Teaching, Check-up and Clarification Time! :)

Man oh man was I on cloud nine this morning! Just for a few minutes I got to step back into the classroom. Thanks to Michelle Berray and her Anatomy class, I was asked to come and give a presentation on Cystic Fibrosis and then my journey of having a double lung transplant. We had a great discussion! The students asked some great questions. Questions ranging from, how did they cut you open, is your pain tolerance a lot higher now, how did your parents do throughout this surgery, why do you have to wear a mask, what happens if your lungs go into rejection and many more! Even though we chatted for a short period of time, it was so great to be back in the classroom. I knew I missed being away from students, but I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I got to step into that role again. The feeling is honestly indescribable. I was excited, beyond ecstatic, nervous, terrified, I was nervous I would forget something, skip over certain parts, or worst of all not being able to answer a question correctly. But once the presentation began, and the discussions began it was like I never left! I cannot thank Michelle and the students for letting me come in and ramble on! I TRULY enjoyed my time with you guys! Can’t wait to do it again! I would to bring awareness to CF and talk about my transplant journey with anyone! Just let me know! 🙂 Oh I totally forgot to mention I had all the students do the Strawfie Challenge! Please check out the pictures in the “Strawfie Challenge” folder! The kids did great, it was awesome to watch them attempt this activity! I will want to see other take on the Strawfie Challenge! Come on people you can do it! 🙂

After the presentation was over I headed to town. Today was check up day with Dr. Chakraborty. He said my new breathers are sounding extremely good, the nose looks a lot better than it did. Last weeks lab look good, everything seems to be in the “normal” range, except for my Tacrolimus levels are still low. University of Washington upped my dose last week to 4.5 mg twice a day, I will have my levels rechecked tomorrow morning. I’m kind of bummed I don’t have any line to draw from, this will be a peripheral stick tomorrow! YIKES! Hopefully they will get it on the first try! Fingers crossed! Anyway’s Dr. Chakraborty said everything is looking and sounding good! Always excited to hear those words! I think it is safe to say todays check up we get an A+! Whoop whoop!

Okay before I go I would like to clarify something. I wrote a thank you letter thanking everyone who took time out and came to our fundraiser back in January, I also mentioned our up and coming luau. I sent it off to the News Review to be published. Well what I wrote and what was published were two completely different things! I honestly did NOT write “When I left Seattle I was in millions of dollars of medical debt.” Below I would like to write my actual letter for clarification. I know the News Review is trying to do well, but it is kind of frustrating. Anyway’s below is my ACTUAL letter I submitted.

To everyone who came to Jennifer Dwight’s Fundraising event January 17, 2015, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support. I truly could not have done it without you. With your support, and generosity we raised $75,000 that night! As many of you know a Double Lung Transplant will cost upwards of a million dollars and for most people like myself, this opportunity was only a dream. With an organized fundraising even and support from friends like you, my dream became a reality on February 4, 2015.

I received the call that lungs were available, just over two weeks after the event. It was quite a relief, as I had been admitted at Mercy just three days after the event. I had surgery in Seattle on February 4, 2015 and the results are nothing short of a miracle! I am truly blessed to have this second chance at life and I a so grateful.

Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and support everyone put into making that night such a huge success. Words cannot express how I feel.

On June 7, 2015 at 1 o’clock in the afternoon the Polamalu Family, along with Pyrenee’s Winery will be hosting a Post Double Lung Transplant Luau. There will be a traditional Samoan Luau, food provided by O’Tools, live music, and also traditional fire dancers. We would love for you to come join us! Tickets are available at the door or you may order them on www.jenniferdwight.com We look forwarded to seeing you!

Thank you,

Jennifer Dwight
“Just Breathe”

Just wanted to clarify what the actual letter and what was printed were two different things. Just incase if any questions arose now you know the truth!

Anyways today was a great day. Kind of sad to see it come to an end. I am still beyond excited to get the opportunity to be in a classroom today. Really can’t wait to do it again!

Well I hope everyone had a great Wednesday! This girl is off to bed!

Until next time……….

~Jen~
“Just Breathe”