like a milkshake. Sure it does. Then she drinks broth, has cream of wheat and pureed carrots -- separately, of course. This girl needs some nachos to regain her strength! Dave says she drinks her Boost if not cheerfully, at least willingly.

As soon as I receive today's news, I'll post it.
Pat

Dave Update: Monday Morning

It's Monday morning, and things are still going okay. She slept better last night in two hour stints. Pain is still at a seven, but the meds seem to manage it.

Dr. Wolford rounded this morning and said he was pleased. The swelling inside her mouth and everywhere around her neck is expected.

She kind of has a blank look all the time, and a frown that stays, but he said it was due to the invasions her head and neck have been through, and the fact that it throws hormones all out of whack. In addition, the anesthesia still hasn't worn off.

She's speaking quietly and in short bursts, but she's awake and aware.

We did four laps this morning, and here's a photo. She said it was okay to post it. She misses everyone and wants to be sure and let you know she's thinking about you.

Dr. Wolford said he would see her this afternoon and in the morning, then decide if he would release her to home (hotel) care maybe as early as tomorrow.

All in all, things are going well, and we are very lucky.

Thank you again to everyone for your great support and love. And special thanks to Kathleen and John and Becky and Joe for watching over the boys and keeping our household running. It is no small feat, and we will never be able to thank them enough.

Dave Update: Sunday at 2pm in Dallas

First off, thank you a million times over to my best friend Pat in New York who created this blog for Jody and who is posting my messages to make it easier on us. She is simply the best, and I hope you all get to meet her one day.

It's just after 2:00 p.m. here in Dallas and Jody is sleeping after a liquid lunch and some more pain meds. She is still very swollen and bruised, but her color is better than yesterday. She and the nurse walked a lap today...well, shuffled a lap...and we'll be doing another one just before 5:00.

The drugs are making her a little irritable and confused sometimes, but that's a small price to pay.

The doctor rounded this morning and was pleased with her progress. We should see him again this evening. He's really been terrific, as have the nurses on this floor.

They started antibiotics today for infection, and are continuing the morphine drip. I think the anesthetics are almost completely worn off now and the real pain is setting in, so she's hitting the little button more and talking less.

She's worried that she is somehow doing a bad job of staying in touch with everyone - and I'm keeping her cell phone on silent so she can sleep and not worry about messages (it's her iPod as well.) I'm reading her everything that comes in to  my phone, and I hope this blog is helping as well.

Thank you so much for all the thoughts and prayers. She is very blessed to have such great friends and family, and each of you are in our thoughts as well.


Pat adds: By the way, it's easy to leave a comment for Jody to cheer her on. Just click on 'comments' right below here, choose Name/URL from the pulldown menu -- type in your first name and you can just leave URL blank and then press "continue" then "submit your comment" and that's it. Anyone can comment -- you don't have to register or anything. No swirly letters to try to figure out!

Dave Update: Goodnight Jody

She's doing good. Walked three laps around the floor today. Had some liquid dinner (ewww) and is getting her mouth rinsed out now (ewww again). All in all, a really good day, though. They just gave her pain and sleep meds, and she's off to dreamland.

Dave Update: 11am in Dallas -- "Amazing"

It's 1100 on Saturday morning and she's doing good. She is drinking water and apple juice through a syringe.

She is actually talking a bit (amazing) and she got up and walked with assistance to the bathroom and then sat on a sofa in her room for a little while.

She's hooked to a morphine pump, which she can tap every 10 minutes, and she's been using it as I think all of the anesthetics are wearing off.

She's bruised a lot, but they said her swelling is actually less than expected. She has movement in her face and eyebrows and she can smile a little, so it looks like facial nerves are okay. She can't feel her lips yet, but that's normal I think.

The doctor just rounded, and he was pleased with how she's doing. What an amazing guy. He'll see her again this afternoon.

Right now she's sleeping. It's a nice room and nice staff.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. They are truly working, and we are so blessed to have you as our friends.

Dave Update: 8pm in Dallas

It's 8:05 p.m. and I just left the recovery room. She opened her eyes and smiled a little bit when she focused her eyes. She could hear me when I asked if she was cold, and she was able to raise her eyebrows and wrinkle her forehead (which we had been very concerned about due to so much work being done next to the nerves.)

She's really bloody and bruised, but able to understand about her morphine pump. She's moaning, and they were suctioning blood out of her mouth, nose and stomach with a little tube.

The doctor rounded and said she was doing fine, and she has a one on one nurse, who is very nice (Gigi).

She fell back to sleep after about five minutes, and all her vital signs are where they should be.

This is all really good news.

Thank you again to everyone.

Dave Update: He's Seen Jody

It's 5:48 and I just saw her at last. She's asleep, and has tubes everywhere, but is breathing on her own, and she still looks like Jody. She has a big bandage with ice packs around her head, and some bruising and bleeding but it's okay. She groaned a little, but has her eyes tightly shut.

