Colleen

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Zoom; TY so VM!!!! I agree with Mary.... this is a BIG WIN!!!!
I don't think Toni has seen any of this.... I'll have to email her and let her know. I'm sure it'll be a BIG emotional boost up for her.

[susanny]

Too bad she didn't get to taste John's fresh syrup. Ah, but I'll bet anything would be heavenly by now. I'm sooooo glad to hear all this great news! Keep it coming.

[susanny]

OOOh, saw this tonight re: evening of April 12th.

From her sister

Evening update: one of the tubes is out!!!! That makes us soo happy!!! Colleen took a walk the whole length of the hall today - her physical therapist was quite pleased with her! She sends her thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts....

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Thanks ever so much Sue! Wow; I can't believe the speed of her current recovery!

[bobbioh]

Awesome Colleen, Keep up the GREAT!!! work. Bobbi

[aero63]

WTG Colleen!!!! So so happy for you. Still plugging for a speedy recovery.

[mary57]

Colleen, what wonderful progress, keeping you in my prayers that your recovery may continue to be problem free.

[martie]

Colleen, what an amazing recovery you are having. Keep up the good work . We are so proud of you and you are in
our thoughts and prayers daily.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I saw this last night on Colleen's FB page.... thought I'd copy it here since I know not all of you are on FaceBook...

She said.... "ust a quick update, oerall doin gwell but a little tired & sore, walked 2X today but still have 3 tubes to come out. Food tasjtes awful but getting better each day. Tke kids were here all afternoon so that was awsome to see the,, see ya all soon!!"

If I, or any of you see/hear anything more today, I hope you'll post it!

[Deleted]

Atta girl Coleen ...... you made it! A new life enjoy it.

[Deleted]

Bless her heart, she is such a wonderful Lady. What along Journey,

Hugs, prayers and happy tears, Mircales really do happen, aero i keep thinking about you.

WOW!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Colleen had posted this on Friday......

"Afternoon everyone, I am feeling better each day. The prayers, cards and well wishes from everyone are overwhelming!!! I don't know how to say it any better than THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! now thats it for today......off for a rest~~~~ "

If she puts up another later today I'll bring it in.

[mary57]

Colleen, what wonderful progress. You are in my prayers, and keep up the good work.

[wendyco]

Colleen posted this in the morning........whewhooooooooo


Morning Everyone!! I haven't read anything so I am just going to be giving an update, Its kinda hard to read and concentrate yet still on some drugs, I still have 2 tubes in and I am hoping one comes out today and maybe another one tomorrow. My incision has been sore also but getting much better. Been walking at least 2x a day @ 400 ft a shot. Was pretty nausea over the weekend from all the meds I believe so they have me on Ondansetron? or something for it and I am much better, that was no fun at all and set me back a day. They may change a med to see if it makes a difference also but other than the air leaks things are good. I believe the leak on the right, the small one is about gone and the one on the left is much smaller so I may go home by Thursday. YIPPEE!!!!!! I need a hot shower and a good hair wash!! Its driving me crazy....the baths are ok but I need that hair washed and until the tubes are out that is a no no!! All in all things have gone very well with a few little bumps but I am so happy that they were just little. Things do seem to get better each day even though I spent the weekend pretty much sick to my stomach. Today woke up feeling like I did on Friday and was so happy!!! Most of the fluid (25lbs) is gone also, man that stuff makes it hard to move and makes you feel weak.....yuck!!!


Wishing all good things and sending lots of prayers to you all. I am still getting cards about everyday and thank you so much!!!! I'll try to get back in tomorrow~ LOVE YOU ALL~~~

[aero63]

Colleen,

Keep fighting through it. You have done great!

[susanny]

Colleen, I admire your strength. I pray you have continued improvement, and that that yucky stomach feeling stays far away!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Thanks a lot for the update Zoom! Wow; maybe home Thursday? She's blowing me away with her progress! Keep it up Colleen! You're on the home stretch (literally)!

[mary57]

That's great news Colleen. Wow, you have made such GREAT progress it's amazing. Hoping the new drug clears up the nausea, and getting rid of so much fluid has to feel great. Continuing to keep you in my prayers, and hope you get home this week. Nothing like a good hair wash.

[Colleen-Pa]

Hi everyone, I am kinda at a loss for words at times like this, on the verge of tears again, It is unbelievable the love and support we get when we need it from people behind a computer screen, most would not understand just how much this means to us and the kind of relationships we develop over time. It is am amazing thing to have in our lives and I will never be able to thank everyone to the fullest. It is humbling and I am truly blessed.

I am home now and doing very well. I had an airleak in the top of both lungs because I had such a large thoracic cavity that they had too much room so to speak and I needed a few transfusions but all and all the surgery was a good one. My FEV1 is already up to about 65% and will climb for at least 3 months. I feel so good. I would do this again in a heartbeat, not a doubt in my mind. All the pills are a good trade off. I am still healing and it will be a few weeks yet before I can drive and do any kind of lifting but its all good. There are restrictions but nothing I can't love with, a very small price to pay.

Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support, it really is a tremendous help~~~ Love Colleen.

[susanny]

Your words are very kind, Colleen. We are a family, this vast internet group of COPD'ers, and family prays for only the best for it's members. I am so happy for you and all the blessings you've received. I can only imagine how it must feel to be able to breathe again, and how emotional it is. What are a few pills for your new life?

I can't wait to hear how much better things will get from here on out. It is truly exciting! All the things you've not been able to do for so long, it's like starting your life all over again.
Sue

[Vic]

Colleen -- This is the stuff dreams are made of!! I'm sure you could never imagine being able to breathe like this ever again, but I'm sure you have had dreams in which you could breathe like a marathon runner, like most of us have had.

This is such wonderful news and the good part is that you will breathe a little better each coming day. It's the beginning of a whole new life for you! Prayers for continued progress coming your way. -- Vic

[bobbioh]

you are a insperation bobbi

[John]

Colleen; Sue & I wish you the very best on your new journey . & when you come up our way please stop by & say

[aero63]

Wow! FEV1 to 65% that is truly a blessing. I bet nothing seems to big or small a price to pay for that type of improvement and more to come too. I am so very very happy to see you post such good news about your recovery.

My wishes for continued wellness.

You are truly a brave woman.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Colleen; we share in your excitment and your success. And I'm just so darn happy for you! Just keeping on doing what you're doing, live life and rejoice in being able to breathe again! I think you're gonna be one of those individuals that will adjust/adapt well and will live for many, many years!!!!! Way to go!!!!

[mary57]

Colleen, what wonderful results, I'm so happy for you. You have been an inspiration to all of us, in showing us what is involved and how great the results can be. Continue on the way you are and enjoy life to the fullest. As Jackie said Way to go!!!

[susanny]

Out of curiosity, Colleen, how many pills are you taking? I know that there are several different meds used, but I don't know how many of each, or how often during the day, you take. Did I also read somewhere that the doses are reduced as the months go by?

Thanks, Sue

[Colleen-Pa]

Yes they get reduced over the first year and the first few months are like a roller coaster, had a few changes today but no big deal. I take about 30 different ones and its split over 4 times a day, a very small price to pay!