Living life breathlessly

Check Up

2012-03-02T20:50:00.002+02:00

First Drs check-ups for the year done, next one in May! Saw dermatologist and tx docs this week... Dermatologist burnt a few warts-thingy's off again (side effect of my pills, so what's new!).

Transplant/Lung check-up went great, lung function the same at 99% FEV1 (Forced Vital Capacity like 109%!), x-rays great, ALL bloods normal, even the sugar-related ones! So all's good :-) Praise the Lord!

Next is gynae on 18 May.... more that 2 months break at least. Have a great weekend!

Holiday report-back

2012-02-26T19:06:00.004+02:00

OK OK I know we've been back for a week already! At least I posted photo's :-) Our week off was very nice... Jansenville was nostalgic. I took Chris to my grandparents old farm, where we spend many a weekend as children. It was probably my last time on the farm too, as it's been sold now :-( Took a lot of pics, that I'll still post later.

Storms River Mouth was heaven as always. Still my favourite place in the world. Just the smell there makes me relax instantly. If only I could bottle it and take a sniff every time a Dr wants to take my blood pressure. Did a lot of hiking and relaxing, the two days went WAY too fast!

On Thursday we went to PE for the wedding. That evening we had a kitchen tea/bachelorette party for Chrislie. Was lots of fun, and she got some great gifts!!!! Friday was BUSY BUSY BUSY, picking up flowers, taking stuff to the hotel, having our nails done, driving between malls looking for a specific lipstick, helping with the flower arrangements, supper with family... On the Saturday we were up at 5h30, had to be at the hairdressers by 7AM, had make-up done there too. The ceremony started at 11AM, followed by photo's, and lunch was served at 14h00. Was a great afternoon, I think we only left the venue after 19h00. Went out for a pizza with Antoinette afterwards and collapsed in bed! On Sunday we caught up with some friends and sorted out my sister and her new hubby's flat for them a bit. Drove back to JHB on Monday...

Work was fine at least last week, 4-day weeks are great! This coming week's going to be full-steam rat-race again. Seeing dermatologist on Monday, and having my 3-monthly lung check up on Wednesday. Then Thursday and Friday at work is going to be crazy due to month end. So by next weekend I will have forgotten I even HAD a holiday :-)

Mr & Mrs Pretorius!!!

2012-02-22T19:31:00.005+02:00

Storms River

2012-02-21T20:21:00.005+02:00

1 more day at work....

2012-02-09T21:00:00.002+02:00

Tomorrow's the last day of work before our holiday!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! Going in to work early, at 5h30 AM (same as today!). Then after work have to go to pharmacy, pack, drop the kitties off at the cattery... busy busy busy! Then at 3AM on Sat morning we're on the road!!! Breakfast at 7AM in Bloemfontein, and should be by my grandarents in time for late lunch!

Please pray for a safe journey and healthy holiday :-) See you on the 2oth!

Guest Article - by Jenna Walters

2012-02-07T19:56:00.003+02:00

One of by blog-readers asked if she could do a guest article. She is a recent college graduate majoring in English, passionate about writing about health issues. And come to think of it, I've never really posted much about CF and it's workings. Feel free to comment!

Cystic Fibrosis and Alternative Therapy

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Over 70,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with this condition in the last years. This inherited chronic disease is triggered by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in the body’s cells. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary over time. The main symptoms associated with this disease include persistent cough, repeated lung infections, intestinal blockage, and pulmonary hypertension.

This medical condition causes the internal organs to become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. A combination of medication and physiotherapy can help control lung infections. There is no cure for this disease. Cystic fibrosis can be kept under control through exercise and proper nutrition. Management of cystic fibrosis can help improve the patient's quality of life and delay the decline in organ function. In addition to standard treatments, doctors often recommend herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic treatments help the immune system fight against the disease and stimulate the body’s curative powers. Homeopathic remedies can relieve discomfort and reduce cystic fibrosis symptoms. This form of treatment is safe for pregnant women, children, and infants. Unlike drugs, homeopathic remedies are non-addictive and have no side effects. Homeopaths believe that this form of treatment uses the body's own powerful capacity to heal itself. Examples of remedies that may be prescribed for cystic fibrosis patients include Laurocerasus, Carbo vegetabilis, and Antimonium tart.

Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting thin needles in the body. This alternative therapy strengthens the immune system and stimulates respiratory function. Studies indicate that acupuncture is beneficial in treating nausea, anxiety, shortness of breath, pain, and other respiratory related symptoms that may be experienced by cystic fibrosis patients.

Massage therapy can help drain mucus from the lungs and trigger the release of endorphins. Therapeutic massage has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tightness in cystic fibrosis patients. This form of treatment improves pulmonary function, boosts energy levels, and increases muscle strength. Research has shown that massage therapy promotes well-being and reduces anxiety.

Diet is also a very important factor for individuals with serious illnesses such as pericardial mesothelioma, crohn’s disease, and Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis patients should be careful about what their diet consists of and should seek experienced advice on this subject. The use of certain herbal remedies may help relieve symptoms. Early treatment for cystic fibrosis can increase a patient's life expectancy and improve his general health.

- Jenna Walters

5 more working days 'till bliss!!!

2012-02-05T19:58:00.002+02:00

One more week of work!!!!! Don't even have Sunday blues, so excited! Saturday morning at 3am we'll be leaving for Jansenville where my grandparents are, spend 2 nights there, then on to Storms river for 3 nights in the honeymoon suite (can't imagine a more romatic Valentine's Day!). On Thursday morning we'll move on to PE for the wedding! Yay!!! So glad I'll be sharing my sister's big day with her :-)

Celebrations

2012-01-29T17:34:00.006+02:00

Soooo, the celebrations have been as follows: Last Sunday had lunch at our place with my parents and some very special friends. Had a super afternoon with great food and awesome company.
Last night we had a gold carpet supper with 10 friends (part of a prize Chris won in a competition) which was GREAT. Stunning food and had way too much whiskey to drink (part of the prize!)
In 2 weeks time we'll be on holiday! Can't WAIT... the thought of that will def get me through the next 2 weeks at work!

4 years!!!!

2012-01-24T20:33:00.001+02:00

2012!

2012-01-19T19:14:00.002+02:00

The first month is already past half-way and I haven't blogged yet! Been working like a crazy rat-race person, playing squash every monday at least! Been to gym for the first time this year for a gym session.

This weekend is going to be a busy one! Zumba class Sat morning, shopping for some groceries, 21st party in the evening. Sunday is my 4 year lungaversary, so having some special guests over for lunch :-)

Don't have much else to say, just wanted to make it known I'm still alive, despite what my online presence might indicate!

The year that was 2011...

2011-12-31T16:40:00.003+02:00

My 2011 Wishlist & resolutions were:

RESOLUTIONS:

Be fitter than I was in the previous 3 years post transplant. Not that I was unfit, but I feel I have more in me. Obviously the fact that I work rather long hours suck, but that's where the self-discipline comes in. I want to swim more at the gym, and also do something I've always be too scared to do... attend a class at gym. Whether it's spinning or aerobics... try something in group format, because my lungs ARE AS GOOD AS EVERYONE ELSE'S, so I need to get out of the pre transplant mentality in that sense. I still think I won't keep up, although I just might.

I did 1 gym-class! Zumba... was easy to keep up with the rest of the class... should really go again!!! In general I might be a little bit fitter, started running a bit as opposed to just walking on the treadmill.

Go to the World Transplant Games in Sweden and bring back a medal again, it doesn't even have to be a gold one.

