Thanks to all for the replies so far...just having good folks take a mo to show interest helps the (much needed) feel good factor in what can be a terribly lonely experience...tks again!

Duly noted on the exercises, i need to make it more of a priority and get them done, daily! Yes to the PEG tube, 99% of my calories still go down the darn thing. The pneumonia may have been via aspiration...the Drs never really pinpointed the cause but it was in my lung and blood (the common kind). This makes me a little reluctant to throw too much down the hatch as it does feel rather tight. Double-edged sword, eh? It wont loosen unless I use it so steady as she goes I reckon with the soups etc

Did anyone suffer bad ear pain after surgery? Fortunately i am off all pain meds now but i do still take Lyrica and it seems to help.

I still shake my head at how much time self-care from this condition takes: the feedings, the exercises, the dental hygiene, the massage and lotion, the meds....rinse and repeat! It is good to read it is all worth it in the end, cheers!