4 weeks of a new life

As I wake up today, I immediately think of a couple of things. First, what a miracle today is. Today marks 4 weeks exactly since I had my double lung transplant.  This time 4 weeks ago, I was under the care of many hospital staff, on an operating table with my chest cracked wide open and I was getting my second chance at life "installed".  4 weeks ago, my life was in others hands, and yet another life had been lost too early.  I think of my donor, and his family.  I think of the grief and loss they must feel knowing that today marks 4 weeks since their loved one passed.  In that moment, I take the deepest breath I can take, and I am reminded to be thankful, but that I am still healing, still very much in recovery mode.  I feel a slight pain in my chest as my chest cavity expands, but there are no wheezes, no crackles, I am not short of breath, I do not need a breathing treatment and I CAN BREATHE!!!!!!

Yesterday I went to the grocery store for the first time since before transplant (about 8 weeks), and what a treat!! It's the little things in life these days ;) Not only was I able to get out and walk about, but I did so WITHOUT oxygen! It's been about 2 weeks and I've not needed oxygen at all, which is a HUGE deal.  I had become known as "that girl with the cart/oxygen" around my apartment building and even at the grocery store they knew me, b/c anywhere I went, my trusty portable oxygen came with too.  So many people have commented that it must feel good to not have to lug that thing around, and it does!!

For the most part, recovery has remained good at a slow and steady pace.  Each day I feel a little better and a little stronger.  Sure I have had a few minor bumps.  Lately, I have been waking up with terrible headaches, my sleep has been broken down into about 3hr chunks, I need a nap during the day, I've had bouts of nausea and almost vomited the other day and I am peeing like madwoman...but all of this is NOTHING to deal with when you look at the big picture.  These are just minor bumps that come with the process.  They always tell you when you have transplant that you trade "one major" problem (not breathing well for me), for a "whole lot" of other problems.  I can say, it is a big deal to be able to breathe and so far nothing has made me doubt or question my need and decision to go through with this transplant, in fact each day I wake up and I am not having to take a breathing treatment first thing, I say thanks to my donor.  Last night, I am convinced my donor wanted me to sleep a full night for such a momentous day today.  I still woke up about every 3 hrs (which is better than it had been the other night at every hour), needing to use the restroom, but I was quickly able to go back to bed and back to sleep, so I felt pretty good upon getting up the day today.

Wish I could take credit for this photo but I can't.  What a cool shot though of a "lung tree"!

I am not quite sure how we will celebrate today, but I have my Mom and hubby here with me to do something special.  Thanks to everyone who has been following along in our journey and continued to encourage us all.  Your support means the world to us, as we could not do this without your help.  Continued thoughts and prayers would be appreciated as I continue to recover and need protection against germs, I need to build up strength and I need to put on a few pounds after I lost about 10-15lbs being in the hospital. Please also ask for patience and guidance for my husband and parents as they are my primary caretakers and this is no easy task .... yes, I am very stubborn.  :)

Much Love,
Rebs