That I did, it wasn't a gold but a silver and bronze :-)

Continue to be vigilant about my health.

Check!

Make a change regarding work. Whether it's my job spec or my attitude/outlook, I want some sort of change.

Started a new job in June!!

Be a good wife to Chris! This is going to be the first year of living together, which is REALLY AWESOME! Definitely as great as I thought it was going to be.

You'll have to ask Chris, but I think so! Was good for me!

WISH LIST:

That this is a more successful year for lung transplant in SA than 2010 was in terms of numbers. I think they only did 4 lung transplants the entire year. I want Helen, Lucille, Salome, Gloria, Dominique and a few others to get lungs and have the same experience I've had.

They only did 4 again as far as I know, but 3 of those were my CF friends, Shaun, Ninette and Helen. Shaun is doing great, Ninette finally came out of ICU this week and is doing well! Helen is still holding on and fighting hard, please send prayers her way! Things seem to be improving though (she had a lot of trouble with bleeding and kidneys).

For my own health to stay as great as it's been thus far and even better in terms of my diabetes and gynae problems from previously. Or just not worse, LOL!

Check! Diabetic and gynae problems were a lot better!

For lots of fun and traveling!

Check! Apart from the overseas trip, we went to Klipplaatz, Drakensberg, PE, Cape Town and Clarens for short weekend trips.

Get a pet or 2 (at the moment thinking 2 kittens in the second half of the year).

Haha, we got the 2 kittens about 2 weeks after I posted this wishlist!!

That Chris and I can go to Sweden together and also visit Annelie in England afterwards.

Yup!!!

MEET BREE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SEE EVLYN AGAIN!!!!

This was probably the saddest part of the year for me... Bree passed away from some mysterious brain virus thing... trust her not to die of anything "normal". The transplant games weren't the same knowing her and Eve were supposed to be there. Evlyn couldn't come as she's got chronic rejection and on the waiting list for a new set of lungs :-( Really hope she gets them in 2012, them maybe I'll see her in 2013 in Durban... she'll definitely be there if she's got new lungs again!

So all in all 2011 was a fantastic year, we were extremely blessed. May 2012 prove to hold it's own against 2011!

Christmas Eve @ our house and Christmas Day @ my parents place pics

2011-12-27T15:12:00.009+02:00

Clarens, Eastern Free State

2011-12-23T19:49:00.005+02:00

So our weekend away was great! Good weather, good company, good shopping :-) Had a bit of an accommodation issue, but they sorted it out and we ended up with extra credit AND a nicer room :-) See some pics below...

So glad Christmas weekend is finally here... been working crazy hard, so 4 days off is more than welcome!! My grandparents and sister arrived on Tuesday vening, so at least I've been spending time with them in the evenings.

Helen's still holding on, still on ECMO... PLEASE PLEASE pray that she pulls through and makes a full recovery. Ninette is getting there nicely, doing well!

12.12.11

2011-12-12T20:44:00.002+02:00

Mid December ALREADY?? What the flip, can't believe it!!!! My Cape Town friend Helen got lungs on Friday night!!!!!!!!!! She had a rough start, lots of bleeding, also on ECMO, but seems like she's doing a bit better now. Please pray for a full recovery for her, and also Ninette, who is still on a ventilator and had some isuues the last week or so. I so badly want those 2 girls to be WELL and able to breathe and have a life! Their poor families are just waiting, not certain what the outcome will be :-(

Thank goodness this week is only 4 days (Friday is day of reconcilliation). Work been SOOOO cray these last 2 weeks. Last week I was working 12 hours a da without taking lunch for 4 out of 5 days basically! Didn't work quite as late today, managed to go to gym again after work which was nice. This weekend we're going away to a town about 3/4 hours away called Clarence in the Eastern Freestate. Very excited!

Please watch!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-02T18:32:00.002+02:00

New fantastic TV advertisement. Hopefully it screens quite a lot during 2012!!!!

http://vimeo.com/31359689

Finally December :-)

2011-12-01T18:52:00.003+02:00

My favourite month has arrived :-) Although the first day wasn't very successfull! Work was BUSY, got there just before 6h30 am and left at 17h15 without a lunchbreak. And traffic was horrible because it's raining a bit. Tired now and ready to do as little as possible for the rest of the evening.

Yesterday's check up went very well, lung function (fev1%) was 99%/100%. (first and second blows respectively). Very relieved, had a horrible nightmare on Monday night about have bronchitis and not being able to breathe :-( Stupid brain can really mess things up! That's why I really NEED to go for a check-up every 3 months!

The CF walk on Sunday was great, had a really good time walking it with Shaun and Alet (Shaun had his transplant earlier this year), and had brunch afterwards. Pic below is of me and Shaun... (I'm wearing my "recycle" lung shirt that I bought in Sweden!)

46 months

2011-11-26T19:04:00.003+02:00

Tuesday marked another month with the lungies and another month closer to the big 4 years! Celebrated by going to gym (well would have gone to gym anyway), but wasn't particularly impressed with my workout, felt tired! Went to gym again today and was a bit better at least.

I attended the first year-end function at my "new" work last night. Was quite nice, didn't stay till late or drink, as I was driving home, but the food was nice and everyone enjoyed themselves (judging by facebook status updates this morning some people enjoyed themselves TOOO much, LOL).

This morning I spent 3 hours at the Dept of Home affairs to get a new ID document and passport (haven't officially changed my surname to Vogt yet, had to wait until after the Sweden/UK trip because my passport was still in Vosloo, and is expiring beginning of 2012 anyway, so decided to stick with the old passport until it expired.) Was not a fun experience, but at least it's DONE now.

Tomorrow morning is the annual CF walk at the zoo, looking forward to it! Always nice seeing friends and familiar faces again, and it also reminds me to be gratefull that my stunning lungs don't have CF anymore :-) Speaking of lungs, I have a check-up again on Wednesday. Would have been on the 5th of Jan, but got a call this week saying that the Dr's rooms will be closed, so had to reschedule, and 30 Nov turns out to be exactly 3 months after my previous check-up. Hope it goes well!!!

Will be posting pics of the walk...

Drakensberg and week

2011-11-19T18:54:00.003+02:00

We left the Friday just after lunch, it's a 3.5 hour drive from Joburg to get there. We stopped for a burger as well and did some "adventure driving" on some really BAD roads!!! We got there just as the sun set, so couldn't fully appreciate the views until the next morning.They were however burning the mountain (controlled fire for the vegetation and safety) which made the air a bit smokey, but provided some amazing sights. Two of our friends from Joburg also arrived about an hour later, and we had pizza for supper at the resort followed by some card-playing until midnight. On the Sat monring we were hit by the breath-taking views. We made some nice brekkie and set off for the pool. Unfortunately the wind was quite bad and the weather HOT, so we couldn't really go hiking or anything. The afternoon was spent drinking and playing Monopoly instead! We did at least manage to go for a nice little drive before setting off to a YUMMY buffet supper.

On Sunday morning the weather looked promising.. no wind! We set off to the pool again, but about 30 mins after getting the the wind started again... It wasn't quite as bad as the previous day, so we also played some mini-golf, before going for another swim. Suzanne and Marcel set off back to Joburg after lunch on the Sunday, but Chris and I spent another night as we had put in leave for the Monday. We just relaxed and watched a movie, had supper and went to bed early. We left on Monday after breakfast and still had enough of the day left to do gardening and go to the bank once back in JHB! Very relaxing weekend indeed! http://www.alpineheath.co.za/

The rest of the week flew by, and last night one of our good friends who moved to Australia a year ago stopped by for a night before going to PE and Capr Town to see family! Was so nice to see her again, really miss her :-( Need to go visit them in Aus sometime... Don't know when though!!! So much stuff planned for next year already!! Maybe 2013?