They will be transferring her to another recovery room tonight. The nurses are nice and the doctor will round on her later this evening, though they tell me she won't be awake enough to use her pain pump until sometime tomorrow.

God is great, and we are very blessed. Thank you to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers. They worked, and it will only get better from here.

Dave Update: Jody Comes Through!

The surgeon just came in and said everything went as planned and that she did fine. (He looked fresh as a daisy...amazing). They won't let me see her for another hour or so, but I am so happy just to know she's done. God bless Doctor Wolford.

Dave Update - 4pm in Dallas

The OR called at 3:40 to say they were putting dressings on and she should go to recovery soon. I will let you know as soon as I see her.

Keep your fingers crossed just a lite bit longer.

Dave Update - 3pm in Dallas

The OR called at 2:56 to say they had about another hour or so to go. They said everything is going as planned.

Keep your fingers crossed, and I will let you know when she's out and I have laid eyes on her.

Dave Update - Friday @ 1:11 pm

The OR called at 1:03 to say they were on schedule. The prosthesis will be completed in another half hour or so, and then they will begin on her upper jaw.

I wish I could see her, as she's less than 100 yards away, but I also know she wouldn't want me to right now (and I would probably faint anyway.)

Keep the white light and good thoughts coming, and I'll let you know when I get the next update.

Jody Trivia

Pat here, who just talked to Dave and he has received two updates so far that all is well during this 8-1/2 hour surgery. He believes the surgery will be finished around 4 pm Dallas time. Dave couldn't have spoken more highly of the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and other hospital staff.

On to the trivia: Out of curiosity, I asked Dave what Jody decided to have for dinner last night -- she had been told she could eat anything she wanted, but no food or water after 12 midnight. I told Dave that I had thought about what my own choice would be and decided I'd probably go for pizza and added "which shows how low brow my food tastes are."

Dave said that Jody's were even more low brow. What she was in the mood for was Chik-Fil-A nuggets so they had that for dinner, had a pleasant evening driving around Dallas, visiting old sites and both were able to sleep a bit last night too.

The Big Day -- Dave Reports In

It's 0720, and her gurney has just disappeared behind the double doors of the OR.

She was smiling, and they had just given her some IV meds to start her going to sleep. We got to pre-op at 0530 so we had some nice time to talk and reminisce about everything while the doctors and nurses came in and out with questions and such. The anesthesiologist was nice, and Dr. Wolford was in good spirits too.

The lead surgical nurse's name is Loretta, which was the name of her Mom's best friend...so I think her angel is watching over her today.

We have a small angel we always put in each other's sight at home on special mornings. He made the trip with us, and this is a photo of him on Jody's shoulder before they took her in.

Thank you for all the prayers and white light.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dave update: They called at 1017 to say they were starting to put one side of the prosthesis in.

Later on Thursday

David is a bit blog-challenged, so he asked me to post this report:

Long day today of pre-admissions, then briefing by the surgeons (which was excellent) then the listing of everything that could go wrong (which was not so excellent) then X-rays and mouth impressions, final questions, and (surprise) now two more insurance forms, then we're done.

Jody wants to walk over to the surgical floor where she'll be in recovery tomorrow, and she is thinking about what to have for her last (pre-surgery) meal tonight. She can have anything she wants, so it should be interesting. Nothing at all (not even water) after midnight, then we'll need to be here at 5:30.

She's a bit maxed, but holding up well and still smiling.

Thursday Update

Hi -- It's Jody and Dave's friend Pat in New York with a bit of news. Just got an email from Dave who said they are in Dallas, have met with the surgeon whom Dave described as "confidence inspiring." One last last-minute battle with the insurance company which got resolved. Dave said that Jody is "doing well" and in good spirits. They have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 5:30 AM with the operation set to begin at 7:00 AM. I know she and Dave will be in all of our thoughts tomorrow as we send all our good wishes, healing angels, prayers, thoughts, and whatever else our particular beliefs are her way.

Time to go!!!

So I am heading for Dallas on Wednesday 1/18/12. I will be taking up residence at ye ole' Residence Inn in Dallas - after a few days of rest and relaxation at Baylor University Hospital. David is going to be staying with me during the hospital stay (hopefully only 3-4 nights) and then when I go to the hotel Kathleen and John will be there. They are driving so they will have transportation. The boys will be with Kathleen and John for a few days and then with Becky until David returns. Lily dog is going to have a fun time with Ginger Schmitz... she is looking forward to that very much.
Thank you all so much for helping me plan this out. The details are stressing me out now. Oh wait.....everything is stressing me out. Thanks to my wonderful work teammates for covering my little school pumpkins while I am away. Don't be too nice to them so they will like me better when I get back :-)
The necklace around my neck in the photo is my lucky 4 leaf clover. Lots of new jammies. I'm ready.
And yes, I did cut my hair. simplicity is my motto right now.
David will be posting ( I think)
I will see you on the other side!