Month: March 2006

Yesterday was a good day. The coach had us pick numbers for partners and we played a doubles tournament. Surprisingly, I won 3 out of 4 games. I felt good that I could keep up. After badminton I went out to dinner with the team. I tried to recruit them for trying rock-climbing, but was only able to hook one person, Stephanie. Stephanie was an Olympic alternate in badminton ten years ago, so she has the confidence to try lots of sports. Later, I went to the climbing gym. I climbed with Kelsey and Laura, who climbed in the December climb-a-thon for me. I led a 5.9, then then tried a 5.10b that they were doing and got stuck about 25 feet off the ground because it was a big roof and the rocks were far apart. Stacey, from Belmont

Last Thursday’s tests went pretty well. My PFT score was 57%, a little lower but still within a good range. I continue to play badminton with the team. They are good players, and I have a lot to learn. I am finding it a very humbling experience to play actual games. I tend to lose a lot, but I am hoping that I am at least improving my skills and fitness level. The assistant coach, Jon, showed me some important moves for singles strategy that I’m hoping will help my game. To me, sports are more than a game. Participating makes me feel more alive and gives me a sense of accomplishment because it is working towards improving my health. Stacey, from Belmont

Mary, thanks for your note and your encouragement! I am at the hospital again for a blood draw. I am getting used to them and do not mind being poked that much. Tomorrow, I will come back to the hospital for a clinic day. I will have more tests, including a Pulmonary Function Test. I’ll see the doctors and I’ll keep you all up to date on the progress. Dave (my housemate and caregiver after the transplant) was in the hospital last week with Crohn’s disease. Since it is not contagious, I was able to visit him three times. (I wore a mask while I was in the hospital and was very careful to wash my hands of any germs from the hospital.) Dave got out of the hospital yesterday and is recovering at his parent’s home. His spirits seem to be okay, and he is eager to go back to work. I am at the hospital cybercafe. I have so many memories of this place. Mostly I remember not being able to sleep because of frequent visits to my room, and early morning noise. But there are good things, too. I remember some very meaningful and deep visits with family and friends. It was a time of need that brought out the best in people. That support that people mustered from their busy lives was crucial to my survival. The Stanford hospital music and art therapy programs are also very good, as well as the dog-visiting program. A guitarist came to my room, and the art therapist was very loving. Funny-looking dogs came to visit. (None as cute as Isa’s dog, Rupie, however.)Beautiful art lines the walls, and there are gorgeous fountains and flower gardens outside. The doctors are kind and knowledgeable, and they used to visit every morning. I am grateful to be a Stanford patient. Stacey, from Belmont

Hi Denise, It was great talking to you on the phone this morning! Thank you for the picture of Sophie and Lacidaci. I’m feeling fine this morning. It is a relief to know that I can get sick and survive without going to the hospital. It was the first time since I have had a transplant that this happened. I spent yesterday morning at the hospital for tests. I have a PFT score that is the highest since my setback, 61% of normal. So the chronic rejection must be receding. Stacey, from Belmont

Felix, thanks for your kind words! I talked to Miki last night, and we discussed high school “chronic rejection.” I’m starting to feel better, not throwing up so much. I had a blood draw yesterday, and I go in for a clinic visit with the doctors today, along with another Pulmonary Function Test. Stacey, from Belmont

Miki, thanks for writing. That is a great picture. Good luck in the relay. I have been feeling sick for the past couple days, not able to keep any food down. I must have vomited five times yesterday. I do not have a fever, so hopefully this is nothing serious. I am going in to the hospital to get a blood test done, and I will probably talk to a doctor as well. Stacey, from Belmont

The fluid tap (thoracentesis) did not work, so I will need to schedule another procedure which will involve an ultrasound so they can tell exactly where to insert the extraction needle. Tomorrow (Sunday, March 12th) there will be an article coming out in the Burlingame, San Mateo, and Redwood City Daily News about my participation on the Skyline Badminton team and training for the U.S. Transplant Games. If anyone is interested in an electronic copy of the article, e-mail me. Today, I participated in the Shamrock Showdown ABS Bouldering competition. I entered the Recreational category since I am a bit of a chicken about bouldering since the transplant. I took second place, which I was really excited about until I realized there were only two people in my category. My biggest win was actually the chalk bag I got in the raffle drawing. Stacey, from Belmont