Ninette is still improving slowly but surely!!! All the drains are out, lungs looking better every day on the xrays, and vent settings going down... The poor thing is bored out of her mind in ICU, so please pray that the vent comes out soon and she can move to a much nicer room in the ward!!!

What else? Oh I want to start my xmas shopping tomorrow! Before the shops get too crazy!! In a month's time my grandparents and sister will be flying up for Christmas!!! Can't wait :-) Will be working right through Xmas, but there's a long weekend in the middle of Dec (16th is Day of Reconcilliation) and then we'll be going away again to Clarence. Real Jetsetters :-)

Next weekend is the annual CF walk, also at the zoo. Always nice to see familiar faces again! I also need to go to the Dept of Home Affairs on Sat morning EARLY, as I need a new passport and ID book, in my not-so-new-anymore surname! Exciting time of the year ahead, will be putting up the Christmas tree soon!!!

Drakensberg!!!

2011-11-15T21:17:00.005+02:00

Will do a decent post shortly, just thought I'd post some pics in the meantime!!!

Weekend Report Back

2011-11-08T20:57:00.000+02:00

Apart for the horrible weather the weekend was very nice!!! The wind was gale-force THE WHOLE TIME, couldn't go down to the beach at all... definitely not the best wedding weather :-/ Nevertheless, the wedding was beautiful (even though the poor bride had to have her hair re-done after the photo's outside!!) But the wedding was still great, Elette looked STUNNING. And so special to see my grandparents and other family too.

Was also good to see some old friends again, really miss them, although not much the city at all... it just looked so bare and dead against Joburg with all the pretty Jacaranda's flowering right now! Was also nice seeing my sister's flat, so cute!

Yesterday the week started off with a bang, so much work! Today was much better at least, got to leave normal time and go to gym again. Can feel I haven't been there in like 10 days! Had a lovely random braai this evening (just me and hubby), I made yummy salad and potato bake and he braaied (BBQ for those who still haven't caught on) some sort of lamb thing which was DELICIOUS!!!

We're going away again this weekend to the Drakensberg, never been there before, can't wait! Have put in half-day leave on Friday and a whole day on Monday.

3 more sleeps!

2011-11-01T17:53:00.003+02:00

Until I go to PE!! I almost typed "until I go back home", but PE hasn't been my home for a while now! It's already been 14 months since our house there was sold. Going to be my first time back there not going "home" to the house I grew up in :-( BUT going to see my sister's flat for the first time :-) Transplant has definitely changed my perspective on change... Even changes that make me sad (like the old house) has the positive side to it that I would not have been alive to experience this change was it not for the lungs. And the thought of completely missing out on any of those things make me MUCH sadder. Obviously possitive changes are even better!!! As is being alive to se my cousin and sister getting married!!

Ninette is still doing well, she's off the ECMO, but still has the ventilator (trachy). She's wide awake, standing, sitting in the chair, eating solid foods :-) The next big step is to get her breathing on her own!!

This week's busy at work, month end! So gym hasn't really happened yet, maybe tomorrow? Or Thursday hopefully. Friday we're flying so no gym :-) Hope you have a fabulous weekend too! I definitely will :-)

Garden & Kitties

2011-10-22T17:35:00.003+02:00

45 months :-)

2011-10-22T17:06:00.003+02:00

Ninette update: she's had a very tough week and was put on ECMO (machine that oxygenates the blood basically) to give the new lungs a rest. She's still on the ECMO but was doing a little bit better yesterday. I haven't had any updates again today. Went past the hosp this morning after the walk to visit some friends, and all I heard was that she's "hanging in there". I really pray that she survives this...

Work's been going well, gym's been great, weather is great, love summer!!! So all in all I'm a very happy camper! Our kitties are also soooo cute, and my garden looking good, although lots that I want to do still. Also have a few weekends away with Chris and friends planned in the next 6 months, including a week off for my sister's wedding :-) CAN'T WAIT!!!!

The Big Walk had an awesome turnout, more than a 1000 people! And loads who signed up as organ donors. See some pics below... Don't have much plans yet for the rest of the weekend, but sure it'll be good!

This Saturday.... on my lungaversary date

2011-10-18T19:38:00.000+02:00

Ninette got lungs yesterday!!!

2011-10-17T18:34:00.003+02:00

Good CF friend of mine Ninette got her call late Sat night, she came out of theatre just before midnight last night, and as far as I know she's stable and all's well. I REALLY pray it stays that way!!! It's only the second transplant I know of this year (there might have been another one but I don't know the recipient involved). Donor rates have really gone down :-( Please pray that she has a quick and hassle-free recovery!!!

My sister's visit last weekend was great! We bought some plants, had supper at my parents place and a braai at our place. Shopped for a dress for my mom to wear to the wedding next year (unsuccessfully :-/) All in all a very nice weekend. This past weekend one of my best friends from school, Carli was here with her fam, so got to see them on Sat, which was awesome. Yesterday I had a girls-afternoon... Chris and my friend's hubby went to the SA VS Australia cricket game, so we had lunch, went to the movies and coffee afterwards. Perfect way to spend a sunday afternoon! Got home rather late though and then didn't sleep too fantastically, I kept up waking up thinking about Ninette. Luckily her boyfriend (who also had a double lung tx http://livinglifebreathlessly.blogspot.com/2010/02/post-444-new-lungs-for-francois.html last year in Feb kept me updated!

This Saturday is the annual Organ Donor Foundation Walk at the Joburg Zoo. Always a nice event. But before then still 4 more working days!!! Going to gym tomorrow, Will try to visit Ninette (or Francois most probably) on Wednesday, gym again on Thursday. Hopefully a good weeke then, and even if it's not, it ends with payday on Friday :-D

October shock :-0

2011-10-05T19:34:00.002+02:00

October?? Where did Sept go??? Wow this year has less than 3 months left. And in actual fact only 2... AAAHHHH!!!! In exactly a months time we'll be in Port Elizabeth for the first time since we got married there for my cousin's wedding. CAN'T WAIT!!! Will be seeing my sister's place for the first time, and will definitely have to squeeze in a walk on the beach! Also seeing some old friends again, and very importantly my gransparents, who I also haven't seen since our wedding :-)

This week is month-end at work, and think I've been doing a lot better than last month, so that's good. Things are generally getting easier with the "new" job. My unpaid leave that I had to take for our overseas trip is also done now, so my salary for Oct will be looking a bit better, YAY!

The kitties are doing awesomely, almost fully grown, if not already there. The girl froze up in the tree on Sunday evening when we had our first PROPER thunderstorm for the summer. I think all the rain and thunder completely freaked her out. I tried getting her out of the tree with some tuna, but only managed to attract the neighbour's cat, which didn't exactly help! Eventually Chris had to chase the other cat, get a ladder and poke her down with a rake! Poor thing was wet and traumatised afterwards. Oh and the grass we planted has FINALLY started to grow, hope it continues that way! Will probably have to do another batch of seeds next summer, as it's not a creeping grass and not very thick right now.

My sister is also here this weekend, will be nice to see her again, and then in November and then in December and then in Feb for her wedding :-) Good times ahead!

Happy birthday to my hubby!

