Wind Song Journal

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

Felix, thanks for your encouraging note! I will drop you a line soon. I am writing from the Stanford hospital cyber cafe on the third floor. It is 12:45 and I am almost done with my day here…I arrived at 8:00 a.m. and took the PFT (Pulmonary Function Test), then went to have x-rays taken. At 9:00 a.m., I visited with the nurse, social worker, and Dr. Nador. Afterwards, I got my blood drawn, and I have one more procedure left–a tap of the fluid that is blocking my lung capacity. I have good news! The PFT shows that my lung function went back up 10 percentage points, to 55%. This must mean that the new treatment for chronic rejection is working. Dr. Nador said “It is a good sign.” He also mentioned that 43% of transplant patients are currently in a state of chronic rejection, and the further out from the transplant the patient is, the higher the chances of experiencing chronic rejection. Despite the chronic rejection, I have continued exercising (with Dr. Nador’s permission) with the Skyline College badminton team and the sheclimbs group (on Wednesday nights.) I am polishing a lot of skills and learning strategy. The practices are two hours a day, every weekday, and I can barely keep up but I like the challenge. My legs are sore from both running around every day and the octreotide shot on Tuesday. I do not have as much time or energy for climbing, and have been having trouble finishing overhanging 5.11 climbs. Hopefully, with chronic rejection, my greatest loss will only be bearing life without being able to climb 5.11’s. Oh, dear, wouldn’t that be awful. So far, I have not gotten much sympathy for this predicament from my climbing friends. Hmm, I will have to pick up new hobbies and goals to preserve my pride. I think that’s where badminton and the U.S. Transplant Games fits in., Stacey, from Belmont

Denise, thanks for your cute picture of Mia and the funny stories! Felix, great to hear from you again. I am glad to hear that you are rock-climbing again. Unfortunately, I have some bad news. On Thursday, Mar. 2, I went in for a hospital clinic visit and I was diagnosed with “chronic rejection.” I am changing medications and hoping for the best. The outlook is unpredictable. My lung function, which dropped 13 percentage points in two weeks, could go back up, stabilize at this level, or get worse. During the week, time is being taken up by medical matters again. More runs to the pharmacy, and frequent visits to the hospital for tests and procedures are interfering with classes and daily life. Tomorrow, I have an octreotide shot at 11 a.m., and Thursday I will be at the hospital all day with labs, clinic visits, and a “tap” of the fluid in my lungs. With a lung function of 45%, I can still do daily tasks and even play badminton and climb. And all I can do is hope for the best, and have the courage to live life against the odds. The weekend was pleasant. Friday, I celebrated Carrie’s birthday with her family, and I attended Joshua’s red-black belt Tae Kwon Do test. It was very interesting! On Saturday, I attended a youth climbing competition at Twisters Climbing Gym. The director, Allison, held a silent auction benefit in my honor. I was really grateful! Sunday, I gave a climbing lesson, then in the afternoon, Dave took me to see the Calder exhibit at the SF Museum of Modern Art. Later, I had Cindy over for dinner and we had a really enjoyable evening., Stacey, from Belmont

Cherie, thanks so much for your note. I have been thinking about how fun the ice skating party was, too! I have been watching the Olympics, too. I have to admit I became an Olympic couch potato for 17 days. I celebrated my young friend Joshua’s 12th birthday with his family last weekend. It was extra special, because he just won the U.S. Bouldering Championship for 12-13 year-olds in Colorado. We are all very proud of him. I have started badminton practice two hours a day. It is a lot of running around. The drills are good; I think I will improve a lot practicing with this college team. I have still not been feeling too well on a consistent basis. I changed medications and maybe I am just having trouble adjusting. I have been cooking more and gaining a little weight, though. Stacey, from Belmont