80 Percent!!!

Last week my transplant follow-up appointment rendered some awesome test results.

Here is a brief recap of my lung function test results over the past 2-ish years:

• 22% - day before the transplant
• 42% - first test after the transplant
• 51% - three months after the transplant
• 60% - five months after the transplant
• 67% - one year after the transplant
• 76% - two years after the transplant
• LAST WEEK - 80%

Woohoo!!! 80% - I am hoping to keep up the improvement and make it to 100% eventually, even though the doctors say that it is unlikely since I have lopes and not full lungs. You have to reach for the stars to land on the moon right?

(cheers to continued improvement and setting higher goals for myself)

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

Around when I hit my "2 years out" marker, a very annoying side effect of prednisone decided to kick in full force. For those of you who have taken the med you will understand the problem that has become......EXCESSIVE HUNGER.

Since I have been back from Maui I have had an enormous appetite, eating as much as a teenage boy who is on the high school varsity football team.

It's ridiculous how much food this "little" body can pack away and yet still crave for more. Which leads me to say that this "little" body is not so little any more; it's growing in circumference. When I left for Maui at the beginning of January I was 103lbs., as of today the scale reads 112lbs. (keep in mind that I am 5'2" when I round my height up, as I always do, lol). Don't get me wrong I am not saying that I need to loose weight right now or that I am unhappy with gaining as much weight as I have; on the contrary, I love having more meat on these bones. For the first time in years I feel stronger and healthier, not only because of the new lungs but also because of this great new appetite; I finally enjoy eating.

However, there are a few difficult things that come with this great new appetite and weight gain that I am enjoying.

(1) Putting down the knife and fork. Since I am always hungry and don't feel full until about 10-15 minutes after I stop eating, it is difficult to put the knife and fork down, not go back for seconds and thirds, and to sometimes have to push food away.

(2) Comments from people. Even though I may be happy when I look in the mirror and see a few extra pounds, that does not mean that I won't receive negative comments from people about the new weight gain. It's hard to hear people rag on your weight gain when you are proud of it. It's also hard for it to be the subject that is always brought up during conversation.

(3) Clothes are a bit more snug. What's nice about never gaining any weight, is that you never have to buy new clothes. However, when you start to gain weight the dilemma arises about whether or not it is time to buy a new pair of jeans the next size up, or to just keep trying to squeeze into the jeans that you have for a while until you make sure the weight is going to stay.

While I am on the subject of clothes I would like to mention size 0 pants. I love that there are size 0 pants. I don't think they are a size that girls/women should try and aspire/conform to. But for those of us who are in our late teens or early twenties and are "tiny," it's nice to be able to find jeans without flowers on the back pockets. I remember shopping in the "Girls" section before I came across size 0 jeans, and even size 00. The jeans never fit right, and they would always be too short and too big in the "back pocket" area. That is to say, I am grateful that there are size 0 pants.

(4) Now I have to work out. For a while I was able to enjoy going to the gym and working on what ever I wanted to. Now when I go I know that I need to work on certain "problem areas" to make sure that they don't become even more of a "problem." Luckily I have still been able to maintain a love for working out, at least for now.

All this to say that I am loving this new appetite and the new weight I have put on, even though I may have a few difficult things to deal with because of it.

(cheers to maintaining this healthy new weight and turning it all into muscle)

Mile 1...Mile 2...

One of my goals after having the transplant was to run a mile non-stop, Tuesday I accomplished this goal by the grace of God.

It took quite awhile to work up to being able to run a mile non-stop. A year ago I could hardly run about a tenth of a mile, but slowly I worked my way up to a quarter of a mile. The most I had attempted to run non-stop before Tuesday was a little over half a mile. After running a mile on Tuesday, I decided to try and run 2 miles on Wednesday and was able to complete that too. God has truly blessed me with great health, enabling me to do so much more than I could ever have imagined. I am so grateful. 

(cheers to being able to exercise and to loving every minute of it)

Aloha

Aloha Everyone!

I can't believe I have been in Maui for the past 13 days, it has been absolutely AMAZING!!! My friend Charity and I have been whale watching, surfing, and hiking to see beautiful waterfalls. I am amazed at the beauty of the island and have seen just a glimpse of the majesty of God my creator.

Going on so many adventures and being so active on this trip has given me a greater appreciation for the gift of life that I have been given. My two year old lungs have taken me to the top of Haleakala, around the island to Hana and past to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools, out to sea to see majestic whales and surf the beautiful clear waters of Maui, not to mention the many hiking trips throughout the island that we have taken.

