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July 2005
29 July 2005
Well things are still going good so far, and my lung is behaving itself (phew) - I hope this continues for a while as I am now enjoying life again as best as I can with some normality. The aspect of people looking at me - I guess I am getting used to (with the oxygen tubes) - and only sometimes I get upset with it. Last weekend got a bit much, felt like a dog on a lead - but that is how I need to be until the days up to my transplant.
I am very much looking forward to my weekend again. On Sunday, I am meeting another Lammie for the 1st time! It will be great to meet someone with this illness - the few of us that there are!
Also, I went to the gym 3 times this week - wow - for my mini work out sessions. All the staff there treat me as normal, and I feel comfortable going there (even though some of their members look..last week..a guy looked about 7 times at me..guess he was checking he wasnt imagining seeing the tubes up my nose!?). One of the staff I spoke to today, went through a traumatic experience when he was 18 - a car crash that put him in a coma. He has made a life for himself after this, and amazing to meet someone who went through a tough time and has come out trumps - what an inspiration, and a joy to talk too. Life is a journey, and nobody knows what is round the corner - but, best to pick up and continue...and that is exactely what I am doing and will continue to do!!
Each day..I keep dreaming will be the day of my transplant...guess I'll need to keep dreaming longer.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. x
22 July 2005
Just a short entry today, to tell of my exciting trip to the Eastenders set! Wow, what a joy! It seems so surreal going there - when I have been watching Eastenders for so many years. I had such a shock to actually meet some of the cast, and almost overcome with emotion (could have cried) - as I never expected to meet anyone. They were all so nice and greeted me by my name, and I had a little chat with them. I must say, that they are all attractive looking people.
Some photos were taken, and will be entered on the website shortly. I was then taken around the Eastenders set - great to see this....wouldn't it be strange - if one day I was in Eastenders - that would be so very surreal!! Well...roll on new lungs and my new life then. Thanks to Caroline and Bernie for organising this - it made my day! And thanks Dad for escorting me there - and being Mr.Photographer ....great pictures!
I am a happy bunny! Still smiling.
19 July 2005
Hurray!! My lung seems to be staying strong...my period has been and gone...and my lung is still up. I have experienced some winces and little pains, but not as much as before. So, I hope the rest of the month goes well for me. The support still coming in - is incredible - and I thank you all.
I have been a busy bee again, and had the most wonderful weekend - thanks to the Willow Foundation. I was collected on Saturday by a limousine and driven with Jon to a luxury Hotel/Spa for an overnight stay with some beauty treatments. I am typing away with my newly painted cherry nails, and feeling very glamorous! The staff there were all so kind and very understanding of my condition, and although some people looked at me - I looked right back, and then smiled at them. I ate too much and still feel bloated out with all the yummy foods.
I have also joined a gym today...(not guilt onset from the weekend's over eating...honest), even though I will only be able to do about 10-15 minutes exercise. I feel quite proud for doing this...gives me some more normality to my life, and the staff there were also so great and friendly. I will go into training after my transplant and do a marathon...well a little one...and this is a big aim to achieve in the future (hopefully near future). I don't like running, but... if I can with my new lungs - you bet I will want to run like Forest Gump for miles and miles!!
I have also been busy with friends visiting me - which is fab, and makes me very happy..ah.
This is just a short entry for now..and please remember if you want to register your organs - there is a link on my website. My crusade will continue to go forward, and I hope the future can save many people's lives and not only mine.
11 July 2005
The sun is shining again, and lifted my spirit more..its amazing how sunshine makes people smile. I have had a busy week...but the most amazing news, is that my lung has not collapsed!!
I am hoping that I get through this month without my lung collapsing, and if I do...it will be a miracle and I will be sooo happy! And, I will be so glad not to have to go back into Hospital to have a chest drain inserted. I keep my fingers/legs/toes and crossed - that this will be a good month for me!
I am still very touched by the support coming in, and my parents have been great assisting me wherever needed - thankyou!!
I went to a 70's dance last night (courtesy of EDRS), wherby nearly all my family were there, and I felt uneasy to start with as it is the first time I have seen them all together (became a bit overwhelmed)..but, as the evening continued I started to relax and enjoy the evening. It was strange having my family and other people there see me with the oxygen in such a large capacity (which is probably why I was a bit uneasy to start with). However, it was so nice to see my family and words of encouragement said to keep my spirits up. I really enjoyed the evening, and there was a great duo who sang 70's songs with a lot of humour in their double act....had some giggles...especially with one of them being, Stevie Blunder (Stevie Wonder).
My Dad did a raffle during the interval, and at the end I just wanted to thank everyone for their support and said a few other words through a microphone. When I finished, I was shocked that the whole room applauded me (nearly 100 people). I was gobsmacked and very emotional...I looked across at my Mum, who had tears welling up in her eyes. I sat down afterwards..and I cant explain how I felt..but it was a happy emotion.
Other events, have been catching up with friends, spending time with my fiance, local trips out (to Starbucks..ha ha), and seeing my counsellor. So far all in all things going well.
On the down side... I have been anxious re my lung collapsing, and perhaps sometimes finding it difficult to relax - the fear of it happening again - as there is no guarentee with my illness. Also waking up during the night thinking this...and then the next day..even saying, "I am alive". But, I still remain positive, and still believe I will be ok...and yes...still dream of the day I get my transplant!
Have a good week everyone - and enjoy the sun! xx
3 July 2005
Hello everyone...so far..so good. I'm still going out - almost every day now. My favourite trip is into Starbucks, and I have become a fan of a frappucino - mint choc chip flavour with whipped cream!! Yum Yum!..The usual also, seeing some friends, counselling, and clothes shopping. I also have done some interviews for local papers re my illness, which should be published Thursday next week.
Sometimes, I cant believe this is happening to me, and that now I feel really positive, and believe I will get a transplant in time. Sometimes I think maybe this is one big dream...but I'm in quite a scary reality I guess. Also I am hoping that my lung is ok, so far no pains..normally I experience pains between 1st and 3rd each month....although my period has not started yet....it would be so great not to go back into hospital and have another chest drain put in. Although, guess a horrible thing to say...I am used to the pain now having it done, and also want it done when my lung collapses - as I can breathe again after! For those who don't know what it is, basically - a tube is inserted through my ribs right into my lung, to the top of the lung and positioned from the top going over and round to the other side of the lung slightly. This is all done whilst I am conscious, with local anaethestic. This is done to try and inflate the lung up - for me - takes about 1 week in hospital - also having a suction added to assist with this procedure. Yes, it is unpleasant and at times very painful - but I know that I need to go through this to get better again. Maybe this month I will be lucky? Also, there are now some photos of me on the website from the Trent Park run - and of other people too - please have a look...you will see my new hair ...with the red bits...ha ha!
Have a good week all - and keep those messages coming - makes me continuously happy! xx Thankyou
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