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| Team TrishKevCaro!! Reunited for 50th Birthday at the Oasis in Austin May 2015 |
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!
I will post here some highlights which Kevin, Caroline or I have pinned to Facebook over the last year just so those of you who do not have a Facebook account can catch up! Sorry about the redundancy for the folks that read our wall.
(Trish Taylor – CF - bilateral lung transplant June 14, 2014)
HAPPY 4 MONTH LUNGAVERSARY!
It was a little after 3:00 in the morning when I awoke to the sound
of.... nothing. Well, nothing but the air movement of 4 pairs of lungs
next to me in a state of slumber. 3 pairs belonged to our beloved long
haired dachshunds. There they were: flat on their backs, paws in the
air, tongues sticking out and obviously enjoying the comfort of a soft
bed and a climate controlled environment. The fourth pair of lungs
belonged to someone else 4 months ago, but they were hers now. The sound
of them breathing again was almost surreal. There was no wheezing or
crackly sounds of stick mucus as her chest rose up and down in a relaxed
unlabored cadence. The air movement was crystal clear and it sounded
to me like a cool breeze signaling the beginning of autumn. I have
awoken hundreds of times in the middle of the night listening to her
distressed breathing as well as violent coughing fits that sometimes
resulted in the gurgling sound of blood due to burst air sacs in her
chest. But not tonight….
Sure, my wife has been home (and
sleeping with me and the pups) for a month now, but something was
different tonight. The silence of her slumber was almost deafening to me
this evening, almost as if there was something wrong and I needed to
take action. But there was no sound of sickness in the air anymore, and
in the power of that moment I was humbled by the Grace of God and our
long 22 year journey that had led up to this moment. My emotions got the
best of me and there was no more sleeping for me tonight. But that
didn’t matter. The woman of my dreams who was months away from leaving
this world was breathing again. My small miracle who has not been able
to blow out candles on her birthday cake for ten years is alive and back
home, living life as usual. Or as usual as you can get.
You see,
Transplant city is very deceiving: it can trick you into thinking you
are healthy and do not need to abide by the rules of the town anymore.
The reality is the 30 pills and 1O insulin shots daily are your
lifeline, no matter how good you feel. Many transplant survivors have
succumbed to this false sense of good health, the penalty being organ
rejection and possibly death.
As I have said before, we are in Transplant city now. We are planning to stay and are not looking back!
Trish is home from her 4 month checkup. She got a clean bill of health
(no rejection issues), and got her feeding tube out. Having a tube
coming out of her stomach for the last 4 months required a lot of
patience, and today it rewarded her with a long hot shower without any
tubes coming out of her body! She has recovered about 90% from her
stroke and is talking up a storm ! Her lung functions are fantastic and
expected to increase even more as time progresses .There are al ways
minor obstacles such as moderate leg swelling, an intestinal blockage,
hair loss and a temporary fever spike, but that is part of the territory
now and we are prepared for the next small miracle as well as the small
obstacles
We are starting to enjoy life again, walking, biking
and doing other things which require a lot of breathing (wink wink).
There are unknowns on the horizon, such as hospital bills, insurance,
and her health of course, but Trish is compiling a new bucket list of
things to do and there is no time but the present, Carpe Diem!
We are both grateful for all of you who have joined us on this journey ,
we REALLY couldn’t have done this without all your prayers and support
and pledges. And it is only just beginning.
Take a special moment
to give praise to Caroline Wright, Trish’s cousin and caregiver who
spent 4 long difficult months in Houston by her side. There will be a
special place in heaven waiting for you my dear.
I arrived home
from work tonight to the smell of yummy homemade vegetable bean soup
that Trish had made . Having the stamina to cook again is another hidden
pleasure that we are both enjoying!
To the outside world, it
might look like a normal evening in the life of a married couple, but to
us, every single moment of the day is a celebration. Life is indeed
precious, and although we are enjoying the new life ahead of us, my
thoughts go out to the donors family who are still mourning the life of
their loved one: a family we hope to meet someday to show them that a
part of their lost love Iives on due to their generosity of organ
donation
Breathe easy my friends,
Kevin
(Trish Taylor – CF - bilateral lung transplant June 14, 2014)
Sure, my wife has been home (and sleeping with me and the pups) for a month now, but something was different tonight. The silence of her slumber was almost deafening to me this evening, almost as if there was something wrong and I needed to take action. But there was no sound of sickness in the air anymore, and in the power of that moment I was humbled by the Grace of God and our long 22 year journey that had led up to this moment. My emotions got the best of me and there was no more sleeping for me tonight. But that didn’t matter. The woman of my dreams who was months away from leaving this world was breathing again. My small miracle who has not been able to blow out candles on her birthday cake for ten years is alive and back home, living life as usual. Or as usual as you can get.
