Sunday 13 January 2013

Putting The New Chunkers To Work

The G-man racing around out of control upon my return home:

Tail wag, tongue out, around the corner, slide...
The first night home in my bed was super fantastical. The G-man tried to get me to lift his furry self up onto the bed, but as I can't lift more than 5 lbs at the moment, there was no way I was giving in - I've got precious cargo inside here. I coached him and made him feel like he was Griffin the Wonder Dog, until finally he jumped up.

Keep in mind he can do it, he just prefers to be pampered. Wonder where he gets that from?

Must be Brad.

Let's discuss my sleep. Sleep? What's that? I didn't sleep. Maybe a couple of hours, as I was too busy being excited about, and in awe of, my new blowers. I couldn't believe I was sleeping in my bed, using only TWO pillows (pre-transplant I used at least 6), not wearing the sexy oxygen, not hooked up to my feeding tube (as of right now that's on hold), not coughing, and not breathing like I'd just finished a 10k.

I think I fell asleep around 3:30AM. The good news is that I'm all caught up on the Zombies.

January 8th - 1st day back @ physio

I woke full of energy and crazy.

NEW LUNGS!!!!!

I get to put these suckers to the test!

I don't think I stopped smiling the entire day. I felt a flood of emotions when I walked into physio. I just looked around and immediately understood I had crossed to the other side; I was living in a whole new world.

I had received my gift, I would live. Yet, being at physio was a commanding reminder that so many people were still in need of their gift. My best buddy Carman; he needs lungs. I wish I could run out and pick him up a set, open my Lung Transplants For Dummies manual, crack him open and get it done.

Instead of words, I believe photos paint a better picture of the day:


Ya? You wanna mess with me?

Stretching my spaghetti legs

My big, fat, liquid-filled feet would only fit in slippers

Fierce squats

Trying hard not to fall and break my face

Carman's "See how sexy I am on a treadmill?" face

Beautiful workout buddy! You're next!

Guys, I need Carman (whom I affectionately refer to as Gramps) to get lungs. We met during our assessment week back in March of 2012. We were listed within 1 week of each other and he and his wife Pamela quickly became two of my best friends. We have an unbreakable bond and one that we share with many others that we've met while listed.

There are still 83 people waiting for lungs in Ontario alone. And that's just lungs. There are many other organs needed. Blood, tissue, etc. Also important to note is that people are added to the list all the time. There will always be a need. 

Check out this article from the Halifax newspaper. I think the reporter, Bev Ware, did an awesome job. 

Here's a news piece from one of my hometown radio stations, including a small clip from an interview. I did an earlier interview with Jonathan (morning show host) on New Years Eve. What a freaking blast. Once I figure out how to post it on here, I will.

Last, keep in mind that I am playing a bit of catch up with my blog, but it's still extremely fabuloso to note that today I am...

ONE MONTH POST TRANSPLANT!

12 comments:

  1. One month post and you're Rockin' It!
    I can't imagine this journey without you in the Hamobile critiquing TO pedestrian & cyclist behaviours on the way to Physio, doing Squats with Carman & Mark, talking while biking (and NOT paying the Chatter Can), sitting at our table for food & games, and generally getting up to no good around town. You have enriched our journey to no end and we're having a blast watching you make your new blowers feel at home. Bless you,
    Big Hugs
    P&C

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  2. Good day Jess,
    I was on my way to work on Thursday and I just happened to have the radio on CKBW and low and behold there was an interview with you.Not only are you looking good in your photos you are sounding good as well.Keep up the good work.

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    1. Thanks! That interview was so much fun! I want to go on the morning show!!! Can you make that happen? ;)

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  3. Happy ONE MONTH!!!! Good work Jess! Skype date soon!! xo Jen & girls

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  4. I'm so happy for you, Jess!!! It's so awesome that you're HOME!!! I'm so proud of you...

    These are the first steps of an amazing journey... The media coverage you've showed us is wonderful. I can't wait to hear all the places your adventure takes you...

    Both you and Carman look great - I hope his turn is very, very soon... And thanks for always taking a moment to think of the the person and family who saved your life - and reminding people how special and important organ donation is - and that there are people like Carman and so many others out there waiting for the same gift!

    And I remember the sleep issues quite well. I remember feeling that I was WIDE AWAKE the whole night - though, my princess assured me that there were blocks of time when I actually was sleeping - and I remember catching catnaps during the day from time to time... But mostly I remember feeling like I was awake for 2-3 days, then I'd crash and burn and have an incredibly good sleep - and that cycle kept up for a number of months... I grew accustomed to it - and it really didn't bother me nearly as much as the goodness of being able to breathe and be active overwhelmed anything bad...

    Hope your experience is the same... Love, Steve

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    1. The good thing about not being able to sleep is that it's giving me the opportunity to catch up on tv shows. There's nothing like watching Dexter at 2AM!

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  5. Happy month-a-versary !!!!!! Keep up the good work. Always thinking of you on your incredible journey. Live, Love, Laugh as the old saying goes....

    Wanda

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    1. It's such a pleasure to wake in the morning to see a message on your blog as you share your feelings,family, and experiences as you've weaved through this journey with such grace and humour. Such inspiration.... love & best wishes to you an yours!

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  6. Happy One Month Post Transplant jess. I cant even imagine how you are feeling. U look amazing and you even sound better on the phone. You just cant stop talking now. LOL. I love it. I am so proud of you. You are the strongest person I know and keep on pushing so you can come home soon. Miss you and keep that GMAN racing around. Love ya xoxo Red

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    1. Could I ever stop talking? Oh right, before I used to stop to cough and catch my breath. Man....life is gooooood.

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