First of all I woke up at 6:15AM. I'm still trying to get used to these weird Toronto condo bedroom doors. My bedroom has no window, but it has sliding frosted glass doors. These beautiful sliding frosted glass doors do not come with curtains (I'm not even sure how you would go about trying to add curtains, or if it's even possible) so the morning light pours in. There also are no curtains in the living room and the windows are practically floor to ceiling. Hello sun! Come on in!
However, if I'm being entirely honest, I'm pretty sure I woke up that early because today was listing day!!!!
LISTING DAY!!!!
Did you hear that? You should because I'm screaming.
We left the condo and walked the 2 freaking kms to Toronto General Hospital. My oxygen is pretty much my biggest fan...sticks right with me. Brad carried the cylinder though, so basically he had me on a leash. He's great too, as I move like a snail, and his long legs could've carried him there in at least half the time. We are totally looking in to getting a wheelchair; I just think it would be fun to race people down the street.
Seriously - I've had elderly people (I'm talking octogenarians) strolling by me like no one's business.
It's a good thing my mom thinks I'm cool.
12:30 we met with Angela, my transplant coordinator. She's the one in March, during assessment week, who tells you how it is. The risks and all the narsty (pronounced nar-stee) stuff like life post-transplant and all the precautions and demands. Can't wait!!!
She reviewed it all and gave me a list of appointments. I already have a CF clinic appointment set up for June 19th. It's hard leaving my CF clinic in Halifax, as they are truly amazing people and people I love and trust 100%, but the CF team here is pretty cool too.
I also signed up for my physio. Being on the transplant list means you are required to work out 3 days/week. They want you as fit and healthy as possible for the operation. Sounds weird eh? Healthy to have a double-lung transplant. Imagine me pumping iron? More like collapsing to the floor from a body wracking coughing fit and passing out from lack of oxygen. I'm sure I'd do it very gracefully though. FYI: I'm extraordinarily good at coughing, if you need any tips just hit me up.
2:00 was our appointment with Mr. Surgeon. He was late, so I cancelled everything and moved back to NS.
No, he was late, but I guess he actually has other lives to save than just mine. Matter of fact, the man can be as late as he wants and walk in there wearing a leopard print leotard while playing a banjo, as long as he, or one of his colleagues, saves my life someday.
****** Crosses fingers ****** Someday soon!
So Mr. Surgeon explained everything from what happens when my pager goes off, to how he will cut me open, to life post-transplant.
Annnnd he said they WILL take pictures of my old crusty lungs, I just have to give the nurse a disposable camera when I go in for surgery!!! Fun times. Something for the mantle!
I signed my consent and voila! I am officially listed!!! My call could come this very second. Or now....or now....pretty sure it'll come now....ok, maybe in a few minutes. Or tonight while I'm sleeping...
<----- Brad
i write this is tears in my eyes... i am so proud of you for choosing this road... stay strong... this is a journey for sure... i so thank you for choosing this road... thank you Brad for giving the amazing reason to keep fighting... i can hear you coughing & laughing now as I read this & remebering our laughs over coffee.... keep your blogs coming... & you are in our thoughts & prayers... xoxoxoxo krystle murphy...
ReplyDeleteThanks Krystle! Being able to laugh without coughing is one of the things I'm looking forward to :)
DeleteHey Jess.....so proud of you.....wishing you well on this journey....You truly are an inspiration..!! Maintain your strength and fighter attitude.....Will be thinking of you....XOXO...
ReplyDeleteGenny Murphy
Thanks Genny, I will :)
Deletehi Jessica i miss you so much i want to huge you right now how are you shay here say hi to Brad for me while you are gone i will be thinking of you hope you take your keychanin with you hope you fell better when you come home i want you to come over to the house sometime miss you so much xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteHi Shay! Miss you lots! I have the key chain hanging up in the living room. Brad says HI!
DeleteSo excited for you Jessica,keeping my fingers crossed that you will get a call soon, keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteI promise I will Michelle - smiling uses less muscles...and I'm lazy ;)
DeleteHey Jess... Im so happy for u!! Im keeping my fingers crossed that the pager goes off at any minute! Cant wait to see you after its all said n done... Take Care xoxo
ReplyDeleteJennifer Crouse
Thanks Jennifer!
DeleteTaylor wanted me to post a quick little note. She said " get in that gym WOMAN" lol I thought she was quite funny. We are all glad things have been going good so far for you and Brad up there. Guess with the window situiation there will be no steaking, guess maybe we will be safe to come for a visit some time. I don't know say when the Raps play the Lakers, how's that sound? :)
ReplyDeleteEm,Tay,& Jay
Miss you lots guys! Nope, nope streaking! Plenty of entertainment from everyone else in this city - right outside our balcony!
DeleteWould love for you guys to come for a Lakers game! FUN!
You had BETTER get him to take pictures of your old, crusty lungs! Freaks like me want to see them, too. I wish I could see mine (or maybe not...)!
ReplyDelete-Laura <3
Hmmmm...so we're both freaks. A CF thing perhaps?
Delete