You see, Transplant city is very deceiving: it can trick you into thinking you are healthy and do not need to abide by the rules of the town anymore. The reality is the 30 pills and 1O insulin shots daily are your lifeline, no matter how good you feel. Many transplant survivors have succumbed to this false sense of good health, the penalty being organ rejection and possibly death.
As I have said before, we are in Transplant city now. We are planning to stay and are not looking back!
Trish is home from her 4 month checkup. She got a clean bill of health (no rejection issues), and got her feeding tube out. Having a tube coming out of her stomach for the last 4 months required a lot of patience, and today it rewarded her with a long hot shower without any tubes coming out of her body! She has recovered about 90% from her stroke and is talking up a storm ! Her lung functions are fantastic and expected to increase even more as time progresses .There are al ways minor obstacles such as moderate leg swelling, an intestinal blockage, hair loss and a temporary fever spike, but that is part of the territory now and we are prepared for the next small miracle as well as the small obstacles
We are starting to enjoy life again, walking, biking and doing other things which require a lot of breathing (wink wink). There are unknowns on the horizon, such as hospital bills, insurance, and her health of course, but Trish is compiling a new bucket list of things to do and there is no time but the present, Carpe Diem!
We are both grateful for all of you who have joined us on this journey , we REALLY couldn’t have done this without all your prayers and support and pledges. And it is only just beginning.
Take a special moment to give praise to Caroline Wright, Trish’s cousin and caregiver who spent 4 long difficult months in Houston by her side. There will be a special place in heaven waiting for you my dear.
I arrived home from work tonight to the smell of yummy homemade vegetable bean soup that Trish had made . Having the stamina to cook again is another hidden pleasure that we are both enjoying!
To the outside world, it might look like a normal evening in the life of a married couple, but to us, every single moment of the day is a celebration. Life is indeed precious, and although we are enjoying the new life ahead of us, my thoughts go out to the donors family who are still mourning the life of their loved one: a family we hope to meet someday to show them that a part of their lost love Iives on due to their generosity of organ donation
Breathe easy my friends,
Kevin
HAPPY 4 MONTH LUNGAVERSARY!
It was a little after 3:00 in the morning when I awoke to the sound of.... nothing. Well, nothing but the air movement of 4 pairs of lungs next to me in a state of slumber. 3 pairs belonged to our beloved long haired dachshunds. There they were: flat on their backs, paws in the air, tongues sticking out and obviously enjoying the comfort of a soft bed and a climate controlled environment. The fourth pair of lungs belonged to someone else 4 months ago, but they were hers now. The sound of them breathing again was almost surreal. There was no wheezing or crackly sounds of stick mucus as her chest rose up and down in a relaxed unlabored cadence. The air movement was crystal clear and it sounded to me like a cool breeze signaling the beginning of autumn. I have awoken hundreds of times in the middle of the night listening to her distressed breathing as well as violent coughing fits that sometimes resulted in the gurgling sound of blood due to burst air sacs in her chest. But not tonight….Sure, my wife has been home (and sleeping with me and the pups) for a month now, but something was different tonight. The silence of her slumber was almost deafening to me this evening, almost as if there was something wrong and I needed to take action. But there was no sound of sickness in the air anymore, and in the power of that moment I was humbled by the Grace of God and our long 22 year journey that had led up to this moment. My emotions got the best of me and there was no more sleeping for me tonight. But that didn’t matter. The woman of my dreams who was months away from leaving this world was breathing again. My small miracle who has not been able to blow out candles on her birthday cake for ten years is alive and back home, living life as usual. Or as usual as you can get.
You see, Transplant city is very deceiving: it can trick you into thinking you are healthy and do not need to abide by the rules of the town anymore. The reality is the 30 pills and 1O insulin shots daily are your lifeline, no matter how good you feel. Many transplant survivors have succumbed to this false sense of good health, the penalty being organ rejection and possibly death.
As I have said before, we are in Transplant city now. We are planning to stay and are not looking back!
