This is me; little Julie Jean: This last month...

"Home is where the heart is..."

~it's been forever~

I'm sorry I haven't written in forever... almost an entire month! Don't be angry - I've been busy! ;) So much has happened since my last post, I'm afraid if I try to tell it all in a nutshell I'd forget something... but I'll try to sum it up.

It's been 51 days since my lung transplant. Can you believe it?! There have been ups and downs, for sure... but it's all been worth it, because I can breathe!! :)

I had a slight rejection, which resulted in three days in the hospital on high doses of steroids - I think it's all good now.

I've gained weight! I'm wavering around 100 pounds, which is good. I've still got a long way to go, but definitely closer to my goal of 115-120. :)

My blood sugars are FINALLY starting to go back to normal... which I am stoked about! My insulin intake is diminishing, as well... which means NOT AS MANY POKES! Yes! ;)

My pain level has also been dwindling. I don't take as many pain meds and am going to stop the the prescription pain meds all together, hopefully, and just start taking regular ol' Tylenol. Woot!

My IS numbers are going up (which means my lungs are expanding better)! My PFT numbers are going up also, which is awesome! I believe right now I'm at 57% :) Still got a ways to go, but getting better!!

My strength is building - thanks to my wonderful rehab therapists pushing me hard to do ALL my exercises. ;) The exercises involve walking on a treadmill, riding a bike, stretches, and squats. Some of it isn't too hard, but the squats... oh my... I hate squats. ;) My legs are just so weak. :/ My body definitely gets worn out after an hour of rehab, but my lungs not so much. :) Aw, it's so wonderful to be able to breathe...

We went to a ballet; a performance by a friend's dance school. It was so beautiful and inspiring! Wish I could have taken some videos or pictures... My friend, Sarah, did an amazing job dancing!! So wonderful and beautiful. All the performers were fantastic! Made me wish I could dance. ;) And really really makes me want to make music videos with ballet incorporated into it!

The best news I have, though, is that Joe and I got to go home for a week last week!!!!!!! The doctors just surprised us with letting us take a "vacation." Jodi, the head nurse, asked me while at clinic, "How long has it been since you've been home?" I said, "Since before Christmas..." She goes, "Go home for a week. It'll be good for you." I was stunned and to the point of tears. I said, "Really?!?!" She said, "Yes. It'll be good for your soul." It was amazing!!! Only a selected few knew we were coming - we surprised everyone else! It was so wonderful in so many ways! The reactions of our parents and siblings were priceless. :) We filmed their reactions... I'll edit that video and post it as soon as I can on our channel on YouTube. My heart was aching to go home; my heart was so touched and felt loved by everyone's reactions. I love and miss home... can't wait to be back for good.

The week was packed with activities... we saw so many people (friends and family). We got to meet one of our nephews that was born while we were gone. I finally got to meet my godson; another nephew. We went out to eat; went to movies; went shopping; chilled out at our parents' houses; visited visited visited. It was wonderful and amazing!!

I got to take senior pictures of my eldest niece Nancy. Oh my gosh I loved it! I can't wait to get back into doing photo-shoots! I miss it so much. Love you, Nancy! You're beautiful!

Lucky for us - we got to make it to a fundraiser for us that people have been planning for weeks. It was a Cinco de Mayo Mexican dinner with a raffle and a silent auction. Oh my it was so neat! Joe and I are deeply touched by the amount of work that went into it, the compassion of those working it, and the crowed that actually showed up!! Jugglers and a Mariachi band showed up unexpectedly! The love, generosity, and support we've been shown was evident at this dinner. We are truly touched and grateful . So anyone who is reading this who was in any way involved - Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I want to mention... We just couldn't leave town without visiting Rafe and Joe's grandma's graves. It was difficult and yet so beautiful to visit the them. It was the first time I'd been there to visit my Rafe. I placed a white rose on his grave; talked to him; and cried. Oh how I miss him... yet I know he is with me always.
Our visit home was, truly, good for our souls. We feel refreshed and so ready to finish these last few weeks of living so far from home.

Lastly, I thought I'd just mention, I've become obsessed with crocheting. :) I've finished five projects in the last two or three weeks... and am currently trying to figure out designs for more projects I have planned! It is relaxing and so fun... and I love giving the crocheted items away to my friends and family. I gave two bags to my mum and mom-in-law; I made a baby beanie for one of my nieces; I have a purse for my baby sister; and I made a Tardis (from the show Doctor Who) cell-phone case for myself. :) Truly fun!

Okay. So there you go; the last month in a nutshell. I hope I haven't forgotten anything. I'm sorry this post isn't eloquent, poetic, or at least written more smoothly... just a bunch of facts. Ha! Hey, it's an update! I'll try to be more awesome next time. Oh, and here are some pictures to add to the story. <3

Much love!

~Julie Jean