CHECK AND CHECK!

Although I wasn't 'supposed' to have to travel to Toronto for more assessments, the team decided that because I was exposed to the b. cepacia in September 2008, a follow up assessment was needed to check on the 2 year exposure mark.

After being exposed to b. cepacia, there is a 2 year period that one can test positive - it can happen at any time in those 2 years - even at the 2 year mark!  YES, scary stuff.  Although testing positive for b. cepacia is not an automatic death sentence - it's not a nice thing to develop.  With CF patients [pre and post transplant], the outcomes are not as good.  It often leads to rapid decline in health and lung function pre-transplant, and can ultimately do the same post.

Thankfully, at this point - I don't have that to worry about!! YIPPEE!!

Also, during my assessment, I did have the entire routine tests - with all of them coming back great!!  The chronic rejection scare in February has seemed to pass for the time being.  My lung function [FEV1] is again at my baseline of 2.9!  For some strange reason, my FEV1 often fluctuates from test to test.  It's always done this pre-transplant, but it seems to be occurring again now.  I'm starting to think I have somewhat of the 'white coat syndrome' when it comes to PFTs [HAHA].  Nevertheless, the fluctuation doesn't matter much - especially when it returns to my baseline :)!

So, here's hoping that things will continue to progress and improve - or at the very least, stay the same!  I hope that my donor family realizes just how important their kindness has been, and what a tremendous new life they have given me :)!  xoxo

SURVIVING CYSTIC FIBROSIS - ASHLEY'S STORY

I had no idea when I initially was contacted by Ashley's mother, Caroline Donnelle just over a year ago, that Ashley would become one of those people who will leave a lasting impact on me.  I remember the contact well ... Caroline had informed me of Ashely's declining health, and with me just receiving a double-lung transplant a year earlier - and coming from out of province, she was eager to understand and get some "tips" on relocating to another province.

I remember our last conversation turned into more of confirmation - Ashley NEEDED a transplant, and Caroline was making sure that she WAS going to get one!  Now, that's a great mom indeed!  Caroline told me that she was leaving Montreal with Ashley and driving to Toronto.  I was horrified at the thought of trekking across provinces with oxygen, but I KNEW that Caroline would get her there safe and sound - and sure enough, it wasn't too long and I had heard from Caroline - they had arrived in Toronto and Ashley was hospitalized!!

I remember reassuring Caroline and Ashley that her time WOULD come - I kinda have a sixth sense about somethings and some people - and Ashley was one of those people.  It wasn't too long after and Caroline had emailed to let me know Ashley was gone into surgery.

Following a few "bumps", Ashley is now doing fantastic - and one great advocate for the CF Community!

Here's Ashley's story, covered by Macleans ...

SURVIVING CYSTIC FIBROSIS

I just hope that one day soon, we can meet in person!

... AND SO THE FUN BEGINS

After 10 years of marriage, it looks like we're FINALLY going on a honeymoon - or well, at least a REAL vacation!

We made the decision to book a cruise and finally enjoy ourselves!

A couple of friends have already booked and we decided that for our first vacay, we would join them!  Needless to say, I'm pretty pumped about the whole thing!  It's something I have dreamed about - and to be honest, it's about time that we did something for ourselves.  Life is never going to be easy, and we are never going to be in a position that we can just spend, spend, spend ... so what the hell!  Life is short and you only go this way once [or in my case a few times :)].

We've booked on the Carnival Dream - a new ship with the Carnival Crusielines.  I've NEVER pictured myself on a cruise, but this particular one has a number of ports that I WANT to visit ... so in reality, we're getting 4 trips for the price of a cruise!  Can't go wrong there!

Look at that puppy!

I can already feel the warm ocean breeze and taste those wonderful drinks :)!

I'll post more details as they come - right now we're busy getting passports, appropriate medical stuff, vaccines, etc.  Oh the joys of an 'abnormal' life ... but an oh so wonderful one all the same.

GOD & DOG

This is such a sweet video ... absolutely love it! So very true!