You've Been Given the Gift of Life, Give it Back!

Welcome friends and family!

Thank you for visiting my blog. It documents my amazing journey from pre to post double lung transplant. I am a 37 year old mother and wife with Cystic Fibrosis who has been more greatly blessed than I could ever imagine possible!

It has been a bumpy ride, but God has given me strength, love, friendship, and, FINALLY, health. My prayers have been answered, my miracle was granted, and I want to share the joy of my new life with you.

If you are a first time visitor, please take a moment to watch The Miracle of Transplantation video below. To me, pictures speak a thousand words.

My entries begin in April of 2008 and my double lung transplant was December 10. Scroll down to my blog archive and you can read from the beginning or jump around. If you are looking for a specific topic, you can use the search engine.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or feedback, I would love to hear from you!

I hope I can help you to experience the love God has for each and every one of us!

May God Bless You with Miracles in Your Life! Nancy


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Friday, December 12, 2008

A GOOD END TO ANOTHER DAY

I just left Nancy's side a short time ago and she was actually resting, and hopefully sleeping better than I have seen since the day of the surgery.  The nurses got her an air mattress, which should help to ease the back pain she has been experiencing, the pain medication seems to be taking away a little of her pain and she seemed so peaceful tonight as I departed.  

Earlier this evening both her doctor and her surgeon as well as a social worker all checked on her and all feel she is doing very well today and they feel tomorrow she may actually be ready to have the respirator removed to see if her lungs are ready to do their job!  

How I, and I know all of you, hope this happens for her.  It will be wonderful to see her breathing again on her own knowing it will be the first of many breaths she will take with a new set of lungs that are going to change her life.  

There will still be healing and threapy to do, and a new set of side effects to deal with,  but it won't be long before she will no longer need to be on oxygen, no more coughing, no more chest pain!  These three things alone will make all the difference in the world in what she will be capable of doing with the rest of her life.  "Let us rejoice and be glad". 

 Before this surgery I was totally unable to listen to the song "IN MY DAUGHTER'S EYES" it triggered so much emotional response within me.  But tonight I find myself hearing the lyrics in my head from hearing it on Nancy's slideshow of Hannah's Birthday, and the emotional response is the same only this time it brings tears of joy rather than sadness.  

What a difference a month can make!  What a difference two new lungs can make.  What a difference friends and family can make.  What a difference a daughter can make.  

Whether it happens, tomorrow, the next day or the next, we will rejoice and be thankful for the blessings we have shared.

Nancy's Dad,

Vance

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your Louisiana cousins are all rooting for you, Nancy and keeping you in our prayers!
Clara, Arlene, Joy, & Merry

Blomquist Blog said...

So glad to hear that Nancy is resting more comfortably! I hope that she is able to take her first breath soon, as long as the doctors feel she is ready. What a day and moment that will be, her first full breath with her new lungs.

Vance, you are right in saying, "Let us rejoice and be glad." I am so happy this time came for Nancy and for the whole family. I hope these next few days and weeks ahead are good ones for you all. Cherish this time as you watch Nancy start a new chapter of her life. I look forward to the day we throw that big party for her and celebrate her new life!

We love you all and are so thankful for the updates.

Love and Prayers,

Debbie

Anonymous said...

The kids and I have been checking in to see how she's doing. Let her know we've all been rooting for her and are so happy the way things are going right now. The kids send their love to their Aunt Nancy!

Jodi and the kids

Anonymous said...

hi vance! im the pitt med student who met you tonight in the cafeteria. thank you so much for sharing nancy's story and blog with me. hearing her story has really been an inspiration as i try to remember all of these facts and diseases. i'll be following the blog! all my best to you and to nancy.

Anonymous said...

Vance,

There are not enough words to thank you for continuing on with this blog letting everyone know how Nancy is doing! I constantly check looking for any updates!!

I'm so glad everything seems to be going well! You, Ann, and Scott take care of each other (and Nancy). We've got Hannah covered!! Give Nancy a kiss on the cheek and tell her it's from the Rowe's and we love her!

You are all in our prayers.....

Love,
Tom, Amy, Alyssa, and Alexis

Anonymous said...

Vance...you write as beautifully as Nancy. Everyone is so greateful for you keeping us informed...our love and prayers continue.........Jacksons

Amy Deahr said...

Hi Vance,
Your words are so touching, it is no wonder Nancy is so amazing too. As a parent I can't even begin to know what is has been like to see you little girl hurting. And I can only imagine what it is like today to feel the hope and joy these new lungs will bring to Nancy and you all. She has a new start and there will be many happy days to come. I so happy for all of you and look forward to hearing about Nancy's progress.

Lots of love an hugs,

Amy

Becky said...

Thank you for your updates. God is so good. We are thinking and of course praying for you!

The Miracle of Transplantation

Pause the music player before watching.