Lungs for Mandy

Well it’s been five months since Amanda’s transplant and it appears that all is progressing very good. Laurie, Steve and myself Thank everyone that has supported us and comforted us during Amanda’s amazing recovery. We also Thank You for all of your prayers. The fundraiser was also a great success with all of the attendees and ALL the volunteers. I think if we live to 150 years of age that it will be impossible to repay everyone that has supported Amanda and her family. Thank You and god bless you and yours.

Frank

to see rain.

Friday it started to rain here in L.A. and has continued on and off since then. I LOVE IT! I knew it had been a long time, but I didn’t realize it had been since April. Almost six months! Folks get real freaked out here with rain, its like ice is to St Louisans. Everyone drives slowwwwww. I guess after six months of no rain the streets do get slick. But geez do you have to drive that slow? Also there is the risk of mudslides for the people in the hills if the rain comes too fast. But its not like when ice falls on the streets or it snows 6 inches. I’ve enjoyed staying in and relaxing. When its sunny and warm all of the time you feel as if you HAVE to be productive, but today and all weekend that hasn’t been the case for me. Long live the rain!

Well today is officially my five-month anniversary of my lung transplant. I celebrated today by going to the beach. I actually swam in the Pacific Ocean today. I’ve wadded to my knees before, but never actually swam. Today was the day! Scott tried to teach me how to boogie board. I tried once, got tossed off of the board, lost my sunglasses and got salt water up my nose and in my ears. I really liked those sunglasses too, it was probably stupid to have them out in the ocean anyway. I decided to go back to the comforts of my beach chair and book. I got a little scared, but it was fun though. Without a doubt I will try again and who knows that may be my new hobby. I also strapped on my rollerblades and bladed on the path along the beach. I couldn’t go too far because my legs were so tired and I didn’t want to get too far away unable to get back. All in all  I had a wonderful 5-month anniversary. I did several of the things that I have been wanting to do for a LONG time. And I think its only going to get better. I am so fortunate to have wonderful doctors and nurses. I’m thankful to them for everything they have done. Also, the donor family who lost so much but have given me the gift of living a life I really wanted and needed. Thank you.

Well tomorrow will be my five-month lung birthday. It seems like it has been so much longer than five months. I don’t think I that I was going to get better after my surgery. But I feel great! I guess the doctors were right when they said “things will get better”. I’ve been walking all over the place in the neighborhood. Its kind of nice because you can see so much more by foot than by car here.

I went to the doctor last week and everything is good. My white blood count is fine, PFTs are up, my weights up (and if you’ve seen me soon, you can tell). The really good news is that I don’t have to return to the hospital for a month. After that it will be every three months then every six months. Its good to know there is an end in sight. I mean I love the group of nurses and doctors I deal with. I just hate the trips back and forth..

I had a nice visit with my friend Deborah and her baby Janson this weekend. Deb had business here in L.A. and I watched her baby when she was working. It gave me a nice chance to spend time with him and in the evenings we could all hang out and chit-chat. Its always so hard to say goodbye to people when they leave. I wish everyone I knew and loved lived here.

So everything is going well here. I hope tings ar well with all of you.

Take care

Amanda