3 Month Lung-Anniversary!

It’s been another great day here in Seattle. Started the day bright and early. We had to be at UW by 7:30. As we were driving to UW I kept wondering how many more trips will we have to make until we get released. It was definitely in the back of my mind.

Our first stop was radiology, x-ray time. Since our appointment was early in the morning we didn’t have to wait long which was nice. It seemed as soon as we sat down the x-ray tech came to get me. We had a short conversation as we walked back to the x-ray room. When we entered the room, I walked straight up to the x-ray board grabbed the handles behind and rolled my shoulders forward. The tech laughed and said “I take it this isn’t your first rodeo?” I laughed and replied “no, and it won’t be my last.” After she took the first picture I turned so my left shoulder was touching the board holding my arms straight out in front of me. She walked back behind the window pushed the button and then we were done. I think x-rays are the easiest thing to do on clinic day. Ha ha

After x-rays next was PFT’S. I was nervous to do my PFT’S I had a feeling they were going to be down just a little since begin sick. But I was trying to keep a positive attitude. I gave it my all, and results were FVC was 77% and y FEV1 was 71%. So they are down just a few percentages but we should be able to come back after I finish my iv medication. But I will say doing PFT’S now are a lot easier to do than pre transplant. My post transplant team think I still have some inflammation left in my lungs and it should subside soon and my PFT’S should go back up. Just have to keep walking and challenge my new breathers!

Once PFT’s were complete we were headed back upstairs to clinic. It was 8:30 and I had to go see the vampires so they could suck my blood! Ha ha just had to fill 8 test tubes. They have to draw my blood before 9:00, my tacrolimus I take at 9 am and 9 pm, they want to know what my level is before I take my morning dose. After I donated my blood, the registered nurse changed my central line bandage. It was a little on the crusty side. YIKE! The nurse who drew my blood was a chatty cathy! We yakked up a storm. She was super nice!

Next up time to meet with Dr. Sid! We went over my mediation list, just reviewing everything making sure we were getting back on track. Next we looked at my x-ray, Dr. Sid said everything looks great! Sternum hasn’t shifted everything is still aligned probably. Which I was excited to hear. He had gotten my tacrolimus results back and I was at 7, which is in the “normal” range. He didn’t have any of the my other lab results on hand. He then listened to my lungs and he said they sounded great! Which I was beyond excited to hear! He asked if i’m still walking a lot and of course I said yes! I generally don’t miss an opportunity to go for a walk! Our next topic to cover was this Friday will be my 14th day of iv antibiotics, once I finish those what are we going to do with the central line? My transplant team wants me to have sinus surgery as soon as I get home. That way the problem is taken care of and ready to remove this central line afterwards. Dr. Sid was very pleased with how well i’m going given what happen almost two weeks ago. Guess I wanted to have more “bang” before we wrap this journey up ha ha! Dr. Sid thinks we will continue to bounce back in my time.

Over it was a great day in clinic! Totally made my day! After we finished up in clinic I had to pick up some refill medications for me at the pharmacy. That took way longer than we had anticipate! Goodness oh well we got what we needed. Next up was back to the apartment. My mom had some work projects she needed to work on. When we returned I did my afternoon dose of IV med and was ready to head out the door again. I ended up riding the S.L.U.T to downtown. Just walked around for a little while, enjoying the store front displays and watching all the street performs. It was super sunny up her today, so I had to take advantage of the sunny weather!

Well I don’t have much more to report. This girl is feeling great, but getting tired. Just watching WWE Raw waiting for The Voice to come on! Looks like tomorrow will be another busy day! Hope everyone had a great Monday!

Oh I totally forgot today marks our 3 month lung-anniversary! Boy the time sure has gone by fast! Still hard to believe three months ago I was giving a second chance at life!! LOVE IT! Couldn’t be more thankful than I am right now! Cheers everyone!

Until next time…………..

~Jen~
“Just Breathe”