5 Year Post Transplant

5 years ago today, right about now, 3:20pm, I received a very special phone call from the University of Utah Lung Transplant Clinic stating that they have a possible lung which might be available for me and could I get there as soon as possible. Are you kidding? I said YES and the rest is history. 5 years have gone by with no rejection of the lung I received and so many precious memories and fun experiences I have been given.
One of the drawbacks of a lung transplant is the medications required to keep the lung from rejecting a new body. They also lower the bodies normal ability to fight diseases. I have been very fortunate until this summer, a skin cancer invaded a gland below my left ear (parodit gland) necessitating surgery and some resultant nerve damage.
The cancerous tumor was removed and I am now undergoing radiation therapy for 6 weeks. The good news is a transplanted nerve may "come alive" during the year which will restore much of the numbness on the left side of the face and they also can do some plastic surgery - just have to be patient.  All in all, I am enjoying life with no pain and look forward to a wonderful 2017.
I have the most amazing kids, grand kids, extended family, friends and Doctors anyone could possibly ask for. Thank you all - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! 

Decenber 2015 update

Isn't it interesting that, when things seem to be stable and smooth, you don't feel the need to post things as much.  I guess it is human nature.  Someone mentioned the other day, why I hadn't given anything new on this blog and I had no answer.  I'm not even certain anyone reads it anymore but if so, just a quick update.
I am feeling pretty darn good and this lung I received has been fantastic; we get along just fine.  I have just returned from the University of Utah Hospital a few weeks ago and past the tests in good shape. Even increasing my lung capacity by 5% from a year ago. May not seem like much but the trend is what's important. My weight is up to 145lbs. My life before the Fibrosis was 155lbs so I feel much stronger now than last year.  The average life span for post lung transplants is about 5 years and I am now, this Christmas, finishing my 4th year.  At the "U" there is a transplant patient who is in his 11th year post transplant so, there's my goal,... and beyond!  I will take and enjoy whatever I am given though.
Families all good.  Chris is doing much better and pretty much recovered from her aneurysm. She is one strong person. My oldest son (Bryan and Janalyn) moved the family back to Draper and my youngest son (Carter and Amy) moved from Phoenix back to SLC (Daybreak Community).  Fortunately I still have Jani and Brock here in St. George.
Mom is 96 years old and up to just recently was defying age but then time began to catch up and she was diagnosed with cancer.  She now is in hospice care in her home and as such, we are all spending as much time as possible with her in South Jordan. I'm having a difficult time realizing this was the last Thanksgiving with her and will be fortunate to experience Christmas together.  Her attitude is amazing and upbeat and anxious to move on and reunite with loved ones on the other side.
I am so thankful to have family and friends, like you, who make everything so meaningful and complete.

Dwight

I'm still here!

Moved

It seems I always have to begin these posts with an excuse for not posting often.  My bad.
Chris and I have moved to St. George, Utah to take advantage of the warmer weather and the lower elevation which apparently is supposed to be better for my lung.  Feels good to me so far.  We have been here about 3 weeks and things are getting better every day. We've moved into the Sun River community which has a clubhouse, pool, golf course,  and activities which I can't keep up with.  I also am grateful I won't have to tolerate another temperature inversion this winter.

We have gone from over 3000 square feet to 1400 square feet in living space, and so far, I haven't missed the extra space.  It's actually easier to deal with and comfortable enough for our needs now.
Just a few years ago, all my children lived in Draper. Now Carter and Amy live in Phoenix, Bryan and Janalyn moved back to Draper.  Jani and Brock are in St. George in their new home so that's been nice.  Now I'm equal distance from my boys.

Just went to my 50th high Olympus/Skyline High School reunion.  What a fun experience to see so many good friends again.  They all looked great and the memories came flooding back. The class of  63 was a very good year.  (sounds like a good wine). I am so fortunate to be able to attend and still be around.

My overall health is good and getting stronger.  I am now a massive 135lbs surpassing my junior high school weight.  What is strange is I've gotten shorter by almost an inch!  What's that all about?  My mental age still remains at junior high school level as always, so I have that going for me.

My cell phone is still the same at 801-541-1673, (no home phone anymore), so if you're  in the Area, please give Chris and I a call. We would enjoy visiting with you.

Dwight

Feeling fat!

Still trying to pound down the calories.  I'm eating everything I can along with nutrition drinks.  You know things are strange when Ensure drinks are beginning to taste good and I can do without Cokes. It is working as I have been able to increase my weight from 117 lbs to 128 lbs.  I'm going in the right direction with 140 lbs as my goal.  I feel as good now as I have before the operation.

Life is tough but I'm going to be tougher!  Life is also good and I appreciate everything I have.

Just a side note...The Doctors and Nurses at the Univ. Of  Utah are fantastic and Dr. Barbara Cahill and staff at the Pulmonary Clinic #3 are so professional and caring. Dr. Raman, Kelly Peterson Short, Tauna Maughan;  they're all exceptional people and treat you like family.  I also owe so much to Dr. Beth Scholand for helping me get this transplant!  I owe my life to these people.

I wrote a heartfelt letter to the donor family following the protocol the hospital requires to protect privacy.  I do not know who the donor was and it is up to the donor relatives if they wish to contact me.  It is such a sensitive thing given the fact that my life was extended at the cost of another life being lost.  I just want them to know how much I treasure this extension of my life.

Maybe some day...

See you all soon.

Dancin' The Night Away

Just one of the many nights since Christmas Eve 2011 that Dad has been able to enjoy with his granddaughters because of this generous lung transplant.  Events like this don't pass without all of us thinking the same thing:  that despite all of the financial and health challenges, all of the struggles to recover, all of the frustration with accepting new norms, that each and every day is a miracle ..... and each and EVERY picture with Grandpa now is priceless!

Good News!

I haven't posted very often and that's probably good news as things are moving along without any major problems.  Also, most of the good posts come from my family, especially my beautiful daughter, Jani and she has been more than busy moving into a new home in St. George.

Just a quick update.  Wait a minute! First I need to thank all of you, my friends, who have stayed in touch and helped in so many ways through this health challenge of mine.  It means everything and I am really blessed to have such great friends and family.....worth fighting for.  Every day is a gift.

I met with Dr. McKeller a few weeks ago and the news was good.  The lung is working fine and also the heart is able to function more freely.  The pericardial sac around the heart apparently has eased or something, allowing the heart to function better.  Music to my ears.  It did beg the question however as to why I am so fatigued and unable to sustain any effort without gasping for air.  Looking at my weight which has been dropping (117lbs) he said that's easy; you have very little muscle to perform the functions you're asking your body to do.  I had to admit, I haven't been eating enough.  I can see how someone can become anorexic as I have had little appetite.  They threatened to put me back in the hospital unless I start eating better and Thar's all I needed to hear!  I am know on a 2000 calories per day  with protein drinks and such.  This past week I have gained 5 lbs.  Not much, but at least it's going in the right direction and even feeling stronger.

Well, enough about me.  Hope all is well with you and I am always looking forward to seeing any of you whenever and often.  Until the next post.