Dear Blog followers,
Tomorrow I depart for the US Transplant Games with three other lung recipients. We will proudly represent the 5 lungs on our team of 28 transplant recipients on Team Northern California of the USA Transplant Games. I am emotional this time of year as I approach my 1st re-transplant anniversary- there’s some post-traumatic stress from the physical challenge I had this time last year, as well as feelings of sorrow and guilt for my donor, whose family is reminded it has been a year since he was with them. But of course I rejoice in all I’ve been able to do and how wonderful my life has been in only one year.
Three weeks ago I returned to work doing genetic counseling in the area of prenatal diagnosis, so this will limit my personal time further but also provided much needed income, benefits and intellectual stimulation. Already I enjoy working with families and getting outside of my own little world. To make matters bettter, I work with an incredibly supportive group of colleagues who exemplify quality human beings.
I’m working hard on my goal of not overdoing it and trying to relax. With the inspiration of Ed Kinney, I recently began playing my flute again. It is amazing to breathe and remember the fingering from high school. I have been inspired by my musical and artistic friends that we all need a creative outlet. It helps the brain smile.
Isa’s post was immensely long last time so I won’t be too verbose. I just want to thank you all for your support and encouragement as we head to the Transplant Games. For those of you who may be interested in an ABC news segment on the Transplant Games and Team N.Cal, please see:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6252776
I hope you Californians are surviving the bad air and hot weather. With new lungs I barely notice the smog, but many asthmatic and CF friends are suffering.
Please pray for my friend Dawn who is waiting desperately for a re-transplant AND a new kidney. She is in critical condition and had a false alarm “dry run” yesterday. May God grant her the third chance that I had.
May goodness and health surround you all.
ANA