Pre transplant on the left, I was on 8-12 liters of oxygen (depending on the activity, for example walking and pulmonary rehab I needed more oxygen) 24/7.  Post transplant on the right.  Not confined to my tanks or concentrator anymore!  It was a hell of a road, this transplant journey, but truly it’s just beginning and there’s still so much wrong with my health, but I’m trying my best to work on it, get answers, and hopefully get new treatments that will hopefully have me feeling well enough to truly get out and LIVE.  I’m ALIVE, but due to chronic pain and other health issues, I’m not LIVING.  I am determined to fix that!

1 Year (almost) Transplant Anniversary!

My one year transplant anniversary is on Saturday the 28th.  My best friend from out of state is coming to visit, we have caught a few things planned.  She can only stay a few days, but I’m just happy to see her at all.  Next weekend is a small family and friends get together where we will celebrate my life with new lungs and of course I’ll be thinking of my donor and their loved ones often that day.   I’ve already begun writing my letter to my donors loved ones and hope to finish it in the next few weeks.  It’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to write, I want it to be perfect.  I keep changing my mind about what to say, how to say.  The only thing I’m sure of is that saying thank you is the most important, as well as letting them know I think of my donor and their loved ones often.  If things go as I want them to, they’ll decide to write back to me.  I desperately want to know who my donor was and what their wishes and dreams were.  If it’s something I can do, I want to be able to fulfill any goals or dreams they had and I hope to find a way to celebrate their life annually.  My donor is THE reason I’m still alive and I just want them to know how much I appreciate my chance at more life, I never forget them and am always thankful for them. This is a really emotional time of year for me and I’m so happy and lucky to be able to have my friends and loved ones who got me through the toughest thing I’ve had to go through in life so far.  Their support and love mean everything to me and I dream of a day I’m healthier and can take care of them and support them, like they have taken care of and supported me.

Me at the verge of death

Funky art.

One of my favorite movies ever.  I see so much of myself in Kim Jung Yeon.

Beautiful Ga-In

[not my gif]

Running Man <3  Gary in a suit <3

I love Salty

May the pen never dry

Keep your head high

Epik High