Lungs for Mandy

Amanda is in town for a 10 day visit. Of couse her mom doesn’t know. It will be so great to see her happiness when Mandy pops in.

Frank

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.

– Helen Keller

This is just a little something about my love for sugar.  I woke up recently in the middle of the night to write it a while back. It’s not completed yet…..

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Hello my name is Amanda and I’m a sugarholic.        

Hello Amanda                                                                                              

It started way back when my Mom would offer a fudge-battered beater to my brother and I. MMMM.I think it tasted better than the actual brownies.  She was the pusher in the beginning.

When I was a little older I would scrounge together 35 cents for a Whatchamacallit, walk across to the drug store to buy and finish the candy bar on the way back to my house. Then beg my parents for money for another because I lost the original 35 cents. hehe

As I got older I learned about the”pure sugar”treats like cotton candy. Anytime there was a carnival we had to stop. It always amazed me how the biggest hunk of cotton candy could evaporate so quickly in your mouth. Almost like a science experiment. Pink was my favorite but I’d settle for blue.

My addiction got worse when I was a teenager. If I went to the mall I would spend all of my money at the bulk candy store, Mr. Bulky. Jelly Bellys, Gumballs, Sweedish Fish and Jolly Ranchers at low-down bargain prices. How could I pass them up?

I almost lost a friendship over candy. Later after the mall I would chew the bubble gum until it lost its flavor and then swallow it. That would drive my friend crazy who I was spending the night with because she could hear me roll over, open the noisy plastic bag, grab a few hundred gum balls, throw them in my mouth and start chewing, loud I may add. Until finally she’d ask where are you throwing that gum away?

The appointment went well. The day was very long, but almost everything I learned was good

My White Blood Count is above what it needs to be, 5.4. My weight has increased a little more. The pulmonary function test was okay, but my numbers were not as high as the week before. But I took my test early at 8:30 am, My lungs could have still been a little sleepy. If Dr Hodges says its fine, its fine.  My x-ray looked really good. They were glad to see how well the right lung has filled in after all of the fluid was there. My Physical Therapist Ray says that I’m doing very well. And the Diabetic Nurse, Eveyln is helping me control my sugars. That has to be the hardest part now.

The only thing that is sort bad is I nearsighted and have to get glasses. Oh well I guess it always comes from that. Another problem with that is the glassess I picked out look just like Scott’s. We’re going look like twins.

I’ve been continuing to excercise daily. Scott’s Mom taught me water aerobics in the pool this afternoon and it went well. It’s harded than it looks.

I hope all is well.

Amanda

The Doctors are astounded at how well Amanda has been doing. Her weight is up, her PFT’s are up and her spirits are in high gear. She has really started to enjoy life for (what I think), is the first time in a long time. She has been hiking all over, visiting numerous parks and other sites that just a few months back would of only dreamed of. She is also considering writing to the donor family. What a great gift. Amanda is very proud that we had over 60 people sign up as organ donors at the benefit. Make sure to visit Mandy’s Dairy page to see what’s new.

Frank