I can't believe that our trip is almost over. I am contemplating moving here for a few years, but we'll see what happens. If I don't move here I am at the very least coming back within the year or maybe two.

Aloha!

(cheers to returning to Maui and to more adventures in the future)

What do you do...

What do you do when you accomplish one of your dreams?

What do you do when you complete something that was on your bucket list?

What do you do when a chapter in your life comes to an end?

I have realized that I have been extremely emotional the past couple of weeks in regards to graduating because I am accomplishing one of my dreams. Before I had my transplant and my health was in poor shape, I placed "obtaining my college degree" on my bucket list, because I was unsure if it would actually ever happen. AND NOW, IT'S HAPPENING!!! God has been extremely gracious towards me over my lifetime, but I just can't explain how much grace, love, and peace I feel today.

As I was finishing my last undergraduate paper today I realized that I have been procrastinating because I knew that once I finished that paper, I would complete the last paper of my undergraduate degree. Likewise, during my final test today, I paused for a moment before I came to the last couple of questions of the test, knowing that once I filled in those answers, I would be finishing the last test of my undergraduate degree and I would be finished with school completely. After filling in all of the short answers and looking over my test, I paused, noting how precious my experience at Biola has been. It's not the campus or even the classes that I will miss the most, but the people that I have come to know and love. The people of Biola make up what I have come to know and love at the "Biola experience." From the fabulous professors who have challenged me and helped mold me into the woman I am today, to friends who have encouraged me and supported me in my walk with Christ; it's the people of Biola that I will miss the most.

So here is my answer to the above questions: cry, laugh, dance (as long as it's not at a Biola sponsored event, hahaha), be joyful. God has given me so much to be thankful for and I can't express this thankfulness in just one type of emotion. So I will express my thankfulness in any way I know how, but most of all through praising HIS name.

(cheers to returning to Biola in the future, whether it is to audit a class or possibly become part of the fabulous faculty, AND to praising the name of Jesus for all that he has done and has yet to do)

2 Years Out (Video)

2 years ago I posted a video marking my last night with CF lungs. To keep with the theme of posting a video the night before my transplant date, I created the following video to share a visual of what has happened since then.

My Boyfriend

So after six years of an "on again/off again" relationship, my boyfriend and I are splitting up. It's relatively mutual in that we both have learned all we can from one another, however I feel that he wants to leave me more than I want to leave him. I definitely am not ready for us to go our separate ways.

We started our relationship in 2007 and were going strong for a year when I broke up with him in order improve my own person. I needed to be a better individual for myself and for him; I could only make these improvements with time alone. This break lasted for two years and then we finally got back together. It was so nice to be back with each other, it just felt right. After a year of going strong, sadly I broke up with him yet again because I realized I hadn't quite become the person I thought was good enough to make the relationship work successfully. But after a year apart and having worked on improving myself, I came running back to him. This time we have been going strong for a year and a half, but sadly the relationship has run its course; it is time to go our separate ways. We both have left our mark on one another, but these relationships can only last so long.

Now if you are utterly confused, you should be. For those of you who know me well there has never been mention of said boyfriend, so how in the world did I hide this relationship so well. Well, that's because this relationship isn't actually with a person, it's with my theoretical boyfriend, "Biola University."

I was talking with some fabulous friends a few days ago and we talked about how for some of us school takes the time and place of a boyfriend. The time spent on getting to know one another and learning from each other that occurs in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, has been spent in school. I feel that I have been so dedicated to school over the past years, or dedicated to getting back to it, that school in a sense has been the focal relationship in my life (other than my relationship with God of course).

With graduation taking place next week, I have been having a whiplash of emotions. Sometimes I get so excited about what is on the other side of that stage, and other times I think about the great people I will miss, as well as the great environment of Biola. Sometimes the thought of graduating is utterly heartbreaking, and other times it utterly exhilarating.

All this to say that my boyfriend is breaking up with me and I am going to miss him dearly.

(cheers to building new relationships and savoring the memories of the old ones)

Thankful

Yes, it is December 1st, but I never posted about what I am thankful for in November, so here it is.

There is so much to be thankful for this year, I thought I would just list a few...

• great company - I am so thankful for family. I am thankful for the support that we give one another, the love that we have for one another, and the willingness to hear each others opinions (even if we don't agree). I am so thankful for friends. I am thankful for the open communication we have with one another, the support we give one another, and the prayer we offer one another.
• great health - I am thankful for the grace God has shown me over the past year and the good health he has blessed me with.
• great education - I am thankful to be graduating from college this semester and all that awaits me on the other side of that platform.

And I am thankful for my cousin (you know who you are) who reads this blog. You are amazing and I am so blessed to be your cousin. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the future.

