Let's hear it for those weekly wins!

[Colleen Steele]

@Carol Volckmann I am so sorry; I somehow missed this post from @jen-cueva ! We’re you at the UW? I would have visited you or at least sent you a care package. I hope you are recovering well. Take care of you!

[jen-cueva]

Hi, sweet PHriend, @Carol Volckmann. How are you feeling this week? Did you rest and recharge over the weekend and allow Dick to care for you? Do you think you are feeling better this week? I bet after last week’s hospitalization, being home makes a difference. 🤗

Can we help support you with anything this week as you continue to regain your strength?

[jen-cueva]

Wow, we are at the end of yet another week. How are y’all doing out there? Do you have any wins that you want to share?

This week, my win is that Manny, my hubby, went back to work yesterday after being home sick this week. Plus, I’m feeling OK today after trying to take care of him this week without getting sick.

I’ve been so worried and stressed since we are leaving next Thursday for a short vacation, a surprise trip. Of course, I want us both to feel our best!

What wins can we help you celebrate this week? Every small victory counts!🎉

[Colleen Steele]

@jen-cueva so good to hear that Manny is on the mend, back to work and fingers crossed, you didn’t and won’t get sick too!

I won at taking care of myself this week! Got myself to the internist yesterday for a full physical. The nurse checked for insurance purposes to make sure I hadn’t already had one this year. She could have just asked…I knew the answer…it’s been years.

My doctor was so wonderful! I got so much more out of the appointment than I expected. She was Brian’s doctor too so she sincerely wanted to know how I was doing. Before the exam she had a heart-to-heart with me about how well I took care of Brian and my son but knowing I am going to NJ for my parents she expressed concern that I will go into full caregiving mode again and not take care of myself. Surprisingly it wasn’t just my physical health that concerned her. She begged me to live my life, have fun, go out with friends, and meet people. Yesterday she took care of me as a patient and as a caregiver. How often do doctor’s do that. I cried during the appointment but left feeling a bit lifted.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Colleen, WTG on your physical and taking care of yourself! I echo your sweet doctor’s concerns that you’ll return to a caregiver role and neglect self-care! But I’ve been praying that you will start fresh there and do a little to help your parents, live your life, get out, and do things with friends.

My mom has been a caregiver, too, and now she finds herself trying to “take care” of someone all the time. She has been neglecting her mental health, which worries me, too. You cannot care for others if your mental and physical health is off, right?

Do you have a date planned yet to head to NJ?

Thanks for the thoughtful words and prayers. Manny is much better, and I am trying hard to keep my immune system boosted for my trip, which we leave early Thursday morning.

[Colleen Steele]

@jen-cueva Cullen’s birthday is the 17th, and he has a doctor’s appointment on I think the 16th. I would like to be out in time for both so I’m shooting for around then.

[jen-cueva]

That sounds like a perfect plan, @Colleen! I hope you aren’t overdoing it daily until you get ready to leave. What a bittersweet moment and feeling you must be struggling with! You and Brian have raised your boys and created and made so many cherished memories in that house. I’m keeping y’all in my thoughts and prayers.

[carol-volckmann]

Dear sweet Colleen and Jen, thank you so much for your loving support and checking in.<div>

I am home and recovering. The surprising thing is I had no idea how sick I was. I found out from my PCP and Rheumatologist that my system nearly took me out. I was fortunate enough that they did not have to transport me to UW and were able to stabilize me here in the hospital in Port Townsend. I am told it is going to take 4-6 weeks to get my strength back to normal so I am going to listen and behave!

Jen, your sweet caring voice on the phone warmed my heart and made me cry a little. You and Colleen are both so very special – now, I almost wish I had gone to UW so I could have met in person Colleen!!

Colleen I am very excited for your new beginnings and your move back to the East Coast, but wish we could have gotten together in person.

Your visit with your doctor was very special. Her words of care and advice had to be of comfort. Please do care for yourself, live to enjoy every moment and yes, fun and laughter too!

Thank you both again from the bottom of my heart ❤️.

</div>

[Colleen Steele]

@Carol Volckmann thank God you received medical help when you did. It’s scary how our minds can trick us into thinking our health is better than it is. Your recovery will be in my prayers.

Aidan will be staying in WA and I hope to visit often. Maybe we can still meet up sometime in the future!

[jen-cueva]

Oh, my dear PHriend, @Carol Volckmann, I am so happy you did go to the ER when you did, and they got you in and began treating you ASAP. I was thrilled you were awaiting discharge when I called to check on you—hearing your sweet voice and that you’re going home to recover made my day.

It takes time to bounce back and regain our strength for every day we are down in the hospital. Please listen to your body and Dick as he takes care of you. One step at a time, you’ll get there, sweet PHriend!

