Category: Random Musings

Hi Denise, I’m so glad the girls are enjoying the package! Thanks for writing. I have been busy with my classes and editing the TRIO newsletter. I have also been getting some good exercise in badminton class. I have been playing with a new partner named Javier, who has played for many years. With him, I can practice important skills that I will need for the 2006 Transplant Games in June. Stacey, from Belmont

Felix, thanks for the encouraging article. I guess I should continue planning for retirement at 65, eh? The past month, during the winter break (without classes) has been difficult. Without a daily schedule, my mind wandered temporarily into a blank void and I felt down and lethargic, (except for climbing.) My friend Amelia does energy work and she generously gave me a free session. I mentioned wanting to feel more motivated, and we explored some feelings and goals. It has been a couple weeks and life is really picking up since then. Classes started today and I am indeed feeling more motivated! I feel good learning new skills, being out in the world. I have also been getting out with some friends. On Thursday, I went to a TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization) meeting with my friend Marcus. I am the new editor, so it was important that I attend. Friday, I hiked the Stanford dish route (about 3 1/2 miles) with Rhona. It was great to enjoy nature again. Saturday, I coached a lesson at the climbing gym, then worked on the newsletter. Sunday I coached another lesson at the gym, then I spent a relaxing day with Dave…we found a beautiful new park trail called Laurelwood, and then climbed at the gym. I am happy to say I am working my way up some 5.11 top-rope climbs on good days, with rests, although most climbs I can do without falling are rated 5.10a. On Monday, I met with new friend named Christine at Rinconada Park in Palo Alto. Christine’s seven-year-old son Zachary is living on oxygen, and awaiting a double-lung transplant at Stanford Hospital. We strolled around the park and my old neighborhood. I showed them the house that I lived in as a child (Zachary’s age) on the corner of Harker and Harriet streets. Zachary thoroughly enjoyed playing on the swings and going down the slide (with his oxygen tank close behind.) His laughter warmed my heart. He clearly knows how to enjoy the moment. As we walked, he energetically bunny-hopped ahead, pushing the stroller with two tanks in the seat. At the playground, I did some exercising– alking and jogging around the 1/4 mile track. I also tried pull-ups on the playground, and to my delight, I managed one set of five in a row…a definite improvement since the last time I tested myself. In my pre-transplant days, I was able to do 15 sets of five in one day…but this is a good start, and I was pleased. Stacey, from Belmont

Last Thursday, Marilyn and I brought a cake to the Stanford heart/lung transplant support group to celebrate Isa and Ana’s birthday. It said, “Happy Birthday, Isa and Ana. 34 and not dead yet.” (A take-off from a Monty Python theme…and a tribute to them for surviving and thriving well past the average Cystic Fibrosis patient lifespan.) Things must be going well for me, because I actually forgot how old I am. My step-sister Angie reminded me of my age…much to my surprise I realized I am actually 38 and not 37 like I told everyone in October… On Sunday, Ana and Isa had the most glorious sushi dinner birthday party at Ana’s new house. The food was spectacular. There were edamame beans, homemade miso soup, platters of Japanese veggies, sashimi, eel, seaweed salad, cucumber salad, and sushi rice. Everyone made their own hand rolls with the ingredients. There were 13 people and the setting was very elegant. We all stuffed ourselves for hours and topped it off with ice cream cake. Andrew, Isa’s husband, did a professional solor of the “Happy Birthday” song with beautiful tone. The sushi party will be an event to remember all year. Stacey, from Belmont

Last night I had the most wonderful Japanese dinner with Isa, Ana, and Andrew. Isa set out a myriad of homemade Japanese dishes and it was very delicious. I intend to get the recipes! Afterwards, we all cuddled with Rupie, Isa’s dog. We can’t help it; she is too adorable for words. (She had just been given a bath after a day of hiking with the twins.) I climbed with Rob today. I have been coachinng him to the best of my ability. He is improving his footwork a lot. He also said I have improved in my conditioning. I was happy to hear it! Today, I made it up an 5.11b with just a few falls. It was a great feeling. It looks like eventually I’ll be climbing at a good level again. Stacey, from Belmont

