For the first time in nine years, I stepped on the ice without oxygen! It felt amazing! It was such a special moment. My mom, dad, brother and Travis all came to the rink to watch. It was incredible to skate around the rink multiple times without being out of breath. I just kept passing everyone on the sidelines saying “I can breathe!”
As a matter of fact, one of my former coaches decided she would strap on her skates as well. It had been quite a few years since she has skated also. Because it was such an important day, she joined me on the ice.
Me with my former coach Nancy
We have been trying to upload the video of my first skate. I am having technical issues with my video camera so a picture is all you get this time.
Health update: Wednesday I got the results of my blood work. I have mentioned the virus CMV (cytomegalovirus) in the past. For the last three weeks I had a low reading showing up on my blood test results. My transplant coordinator mentioned how odd it was to keep a stable number. Usually, once CMV starts to surface it continues to rise. Miraculously, it came back negative. YAY! We knew my body has been growing CMV antibodies but this time, my body even fought it off on its own.
Nikki's New Lungs 
What a great accomplishment, both skating tank free and your body fighting off nasty stuff!
Excellent report!
xoxo
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Yeah!! So happy to hear you were back on the ice!! Congrats! And congrats on your CMV numbers!!
Llonda
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Lookin’ good Pocket Rocket. Truly amazing! GM
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Looking awesome on those skates ⭐️😘⭐️
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Downright awesome!!!
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Yeah!!! You go girl! What a special gift to share that milestone with Nancy! You’re truly one of a kind Nikki! xoxo
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I’m sure that skating with the wind in your face (and your lungs!) felt amazing! Great news about the CMV results. Thanks for sharing Nikki.
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What a wonderful way to start the new year!! Think about you often, so happy all is going well!!
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You are truly remarkable and an inspiration to all of us who tend to take life for granted. You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Your excitement and happiness shines thru. So happy for you Nik! Amazing!!
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Good morning Nikki & Trav!!! Looking at the picture and reading this post just reassured me that there is a God, that there are miracles, and that dreams do come true, you are remarkable, amazing, an inspiration to all the lives that you touch and most of all….down right adorable!!!! We love the both of you great big bunches!!!!! Keep on skatin!!!!!
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Nikki – you make me want to shout with joy, “Look at her; isn’t she amazing?” Thank you, God, for making this happen!!!
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That is fantastic Nikki! So happy for you! Prayers for continued progress and great health!
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