Trish is home from her 4 month checkup. She got a clean bill of health (no rejection issues), and got her feeding tube out. Having a tube coming out of her stomach for the last 4 months required a lot of patience, and today it rewarded her with a long hot shower without any tubes coming out of her body! She has recovered about 90% from her stroke and is talking up a storm ! Her lung functions are fantastic and expected to increase even more as time progresses .There are al ways minor obstacles such as moderate leg swelling, an intestinal blockage, hair loss and a temporary fever spike, but that is part of the territory now and we are prepared for the next small miracle as well as the small obstacles
We are starting to enjoy life again, walking, biking and doing other things which require a lot of breathing (wink wink). There are unknowns on the horizon, such as hospital bills, insurance, and her health of course, but Trish is compiling a new bucket list of things to do and there is no time but the present, Carpe Diem!
We are both grateful for all of you who have joined us on this journey , we REALLY couldn’t have done this without all your prayers and support and pledges. And it is only just beginning.
Take a special moment to give praise to Caroline Wright, Trish’s cousin and caregiver who spent 4 long difficult months in Houston by her side. There will be a special place in heaven waiting for you my dear.
I arrived home from work tonight to the smell of yummy homemade vegetable bean soup that Trish had made . Having the stamina to cook again is another hidden pleasure that we are both enjoying!
To the outside world, it might look like a normal evening in the life of a married couple, but to us, every single moment of the day is a celebration. Life is indeed precious, and although we are enjoying the new life ahead of us, my thoughts go out to the donors family who are still mourning the life of their loved one: a family we hope to meet someday to show them that a part of their lost love Iives on due to their generosity of organ donation
Breathe easy my friends,
Kevin
Took the dogs for a ride tonight. It was a beautiful night in the neighborhood.
— with Kevin Willette.
— with Kevin Willette.
Diane WogeKevin Willette September 22, 2014 · Hermitage, PA ·Pray
all is going well for you both! Haven't read a post lately. Love
reading how things are going so inspirational as I am pre tx. Thanks!
Hopefully doing so great you are busy enjoying life!
Happy 6 month Lungiversary - Trish Taylor - bilateral lung transplant June 14th 2014
The sun is up and providing much needed sunlight here on the 22nd floor of Methodist Hospital in Houston. After several consecutive gloomy days, it was great to see the sun again as it shone down on Transplant City. From my vantage point up here, I look out and can't help but wonder how many miracles are happening on this early Monday morning. We are staying at a hotel near the hospital, and most of the night I am awakened by the sound of helicopters traveling to and from the multitude of hospital helipads. I wonder what miracle they are carrying in that small igloo ice chest en-route to a recipient who has been on a waiting list for months, possibly years. In some cases, the organs that make it to their destination aredeemed to be unusable by the transplant team. Nevertheless, the recipient gets 'the call', then spends hours in the hospital getting admitted and pumped full of rejection drugs before getting the news that the organ is bad and it is a "dry run". Fortunately we never had to experience this!
I feel this electricity of hope, fear and anxiety in the air every time I visit this place, and it takes me immediately back to that day when Trish received her miracle.
It was a day I could never describe the feelings we experienced:
Getting "the call",
Sadness for the donor and their family.
Anxiety about the future,
having to say our goodbyes before the surgery.
Then the 4 longest hours of waiting I would ever experience, and then the elation of the surgeon coming out to relay the good news.
The ups and downs of the 3 week recovery in the hospital.
These emotions rush through me as if it were that day all over again, and I wrestled to keep myself under composure.
I am sitting in one of several waiting room babysitting Trish's Starbucks Latte as she undergoes a barrage of testing for her 6 month checkup. Tears ran down my cheeks as I looked down on Transplant City, and I wondered again as I have thousands times before why I was created with an over abundance of emotions? As I get older, I welcome this trait as more of a 'gift'. For a brief instant it all makes sense: it is a part of me, and I am at peace with this for the first time in my life. The moment passes, and also for the first time in my life, I think seriously about drinking the rest of Trish's coffee.....
Finally, the testosterone got the best of me, the tears evaporated, I puffed up my chest and sat back down in the waiting room in true 'lemming' fashion!
As I looked around, I saw a lot of people with one thing in common: they didn't want to be here. They were all filling in the slack time reading a book or communicating via their smart phone, bored and tired of the hospital routine. And I don't blame them at all. A clinic day in the hospital is long, and patience is definitely a prerequisite. But somehow I am far from that feeling of boredom. My small miracle is here with me, and there is nowhere else I would rather
be. Well, some place else other than the hospital would be nice, but I never question what I am not in control of.
It is now Tuesday morning and as I am writing this, Trish is undergoing a bronchoscopy to check for any signs of rejection. All the test results from yesterday's visit look great, and after the bronch today, we will be free to travel back to Austin and enjoy the holidays together. The last 3 Christmases and New Years were spent in the hospital, so we are crossing our fingers that things will be different this time around, free of oxygen tubes and full of energy. For some strange reason I am starting to miss the hospital turkey dinner (just kidding).
