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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Monday, January 12, 2009

Kind of Down

Hello friends!

Today had been a quiet, tired, down day. I miss Scott and Hannah, (but they will be here this Saturday) I feel exhausted and just want to sleep. All of this is normal, and until my medications get straightened out, I will have good and bad days. I keep telling myself that I need to take baby steps. It has only been a month and I can't expect to feel terrific yet, but it does feel good to look like a human again.

I called my oxygen company to let them know I no longer need oxygen. This was very difficult, I still feel very attached to my oxygen, it is a security thing. I know I no longer need it and it is too expensive to hold on to when I am not using it, but I know it will be a bitter/sweet moment when they take it away tomorrow. (baby steps!)

My port was pulled by the home health nurse today and starting next Monday I will go to a nearby lab for my weekly blood draws, no more need for home health to come and do it. That is a major milestone.

I received a terrific surprise in the mail today, a proof of my blog book: My Quest for New Lungs. Many of you had mentioned to my dad how great it would be to get a copy of my blog to keep for memory purposes. For me, it has been my journal and connection to the world. I have poured my love, hopes, dreams, challenges, fears, and faith into the blog. I wanted to have it in book form to keep forever and so, a few months ago, started working on a blog book, a transcript of my blog with comments. I recorded all of the blogs from April to December 2008. It is a HUGE book, 824 pages, but it was so fun to look through my proof copy today, it turned out great. I just have to fix the cover a little and then I will make it available to any of you who would like a copy. I do not plan to make any money off this new book, so I am selling it for my cost, $20 (it is more expensive because of the pictures and the number of pages). I will let you know when it is available for order.

Have a great evening! Nancy

8 comments:

Blomquist Blog said...

Hi Nancy!

I think we are all blown away by how well you have done through all of this. You have climbed one HUGE mountain (transplant) and now you have one more HUGE one to climb (recovery). You are going to have down days and it is important to realize that these days are o.k. to have and will only make you stronger as you climb that mountain. Take some time to relax and sleep if that is what your body is telling you to do. With your new lungs, you have been given a new lease on life and I am sure you are anxious to begin that new chapter. You have to take care of you NOW though in the present time, so when it comes time to move back home and begin that next chapter, you are ready to go!

Small, baby steps Nancy. You will get there, there is no doubt in anyones mind. Please know that you are not alone in this journey. Although I am not near you, I hold you so close to me in my heart and I pull for you everyday. I am honored to climb this mountain with you and please know that I am with you in spirit every small step of the way!

I love you!

Debbie

PS I am so looking forward to ordering some copies of your newest book. I can't wait!

Amy Deahr said...

Hi Nancy,

You truely have come so far in such a short time. It seems that you are reaching big milestones all of the time. Some of them, harder than others, but all wonderful steps towards becoming independent again and enjoying all the world holds.

Know you are loved and thought of often. Extra prayers will be said tonight in hopes that tomorrow is a better day, even with the GIANT step you have to take, giving up your oxygen. I will be thinking of you, praying for you and hoping that it is not as difficult as you think it will be.

Keep smiling, Saturday will be here in a blink. Easy for me to say huh?? I'm sure they are counting down till they see you too.

Lots of love and hugs,
Amy

The Basye-Arland Crew! said...

Nancy,

You look marvelous! So nice to see you out and about! Being tired is okay...the baby steps is a good thing! It is just so nice to see you up and about, and that great smile!

It must be really hard without Hannah and Scott! I think I'd ask for daily pictures!!! Hang in there, Saturday will be here soon!

We are so proud of you! You are so strong, so positive, and such an inspiration! I hope you get all rested up!!!

Lots of love and prayers, your way!
MB

Anonymous said...

separation from the oxygen, etc., is not easy for anyone, exactly as you state it. baby steps is such a perfect translation! so hard to go slow when your inclination is to get going!! your support system is huge and all hands held together will make it happen.
much luv
claire, harley, goober AND moxie

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy!

I just want you to know that on your down days we are here to lift you up! It has been a wonderful journey for all of us as well! To watch your triumphs has been so wonderful! I feel very lucky to have been a little part of your life and watch you receive the most wonderful gift LUNGS! Stay strong--baby steps is the way to go! Love You! xxxooo

Bridgette

Anonymous said...

Hi darling, Elaine and I watch your progess everyday and hope you are taking it slow and heading your medical staff advice. We know you have fought one heck of a long and drawn out battle so a few extra days getting better will be OK.

Your attitude is so great and we are happy you have made plans for your favorite vacation spot this summer.

We're sure all your friends and supporters are pulling for your full recovery and waitng to see you back on the farm in perfect health.

We are thinking of you, Love Dave and Elaine

Kelley said...

Isn't it typical that every good thing in life is two steps forward and one step back? Just the fact that you can walk and get out with a new set of lungs is incredible. Modern medicine and miracles--good combo. Hope you can read a good book today and relax. Thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

hang in there nancy!

The Miracle of Transplantation

Pause the music player before watching.