Cherie, thanks for your note and encouragement! Despite my athletic improvements, I continue to be reminded of my transplant because I am still getting sick all of a sudden…yesterday, I threw up twice in the bagel shop so I guess I’ll start carrying around a plastic bag with me. I’m also holding off on accepting a job immediately until things are more stable, but I’m continuing to look and interview for positions. I will be teaching private climbing lessons at Twisters again starting Oct. 9th, and I am excited about that! Meanwhile, I continue to train and look forward to the Transplant Games. If anyone is interested in coming, mark your calendars now! It will be June 16-21,2006, in Louisville, Kentucky. Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Cherie
Wow – it’s good go hear that you’re so doing well, Stacey! Long Jump, Badminton, track, rock climbing, skating . . .keep this up and you’ll be the Babe Didrikson of the Transplant Games: changing expectations and inspiring a new generation of athletes. You’ve certainly inspired those of us reading this blog! Every time I read your site or talk to you on the phone, I feel like a lazy couch potato, squandering away the good health that I have been ridiculously blessed with so far. But remember that even great athletes must rest sometimes and just relax. I look forward to seeing you at your birthday ice-skating party without the oxygen tank this time! Cherie, from Oakland
Note from Stacey
Another birthday is approaching (Oct. 7)and Dave is hosting an ice-skating party for us! What fun it will be. I cannot believe I am almost 38. Last year, I could not be so active because I was attached to oxygen tanks…so we had a potluck at Eva’s. But this year, we can go wild and crazy! Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Stacey
Miki, thanks for stopping by the site! I’m glad Wally is doing okay with his cancer treatments. Yes, I’ve been busy getting back into a myriad of life activities. Classes are going well, (I have an “A” in both so far!) I’m looking for jobs, and yesterday went to volunteer to sort clothes to send to the Hurricane Katrina victims. I’m also practicing badminton and track and field events. I’m up to jumping 9′ 10″ now, and see hope for improvement! Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Miki
Stacey, I always take it as a good sign when a lot of time elapses between your postings. You must be out and about doing well. Maybe even working at a new job? We’re doing well. Wally had his first doubled-up chemo treatment yesterday, but he woke up happy this morning, so I think he’s fine. The leaves are turning up here and we had our first frost Thursday night. Winter is coming! Take care. Miki
Note from Stacey
Aunt Norrie, nice to hear from you. Yes, I did graduate from the UW-Milwaukee. I hope you are recovering well from your knee surgery. Rebecca, it’s great to be in touch with you again! I’m looking forward to spending time with you. I have been busy with classes and the job hunt. I have a few leads now. This Saturday, I went to the track to practice jogging and also do the long jump. I looked up technique on the internet, applied the method, and improved for a personal best of 9′! I am excited for this, since it is a very competitive jump for my age group at the Transplant Games. Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Norrie Gill
Hi Stacey, It’s great to read your journal and learn of all the things you are doing. I’m amazed to learn that you are taking classes and talking about a job. A man in my Sunday School class talked today about being in the University of Wisconsin. Isn’t that your school? I’m recovering from my knee surgery, still going to rehab. Nicky’s baby, Emily Carol, arrived safe and sound and is a darling. When Susie told Gabrielle that GG (that’s me, Great Grandma) had a big booboo, she bent over and kissed it. I’d like to see her and Sophia together. I am so grateful for all your friends. Please tell them Aunt Norrie says thanks for all they do for you. I love you so much and am so proud of you Aunt Norrie, Norrie Gill, from Gaithersburg
Note from Rebecca (Fenn)
How are you Stacey? I would love to go rockclimbing or to the track with you some time! Thank you for e-mailing me. I hope you are doing better! I am sending you warm and fuzzy vibes! 🙂 Rebecca (Fenn)
Note from Stacey
Wednesday, I went to the stadium with Isa, Ana and Rupie, Isa’s dog. Rupie is very cute to watch at the stadium. She squeaks with excitement and anticipation about going up the bleachers, and follows Isa up and down the stairs for an hour. It is a joy to watch all three of them coming down together from the top. Thursday, I went on a wonderful hike with Isa and Rupie to Windy Hill. Windy Hill is pretty steep, and it was difficult for me. I went slowly, but Isa was patient. Rupie bounded ahead, pulling Isa up the hill at times. Friday, I had the wonderful honor of attending Lynn Hill’s presentation/fundraiser at the Patogonia San Francisco store. I went with Dave, Richard, Joshua, and Yuri. It was great to see Lynn. She always gives a quality show, and afterwards she generously sold her books and videos to benefit my medical fund! She always takes time to connect with her fans in a personal way, and writes very nice notes with her autographs. Today, after having a nice lunch with Aunt Lorraine and cousin Brenda, I went to the climbing gym with Dave. After warming up, I ended up red-pointing (climbing without falling or resting on the rope) a 5.9 overhang…the hardest lead climb since the transplant. I was really happy to accomplish this, since leading is a bit harder than top-rope. (In lead climbing, the climber brings up the rope instead of using a rope that is already anchored at the top…the difference is that the potential fall is further if the climber loses control. In top-roping, the climber only falls a few inches if properly belayed.) Stacey, from Belmont
Note from Stacey
Michelle, thanks for the news and encouragement. I’ll be in touch soon! I spent most of Sunday writing about the transplant experience. I am glad I have this journal to look back. When I read through it, I have to admit that I am surprised at what my thoughts were at the time, and that I was able to cope in a positive way. Some of the writing is even poetic! I am really grateful to those who were so kind to keep my spirits up during the hardest times, especially before and after the transplant (entry 446) and when I went back into the hospital (entry 605) Those notes and visits really made a difference in my life. (Denise, thanks for keeping in such close contact through my journal!) Reflecting back helps me learn more and draw upon the experiences of the last two years. When I turned 30, I remember my birthday wish for wisdom. Maybe I will become wise at 40… Sunday night we had a potluck at my house, with Cindy, Guy, Parch, Dave and myself. It was really great to see them all and share good food. Parch brought homemade bread, and Guy made a terrific fish soup that I am enjoying today also! Stacey, from Belmont