HOME!

Well, we've finally made it home - and what a welcoming! We were surprised and delighted to see friends, family and aquaintances at the airport when we arrived! Not to mention the media! I was taken a little off guard having to "air" my story to CBC news just after getting off the plane, but what the hell - it was all worth it!

After leaving the airport we headed to Manuals to pick up our girlies - Molly and Bertha! To be honest, I think I enjoyed that the most - lol! I was wondering if they would have forgotten us - but nope - they knew exactly who we were and where they were going - HOME!

Upon arriving in Carbonear we headed to hospital parking lot to start a motorcade! We ended up at the Carbonear Civic Centre with more media opportunities from The Compass and KIXX FM and a warm welcoming from the Mayor!! All it all, it was a great day! After having a chat with some friends and family at the Centre, we headed to the in-laws for yet another media opportunity - this time NTV news! Thanks to Ed, Bill, and Sherry for great interviews!

Finally we headed home to our house - which I haven't been in since November 13, 2007! We unpacked the van and just relaxed for the evening! Finally we were HOME - after 6 long months!

Now all the fun starts ...

HOME COMING!

As of today, Friday, May 9, 2008 I've gotten the "all clear" to head home to NL!! Needless to say, Darren and I are super excited to finally get our lives back on track! We've booked our flight for Wednesday, May 14 and we're now counting down the days.

It's been one hell of a journey to say the least - but a very welcomed one! Without this life-saving "gift" I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my life let alone get to start it over! WOW! What a feeling - being able to get a second chance at life! Unbelievable!

We've been so blessed to have such supportive family and friends (new and old) - we wouldn't have been able to do it alone. It's been difficult living in Toronto on our own for the past 6 months, but knowing that we've had the support behind us got us through it! THANK YOU! In addition to those home and abroad - we also met some wonderful and life-long friends and fellow transplant recipients here in Toronto! We've been a support to each other!

This has been a life altering experience - and one that I'm so grateful for being able to enjoy! Yes, I did say enjoy! Although it's been a long and hard journey, it's been well worth it!

As you can see, I'm getting a little better at explaining this experience, but it's still difficult to put into words - I'm sure it will come over time! Just bear with me - LOL!

Well, its time to log off for the night - after all, we've got packing to do now - and it will probably take us until Wednesday to finish it (haha)!

I'll continue to update - as the fun has only begun ...

3 Months!!

The week has started, and it's a busy one:

Monday: PFTs, CT Scan, x-ray, fasting blood work, Esophageal PH Test, TX Clinic
Tuesday: Esophageal Motility Test, physio/rehab
Wednesday: Bronchoscopy
Thursday: Bone Mineral Density Test, physio/rehab
Friday: Methocholine Test, meeting with TX Coordinator

Today was the busiest of the days - but luckily it's almost over. I was a bit worried (well, A LOT worried) about the PH test as I have this 'fear' of things being shoved down my throat. Luckily the nurse that did the test talked me through the whole thing - and it really wasn't all that bad. A few gags in the beginning, but nothing serious.

The test consisted of two parts - the first being a test that checked for the strength of the muscles in the stomach. The tube she used for this one was a little irritating and made me gag - but like I said, nothing too serious. The second part of the test lasts 24 hours! Right now I'm here sitting with a friggin' tube up my nose measuring the PH/acid in my stomach. It's a bit gross as the tube irritates a little, but I'll be at the hospital bright and early to get it removed!! The tests needs to check to see if the acid in my stomach is coming up my esophagus - if it is, it can damage the new lungs!! We DON'T want that!

At clinic today I did get some GREAT news! I got my clearance to fly! We're trying to get flights, etc. straightened out for next Wednesday - the only determining factor will be the bronch/biopsy results this coming Wednesday! We're not anticipating any setbacks - but of course, you always need to be prepared for such things.

Well, it's time to figure out what we have to send home and what needs to come with us! Fun times ahead!

Can't wait to get home!

Going Home??

Time is drawing near! My 3 moth post-transplant assessment has been moved up from May 22 to May 5!! If all tests results come back OK, we're hoping that we'll be on our way home! Next week will be a busy one for sure. Monday, May 5 is the worst day with the most tests and appointments - after that, things will be a breeze! Oh, and I have my Transplant Clinic on that day too!

There are a few tests that I'm not looking forward to - well, actually there's just 2. I'm still not too fond of the bronchoscopy, but they usually give me good drugs and I don't remember most of it (LOL)! There's also the 24-hour PH test that tests the level of acid in your stomach. To do this they insert a tube up your nose and into your stomach. It's to be left there overnight - hence the 24 hour bit. I've never had anything like this done before, and I'm not looking forward to it! Unfortunately it's something that can't be looked over - after all, I don't need acid getting into these new lungs!!

I spoke with one of the doctors on Monday about a return home date, but she didn't want to give me any information until she has the results of the bronchoscopy on Wednesday (May 7). I've had 3 done so far and all have come back negative for infection and rejection - we're hoping that the same will be true for this one!

Going home will be a big change - but a welcomed one! Time for Darren and I to get back to "life" with our two babies! I'm sure the first few weeks will be a whirlwind of excitement then it will be back to work for us both! To be honest, I can't wait to get back into the 'swing of things' - both personal and work wise!