It is with a heart full of awe and gratitude that I announce:
Third time was the charm! Jody is out of the OR and now in the cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit (CVSICU), where he arrived at roughly 0345 this morning. Surgery was a success, but he is far from ‘out of the woods.’ He is currently sedated and a ventilator is doing all the work of breathing for him while his new lungs rest. There is hardly a square inch on his body that is not hooked up to a line, tube, or machine. They are, at this very moment, placing a thoracic epidural which will help to keep his pain under control and in turn improve his breathing (once he is doing it on his own). I am assured by the nursing team that Jody is right on target with where he needs to be in his recovery process. There is a long road ahead, especially for Jody. We covet your prayers.
I realize that I have not given you much detail; it has been a sleepless night and a busy morning. I don’t feel that I have the time (or energy) yet to write a proper post, but wanted to get something brief out to you. I do have one favor to ask. I would LOVE if you would leave comments here on the blog (instead of, or in addition to, Facebook). Blog comments can be printed out and cherished forever as we remember this journey in the years to come. I think it would be awesome for you to use this time to write something specifically to Jody so that when he wakes up he will be overwhelmed by the care and kindness of the people around him, both known and unknown. Imagine waking up to lots of lovin’! At his point, you know more than he does about what’s happening. Encourage him and show him your support. When I look at him now I am saddened that he has to go through all of this, but overwhelmed by the strength and fight he has in him. Let him know how he inspires you! Ready. Set. Go…
CF Wife 
So thankful for you, that the surgery is past. Now your healing can begin!! Praying for you and your family!! Ken/ Nancy Musser
Praise God! Lots of love to you Jody!
Many good wishes and prayers for you and your family. May God make you stronger every day.
It is so great to see this news! We will
continue to keep you in our prayers throughout your recovery.
Jody, the courage you’ve had in this process has shown me just how much God loves you/us. Although I haven’t known you long you were smiling ever time I saw you. I remember you were the first one to talk to me at the mens Friday morning bible study. You and your family have been showing how God works though all of this and I’m sure that you have touched many people in ways that you may never know. God has been using you in a might way.
May you and your family recover quickly, keep that smile and continue letting people see God in you.
My good friend Dixie told me about your family. I will be praying for Jody and your family! I am in Pasadena Maryland. Not far from the John Hopkins. when you are ready I would love to come there with our prayer team and pray for your family. Blessing to you and your family! God had this all in his hands. Praying for a quick recovery! Darlene Rodriguez
Praising God for this miracle of new lungs for you Jody. You have always been such a strong advocate for your health and we know that God will continue to be right beside you on this journey. Prayers, blessings and love from the Crills family.
I am so glad to see Jody awake and doing well. Prayers being sent to you all from UT.Looking forward to future updates. Paula
It appears we have mutual friends on FB and found your blog post shared by those friends. Having family members that have CF and also knowing what transplantation is about (I’m a transplant coordinator for Gift of Life) I will send prayers for healing of Jody’s body, his new lungs, to you and your family along with the donor family. What a rare gift you’ve been given, wishing you healthy, breathe easy days.
God bless you!
Diane (a friend of a friend)
Love you Jody and praying for you. God is with you and His awesome hand is on every part of your being. May His grace and strength flow through you in a powerful way. We stand with you bro. and your family . You have a wonderful family and many friends right by your side. We look forward to celebrating with you as you recover. Love you very much Dennis and Linda Nolt
hi
Hi Jody
It’s been forever, I’m so happy to hear you got your new lungs and your doing good. You and your family are in my prayers. Remember your JOCKSTER THE MIGHTY you conquer anything that gets in your way. Everyday will get better and better and before you know it you’ll be up running around with the family
Kim
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I’ve been following your blog for a few months, I think I started about the same time you got on the list. I got relisted for a second transplant in June but got put on hold because my pseudomonas flared up. They have yet to reactive me so I’m worried and feel like I’m in Limbo. I’ve been in chronic rejection for 2.5 years. I had my first transplant almost 6 years ago at 18 years old. I always feel like people who get theirs later in life are probably better off for some reason, that’s probably not true entirely true though. Trust me recovery will be tough, but you will get through it. We are all very strong having been through so much already. I hope you do great with you new lungs and your new life. Enjoy every moment! And be very wary of the side effects of prednisone! It will make you crazy so you will really have to watch your emotions.
I’m new to your blog!! i’m so happy for you and your family.
I’m also waiting for double lung and Heart transplant i’m also listed
at Hopkins and trying to get in at UPMC. My name Jake Monninger
I live in Greencastle, Pa i’m 57 I have CF for 14 years. May GOD bless you and your family!!!