2011-09-26T17:00:00.007+02:00

It's Chris's birthday today!!! Taking him out for supper later tonight, hope he enjoys it! Our weekend away was great, apart from the wind! Was unexpected and didn't go so well with sleeping in a tent!! Second night was better though and we slept through it. Posting some pics below. I wouldn't have been able to go there with my old lungs, as there's no electricity, everything is run off gas and batteries, and I wouldn't have been able to do my nebs. Sooooo amazing not having to be bound by things as simple as a plug-point anymore :-)

27 so far...

2011-09-20T18:22:00.000+02:00

So far 27 has been pretty boring, hence the lack of blogging, but sometimes boring is good! At least it means no health issues! Had gynae check-up and results came back good :-) Spring is here and been doing quite a lot of gardening, we even planted grass on Sunday. Really hope it grows! Gym also been going well, although I haven't been able to go this week yet so far, but hopefully tomorrow and Thursday.

We're going away this weekend with my parents, YAY!!!! To a place called Klipplaatz, not too far out of Joburg. Really looking forward to it, will be nice to get out of the city for a bit. Hopefully I get to swim as well, haven't done that in ages (not that my body is bikini-ready!!! But who cares...). So yeah... not much happening, will post some pics of the weekend next time.

27 today!

2011-08-31T20:42:00.004+02:00

Wow 30 is creeping up on me! We went away for the weekend to a hotel in Limpopo Province with 2 friends which was very relaxing. Weather turning into summer which is awesome too. This evening Chris took me out for some ribe which was YUMMY. Also had 3-month Dr check-up yesterday and got a clean bill of health so to speak :-) All bloods and lung functions were normal :-) Awesome birthday present!!! Not much other news, work hectic, kitties cute, all good!

3 years 7 months!

2011-08-22T17:58:00.004+02:00

Another month has FLOWN by! Some months the only reason I realise it's another anniversary day, is because Chris has a reminder on his phone! Had another awesome weekend... brunch at Salvation Cafe, Watching rugby and braai at our place, went to the Polo on Sunday... Pretty awesome!

Article in newspaper and another good weekend.

2011-08-14T17:05:00.003+02:00

Check out this article: http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/randburg/randburg-announcements-general?oid=4576422&sn=Detail&pid=217560&Organ-recipient-becomes-star-athlete, it was published on Thursday for Organ Donation Awareness month.

Weekend has been good. Friday night we just stayed in. Saturday we drove away all the garden refuse we created in my little car, and then cleaned the car! So garden is a lot closer to being ready for summer! We went to friends place to watch the rugby last night, and ended up staying out until 3am! So only got to bed at 3h30, slept rather badly and was up again at 8h30, so feeling a bit tender today! The result of tiredness and a little too much to drink :-) Today we had lunch at my parents place and didn't do much else! Will be going to bed early...

Really hope to get to gym 3 times this week, only made it once last week (routine was a bit messed up my public holiday we had on Tuesday). At least the gardening was some exercise, felt quite stiff the next day. And Friday is payday so this week needs to go by FAST!

Follow this link to check out the video for WTG 2013! I'n in it as well!

2011-08-10T18:17:00.000+02:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCMGLY0q1I0&feature=share

1 YEAR!

2011-08-07T16:24:00.003+02:00

Today a year ago was the best day of my life, my wedding day! Wish we could re-live the day, it really was AWESOME. Our anniversary weekend has been pretty great. Friday night we went out with another couple to see Captain America in 3D, which was quite good even though it's not normally my type of movie. Yesterday we had a relaxing day at home, with a wedding in the evening! Rather romantic going to a wedding the day before your anniversary! Today we slept in a tiny bit (as much as the kitties allow), then Chris made us a YUMMY breakfast. Had tea at my parents place, and then went to my favourite garden centre where we got 4 plants for the garden and grass seeds, soil and pruning implements. In a month's time or so we'll do the grass, just waiting for spring to start! Afterwards we had lunch there. Feeling very blessed today!

AUGUST!

2011-08-03T20:42:00.002+02:00

One of my favourite months, and even more so in recent years! Firstly, it's my birthday on the 31st!!!! Secondly, in Joburg, August marks the end of winter. Some people say's it's windy (those people didn't grow up in Port Elizabeth), but temperatures start rising and by the end of the month some new leaves start popping out! ALSO, it's the month of our wedding anniversary, of which we will celebrate the very first one this weekend! So all in all a good month.

Past weekend was great, found my sis a wedding dress, yay! She is going to look absolutely stunning! Also saw some friends, spent time with family, did some shopping... Gym has also been going well, haven't been to another class yet though. Hopefully next week. Not much other news... enjoy the rest of your week!

Last post for July

2011-07-27T17:40:00.002+02:00

Couldn't really think of another title for this post! Don't have much news, work's been busy, still learning so much, weekend was awesome again. Friday night we had supper in Parkhurst with friends (old university friend was visiting JHB) plus a gourmet milkshake at the Fire and Ice hotel in Melrose Arch. Breakfast on Sat morning at Salvation Cafe, one of my favourite brunch/lunch places that Aviva introduced me to and Saturday afternoon we went to a Christening and just stayed at home chiling on Sat evening. On Sunday we had friends over for a braai. So all in all a pretty perfect weekend.

Did my first class at gym too on Monday!!!! It was a Zumba class, and I wasn't nearly as tired in the end as I though I would be :-) Was supposed to go to a Body Conditioning class today as well, but got stuck in traffic and my blood sugar went a bit low so didn't make it, but definitely giving it a shot next week! Going to gym tomorrow for some normal treadmill etc.

My sis is arriving tomorrow night f0r her birthday on Friday!!! Not sure if I've mentioned this before (???), but she GOT ENGAGED in June!!!! So it'll be the first time seeing her since that's happened! We'll be having supper at my parents' place on Friday evening, and on Sat it's wedding dress shopping time :-) The big day is going to be in Feb next year, exactly 18 months after our wedding (of which the 1 year anniversary will be next month!!!). Exciting times!!

Back to School!

2011-07-19T18:36:00.002+02:00

OK so I've been back at work for a whole week. Definitely feeling rested after the trip with new energy for work! And energy I need because a new job is not easy! Every day gets better at least and feeling more comfortable as time goes by.

The weekend was SO NEEDED. Had a great time and slept late! On Sat was my friend Andrew's birthday lunch (braai). Really enjoyed being back in the SA sun! Nothing like a braai (BBQ) with great friends, new and old, speaking your own language (or at least your own accent!) and sitting in the sun in winter :-) On Sunday we had my parents over for another braai and some more sitting outside. Also did a tiny bit of gardening. Was so inspired by how pretty Annelie and Bernie's garden is in Chesham! It's obviously winter here and everything is dusty and bare, but have to start preparing for spring. Which is hopefully SOON. I'm over the cold mornings and going to work in the dark at 6am, even though we probably missed to wost of the cold!

Went back to gym yesterday as well. Lost 2kg, yay! Definitely from all the walking overseas, hope I can keep it off! Leg muscles sore after doing weights at the gym though! Going to be even more sore tomorrow, but will be back then on Thursday. Oh, and Friday it's 3 and a half years with the lungs!

UK "farewell BBQ"

2011-07-10T16:18:00.004+02:00

Last night Annelie organised a braai (BBQ) for us. Despite the rain it was very nice and the food excellent! Also met some friends of hers that follow my blog :-)

Regents Park and Sightseeing in London

2011-07-10T16:00:00.000+02:00

Greenwich and Tower of London

2011-07-10T15:23:00.006+02:00

St Paul's Cathedral (views) and Covent Garden

2011-07-10T14:59:00.005+02:00

Trafalgar Square and Portobello Road Market (and Annelie&Bernie's garden)

2011-07-10T14:44:00.005+02:00

London!

