New Beginnings

Despite my scary, early morning ordeal I'm doing better this evening. We just continue to take one step, one day at a time. People have been asking me though the changes I can already tell by having new lungs so I thought I would joyfully share the miracles I've experience so far with new, healthy lungs.

1) Being able to breathe deeper then I've ever done before and as the pain continues to go down I know it should only get better! I love seeing my oxygen 100%! Amazing!

2) Walking without oxygen and not getting out of breath. Before I did a treatment in the morning I would get out of breath just walking to the bathroom and back.

3) Not having to do my treatments or vest (which would knock down my mucus) anymore. Which I still "struggle" with feeling like I need to do my treatments before I go to bed or wake up in the morning. I've always been use to being the last person to go to bed and the last to get ready in the morning due to all the medical things I needing to get done. It feels too easy to just have a normal bed time routine and go to bed but it's something I think I can get use too real quick.

4) Not having my daily/night coughing and being able to sleep on just one maybe two pillows versus 3 or 4 prompt up in bed.

5) Although the side effects are different then the meds I have taken all my life and there are changes that I will have to make for the rest of my life but the med routine is nothing compared to what I was doing before.

6) I do have to wear a mask for the next 4 or so weeks while I'm out in public but it sure beats carrying an oxygen tank with me where ever I went and struggling for every breath.

7) A joy I've never known before is being able to laugh without fear of it turning into a coughing spell and even though the pain prevents me from the totally freedom of that I can laugh more then I've ever done before.

8) I'm able to sing and read to Faith without running out of air. I love it!

9) People have also told me how much stronger my voice sounds and of course my color is much pinker and heather looking.

I know there are more but these are what come to mind right away. Again we know there are many what-ifs but we so rejoice for the opportunity the Lord and my donor family have given me. We don't know all that the future hold but we did know I was running out of time and to be totally honest I'm not sure if I would have made it another year. Yet the Lord has and continues to be gracious and your prayers continue to give us strength and support! We love you!

"I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens. I will pray as long as I have breath". Ps. 116:1-2

"Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need". Heb. 4:16