Nikki's New Lungs

Are you registered as a donor? Do you want to become an instant hero? There are two simple ways: 1) Every time you re-new your license, check the box that says “donor document of gift”. 2) You can register online at www.donatelife.net Click on “Register Now” to find your state.

As of today 114,680 people are waiting nationwide for a transplant. In December 2011 that number was over 112,000. It is frightening how quickly the numbers are adding up. We need to stop the rapid number of people being added to the national waiting list. How do we accomplish this mission? One way is to have more registered donors!

Last week one of my girlfriends, Christina, who lives in Scottsdale came for a visit. Since I can’t travel to see her, she came to see me. It has been three years since our last get together and we had so much fun catching up. It was so hot outside so we watched four movies, had pedicures, took a nap or two, and ordered take out. A perfect relaxing vacation. I wanted to do something other than sit on the couch the last day she was here so I planned something fun but wouldn’t tell Christina what it was. I hinted that we had to wear a helmet, but it couldn’t be strenuous exercise. For days she tried to figure out what we would be doing. Here is a picture of our big adventure. The Magical History Tour of Minneapolis. None of us had ever been on a Segway but we had so much fun!

Christina, myself, & Travis

I love when people ask me questions. If you think of something and would like an answer, please email me at: nikkisnewlungs@gmail.com. I may even blog about it. There is no question that is too embarrassing to me so feel free to ask anything.

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

This last week two different people asked me the same question,  “After transplant will I be cured?” I will still have CF. I will still have to take enzymes with all my meals to help digest my food. I will still have CF related diabetes. My body will still have the CF defective gene but, my lungs will never have CF again. The reason people with CF always have double lung transplants is because the new lung can contract the disease from the old lung. Even though you can live with only one lung and some people with other chronic conditions will get single lung transplants, CF patients need to replace both lungs.

I believe it is safe to say….my ribs have finally healed! For those who didn’t know, I coughed so hard and cracked them back around Thanksgiving. It has been a slow healing process and I re-aggravated them several times but now they haven’t bothered me for a while. I didn’t give an update sooner as I thought I might jinx them.

My best editors (Travis and my mom) informed me they didn’t realize the last couple posts I posted were video’s. I was bragging how Rosie was such a good dog when I filmed her in the t-shirt. I did not know the emails didn’t provide that information. From now on, I will inform you if there is video content.

Yesterday afternoon I met up with my buddy Bill and spoke at a driver’s education class. I really enjoying talking about the importance of organ donation. Thanks to a friend, Rosie is doing her part in this video to help the cause too!

As of today, two years have passed since I was approved to be active on the double lung transplant list. During my interview process, I was told the wait for the right pair of lungs might take a week or maybe two years. I never really thought it was going to take this long! The good news is I am still waiting. Although finding the energy for my daily routine is becoming more difficult, I have been able to do many things over these last 104 weeks. I feel blessed that I have been healthy enough to wait for the right pair of lungs for me. I am thankful for the wonderful and supportive group of family and friends that have made this part of my journey not only bearable, but enjoyable.

Pretty pink new lungs