2011-07-10T09:13:00.000+02:00

Sorry for lack of posting, but been busy in London all week! Went in with the train every day Monday to Sat. WHAT A WEEK :-) Easiest is to give a day by day breakdown of what we did:

Monday: Met up with a friend from school James, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music and is still based in London and a brilliant pianist! We walked around Marlybone High street a bit and had breakfast there. We also walked around in Regents Park and tried to cool down in the shade (was a really hot day!). After that we did the hop on hop off bus sightseeing tour of London and also a boatride up the Thames.

Tuesday: Took another boat out to Greenwich. Walked to the Royal Observatory at the top of the hill and enjoyed some awesome views! Also popped in at the Greenwich Market. In the afternoon we did Tower of London. I was a bit disappointed because we didn't have enough time to do the tower properly, and it was SWARMING with tourists, we waited probably 45 mins just to see the crown jewels. So would like to do it again one day and be there first thing in the morning.

Wednesday: I left Chris at home as he had a sore leg, and braved Oxford Street for some shopping! Again loads of people and pushing, not the best shopping experience ever because of all the sales/crowds, but did get some nice stuff on those sales :-) Before Oxford Street I went to St Paul's cathedral, which was AWESOME. Climbed 580 stairs to the top (actually just 530, but was quite a way in when I realised I had forgotten my handbag where I was sitting staring at the dome! So had to run down and then start all over again.

Thursday: Chris and I went to the Science Museum. Really cool Museum and I went there in 2004 as well. Unfortunately it was the day before schools closed for summer holidays, so there were unruly kids EVERYWHERE. "In my day" you had to stay quiet and walk in single file in a museum, but that's clearly not the case here, lol.

Friday: Went to Covent Garden, and afterwards had lunch on Trafalgar Square. Wind was a bit bad, so gulped it down and went into the National Gallary. Only had time for the Impressionist/ Modern Wing, but was pretty cool. Then met up with a friend I've only ever had contact with on fb! She's also got CF, also from South Africa and we used to see the same Dr even in PE, but weren't allowed to meet back then because of infection risk! She lives in the UK now. Was really cool.

Saterday: Annelie and I went to Portabello Road Market in Notting Hill! Didn't see it in 2004 and really didn't want to miss it again on this trip, so dragged Annelie there with me! Was very nice, you can find some awesome antiques there if the crowds aren't too bad. Luckily we got there early, because when we left at 14h00 we could barely walk! Got some very nice original Alice in Wonderland collector's cards from 1930 that is all set up to be framed!

So today's the end of our long awaited trip. So sad :-( Can't wait to see the kitties again and miss my house, but that's about it! Oh and some friends and family :-) Will post some pics later!

Newspaper Article published last week

2011-07-04T08:37:00.001+02:00

Update from England!

2011-07-03T21:28:00.005+02:00

Well we're back from Wales, on the way back we quickly stopped by Bath and Stonehenge. I'll need a proper weekend for Bath though, too much to see and we didn't have time to see the actual Roman baths. Yesterday we went to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which was good fun but again, you need like 2 days, because there's too much to see and your feet eventually can't walk anymore! Had a lovely supper at an Italian Restaurant run by Turks in Amersham on the way back.

Today was a quiet day, went to Annelie's church where I spoke, as her congregation prayed for me when I was needing it the most! Just felt a bit bad: one of the ladies walked out in the middle of my "speech", I heard afterwards that her husband died while receiving his lung transplant or something like that, also CF. Someone should have told her I was speaking today!

Tomorrow and the rest of the week is going to be awesome, we'll be exploring London! Will be nice to do the things I didn't do in 2004, either because we didn't have time or because my lungs were crap. Yay new lungies!

More Wales Pics

2011-06-30T20:27:00.006+02:00

In Wales!

2011-06-26T10:46:00.007+02:00

Sorry for not doing much proper updating! Arrived in the UK on Friday night after basically spendng the entire day at the airport. Started the roadtrip to Wales the next morning in rainy weather! Didn't expect much else for Wales, but yesterday it was suprisingly warm! Even burned a bit on my face after putting on sunblock 3 times... Today was a bit cooler though and windy, so we were totally underdressed! Here are some pics from yesterday. WE did some sightseeing in and around Pembroke, the town where we're staying. Also went to Pembroke Castle. Bree would have loved it, it was where King Henry the VII was born, very interesting.

Even more Sweden Pics

2011-06-25T21:10:00.008+02:00

More Sweden pics

2011-06-25T20:51:00.006+02:00

Bronze Medal for 3km race walk!

2011-06-24T11:20:00.006+02:00

Squash - Silver Medal and injury

2011-06-21T08:50:00.006+02:00

Yesterday's squash went OK, got silver medal and hurt ligament in my foot. Luckily we have a team physion and she says it's not too serious and I should be fine for walking tomorrow! Have a very handy ice-boot thing to put on and keep it cold. At least all the swelling is gone today! Taking ieasy in other words, not planning on doing too much today, and tonight is team photographs. Not much other news! Just hoping my foot is fine for Wednesday's walk!!!!!

Opening Ceremony Pics

2011-06-19T17:25:00.011+02:00

Sunday 19 June

2011-06-19T07:36:00.005+02:00

WE arrived at lunchtime on Thursday, and unfortunately our hotel room wasn't ready yet, so we walked around a bit and found a pizza place where we had some pizza for lunch. When we returned to the hotel everything was ready so we unpacked and set off for sight seeing. Chris and I walked quite far and decided to have supped at the Hard Rock Cafe. AS we were walking in I heard someone shout my name, and there were one of my UK, American and Canadian fb friends! They recognised Chris and me, and we all had supper together (see pics I loaded in previous post). WE had team meeting afterwards at 9pm, and then bedtime.

On Friday we registered officially for the games, and did some shopping and sightseeing the rest of the day. Unfortunately the weather wasn't as nice as when we arrived, and it was raining quite a lot! Luckily we got these cool WTG raincoats! Very handy indeed!

Yesterday was a long day. We watched some athletics in the morning (kids), and then it was time for the opening ceremony! All the teams marched from a square in the city to the Liesberg Amusement Park. There we all met up together for the ceremony and afterwards we could go on the rides in the Park! I went on the 2 big rides, a massive wooden rollercoaster and AtmosFear, a free-falling ride! They were both amazing, AtmosFear was pretty scary too, feels like jumping off a VERY tall building!!! My jaw is stiff this morning from clenching my teeth when we fell! Feet are also sore and calves stiff from all the walking. Will load a seperate post of all the opening ceremony pics.

Today is squash practise session! Not going to play too much, already tired so need some rest for tomorrow!!!

We're here safely! Here's some pics.....

2011-06-17T16:51:00.008+02:00

24 hours to go!!!

2011-06-14T20:29:00.002+02:00

Tomorrow this time we're on the plane in the sky!!! Can't post for long, still have a lot of stuff to do here at home. Meds were delivered today, biggest relief!!! YAY SO EXCITED! Don't know how I'm going to survive the day at work tomorrow though!

CHAT AGAIN WHEN I'M IN SWEDEN!

