DIAMONDBACKS TREAT US ROYALLY

The Arizona Diamondbacks along with St. Joseph's Hospital honored the 18 of us who have received lung transplants. The evening was a very special event for us. We were given 3 suites complete with fantastic food. They did keep the beer fridge locked. Propably on orders by our Drs. We were also acknowledged on the Jumbletrom. Probably the best part of the evening was the fact that a large percentage of the Drs. and transplant staff was there to enjoy the evening with us. That is the relationship that we have had from the very beginning; we are one large family. If you are reading this please know that St. Joseph's Hospital is one of the finest hospitals.

First Setback

As anyone with a lung transplant will tell you, you fear that first chest cold or set back of any kind. Mine came just the last couple of weeks. Dr. Hodges put me on two antibiotics for 2 weeks, but my pft levels were still down somewhat. With that in mind, he scheduled 3 infusions of steroids, a unit of blood for anemia, and a bronch. The bronch did reveal congestion with several blocked bronchials. Feel much better now, but putting up with the swollen legs from heavy steroids. Anyway, it is great to be exercising again and not coughing.

Double lung transplant 13

On February 22nd and 23rd I received a double lung transplant. After 50+ years of fighting lung problems, I now breathe freely and find myself with a new life. I owe it all to an outstanding transplant team, a progressive pulmonologist, and support from so many places. Most of all though, I owe my new life to the individual who made a decision to become an organ donator.