On the other hand, our donor's family will be spending their first Christmas without their precious loved one. We hope next year we will be able to meet with the family and thank them for their unselfish sacrifice. They will be in our prayers also this season as well as all of you who have been on the journey with us.
Yesterday, there was a memorial service at Methodist for a wonderful gentleman we met in the transplant support group here (an 8 year post heart recipient). He definitely lived life to the fullest and never took a day for granted. Fly free Willie, you are in Gods hands now.
Never take time for granted. This Christmas, grab your loved one, look 'em in the eyes and tell them how special they are. We are all small miracles in our own way.
There is "No day but today...."
Breathe Easy my friends.
Kev
JUST BREATHE UPDATE (Trish Taylor – bilateral lung transplant– June 14th 2014).
Unwanted Gifts
A Blessed Christmas season to all! This is the time to reflect on the events of the past few months and renew our faith and spirit as we move into another year full of “Small Miracles and Minor Obstacles”.
Life has a way of throwing curve balls just when you think you have figured out all of the pitches. It is considered successful if a baseball player can hit a least 1/3 of the balls that are thrown at him. So if you feel like life is failing you 2/3 of the time, in baseball terms you are doing pretty good!
When I was a kid, I experienced the magic that Christmas brought in the form of wonderful gifts under that artificial pine tree with the angel stuffed on the top. I couldn't wait to see what was underneath all that wrapping paper. And sometimes it brought disappointment when I received a article of clothing from a distant relative. If I got lucky, sometimes it would even be the right size! But I eventually ended up wearing those clothes, and I began to like how they looked on me. What I learned from these experiences is that there are gifts given to us that are under the guise of something unwanted. What seems to be a disappointment at first turns out to be something to cherish in the grand scheme of things. I believe that it is up to us to figure out the meaning of these gifts and how they are supposed to play a part in out lives. Somehow this story is taking on a “We are all made imperfect but perfect in Gods eyes' theme. I suppose this is pertinent for the holidays though, so I am not too far off topic!
It fills me with joy to know that I am a part of Gods plan, and there is a reason and a purpose for everything that happens to us.
But it is difficult for me to feel happy this season when I know other friends are in pain due to their loss of loved ones. My heart goes out to beautiful Carla who lost her dear husband this year. A great man who I had the privilege of playing music gigs for several years. I am forever changed by his wonderful personality and musical talents. Our donor's family is also without their spouse this season and it is hard for me to feel good with so much loss. How can I be happy when others are hurting? This question has plagued me my entire life; but in my 'old age', I am finally comfortable with this unwanted gift of empathy.
The greatest gift I have ever received is sleeping peacefully this morning as a chilly cold wind blows out of the north. The wind chimes are singing and welcoming the change in weather, and I think back to last year at this time. My small miracle's health had started its downward spiral, and after another Christmas in the hospital, I was totally prepared to give up everything I owned, pick up the anchor and move to Houston in order to save her life. If my own lungs were a perfect match, I would have gladly given my life so that she could live on and continue touching the lives of others. But Trish and I were chosen to relocate to “Transplant City”, so we are settling in and enjoying each and every day.
We had dinner the other night with two other friends and family we had met in Methodist hospital who had received single lung transplants at the same time as Trish. It was great to see them living life again, and we all shared common stories of the fight to live and getting over all the bumps in the road. We prayed together and toasted the triumph of surviving the last 6 months.
And I toast each and every one of you that has played a part of our drama that has unfolded over the past year. I have already said that we could not have done this without all of your support and unselfish sacrifices. It has been said that you have never truly lived until you receive a gift from someone that you could never repay. We are both humbled by all of your unselfish help and support.
My small miracle will wake up shortly and come downstairs and fill the air with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Who could ask for more than that!
Breathe easy my friends
Merry Christmas
Kevin
Unwanted Gifts
A Blessed Christmas season to all! This is the time to reflect on the events of the past few months and renew our faith and spirit as we move into another year full of “Small Miracles and Minor Obstacles”.
Life has a way of throwing curve balls just when you think you have figured out all of the pitches. It is considered successful if a baseball player can hit a least 1/3 of the balls that are thrown at him. So if you feel like life is failing you 2/3 of the time, in baseball terms you are doing pretty good!