3 MORE SLEEPS!!!!!

2011-06-12T08:42:00.004+02:00

3 SLEEPS, AAAGGGHHHHHH!!!! YAY can't wait though!! Above is our clothes, got it yesterday.

Finish off old job DONE

Start new job DONE

Have cats spayed DONE

Buy enough cat food for while we're gone DONE

Make sure cats and plants are cared for while we're gone DONE

Get passports back with Shegen Visa DONE

Get clothing for WTG DONE

Organise to have my meds delivered early so I have enough for the trip DONE, WAITING FOR ACTUAL DELIVERY

A lot of gymming and squash NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

Go to the university's long jump pit to practise. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

So as you can see it's only the meds are still outstanding! Still not going to gym, trying to stay healthy and shake off the last of the snottyness. Not much of that left luckily. Oh and I started packing :-) Bag just seems way too small :-(

Ode to my grandfather

2011-06-08T17:15:00.003+02:00

My grandfather (on Dad's side) passed away last night. He didn't have a long streched out sickbed, his heart simply started giving trouble on Friday and Tuesday he passed away at home. My gran passed away in October of 2006, and my grandad's has been missing her terribly ever since. I really hope they're together again now!

My grandad really loved my grandmother. They were married for almost 50 years before she passed away. In the 2 months that I worked at his business and stayed with him for 3 nights of the week, he told me their story almost every night. They were such a good example to al of us.

He was also a hard worker. At 84, he still went in to the office every day, and was never retired a day of his life. He got his degree while working after school, and his whole life was a testament of his hard work. What an inspiration!

He was extremely caring. When I struggled to get a job post transplant, he offered me a 3-day a week job in his company, even though they didn't really need me! It gave me a gradual start into the working world and gave me some financial assistance until such time as I got a permanent job. He was definitely also the most compassionate boss I've ever seen!

I'm sad that he's gone and don't quite comprehend yet that we won't be going to visit him in Pretoria again. He was very lonely in the last few years though, and his last remaining sibling passed away about 3 weeks ago too. So in a way I'm glad that's over for him.

Rest In Peace Oupa Thys

2011-06-07T18:31:00.002+02:00

Finish off old job DONE
Start new job DONE
Have cats spayed DONE
Buy enough cat food for while we're gone DONE
Make sure cats and plants are cared for while we're gone DONE
Get passports back with Shegen Visa READY FOR COLLECTION
Get clothing for WTG SATURDAY I THINK?
Organise to have my meds delivered early so I have enough for the trip DONE, WAITING FOR ACTUAL DELIVERY
A lot of gymming and squash SEE BELOW
Go to the university's long jump pit to practise. STILL NEED TO DO

So at least my list is almost done with! The only thing that has gotten in the way of my plans is cold nr 4 for the year. Yes NUMBER 4!!!! Same as the other 2, nose and throat, not much to write home about but it's messed up my training. Seem to be 1 week of hard training one week sick. Repeat. Sooo...... to stop Murphy in her tracks I'll probably not go to gym again before we leave in fear of getting another cold/ bringing an old cold back to life. I'd rather go over slightly unfit and HEALTHY. I'm not the only person who got sick from the sick lady in training (even the instructor got sick), so she's not the most popular person at work! What a way to start your new job! Cold was at it's worse on Sunday, a lot better now at least, so I'm confident that by next week Wednesday I'll be good to go.

To-do-list update:

2011-06-01T18:06:00.002+02:00

Finish off old job DONE

Start new job DONE

Have cats spayed BOOKED FOR FRIDAY

Buy enough cat food for while we're gone DONE

Make sure cats and plants are cared for while we're gone DONE

Get passports back with Shegen Visa QUERIED AND IT'S EARLY NEXT WEEK...

Get clothing for WTG NEXT WEEK

Organise to have my meds delivered early so I have enough for the trip STILL NEED TO DO

A LOT OF GYMMING AND SQUASH STILL NEED TO DO

Go to the university's long jump pit to practise. STILL NEED TO DO

OK so at least I'm getting somewhere! Today was the first day at my new job!!!!! Was definitely not disappointed! Did quite a bit, it's a fast paced company, just up my street :-) People all seemed very nice, the girl training me right now is very friendly and studied at the same university I did! Tomorrow will be a full day of orientation but should finish earlier so then I can definitely make it to gym in good time!

Last day at previous Co on Tuesday was a day of mixed emotions. Sad from a social point of view and relieved/excited in terms of work and career. Suppose it hasn't really set in that I'll never go back there again and sit at my old desk and chat to the girls. We'll have to organise supper-dates or something!

What else? This weekend is going to be rather busy. On Sat we're playing squash then going to Centurion for mini family reunion as my cousin Adam from New Zealand is in SA! On Sunday it's a very special friend's birthday lunch! Can't say what I got her for her birthday - she reads this blog, but let's hope the gift I ordered has arrived by then... it hasn't yet :-(

Don't have much else today, except that IN 2 WEEKS TIME WE'RE BOARDING!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PRAY that I don't get sick again before then, was exposed to a REALLY sick woman today in training :-(

17 days.....

2011-05-29T15:38:00.002+02:00

17 Days before we leave on a jet plane.... 19 days before the start of the Games. Gymming in full swing after the last cold. I swear if I get another cold I'll lose it. So pumping the Vit C, and going to try go get enough sleep, no late nights, avoid sick people... pray! Not much else I can do. Had a hair-cutt and colour yesterday, because we're going to be taking a lot of pics overseas and starting new job on Wednesday, so generally wanted a treat! Didn't do much else this weekend, went to a baby shower, saw my parents twice, gymmed twice. I'm ready for the week! And I'm going to ned the energy for the next 17 days...

To do list - by 15 June:

Finish off old job
Start new job
Have cats spayed
Buy enough cat food for while we're gone
Make sure cats and plants are cared for while we're gone
Get passports back with Shegen Visa
Get clothing for WTG
Organise to have my meds delivered early so I have enough for the trip
A LOT OF GYMMING AND SQUASH
Go to the university's long jump pit to practise.

and my favourite...

PACK OUR BAGS!

RIP Bree xxx

2011-05-25T18:12:00.005+02:00

Today, a week after her life support was switched off, Bree peacefully passed away. I am so sad, and just like everyone else who knew her, wish I knew what went wrong and why it couldn't be fixed. She was my best blog-buddy, and we had quite a lot in common. REALLY going to miss her, especially in Sweden. The pic above was 1 year post transplant. Here are some old blog posts...

Bree: 23 Jan 2008:

Alice has a new set of lungs!

Heath Ledger died:( (mourns)

And I'm still waiting.

So...Alice, Alice, Alice you ask? She's doing great! I just read her blog (which her sister is so kindly updating) and Alice is still sedated but should be coming off of it soon! The lungs fit perfectly and so far, she is in perfect condition! Yay Alice! I will admit I will miss sitting on MSN talking to you about how shitty we feel and how it sucks being hooked up to O2 all the time, and how people can be bastards, but at the same time, I AM SO SO EXCITED FOR YOU! I cannot wait till you return and you can BREEEEEEEEATHE! I've heard it's easy. I can't wait to experience it myself!

Bree: 27 May 2008

World Transplant Games, August 22-30, 2009, Gold Coast Australia.What do you say, Alice? Should we do it?Like I told you, this is our ticket to really experience LIFE. We've been couped up with lung disease for how long, not able to do ANYTHING and THIS is our ticket to meet eachother and THIS is out ticket to live our dream of LIVING.And even better - it falls the week of our b-days! (August 23(moi) August 31(Alice)).What do you say, Alice?? What do you say!?? WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!(lets hope i'm tx'd by then!)