We are here and sending you extra positive thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how we can best support you.

[carol-volckmann]

Well @jen-cueva you and Manny must be in Chicago right now. I am sorry, I had no idea Manny was ill. Somehow none of the PH News nor Forums are coming into my email even though I have them in my contact list. I have to look in trash and find them.

I just hope you did not come down with anything and that you are having such a grand and happy birthday in Chicago! 🎉❤️😊. You are such a dear friend, you wishes, advice, and love make me smile and warm my heart.

@Colleen I want to thank you too for your support. I really do hope some day we meet in person. You have been in my thoughts about moving – I am sure this cannot be the easiest transition for you. You have through so much with loss of Brian. Somehow I think he is helping you through this. Please take very good care of yourself. Sending you gentle warm hugs always. 🤗❤️

[Colleen Steele]

@Carol Volckmann thank you for always supporting me as well! How was your weekend? I can’t wait to hear about how the weekend turned out for @jen-cueva

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Carol Volckmann, thank you, my dear PHriend. I did not catch anything from Manny, and he recovered before we left, thank God.

But we did have an exciting and exhausting trip to surprise my friend not once but twice. It was so amazing to see her because she has been through so much and needed this all, too.

I’m sorry your messages are getting to you, although you have already added us to your contacts. If this continues to be an issue, please LMK, and I can ask our tech guy if he has any other suggestions. Thanks again. Happy Halloween!

[carol-volckmann]

Hi @Colleen , thank you fir asking, our weekend was sunny and cool and quiet. One special moment – our oldest grandson a on, Ben 24, texted me asking me for two recipes I have made for them, Poor Man’s Stroganoff and Cajun Chicken. It warmed my heart ❤️.

I too cannot wait to hear how @jen-cueva weekend went – hoping lots of fun, laughter, joy and love.

[jen-cueva]

Oh, @Carol Volckmann, I, too, would love those recipes. Do you care to share those with me? I would love to try a few new recipes. I also love how sweet it was that Ben, your grandson, texted you for some recipes. That means so much, I’m sure!

How are you feeling this week? Do you feel like you are regaining your strength?

For you and @Colleen, my weekly win was, of course, my trip to surprise my Bestie in Chicago. I did that Thursday after she got off work, kidnapped her to stay at the AirBnB with us, and enjoyed catching up. On Friday, her birthday, her second surprise was a family and friends surprise party and dinner. All four of her daughters and her twelve (yep, full dozen) grandkids attended. It was beautiful to see the girls and finally meet the grandkids I’ve heard so many stories about. As y’all can guess, it was crazy getting them all in one area, and I’m not used to that noise. Hehe.

I’m grateful and blessed but also exhausted and glad to be back home and here with y’all. Thanks to you both. 💜

[jen-cueva]

Hey, y’all, we are almost to the end of yet another week. I can’t believe how fast the days, weeks, and months fly by. I know I am getting older, but since COVID, I feel life is passing us by so fast that I don’t get all I want in each day. Does anyone relate?

My weekly win is that despite my URI- bronchitis, I tested negative for COVID. Today and yesterday, I made it out of bed by 8, which is an improvement. I continue to take my antibiotics and nebulizer treatments 3-4 times per day. But thankfully., I am getting some of that “gunk” out of my lungs.

I am also deeply touched by our Community Spotlight stories in honor of PH Awareness Month this month. How is your week going? Let’s celebrate those wins, big or small, together!

[carol-volckmann]

Checking in @jen-cueva – my weekly win is certainly hearing you are taking care of yourself, negative on the covid and feeling a but better. Dear sweet woman, you do so much when you are up and feeling good and/ but even when your body weakens, you just keep on going!

I am so feeling a bit stronger but still feel so fatigued- just don’t like that.

You’re right, it does seem like the days, weeks, months are going by so very fast I cannot seem to catch up.

We are still planning to get in our coach right after the 1st and head your way till about mid February. I really want to make this trip so we just have to make it happen.

Talk about making a trip, it must be the time Colleen @Colleen you are either on your way or about to head to the East Coast. You are and will be in my thoughts and prayers every step of the way. Reading the post on Care Grivers month, you stand out along with Manny and my Dick – be well, be safe and maybe read the post sgin just as a reminder to take such good care of yourself. Sending lots of positive vibes, warm thoughts snd love ❤️.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @Carol Volckmann, thanks for your sweet support, my dear PHriend. I rested quite a bit over the weekend. You sound like me, as I thought I would feel like riding my bike yesterday. But Manny said it was a bit early after bronchitis. So again, I rested most of the day.