When I was a kid, I experienced the magic that Christmas brought in the form of wonderful gifts under that artificial pine tree with the angel stuffed on the top. I couldn't wait to see what was underneath all that wrapping paper. And sometimes it brought disappointment when I received a article of clothing from a distant relative. If I got lucky, sometimes it would even be the right size! But I eventually ended up wearing those clothes, and I began to like how they looked on me. What I learned from these experiences is that there are gifts given to us that are under the guise of something unwanted. What seems to be a disappointment at first turns out to be something to cherish in the grand scheme of things. I believe that it is up to us to figure out the meaning of these gifts and how they are supposed to play a part in out lives. Somehow this story is taking on a “We are all made imperfect but perfect in Gods eyes' theme. I suppose this is pertinent for the holidays though, so I am not too far off topic!
It fills me with joy to know that I am a part of Gods plan, and there is a reason and a purpose for everything that happens to us.
But it is difficult for me to feel happy this season when I know other friends are in pain due to their loss of loved ones. My heart goes out to beautiful Carla who lost her dear husband this year. A great man who I had the privilege of playing music gigs for several years. I am forever changed by his wonderful personality and musical talents. Our donor's family is also without their spouse this season and it is hard for me to feel good with so much loss. How can I be happy when others are hurting? This question has plagued me my entire life; but in my 'old age', I am finally comfortable with this unwanted gift of empathy.
The greatest gift I have ever received is sleeping peacefully this morning as a chilly cold wind blows out of the north. The wind chimes are singing and welcoming the change in weather, and I think back to last year at this time. My small miracle's health had started its downward spiral, and after another Christmas in the hospital, I was totally prepared to give up everything I owned, pick up the anchor and move to Houston in order to save her life. If my own lungs were a perfect match, I would have gladly given my life so that she could live on and continue touching the lives of others. But Trish and I were chosen to relocate to “Transplant City”, so we are settling in and enjoying each and every day.
We had dinner the other night with two other friends and family we had met in Methodist hospital who had received single lung transplants at the same time as Trish. It was great to see them living life again, and we all shared common stories of the fight to live and getting over all the bumps in the road. We prayed together and toasted the triumph of surviving the last 6 months.
And I toast each and every one of you that has played a part of our drama that has unfolded over the past year. I have already said that we could not have done this without all of your support and unselfish sacrifices. It has been said that you have never truly lived until you receive a gift from someone that you could never repay. We are both humbled by all of your unselfish help and support.
My small miracle will wake up shortly and come downstairs and fill the air with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Who could ask for more than that!
Breathe easy my friends
Merry Christmas
Kevin
Yep,
pretty much! Meds are expensive! Be grateful if you don't take a
multitude of cocktails everyday because you don't know how much it can
cost. Even woth the outrageous premiums they are getting,insurance
companies these days companies are barely covering anything, without a
fight, at that. We are changing (no option) companies next month and
we are scared to death but are not going to worry. Things will all work
out, I'm sure.
San Antonio Road Trip... Riverwalk! Mosaic... artwork and then some!
February 22, 2015
Still crazy after ALL these years!! Two kids in a castle, so very long ago. His Majesty in Blue Tights and his Princess in her (rented) RED(?) dress (the only one that remotely fit me)! We were on "top of the world", like Royalty. Happy Anniversary to the man of my dreams. Almost 20 years (19 and counting) of Wedded Bliss! And, so it was... they lived Happily Ever After, together!
Went to a fabulous party in Lago Vista (the Hill Country) this afternoon for a wonderful person's 70th Birthday ...with his lovely wife Beth Riddle Hartness, whom I met during my transplant journey. They were so informative and such a support during our time in Houston. James had a single lung transplant as well as some of the other people at the party that we met along my journey. The ones donning the masks, no doubt, are the ones who have had lung transplants. Butch Charles J. Miles and Linda Benjamin-Miles, Cheri and Don Parker, as well as Bunny and Wally Wilson, whom we met for the first time today, came. Everything was scrumptious and perfect. Thanks so much for a delightful afternoon of reminiscing with laughter
Tomorrow
is my ONE YEAR Lungiversary! We are celebrating LIFE.... early, late,
everyday-- forever... LIFE! Daniel's life, my life and all the lives
that this whole journey has touched. So, in honor of one FULL year
without rejection we naturally had a BLOOD RED Velvet cake (which turned
our tongues red and seemed to be a favorite color of Dan's)... We're
having a quiet celebration as I know that for Daniel's family it will be
a most somber day.. missing their son, missing their husband and
missing their Daddy, uncle, friend, teacher, etc! I'm praying that
they are comforted by all the LIVES that he helped to save. Giving
Eight of his organs, many, many people will going on living normal,
healthy lives as I am. See the ICU photos from one year ago tomorrow as
well as me blowing everybody KISSES... BECAUSE I CAN, now!!!!
