Samantha ~ Long story short I

Samantha ~ Long story short I lost my job last June and have ended up in a short sale. My time limit for the short sale is 1/31/11. After that I will be doing a deed in lieu. I have excellent credit with a score over 800, which has taken a hit for sure with this mess that I am in. I have never had problems with my credit except for this. I have a few good credit cards from the old days that are fixed interest at a low rate. I have never defaulted on anything ever before and except for this deed in lieu, i have no problems. If this is the only hit on my credit, will it still be as long before my credit score is able to come up again? And can I put a statement on my credit report with Experian, TransUnion and the other large credit reporting agencies stating why I have to give my home up rather than forclose? The only agency that I can find a phone number for is TransUnion. Can you provide those phone numbers for me? Also, I was told that I had to vacate the premises if i do a deed in lieu ~ do you know how long I will be given to vacate? I cannot tell you how hard I have worked since last June to save my home. I have applied for everthing available and have made absolutely no progress. i have no debt save for a car payment and I am 65 years old and disabled. I am absolutely worn down after 7 months of constant stress trying to deal with the lender and trying to get help to save my home. I know I am not alone and i feel for everyone that is going through this terrible process. Thank you so much for your response and God Bless You, too dear. Judie