I’m grateful you are a bit stronger, but also relate to the frustration that you aren’t where you think you should be. My thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes are with you.

I get that you’re ready to travel, but I also feel you want to regain more strength because I know preparing the motorhome for travel is a ton of work. Be careful and allow yourself some grace, my PHriend. 🤗

[DeLois Tweedy]

I’m there with everyone about the time slipping by so fast. It truly did get away from me this year. We are just now taking a vacation – never have this late in the year. We head home today. My weekly win is that I climbed stairs daily without much shortness of breath! Usually when I look at a set of steps, it is with dread and anxiousness. I’m very thankful to have made it this week!

Jen, I’m so thankful you are doing better; very thankful Covid did not raise its ugly head. And Colleen, I wish you all the strength and peace you need and best wishes as you relocate (at least you are coming to the East coast where I am).

Both of you ladies are strong and amazing and I feel so fortunate to “know” you. Blessings and hugs to each of you.

[jen-cueva]

Wow, what a win, my PHriend, @DeLois Tweedy! Where did you go on vacation? Climbing those stairs and not being as breathless as you were experiencing before is fantastic!

You are too sweet. I feel like all of you are the strong and resilient ones. I’m just doing life!

Yes, IDK where the time flies anymore. My plans get put on hold, and the next thing I know, it’s another month, then a new year!

Thanks for sharing your incredible win while on vacation, Dee! You are inspiring!!💜

[DeLois Tweedy]

Jen, we went to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN. Very pretty time of year, and the weather was fantistic!

Yes, I was so thankful for a good week.😊

[Colleen Steele]

@DeLois Tweedy, I’m unfamiliar with Pigeon Forge, so I looked it up. Looks lovely and I can imagine it is gorgeous this time of year! So nice that you got to visit. Seems like a great place to refresh the soul.

[jen-cueva]

Wow, now, I’m jelly! Hehe.

That is one of my dad’s favorite places to visit and I’ve never been yet! It was the perfect time to go and see the fall colors, too, I’m sure. He used to go each year twice. Once was for a Bronco show and the other was just to go.

So nice that you enjoyed that relaxing time in such a beautiful place ahead of your busy november of appointments. Take care, my PHriend.

[red]

I was lucky and got approved for my medications for next year. I thought I had to the end of this year done, but Janseen and CVS can’t get there act together. Been worried about this since I had to retire.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @red, that is certainly a win for the year! I am awaiting a call back from CVS specialty about my medications for 2024. Hopefully, your luck will now rub off on me soon! I know how important this is and how stressful waiting is, too.

Thanks for sharing such an awesome win that many can relate!

[Roger Bliss]

My hat is off to Elizabeth and Dr Yang from the PH dept at UCSD. They saved my business and me many thousands of $$$$. They are truly ROCK STARS!!!

Last week I went and got my DOT physical from a guy I have been using for many years. For some reason he wanted a waver from my Cardiologist. I think DOT is cracking down on this stuff. Anyway the cardiologist was out of town and my physical was about to expire. I would end up in a mess from DMV if it was overdue. They gave me the certificate anyway and I would bring the waver into their office when I got it. They are good people.

My Cardiologist denied my waver saying my right heart pressure was too high. Actually, he is a nice guy who doesn’t know much about PH. He is a fairly new doctor. That’s why I picked him. He is willing to work with Dr Yang. I don’t think he understood how bad his decision would screw me up. Most others have an “attitude” about working with someone who knows more than they do.

Anyway, I sure am doing a “Happy Dance” tonight!!

[jen-cueva]

WooHoo! What a tremendous win this week, @Roger Bliss! I am incredibly excited to hear that Elizabeth (a doll) and Dr. Yang at UCSD could help you. Yes, I also heard from my hubby lately that the DOT physicals are becoming more strict.

I’m dancing alone with you because this was so important to you that you needed it to keep working and running your business! I’m doing the happy dance with you, my PHriend!💃🏻🕺🏻

[jen-cueva]

I want to shout out today’s weekly win and wish our Cullen a special birthday! This young man has been through many challenges and continues to set the bar high in all he does!

@Colleen, please wish Cullen a very special Happy Birthday today from all of us in the forums! May God continue to bless him and his health, and may he continue to achieve all his dreams!

[Terese Tuohey]

Happy BD to Cullen! Wishing him all good things!

As for my weekly win, it’s the fact that I not only ‘aced’ but ‘surpassed’ my 6-min walk goal, and all my blood work was good. Yay! I’m set for another 6 months! Florida, here I come!

