Day 171

       Wow, it's almost 6 months since my gift of new lungs. I'm feeling very good! Had my lung biopsy last Thursday and they called with some results on Friday. No rejection and no infection. They were very pleased with my lung function, it's 80% of predicted. The fungus results won't be known until some time this week. They take a culture and add saline to it and see if it grows, that usually takes 3 days. So, we'll see.
      I'm trying to do as much as I can everyday and I definitely see an increase in stamina and muscle. Trying to exercise everyday. Doing something, swimming, walking or working out with the medicine ball indoors. Exercise is good for everything, weight control, muscle building and lung function.
     I had an interesting person donate via the website for medical expenses. I did a little research to try and find out who this person was. I didn't know them. It appears to be an 8th grade teacher in Michigan who has a disease himself, not a Pulmonary disease, a disease that causes severe tremors. Wow, what a kind person to randomly end up at my blog and then to make a donation. See, there are good people out there.
    I hope everyone is having a great summer. I know I am. I am able to breathe freely!
Love to all.

Day 159

       Greetings. Linda and I were in the pool the other day and I was swimming and going under the water holding my breath, Linda stopped me and reminded me what a miracle I had been given. Six months ago I couldn't walk across the room without gasping for oxygen. What a turn around. Now, I'm not 100%, but I am recovering and I will be better than before the transplant. I am coming up on the six month mark at the end of August and everyday gets better. Hopefully some time in the future I will be able to repay everyone for their generosity, prayers and comfort. For now please accept my heartfelt "Thank You".
       Next Tuesday is my scheduled lung biopsy. Sometimes it's only a few hours, while other times it is an all day event. Fortunately, Linda drives me early in the morning, ( I have to be there at 6am), then when I'm done I call her and she comes from work and picks me up.They use anesthesia, so they won't let me drive. Usually I'm wiped out for the rest of the day. Maybe now that I am getting stronger it will be easier. Oh, and let's hope that the fungus on the new lungs is gone. That would be a good thing.
     Is this the hottest summer everywhere, or what??? Makes one not want to leave the house. Just walking outside starts the sweat rolling. We have had heat index as high as 108. This isn't Arizona so no it's not a dry heat.
      That's it. Try to stay cool. Slow down your busy day and take the time to smell the flowers. You don't know how long you have on this earth. Treasure what is important, Family and Friends.

Day 151

            Yesterday, Monday July 26, 2010 was the 5 month mark since my transplant and I'm feeling great. My ability to do just about anything is increasing, albeit for a limited amount of time. I guess those doctors know what they're talking about. I will recover from this. Thanks to everyone for their support  and prayers. And a special thanks to the family of my donor. I know it was a tough decision, but for those of us on the receiving end it was a life-saving decision and for that I thank you. I am also sorry for your loss of a loved one. I can't imagine the pain you have endured. I promise to do what I can to not waste the second chance at life that you have afforded me.
             Some days I wake up and forget what my body has gone through and then I feel the dull pain in my chest and I am reminded of the miracle that I received. It is quite astonishing how far our ability to extend life has come.At the same time I am reminded that it is truly a miracle. Everyday I think about the day after the operation being in ICU and seeing a lot of commotion in the room next to mine.It was a gentleman who had a transplant, but didn't wake up after the surgery. A couple of days later they removed him from the life support equipment and he passed away. So yes, I feel it is a miracle that I received my lungs with few complications.
           We all have challenges, but I think sometimes you have to stop and realize that a lot of our challenges are pretty petty. Most of all, challenges will be overcome. And remember, most of us have it pretty good and there are a lot of people with bigger challenges than we face.
          Keep a smile on your face and greet everyone you meet.

Day 145

It's been a little while since I added to this blog which is a good thing. I've been getting out and doing things. I still feel really good and thanks to my donor, whoever they are, I am getting somewhat back to normal. The Medications   still affect me and upset my stomach from time to time, but that is all manageable.
    I went to Charleston SC last week to visit with my sister, who has been fighting her own battle with cancer, and her husband. They  remodel ships and had a job in Charleston. They rented a house for a couple of months and invited me to visit. Had a great time. It was actually hotter and more humid than Florida. So I'm glad to be back in cool Florida. It's supposed to be 96 today.
    We had our Godson, Michael, here for the weekend. He's 19 and full of energy. I tried to keep up, but I guess I'm not quite there yet. We had a grand time and I hope he did as well. He's really a good kid and so loving.
   I need to get out and do more exercising, but it's just too hot. I've got another Lung Biopsy coming up in 3 weeks. Wish me luck.
 Take care of yourselves.