Since I'm on a roll here, I thought I would provide additional tidbits.

I went for my follow-up appointment at TGH last week and it went quite well. I really do like the fact that I arrived at 8:30 and I was home by 11:30. PFTs and a visit with the doctor all done before noon!

My PFTs are exactly the same (holding steady at .80). My weight is pretty stable also, which is always good to hear since I struggle with it quite a bit!

I was actually surprised to learn that I had not lost as many pounds as I had predicted. I have had a lot of digestive problems since last summer, which leaves me in pain, feeling ill, weak and unable to eat or do nightly feeds. Because of this problem, Dr. C (who I saw at TGH) has recommended I see the GI specialist. Apparently I should deal with this ongoing problem now because it can get even worse after transplant (I shudder at that thought).

In any case, I am hopeful that my situation can be helped. Maybe I'll just have to take additional medication or adjust my enzymes. It will be a relief not to suffer as often as I do now--I even had digestive problems at New Years and could barely finish one champagne flute. That's just wrong.

Everything else is just as it should be, time for the gut to follow suit.

2009 was quite an interesting year, to say the least. It really tried our patience and, as is the nature of CF, kept me humbled. I like to plan and to follow that plan as closely as I can but as I learned, plans cannot always follow a linear path.

December 2008: I had started IVs on December 15, after a record-breaking 3 years without them. With this in mind, I felt grateful I had gone so long without them and welcome the oppertunity to boost my pfts from the mid-30's back to the 40's. I spent 1 week in the hospital then continued home IVs during Christmas and New Years.

January: I picked up a weird bug (while on IVs) on the exact same day my pfts finally reached baseline. Within one week I went from being back to health and ready to start my second semester to in the hospital, with pfts in the mid 20s, spiking fevers and on oxygen 24/7. I dropped down to part-time studies for the first time and spent my 22nd birthday in the hospital (my nurse pulled some strings and gave me a day pass to go home for a few hours.)

During this time I met my hospital roomie, Arlene, who was (and still is) waiting for a liver transplant. We enjoyed late night convos and shared small milestones.

February: Still on oxygen, but going for walks around the hospital every day--even though it was usually forced by my parents. The most frustrating part of this was that I was unable to eat since January because the fevers made it difficult and I constantly felt full. I went home for one week of home care, but quickly got worse again, so I ended up back in the hospital.

March: After 13 long weeks, I finished IVs, got off the oxygen (only used for exercise now) and finally went home for good. My pfts only ever went back up to 28%, but I have enjoyed good health since then.

April: PICC line removed. To celebrate the end of a long winter, we take a family trip to Naples, Florida.

May: Go for my transplant consultation at TGH, on the way home I get a call for a job interview.

June: Start my summer full-time job at Theatre Collingwood as a PR assistant. Move to Collingwood for the summer. Beautiful place, where there is rarely a smog alert day!

July: We experience our coolest summer yet. No swimming in Georgian Bay, that's for sure.

August: I go for my four-day transplant assessment workup at TGH. Start this blog and begin to follow the blogs of other CFers.

September: Start back at school as a part-time student. A little weird to adjust too, but I definitely don't have to worry about not being busy enough.

October: Busy, busy with school. (which is probably why I don't remember much from that month!)

November: Lots of transplant stories receiving headlines. Eva's story airs on CBC, along with Natalia's. My own magazine article that I write about a fellow CFer is approved for publication (coming soon!)

December: My mom and I go for a week-long trip to Barbados and come home in time for Christmas. Spend most of the break at our chalet in Collingwood, enjoying skiing and the relaxation!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I should also add--belatedly--that 2009 was the year I grew closer to my CF cysta, H and met Ash--a fellow CFer who later recieved a transplant. Proof that good always comes from the bad.