Still crazy after ALL these years!! Two kids in a castle, so very long ago. His Majesty in Blue Tights and his Princess in her (rented) RED(?) dress (the only one that remotely fit me)! We were on "top of the world", like Royalty. Happy Anniversary to the man of my dreams. Almost 20 years (19 and counting) of Wedded Bliss! And, so it was... they lived Happily Ever After, together!
February 14 ·2015
Today,
in honor of my Donor... Daniel and his family, I have reached yet
another milestone and going strong!!! This marks my 8th month
Lungiversary. So much has happened since that morning I got THE CALL
which I can replay so vividly in my mind. This has changed me forever!
That was my "REbirth", so to speak! I have learned so much and tried to
be an inspiration of Grace and Courage throughout the journey to all
who have been following my story! Today, being National Donor Day as
well as "Happy Heart Day", my love goes out to Tricia, Daniel's wife and
his 2 children. She said to me just yesterday: "It's one of the only
things about this loss that makes us feel better." With every passing
holiday which comes and goes without his presence in theirs, I truly
feel even more gratitude beyond measure. "Grief is the last act of love
we give to our beloved. Where there is deep grief, there is deep love."
This is Daniel..."my brother", who is infused in my soul (and body),
forevermore.
THIS IS FROM KEVIN'S Wall on Facebook
I
was at my follow up, (9 month) clinic appointment today in Houston. I
am doing so well that I didn't have to stay for the scheduled bronch
tomorrow. Yay!!! Again, I met three post transplant recipients...two
were CF and another, sweet gal (Shelly)who lives in Houston. She had
schleroderma that led her to COPD. We sat down on a couch adjacent to
hers in waiting room and she asked, "Are you Trish Taylor? " I said,
"How did you know?" I was mind boggled. She was following
my post tx progress from Kevin's daily posts on the lung
transplantation forum. I am so enamored with all the support and love I
am still getting. We traded stories of our journies until I had to go
in for tests and then Kev and she compared notes thereafter. That is
just how it is with "lungers"...so cohesive, informative and supportive
of "their own". I'm eternally grateful to everyone one of you, and not
JUST my tx family. That means all my friends who've given so much love
after I've been back home. Of course, Kevin was at my side, through it
all. Love that man!
James's 70th Birthday party!!!!THIS IS FROM KEVIN'S Wall on Facebook
Trish Taylor (Bilateral Lung Transplant May 14th 2014)
Going out to a romantic dinner was a little cumbersome in her condition, but at this point we were used to it. We were also used to the stares we received as we sat down in the restaurant accompanied by the gentle hum of the oxygen concentrator supplying our own background music. Today we still receive stares only because of the mask Trish wears to protect her lungs from any germs potentially invading her immune suppressed system. The lung is the only transplanted organ that is exposed to the outside air and all the germs and pollutants that come with it. And that is why a lung transplant is more risky than all the other organs. The survival rate is a lot lower also, but at every turn we hear of great success stories of 15-20 year survivors. How wonderful it is to hear this news and it makes us hopeful for the future and the discovery of new drugs and techniques that help prolong the lives of recipients.
Trish’s lung donor (Daniel) was a special person who lost his life very suddenly without any warning, leaving his wife and family with a huge dark hole in their lives. Their choice to donate Daniel’s organs was a multi life saver, and it gave his wife added strength knowing that her husband’s death was not in vain. Special people receive transplants each and every day only because of an unselfish decision a person can make to become an organ donor. Thank you Daniel!
Today is National Donor Day as well as Valentine’s Day so our hearts have an extra special value. We gladly give our hearts to that extra special person in our lives, but we also have the chance to give our physical hearts to help someone in need in case we happen to leave this earth before our time. If you are not already a donor, take a little time and think about what it would mean to you to become one. It isn’t for everybody, but there are definitely more people on the transplant list than there are available organs, so we can use all we can get!
Today, we are celebrating Trish’s 8 month lungiversary. We are having a very laid back day since I am recovering from an emergency wisdom tooth extraction and an equally painful lymph node infection. Add having an adverse reaction to the antibiotics they gave me and that is enough to warrant a laid back Saturday, enjoying the 70 degree weather and each other. Later, we will hunt down a box of chocolates and dial in a couple of romantic comedies to watch. And also think about the road we have been on in the last year, and about the journey ahead of us in Transplant City. It’s all about now folks, no day but today!
