December 14,2011
Well, a ton has happened since my last post. I haven't posted for some time but things will change. Great News with regard to the lung transplant. Initially my prospects of having a lung transplant were slim due to my age. Fortunately, we put in a request for one before my 65 birthday in hopes something would develop; this would prove very important later.
In September of 2011, Bryan set up a meeting with UCLA and asked for a meeting with their lung transplant team hoping that maybe they would entertain putting me on the list there. The meeting went very well. They explained that they operate on a point system and age is not an automatic disqualifier. Due to the fact that I have taken care of myself and was in great shape for my age other than the lung, they would consider me for a transplant if I could pass some physical examinations and tests. We were given permission to do the tests at the U. of U. in SLC which I have been undergoing this fall. While going through the process and seeing how well the tests were going, the Doctors at the U revisited my situation and two week ago, after all the tests, I was officially placed on the transplant list at the U. Because the request was made before 65, I was able to get the approval. I am now just waiting for a call if a lung should become available. Wow! is all I can say. I new lease on life?
My overall condition and lung capacity began to diminish earlier in the year making it impossible to do any of the activities I once enjoyed. This is a wicked disease which is progressive and relentless. Overall lung capacity is somewhere around 30% and it is necessary to be on continuous oxygen. My challenge is to stay as healthy as long as I can. I go to the U three times a week for rehab with oxygen which I enjoy.
Friends and family have been wonderful and I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Even with this, Life is awesome, and I don't say this lightly or to try and impress. It really is. Every day is exciting. I have challenges now with trying to navigate through this ordeal that involve more than just the physical, but with family like my daughter Jani, my two sons Bryan and Carter, and my wife Chris, I can't lose no matter what happens.
The season is upon us and, who knows, maybe my next post will be with a new lung from the hospital.
Merry Christmas All.
Dwight
We love you Dad!! I have no doubt that once this procedure happens, your body will accept the new lung and heal up properly, and we'll be back on the golf course soon.
ReplyDeleteI love you Dad & can't express enough how much you mean to me. Amy feels the same, as do the boys. They love their Grandpa O.
We love you so much Dwight!! I couldn't ask for a better, more perfect Father-in-law and grandpa to my kids!!
ReplyDeleteDad, your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me. You inspire me every day to try to be more grateful, more humble, more patient and to try to always see the good in life.
ReplyDeleteI love you so much and am so grateful for you and Mom and the wonderful parents that you are!
Janie
Love you Dwight! I can't even tell you what a joy it was to see you a couple days ago when you stopped in to the office to say hi. So proud of you for keeping the positive attitude, and so blessed to have such a loving uncle as you.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly an inspiration to all our us Dwight! Your determination and courage continue to amaze me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLisa Nemelka
I love you not only as family but as a great friend. I have never heard you complain but always listened to your uplifting and positive comments. I love seeing your smile first thing when I walk into the gym and will look forward to seeing it again very soon. You are a wonderful man and it is a privlege to know you and have you in my life despite the fact you are a Ute fan ;) Keeping you in my prayers as always..I love you Dwight! Gail
ReplyDeleteDad, I love you very much. You have always been my Hero and always will be. Thank you so much for your positive attitude, I know WE will get through this and be on the golf course next fall. Stay strong!! 'Bry
ReplyDeleteDwight,
ReplyDeleteWhen Bryan referred me to you 6-7 years ago for a mortgage re-fi, I thought, yeah, of course he wants me to go to his dad. It's his Dad. You executed everything with great care and kindness, and again I thought -- of course he did... he knows I'm connected to Bryan and Janalyn (I was their home teacher).
Well, Bryan and Janalyn moved away and then I moved into your ward and got to see up close that you are the same man at work and at home and with everyone you meet. A rare thing indeed. I think you would even love a Cougar fan. Even as your life ebbed, our sincere inquiries about your condition would always be brushed off and turned back on us and our concerns.
I'm a better man because I know you, Dwight Osborn. Come home soon, brother.
-Layne & Angie Kilpatrick
Dwight...as I have shared your story with many...they ask ,"Now how is he related to you?" Well...the thing that I seem to keep saying is..."He's kinda like my father-in-law." And I say that because although I am technially not...I feel like part of the family. Throughout these past 12 yrs I have been invited into your family and your home so many times. Jason and the kids and I were SO happy to hear you were able to have surgery!! We have been praying for you and thinking of you. We hope to be able to see you soon. Take care and as you stated earlier this month....enjoy this new lease on life! If anyone deserves it...YOU do!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Abby Smith Randall