Denise, Thanks so much for the picture and news from Latvia! I climbed at the gym today with a friend named Pat. Climbing seems to be going pretty well, although I take it easy. I got sick at the top of a climb yesterday, and had to be lowered in a hurry. But I continue to climb several times per week. It’s something I can do with friends that also keeps me strong. I’ve also discovered a new simple and tasty recipe. I sauteed tilapia in mirin, japanese sweet cooking sake, along with mushrooms. I served it with green beans and rice on the side. It was quite satisfying. Happy New Year’s Day, and best wishes for the upcoming year. Stacey, from Belmont

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah! Festivities started yesterday for me. I had Mark over for lunch and made beef and asparagus stir-fry. Mark just got back from Nigeria and talked about his recent adventures, including witnessing a plane crash. Then Eva invited me over for dinner with her family. I helped her make won ton soup…mmm…so delicious! After dinner, Dave came over and we all had Howard’s special lemon cake and tea and exchanged some presents. This morning, I had a wonderful talk with my sister Denise, who enjoyed a White Christmas over in Latvia with her husband and two little girls. The girls were very excited about Santa’s visit…then Dave and I had a tasty breakfast of blueberry bagels with tomato, onion, avocado and cream cheese (yes, the doctor said I can “liberalize” my diet!) and then I set about to open a little mountain of packages from my mother. Thanks, Mom! Later in the afternoon, my Aunt Lorraine and I went to see a movie called Brokeback Mountain, a love scene between two cowboys set in Wyoming in the 1960’s. It was an interesting movie; realistic, but sad because of the struggles they faced. After the movie, Lorraine and I went out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. It was a great meal. I ordered sweet and sour pork because it was my favorite dish that my mother used to on the holidays when I was a child. Stacey, from Belmont

Last night I watched my friends David and Gwen on the Dr. Phil show. Both received double-lung transplants this year, and they met in the hospital and plan to get married soon. The show documented their lives and it is amazing the struggles they have overcome. Today, I wish everyone a happy Winter Solstice. It is the shortest day of the year, and now the days will get longer. 600 people celebrated this event in Stonehenge, England. Stacey, from Belmont

Denise, Thanks for the update on the little climber! The picture is so cute. I am busy with last-minute holiday plans. Unfortunately, I only recently got inspired. Today, I went to climb the stairs at Beckman Hall with Isa. I was pleased to do 11 sets of six flights, without too much trouble. It was such a relief that I could still do it, because I haven’t done stairs in so long. The stadium is closed because it is being re-built and the weather has been cold and rainy. Stacey, from Belmont

It was a full day at the hospital, with x-rays, the clinic visit, the PFT test and blood draw. My lung function is up a little bit, to 54%. As I was walking through the hospital, the transplant experience seemed like a dream. Did it really happen? Is it really me that this team of doctors is checking up on? All in all, they seemed satisfied with my progress. My nausea problems seem to be fading away. Stacey, from Belmont

Rhona and I got out in nature today at Waterdog Lake. It was relaxing and peaceful. The hike is only about one mile, but we took a little side trail along the lake looking for mushrooms and other edible plants. Instead, we came across some cattails and poison oak, but no mushrooms. Later, I climbed with Greg and Debbie. It was great climbing with new friends, but it wasn’t a good climbing day for me. I could not even do the start of the 5.11a I’ve been working on this month, and had to give up on a 5.10d before I got to top. Maybe I didn’t warm up enough, or eat enough… Tomorrow, I go to the doctor, and also have a PFT (pulmonary function test) plus possibly an octreotide shot. It will be a long morning at the hospital, but hopefully everything will be okay. Stacey, from Belmont