Breathe easy my friends,
Kevin
Happy 8 month Lungiversary!
Last year at this time, Trish and I were celebrating what was probably our last Valentine’s Day together. We were busy getting all the information needed to begin the process of getting her evaluated for a lung transplant. With all that going on, it was difficult even to consider having any celebration at all.Going out to a romantic dinner was a little cumbersome in her condition, but at this point we were used to it. We were also used to the stares we received as we sat down in the restaurant accompanied by the gentle hum of the oxygen concentrator supplying our own background music. Today we still receive stares only because of the mask Trish wears to protect her lungs from any germs potentially invading her immune suppressed system. The lung is the only transplanted organ that is exposed to the outside air and all the germs and pollutants that come with it. And that is why a lung transplant is more risky than all the other organs. The survival rate is a lot lower also, but at every turn we hear of great success stories of 15-20 year survivors. How wonderful it is to hear this news and it makes us hopeful for the future and the discovery of new drugs and techniques that help prolong the lives of recipients.
Trish’s lung donor (Daniel) was a special person who lost his life very suddenly without any warning, leaving his wife and family with a huge dark hole in their lives. Their choice to donate Daniel’s organs was a multi life saver, and it gave his wife added strength knowing that her husband’s death was not in vain. Special people receive transplants each and every day only because of an unselfish decision a person can make to become an organ donor. Thank you Daniel!
Today is National Donor Day as well as Valentine’s Day so our hearts have an extra special value. We gladly give our hearts to that extra special person in our lives, but we also have the chance to give our physical hearts to help someone in need in case we happen to leave this earth before our time. If you are not already a donor, take a little time and think about what it would mean to you to become one. It isn’t for everybody, but there are definitely more people on the transplant list than there are available organs, so we can use all we can get!
Today, we are celebrating Trish’s 8 month lungiversary. We are having a very laid back day since I am recovering from an emergency wisdom tooth extraction and an equally painful lymph node infection. Add having an adverse reaction to the antibiotics they gave me and that is enough to warrant a laid back Saturday, enjoying the 70 degree weather and each other. Later, we will hunt down a box of chocolates and dial in a couple of romantic comedies to watch. And also think about the road we have been on in the last year, and about the journey ahead of us in Transplant City. It’s all about now folks, no day but today!
Breathe easy my friends,
Kevin
Five people unknown to one another less than a year ago, but forever connected through gifts of lung donations.
— with James Hartness, Trish Traylor, Butch Miles, Don Parker and Wally Wilson in Lago Vista, Texas.
— with James Hartness, Trish Traylor, Butch Miles, Don Parker and Wally Wilson in Lago Vista, Texas.
Went to a fabulous party in Lago Vista (the Hill Country) this afternoon for a wonderful person's 70th Birthday ...with his lovely wife Beth Riddle Hartness, whom I met during my transplant journey. They were so informative and such a support during our time in Houston. James had a single lung transplant as well as some of the other people at the party that we met along my journey. The ones donning the masks, no doubt, are the ones who have had lung transplants. Butch Charles J. Miles and Linda Benjamin-Miles, Cheri and Don Parker, as well as Bunny and Wally Wilson, whom we met for the first time today, came. Everything was scrumptious and perfect. Thanks so much for a delightful afternoon of reminiscing with laughter
April 24 ·
I
haven't been on here for very long lately, just to check messages.
I've been under the weather with a tummy bug for the past 3 days. I'm
looking forward to rounding the corner to better things. I don't wish
this bug on anyone is really painful and constant nausea. Xoxo
As y'all might remember, last year I spent some time in Texas with my cousin Trish Taylor, who was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder. Trish was on oxygen 24/7 when I got to Texas. She was averaging about 3 hours of sleep per night, because she coughed so much. Worst of all were the increasingly regular bouts of coughing blood. She was, without a doubt, in the end stages of her terrible disease. On June 14, we got the call that would save Trish's life - and by 'save,' I mean prolong it and enhance it and improve it immeasurably. Through the tragic and accidental death of a very special man in a nearby Texas town, Trish would receive a gently-used, healthy pair of lungs, to replace the tired, broken old lungs that had been ravaged by her disease. Almost ten months later, my beloved cousin is THRIVING. Her life was saved by the miracle of organ donation. PLEASE BE A DONOR if you can. It won't hurt, I promise. (o; And it might be the sweetest, most important gift you ever give. #donatelifemonth
I'm now connected to my new family! Daniel's! I'm loving it!! THANK you, Daniel's family, for the donation of his lungs in order for me to go on living!!! One year ago today his life was ended and I've had a year of milestones, health and blessings! I always live each day with gratitude but this takes it to a whole new level! I went into the surgery with less than 10% lung function and last week my PFTS (Pulmonary Function Tests) were at an all time high of over 100%. I'm not sure if I ever had it that high except for maybe when I was a child.. not even sure about that, though. I HAVE new lungs and have a lot of people to be thankful for! Thank you, Lord!! I've said it all before, but I'll say it again... I would not have been able to come this far without YOU all... THANK YOU to everyone whom has blessed me throughout my life.. who is in it now and even those whom I don't see so much or at all...I know you are there, as I am here! I still love you and your prayers/thoughts mean the world to me. Spread the love! I know I am/will! Doing the "HAPPY" dance!