(cheers to another year full of things to be thankful for)

Graduate School

A little background: In high school I dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Later I decided that I did not want to spend the time needed in school to make this dream a reality. I thought that all the years it would take to obtain my law degree would not be worth it in the end. To be honest, I also thought that I wouldn't be able to utilize my degree because of my health.

I have been set against continuing my education after completing my undergraduate degree for quite some time, that is until recently.

After thoroughly enjoying my communication studies classes at Biola, and doing well after the lung transplant, I have decided to further my education. I feel what God is calling me to do in the future requires higher education and further in-depth study.

What does this mean?

Well, as of now, I am beginning the journey of searching for the graduate school and graduate program that would best prepare me for my future. There are so many questions I am asking myself...

- in state or out of state
- full-time or part-time (I will also need to be working, so I need to find a balance)
- where will I work and what insurance do they offer (insurance is definitely important)

...okay, maybe there aren't that many questions...but this also means that I will have to begin studying to take the GRE test (graduate school version of the SAT), and I will also need to begin applying to these schools.

I have been asking God about what he has planned for me after graduation in December, and I feel that this is part of what he is calling me to. He has given me such a peace, as well as excitement, in regards to making this decision. I continue to pray that he will open the doors to the school he would have me attend.

(cheers to finding the right school and graduate program)

Soaking Up Every Moment

As the weeks fly by I become more aware that I will be graduating in less than two months. Graduation pictures have been taken, invitations ordered, and my cap and gown have been picked up. I still don't have a set plan for what I am doing after graduation (other than an excited trip with a fellow graduate) and that is scary. I have always been one to plan (even at times when my health didn't allow it). If I was going to be attending school next semester I would already have my classes picked out and preparing to register for them, but that's not the case. I know that God has a plan for my life after graduation and I have to wait for it to all unfold, but I would love to get a sneak peak.

I am soaking in every moment here at Biola, enjoying my classes and all of the friends I have made. It makes me sad thinking that I won't be running into all of these friendly faces next semester. Who knows maybe I'll find a job at Biola and won't ever have to leave!

One things for sure, I have had an amazing experience at Biola; I have had professors that have made a lasting impression on my life, and have made some lasting friendships that I deeply cherish.

52 more days (including weekends) to soak up as much 'Biola' as I possibly can.

(cheers to achieving something on my "pre-transplant bucket list" - graduating from college)

What will Life bring?

Recently I have been thinking about what God has in store for my life after I graduate in December. What type of career path does he have in mind for me? Is graduate school in my future? Will I stay in California or move across the country? All these questions, and more just like them, continually consume my thoughts throughout the day. 

All I know regarding a future career, is that I want to help people. I am not sure in what capacity I want to do this or what group of people I want to focus on helping. I just know that I want my future job to be one that allows me to impact the world for the glory of God and help people in the process. I pray that God gives me guidance over the next 3 months before I graduate, that gives me a clearer picture of where he would have me serve him and in what capacity.

(Raise your glasses) Here is to the hope that I will have a job lined up after graduation. (Cheers)

It's no surprise that future relationships also consume my thoughts, when I am not thinking about a future job, considering I am about to graduate from college as a single gal. I wonder what God has planned for my life? Is it a life as a single woman, or a life shared with a husband? Is it a life as a devoted mother, or a life devoted to something else? Only God knows what my future holds, I just can't seem to stop thinking about what he might have in store for me.

(Raise your glasses) Here is to knowing that no matter what future relationships I may have, I know that I couldn't plan it any better than God could. (Cheers)

So Thankful...

So last week I had a doctors appointment and I was so happy with my lung function results. In June my lung function was 75% and last week it was 81%! I am so thankful God has been blessing me with GREAT health. Now that I am able to exercise without becoming so out of breath, I actually enjoy going to the gym.

**Updates on my "25 Things to Do Before I Turn 25" to come soon.

Last, First Day of My Undergraduate Education

Today marks the last, first day of school for my undergraduate education at BIOLA University. I am so excited for this semester; the classes I am taking sound enjoyable, yet I know they will also challenge me. I can't wait for graduation in December!

If I don't go for my Masters or Doctorate degrees this will be the last semester I am ever in school, so sad.

Three More Down...21 More to Go

Since June I have marked three more things off of my "25 Things to Do Before I Turn 25" list.

1) I have read a newspaper cover to cover. I started with the Los Angeles Times Sunday paper, but that was a bit too daunting; so I settled on reading our local newspaper the Chino Champion. I will definitely read my local paper again; I learned so much about the different things that were happening in my city.