Me: 27 May 2008 (almost exactly 3 years ago)

Me and Bree are going to Australia for the World Transplant Games in August 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to http://www.worldtransplantgames09.com/ to check it out... It'll be at the end of August 2009, which is also the week in which we have our birthdays!!!!!!! And like bree said on her blog:"We've been couped up with lung disease for how long, not able to do ANYTHING and THIS is our ticket to meet eachother and THIS is out ticket to live our dream of LIVING."Bree must just GET her tx first, but she'll get it SOON... the waiting list in Toronto is 2-3 months, and she's already waited more than a month...How cool is this going to be!!! We want to do erotic dancing and running or something...

There were many more special posts... and to think we were 23 days away of meeting in real life. THIS SUCKS. At least she never had to struggle to breathe again after tx.

In other news... Evlyn, a transplant friend I DID meet is Australia, needs new lungs :-( She received a heart and lungs tx about 6 months after me. Her lungfunction has been drastically declining since end of last year, and now she needs new lungs again. Really hope all goes well for her and that she gets some great new lungs that will love her for years to come. Pic above is us with the entire Mexican team! So altogether not a good day in transplant world for me...

Managed to pick up my 3rd cold for the year, probably courtesy of the biatch in the pharmacy who showered me with her snot. Saw Dr on Monday just to stop it in its tracks so I can go back to gym, seeing as we're FLYING in 3 weeks time... (stupid icelandic ash-cloud permitting). Lucklily lung function was 100% (best so far this year), so just got some nose-stuff. Been sleeping badly so I think tonight calls for a Dormicum... mmmmm.... also only 4 days left of working at my current company...

Stuff

2011-05-20T18:04:00.003+02:00

About Bree: as far as I know she has been declared braindead, but even 3 days after the life support has been switched off she is (well was earlier today at least) still breathing, and that's still keeping her heart beating until it eventually stops. Because she's been declared braindead that doesn't mean there's any hope :-( Ironic how the new lungs is the last or the organs to be failing her. In her own words, she had "lungs of awesome". The internet is a lonelier place without her and I've been missing her since Feb when she last posted on her blog.

My sister is arriving in Joburg tonight, which is pretty awesome. She's just here for the weekend, but so excited! Got lots planned! Also just have 7 working days left with my current company. Interesting times.

Gymming and squash have been good this week. However there's some sick people at work again and in the pharmacy this afternoon a lady sneezed on me :-( Hopefully that flu shot I had kicks in and I don't get a cold AGAIN. Feel like shooting sick people who invade my space. Should get a banner saying " STAY THE *&^(*&)(*& AWAY IF YOU ARE SICK, THINK YOU MIGHT BE SICK OR HAVE BEEN SICK IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS" Guess that won't work in a pharmacy....bleh

Bree :-(

2011-05-17T19:57:00.003+02:00

My favourite Canadian of all times, and online friend for 4 years, Bree, has reached the end of her time here on earth... Like I've mentioned before, she's had some brain virus, which the doctors just couldn't figure out. I saw early this moring (Monday evening in Canada) that they've switched off her life support. There's been no update since. This is what her sister posted on facebook:

Hi guys, this is Bree's sister Ashleigh. I know many of you are wondering what is happening with Bree. She has been in the hospital for the past month, battling an unknown neurological disorder. Although the Doctors have done everything they can, they can not find out what is happening and her condition has continued to worsen. At this point, she has been taken of life support. Details to follow. - 15 hours ago

Very sad, and it's so frustrating that it had nothing to do with her lungs. Same as with Landi last year.

A MONTH to go

2011-05-16T20:09:00.002+02:00

Just a month to go till we ARRIVE in Sweden :-) Lots to happen before then... 2 weeks at my current job to go, 2 weeks in the new job. Cats need to be spayed :-( Need to get fitter, preferably thinner, LOL!

Going to be a very busy month. Also have a lot of medical bills/ medical aid fighting to do! Also training people at work. Just PRAY I don't get any more colds and sniffles again this winter! And wish me luck with some of the medical fights!

Resignation.

2011-05-07T13:36:00.005+02:00

So the other thing that happened on Tuesday was that I resigned from my job. There were a few reasons for it, but the main one is for career growth. It was the first time in my life I've had to hand in a resignation letter, but at least now I can tick that one off, LOL! I wasn't pleasant but glad it's done! I also realised that me deciding to resign and move on to a new company shows I have so much more faith/confidence in my health now than I did 2 and a half years ago when I just started working. Back then I was so scared my health wouldn't handle working fulltime in a rather stressfull job. I just wanted to stay with that company and hope they never feel I'm an inferior employee who gets sick often. Now I KNOW I'm a good emplyee and in the last 2 years I've been sick VERY seldom. *touch all sorts of wood* So I'm starting my new job on 1 June!!! And they're OK with me taking off for the Games, which is great. Very excited :-)

My check-up on Tuesday went great. ALL bloods were normal, even the sugar ones, THANK GOODNESS. I'm finally getting the sugar under control :-) Now I'll have to work to keep my weight under control, normaller glucose levels brings easier weight gain :-( But it's all good. lung functions were a bit better than last time (although I did have a cold then), 98/99% FEV1& and 107% capacity/volume. So feeling very relieved after that. Now I must just get my flu shot and avoid getting flu. Throat a bit scratchy today so resting and trying to keep warm. I was in contact with 3 sick people the last 2 days at work, and can NOT AFFORD TO GET SICK NOW.

Then, some AWESOME news, a friend of mine Shaun got lungs last night!!!!!!!!! He's a year younger than me, also CF. SOOOOO happy for him and his stunning wife. The surgery went really well, so the next few days are critical. Please pray that all goes perfectly!

New squash racquet :-)

2011-05-01T19:56:00.003+02:00

Another long weekend! Played squash yesterday morning and realised I desperately needed a new racquet, my last one was still bought a few months post transplant and was literally the cheapest one in the shop. So it was time for a more decent one, got a nice Dunlop racquet :-) Had a blister on my finger from yesterday morning, so figued I'd test the new racquet on Monday and just to gym today. But in the end the curiosity got the better of me, and we played anyway as well. So did gym AND squash today, and squash session booked for tomorrow. Yay!

Tuesday is going to be a big day in the Vogt household. Chris is starting a new job!!! He's very excited about it and I'm so happy for him. Hope it goes well! Like I've mentioned a few times before it's my last lung check-up before Sweden, and really nervous about it. Pray my numbers (well the important ones anyway!) are great! The last thing I can't blog about yet, but will let you know as soon as I can! In other words Tuesday evening!

Freedom Day

2011-04-27T19:04:00.003+02:00

17 Years ago today black people in South Africa were allowed to vote for the first time, Nelson Mandela became President following those elections, we became known as the Rainbow Nation. Arguably the biggest event in the history of this country. I was only 10 years old at the time, wasn't too interested in all the politics, and took "freedom" for granted. We'd had black pupils in our school since 1992 (that I can remember), so by 1994 it wasn't a big deal to us kids anyway. Little did we know how much differently things in this country could have turned out was it not for De Klerk and Mandela. Now we just hope things continue in this fashion if Mandela had to pass away one day...

I got some bad news regarding Bree on facebook yesterday: ***UPDATE*** Everyone please keep Bree and her family in your prayers and thoughts! She has taken a turn of the worse a couple weeks ago. She is in TGH fighting hard. They are trying a plasma exchange right now to see if that will help. They don't know what else to do at this point or even what she has. Let's just hope and pray this works!!!! Really bummed, she BETTER recover from whatever's wrong with her :-(

Only 2 more days of work this week! Having blood and urine tests done tomorrow morning before work for my appointment on Tuesday. Also need to get my flu shot somewhere in the next week or so. Hope you've had a good week so far!

