Tuesday 15 January 2013

Life in the FAST Lane

It's unbelievable to me the things that I can do now that I couldn't do even 2 months ago. I feel like I've drifted into a whole new body (which in a sense I have) and that life has filtered in and lodged itself against my soul. 

I CAN BREATHE!

On my first full day at home we ventured out to the grocery store. We are very cool, I know. We met up with Craig and Hilda, who were scared to hug me because they didn't want to give me germs, but I crushed them with my huge muscles anyway.

This should give you an idea of how that outing went:


Back to physio last Thursday. Second day in I already noticed a difference. My legs were feeling less like spaghetti and more like...legs! I was able to go up to 1.2 on the tread (yup, pure Olympian). Soon I will be going full tilt at 1006 km/hr. 

A bunch of us crusty/chunky lunger's and support peeps had lunch after, which was awesome as we all know about my new found crush on all things edible.

The plan was for June and I to go to the Hamiltons for dinner and games, however one of those bring-you-to-your-knees-and-make-you-cry-like-a-newborn-migraines came along.

Ummmm, those things suck.

So they drove us home instead and I stumbled into my bed, after downing a beautiful pain pill and pleaded with all things holy to knock me out. A couple of hours later (and another beautiful pain pill) I felt more human and was able to move from the bed to the couch.

Good news! Games night was moved to the next night. June's sister came to visit during the day, during which we walked to the St. Lawrence Market (did you read that????? I walked!!!!!). Games night was fun, I decided to let Danica (Pamela and Carman's daughter) win because I wasn't quite ready yet to reveal how awesome my new air sacs had made me.

Saturday June and I went for another walk. For the first time in years elderly people weren't passing me on the sidewalk!  

Sayonora Granny shuffle.

Saturday night was another TransplantLand get together. I was pumped as this would be the night I would put the new blowers to the games night challenge.
Pamela drooling over my rock hard muscles

Pamela and I were on a team and well, yup, we won. It's hard being so cool with cool chunkers to boot. I spent the majority of my time stuffing my face. I believe I threw back 3 chocolate cupcakes, 1500 doritos, 20,096 chips, coke, and 13 pounds of veggies.




There are a few feats that I am incredibly proud of at this point.

  • I did laundry and made my bed (first time in aprox 9 mths)
  • I can sing without getting out of breath and everyone loves to listen to it, riiiiiight?
  • I can laugh without coughing (except I have a weird post-transplant laugh as I can't yet get a real big deep breath, so I'm hoping that soon resolves itself, as I don't want a sitcom episode written about it)
  • I went to the park and NOT in a wheelchair
  • I can do dishes like a champ

Life is unbelievable. Freaking unbelievable.

Before clicking off, I ask you to do me a favor. Please click this link and sign an online petition to implement newborn screening for Cystic Fibrosis in Nova Scotia.

I know I ask for a lot of favors...but this is for the babies. Every baby deserves a healthy start at life. The quicker CF is diagnosed the better control it will be in and the longer and healthier their lives will be.

Singing off with new chunkers...

17 comments:

  1. Isn't it just freaking amazing?!?! That is all. Love, Steve

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    1. Wow - in the same week - Jess makes her longest non-oxygen-supported walk yet and our beautiful Steve makes his shorts post-to-this-blog ever! I love being a part of history making!
      xo Steve

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    2. Woot Woot!!!

      It's kinda funny - I may have mentioned this before - but my princess thought she found the quiet one in our family... My mom and sister can talk a blue-streak - they can yabble on about absolutely nothing for hours. Now Laura says she realizes the reason I appeared to be the "quiet one" was simply lack of oxygen... Whatever.

      And PJ - Jess asks favors about CF awareness, and about organ donation awareness, and speaks of her "new chunkers"... It's been almost 13 years and I still do the same. And I do it whenever and wherever I can. I want to tell people about Kari - and now about Alex too - and discribe the two girls who have saved my life and let others see how warmly they're held in my heart.

      And the other reason I can NEVER shut-up, is because I do this for Carman, and for Pamela - and for so many of the Carman's and Pamala's in the world who are waiting and hoping. The more people we can touch - the more people with whom we share the goodness of organ donation - the more people we can convince that their legacy, their goodness and their memory will continue helping people long after they've left this planet... The more Carman's we'll save - and the more Pamela's we'll make happy. I think I'm drawn to Jess because it feels like we're kindred souls - like so many, she's been through Holy-Hell - and echoed in so many of her posts is the ways she supports others, and advocates for people who need something...

      Did I just mess up you being part of history making (not the Jess-Long-Walk part, just the Steve's-Shorts part...)??? Or do we consider these two posts unique and separate incidents? Love, Steve

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    3. I love it! Each one of these comments. You two make me smile. Thanks you.

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  2. From Janet & Chloe Pug,
    You are a marvel JC. Just when we thought the streets were safe, you and your massive lung power are upon them and high jinx ensues at the local groceteria. Couldn't be happier for all the things unfolding for you and your loved ones.

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    1. Thanks Janet & Chloe! I can't wait to see you at the park!

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  3. You are progressing at an amazing rate.. let me see, being able to pass a senior may not be that impressive to an old guy like me but I can only imagine the joy on your face as you left those old folks behind . LOL. You are in much better shape then I , let's see Gladys and I have been married for 41.40881 years so that would be 496.9 months since I last made my bed or did laundry . You are so much better than I will ever be, I am so ashamed.. not .. lol. Love how you are doing and those rock hard muscles are spectaculars, keep getting in shape because us easterners are much better at walking than those old folks in Upper Canada. Look forward to you next posting .. love as always Lee and Gladys .

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    1. It's crazy that I'm not the slowest one on the streets anymore. It's so freaking fantastic. But seriously Lee - get doing laundry!

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    2. I will sleep on it .. Do I wear rubber gloves ? os is that for dishes.. so much to learn. Cheers.

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    3. Eh, use some sort of detergent and you'll be fine ;)

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  4. YAY! I love reading how well you are progressing. :-) I am so happy that you got your lungs and are able to start on the next chapter of your life. Best wishes and continued prayers! xo
    Natasha

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  5. I LOVE reading your posts Jess, couldn't be happier for you. Life is good.
    xo Erin Wilson

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  6. Those muscles shock and awe me, but your determination, progress and full steam ahead attitude scare the pants off me!
    So proud of you and happy to be along for the ride.
    Big Squeegie Hugs

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    1. I'm glad you understand my muscle power. But you also need to understand how motivational you are. You never stop doing for others, you never stop caring and giving. You, my friend, are one of a kind.

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  7. Those muscle tissue surprise and awe me, but your dedication, improvement and full vapor forward mind-set frighten the trousers off me!

    Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn - Gamecard 60 days
    D3 Radiant Star Topaz

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