2) I participated in a 5k run, the Neon Splash Dash. This event was so much fun! I loved getting "splashed" by the four different color stations they had set up throughout the run. I also enjoyed running through the majority of it; I am so grateful for these new lungs that my father and sister gave me. I will definitely do this again.

3) I hiked to the Hollywood Sign; another way of utilizing these new lungs I have been given. We hiked both in front of the sign and behind it, making the trip about 4 miles long. We started our day by going to the Griffith Observatory early to see the sunrise (another one of my "25 Things"), unfortunately there was too much fog that the sunrise was not visible. I will have to find out when the best month is to see the sunrise from that vantage point.

I haven't completed my "25 New Foods" task yet, but I have eaten at a couple of new places since June: 

• Dillion's - I had their Mac and Cheeseburger. I think my expectations of the burger were too high because of how good I heard it was; I was a little disappointed.
• Pacific Fish Grill - I had their Fish and Chips; they were pretty good. Their Clam Chowder was amazing!
• Popeyes - I had their Chicken, Potatoes, Rice and Beans. I had never had Popeyes before and I was pleasantly surprised.
• Pieology - I made my own pizza; SO DELICIOUS! I will definitely be going back!
• Round Burger - I made my own burger; it was pretty good. I think the pictures I had seen of their burgers made me expect more. Their Chili Cheese Fries were delicious though; if I go back that is what I would get.

One Down...24 More to Go

On my birthday (June 7th) I started working towards completing my list of '25 Things To Do Before I Turn 25." I started with a trip to Disneyland. The goal was to be at Disneyland from opening to closing, and by golly I did it. I couldn't have done it alone though; I had great friends with me the entire day. Had I gone by myself I would have likely left a lot sooner. Here are some of the pictures that we took that day.

25 Things before I turn 25...

25 Things to Do Before I Turn 25

So I decided to make a list of things I would like to do during my 24th year, before I turn 25. Tomorrow I turn 24 and will start concurring this list. I most likely will add some things throughout the year and possibly remove some, but I will keep everyone updated on what I am able to accomplish.

¨    Read a Newspaper Cover to Cover

¨    Watch the Sunrise

¨    Buy a Powerball Ticket

¨    Try 25 New Foods

¨    Don’t Wash my Car for a Year (or as long as I can)

¨    Dye My Hair an EXTREME Color

¨    Go to Disneyland from Opening to Closing

¨    Participate in a 5k Run

¨    Go to a Shooting Range

¨    Go Paintballing

¨    Ride a Motorcycle

¨    Hike to the Hollywood Sign

¨    Hike the Bridge to Nowhere

¨    Go to a Concert

¨    Go to a Movie Premier

¨    See the Rose Parade in Person

¨    Bless Strangers

¨    Go see Ellen – Dance with Ellen

¨    Get a Job

¨    Take a train somewhere

¨    Travel (possibilities)

o      Golden Gate Bridge

o      Grand Canyon

o      New York

o      Europe

o      Maui

o      Yosemite National Park

o      Travel Route 66 Across the Country

¨    Make a Time Capsule

The rest of my "25 Things" are personal, so I kept them to myself.

Wish me luck!!!

Doing Well...

Sorry I haven't written in quite awhile. I am doing well; I've reached 8 months YAY!!! I now see the doctor once a month, and I will till at least one year is up. Starting school again this Fall, taking 12 units plus doing an internship at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I am excited for the school year to start next week. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.

Oh, we went on vacation last weekend and hear are some pictures.

Tamara

My friend Tamara went to be with the Lord yesterday. Please keep her family in your prayers.

An Update

So my friend Tamara is doing well, she stood up yesterday for about 30 seconds and the doctors say she is improving. Please keep her in your prayers, she still has a long recovery ahead of her, they will be doing some dialysis to rid her body of some toxins that have built up.

I started school last Tuesday and have enjoyed getting back to classes and having something to do and can't wait till the Fall semester begins.

I am also still getting over a cold that I caught from my Mom about two weeks ago, so please keep that in your prayers. I have been coughing a bit because of it.

God continues to bless my family and I am thankful for His faithfulness.

In and out in a weekend

So I caught my Mom's cold on Wednesday and ended up spiking a 102 fever Friday. The doctors put me in the hospital just to monitor me and make sure that I wasn't rejecting. I was descharged today though and everything is good! : )


PLEASE PRAY

My friend Tamara (www.breathing-with-God.com) is going to have the same kind of transplant that I had. Her surgery is scheduled for Monday at 7am. Please keep her and her donors in your prayers. God is good and has a wonderful plan!