April 15 ·
Me ' n my honey, Kevin Willette, celebrating my 10th month lungiversary at the Domain.
As y'all might remember, last year I spent some time in Texas with my cousin Trish Taylor, who was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder. Trish was on oxygen 24/7 when I got to Texas. She was averaging about 3 hours of sleep per night, because she coughed so much. Worst of all were the increasingly regular bouts of coughing blood. She was, without a doubt, in the end stages of her terrible disease. On June 14, we got the call that would save Trish's life - and by 'save,' I mean prolong it and enhance it and improve it immeasurably. Through the tragic and accidental death of a very special man in a nearby Texas town, Trish would receive a gently-used, healthy pair of lungs, to replace the tired, broken old lungs that had been ravaged by her disease. Almost ten months later, my beloved cousin is THRIVING. Her life was saved by the miracle of organ donation. PLEASE BE A DONOR if you can. It won't hurt, I promise. (o; And it might be the sweetest, most important gift you ever give. #donatelifemonth
I
was so enamored by this email I had to share with you all. If you know
who this is, then you will know that this man has inspired so many
people over the 30+years with his teaching. He inspired me for the
whole year I studied with him and to this day...9 years later. Thanks,
Reggie Ezell
for making my 50th really special. (He doesn't do Facebook really, or
he might have put it on my wall. ) This is THE REGGIE, folks:
Dear Trish,
Every day is a miracle. So how many miracles old does that make you? Your mere presence makes the rest of us want to be better, live what we believe. Thank you for being the living miracle and joy we can turn to when doubt gets the better of us. Thank you for being born into this world and making it happier to live in. Love. Reggie
May 26th, 2015
Dear Trish,
Every day is a miracle. So how many miracles old does that make you? Your mere presence makes the rest of us want to be better, live what we believe. Thank you for being the living miracle and joy we can turn to when doubt gets the better of us. Thank you for being born into this world and making it happier to live in. Love. Reggie
TURNED 50 THIS YEAR!!!! WOW!!!
May 26th, 2015
A dear friend threw me a Birthday Party
with only a few, close friends and I was
MOST grateful! You don't turn 50 every day...
especially having Cystic Fibrosis.
Celebrating
my 50th birthday weekend with my honey and doggies Today. Saw Tomorrowland
yesterday, Caroline Wright
arrives on my actual birthday. It doesn't get any better than this.
I'm so thankful and happy to be alive still. And, grateful to my donor,
Daniel, for the gift of life. In a couple of weeks, I'll be
celebrating my one year Lungiversary. It's a miracle!
Last night at the Capital City Scribes Calligraphy Guild meeting. I became VP (again). YAY! Looking forward to delving back in with Carol McCall at the helm as President! We are so blessed to have her expertise, dedication and innovation! Let's GET ON IT, Carol!
I'm now connected to my new family! Daniel's! I'm loving it!! THANK you, Daniel's family, for the donation of his lungs in order for me to go on living!!! One year ago today his life was ended and I've had a year of milestones, health and blessings! I always live each day with gratitude but this takes it to a whole new level! I went into the surgery with less than 10% lung function and last week my PFTS (Pulmonary Function Tests) were at an all time high of over 100%. I'm not sure if I ever had it that high except for maybe when I was a child.. not even sure about that, though. I HAVE new lungs and have a lot of people to be thankful for! Thank you, Lord!! I've said it all before, but I'll say it again... I would not have been able to come this far without YOU all... THANK YOU to everyone whom has blessed me throughout my life.. who is in it now and even those whom I don't see so much or at all...I know you are there, as I am here! I still love you and your prayers/thoughts mean the world to me. Spread the love! I know I am/will! Doing the "HAPPY" dance!
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