[jen-cueva]

Remarkable wins, @Terese Tuohey! I would consider this a monthly success, at a minimum. Congrats on kicking butt on your 6MW test and also for good lab results! 🏆

How are you feeling besides anxious and ready to get to Florida for some sunshine?😎 When are y’all headed that way? Are you and @Sally Hoffman planning to do your luncheons again this year? You can share a new photo now on our new platform!

Thanks so much for sharing such incredible news, my PHriend! 🤗

[Terese Tuohey]

We’re heading to FL on Nov 27th – that’s one week from today! Eek! I’d better get packing. I’m feeling good, nothing out of the ordinary. I just had an overnight oximeter test and there is no change in my need for O2. I’m still at 2 liters! My darling Tim is prepping the truck and bringing ‘stuff’ out of the basement so we can pack out and boogie South. Wishing everybody on this Forum a Happy Thanksgiving!

[jen-cueva]

Awesome, @Terese Tuohey! It sounds like a ton of work to get ready for Florida. I’m so thankful you have your love, Tim, to help do those things. Like Manny, he tries to handle the “heavy” work so you don’t wear yourself down. 😍

Please have a safe trip, and let us know when you are there and settled in. a tad. I’m thrilled that you and @Sally Hoffman are already planning your luncheons. Incredibly, you two found each other in the PH News forums.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and Tim, too, sweet PHriend!

[Terese Tuohey]

Oh, yes, and Sally Hoffman have been in touch and are planning for our lunches out already!

[DeLois Tweedy]

It’s the day after Thanksgiving; hope everyone had a great one. My win(s) for this week are very big to me. I wanted so badly to be able to cook some of the Thanksgiving meal (we had a meal at my daughter’s with 17 present). I sat and wrote down/made lists of what to do each day (as we PH’ers have to do) to conserve energy, etc. I was able to pre-prep and complete several dishes. I also spent the day at my daughter’s Wednesday baking with my grandkids (what fun). I had swollen feet and ankles (which went down overnight) and only one shortness of breath episode (which subsided after a while) on Thanksgiving Day. Wow! I have a lot of wins to be thankful for this week.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @DeLois Tweedy, I am thrilled you could prepare some of your Thanksgiving meal at your daughter’s. Plus, there’s that extra enjoyment of baking with her and your grandkids! I am excited for that one day, too.

I relate to the swelling feet and ankles and know keeping them up at night and when I can help. I begin my cooking and prep on Wednesday. Like you, I knew I needed to pace myself.

Ironically, I share how PH and hosting Thanksgiving are similar in my latest column. You can read it by clicking the link below.

Thanks, Dee, for sharing your exciting wins with us! I hope others will share their wins so we can celebrate with them, too. 🎉

[jen-cueva]

I am sharing my Weekly Win of almost completed my shopping for Christmas. It helps that I buy fewer gifts than I have in the past. I have left two more small items and a few stocking stuffers. I begin to blank when it comes to stocking stuffers. Do you happen to have any tips?

I’ll also review some older Christmas -holiday posts to see if I can get some ideas.

Also, I found this column update written by our fantastic rockstar, Britt, to be a weekly win. Those who know Brittany will agree. Others will also find this a raw yet relatable topic. I’m incredibly proud of her hard work to return from this dark season. You can read her column in full by clicking on the link below.

https://pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com/columns/how-my-healing-process-has-helped-me-redefine-hope/

What are your weekly wins? Any tiny victory counts. 💜

pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com

How my healing process has helped me redefine hope

While recovering from surgery, columnist Brittany Foster has figured out how hope actually works to help her healing process.

[Colleen Steele]

Well, how are we all “winning” lately? Share what has gone well or at least put a smile on your face!

On Sunday night I visited with family who I haven’t seen in decades! It was a wonderful experience and the perfect little break this caregiver needed!

[jen-cueva]

Aww, that’s such an exciting win, @Colleen! I’m thrilled you made time to visit your family after so long. Yes, it was perfect timing, too. I bet you laughed and enjoyed catching up with your larger extended family!

How’s everyone doing this week? Did the cough resolve for Cullen yet?

Thanks for sharing such a well desrved win, my FWW and friend. 🤗

My win, althought I wasn’t yet 100% post bronchitis, we went to have dinner with my SIL and her family. It was an early birthday dinner, for Manny, which is tomorrow, (1/17).

[jen-cueva]

On Valentine’s Day, I celebrated the 19th anniversary of my PH diagnosis, which is a weekly win for me. I also consider it a win to have such an exceptional and tightly-knit support system of PHamily here in the PH News forums. As we all know, managing PH can be challenging, and it takes a village to tackle it. I feel grateful to have you all here to help support me as we share our experiences with PH.

What’s your win this week? It doesn’t have to be significant; even the smallest victories count. What’s something that went right this week or a win that you feel proud of? Let’s celebrate together!