Easter long-weekend

2011-04-25T17:47:00.007+02:00

Long weekend was good. Shopping, seeing my sister and Pierre again after I haven't seen them since Christmas, nice food... back to work tomorrow! Shouldn't be too busy and traffic will be quiet, so day should go fine. And then Wednesday is another holiday! Not much other news. Next week Tuesday is my lung check-up. Pretty nervous as this will be my last health check-up before Sweden!!! Just hope Murphy doesn't have it in for me!

Good Friday and 39 months

2011-04-22T16:18:00.002+02:00

Today 39 months ago my body was saved and thousands of years ago my soul :-) Had a quiet day, church this morning, and spend most of the rest of the day with my parents. At home now doing some house-wifey stuff! Poor Chris has been working the whole day, hopefully he'll be home soon. We're fetching my sis and Pierre (her boyfriend) at the airport tonight, going to be the best part of my day seeing my sis again!!! Haven't seen her since Christmas.

It's a SUPER long weekend, only back at work on Tuesday, and then Wednesday's a holiday again, so only 3 working days :-) And (touch wood) quiet working days at that! Tomorrow my mom, sister and I might go do some shopping, and tomorrow night we'll be celebrating my sister and mom's degrees, Pierre's birthday, my lungaversary and a few others! Will be taking some pics!!!

Check out article on SASCOC website...

2011-04-18T16:06:00.000+02:00

http://www.sascoc.co.za/2011/04/team-sa-for-sweden/

2 months to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-17T07:27:00.001+02:00

Saturday was only 2 months to the start of the games!!!!!!! So excited and paranoid not to get sick before then :-/ Training going well at least!

Update

2011-04-12T20:29:00.004+02:00

not much to write... caught up on sleep which is good. gymming back in full swing and really excited about the games. UK visa also picked up so just the shengen one to go.

Weekend was great, did a bit of shopping on Sat morning, played some squash, bring and braai on Sat night, and bring and brunch on Sun morning. Spent the whole of Sunday afternoon being depressed because it's almost monday, which was a bit of a waste of time. posted some weekend pics above...

Mom and sister in the news

2011-04-10T08:50:00.002+02:00

They were in the newspaper down in Port Elizabeth for both getting honours degrees last year! Graduation ceremony is this year. So proud of them!

Some of the wedding pics of last weekend!

2011-04-08T20:54:00.008+02:00

What a weekend!

2011-04-06T20:39:00.005+02:00

Finally some time for blogging.... Weekend was awesome. Wedding was beautiful. Weather was pretty good. Bought a new camera, takes GREAT pics! Only got home @ midnight on Sunday, and to sleep after 1AM! Haven't had too much sleep since then either, been going to bed late or waking up for 2-3 hours in the night with an over-active brain. Would really love a 10 hours uninterrupted sleep! This week's been busy so far, Monday night was just domestic, pharmacy and grocery trip, early to bed. Last night we went out for supper with Andrew, Louzanne and Michelle (chris's sister). Louz and Michelle are both in Joburg for business. Tonight was back @ gym for the first time after my op last week. Did mostly weights, was nice. Posting some pics of the weekend below...

ON MY WAY TO CAPE TOWN!!!!!

2011-03-31T13:52:00.003+02:00

Just a quick update... surgery went well on Monday. No hassles, except that they only took me into theatre at about 5pm (was supposed to be "mid-morning"), and I was STARVING. Was so hungry I actually wanted to cry! Had McDonalds burger afterwards so then all was good again :-) Didn't take any extra time off so was back at work on Tuesday. Later this afternoon we're flying to Cape Town for a long weekend and wedding! So excited, haven't had a holiday since our honeymoon in Aug. Even if this is only 3 days, it's beter than nothing! My camera is broken, but will hopefully make a plan and take some pics!

busy busy busy!

2011-03-25T20:35:00.003+02:00

This week may have only been 4 working days, but WOW it was busy!!! Apart from work, we had supper with friends on Wednesday night, last night was gym again followed by driving to Chris's office to get his laptop and 3G for him to stay home today (explanation to follow shortly!). Today I was at work for 12 hours (07h00 to 19h00), excluding the 1.5 hours traveling time. And work was so busy, combined with trying to get my medical aid pre-authorisation for gynae-surgery, thought I was going to cry!

This weekend's going to be nice though, tomorrow morning we have some gift and travel shopping to do, and get passport pics taken. Also have pizza and movie planned with friends in their new house tomorrow evening, and a 1 year old's birthday to celebrate on Sunday! Enough to keep my mind off Monday!

So surgery is on Monday... not dreading it too much, but irritated with the frequency of this!!! If the leave the abnormal stuffs, they can become cancerous. And cervical cancer is not exactly on my bucket list. I suppose at least if it came down to it they can remove all those bits because they're not vital to survival as opposed to like a kidney or whatever, but still, I'm not warmed up to the possibility of hysterectomy before 30! But I'm jumping the gun here, just thinking about the future.

That's Monday... Tuesday is our appointment for our UK Visa's, very excited about that! Thursday eve we fly down to Cape Town for a good friend's wedding on Friday evening! Then we spend the rest of the weekend in CT, also seeing Chris's family.

Chris is still pretty sick, his cold (courtesy of moi) has gone to his lungs, but luckily he saw a Dr yesterday and got some antibiotics and stuff, so hopefully he'll be better soon now, and I won't be kept awake by all the coughing anymore (karma????). I feel for my parents and sister all those years!!!!!!!! He was booked off from work today, which is why we had to go get his laptop at the office.

Off to bed soon, long week with little sleep and lots of stress.

Day 30 - A picture of yourself.

2011-03-21T17:23:00.001+02:00

And that's the end of the 30 day challenge, took a bit longer, hahaha!

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

2011-03-21T16:40:00.002+02:00

I've got a lot of other pics that make me smile, but of all the ones on my laptop I chose this one. Some of us at the airport ready to depart for Aus WTG 2009!!!!

Day 28 - A picture of you last year and today with a description of how you've changed.

2011-03-21T16:29:00.004+02:00

Top one is last year and bottom one is today with my phone because camera batteries broken :-( What's changed? I am married now, we own 2 cats, lungs are the same I think! Weight up a tiny bit, F#*&^$# insulin, hoping some of it is muscles too. Hair shorter. Same job still, homeowner and living with Chris! Hoping in a year's time not much will have changed!!! Maybe the job but that's it!

Human Rights Day

2011-03-21T07:03:00.003+02:00

Today's a public holiday, yay! Just as well, because it's been a bit of a rough weekend! Saterday night was an old chool friend of mine Suzanne's bachelorette party! It was a sleepover thing... 7 of us girls went to a lodge close to joburg, where they've got their own local little shebeen (South African word for pub in the very poor black squatter camps/ townships. So the furniture is old and the decor is scrap-metal and roadsigns and antiques... hope that makes sense!) We had an awesome meal, eating with just a metal plate and a spoon, and all the drinks were served in metal mugs. And drinks there were!!!! Went to bed a bit after midnight, although didnt sleep much once in bed anyway! Had a great farmhouse breakfast on Sunday morning, after which we felt a lot better!!!

Got home after lunch yesterday, Chris and I did some grocery shopping, and the rest of the day was spent doing nothing! Today I hope to get a nice gym workout in, do some washing, and go to bed early again!

Got some crap news on Sat... my cervix is still showing abnormal cells, after they supposedly got rid of then in Dec. So my gynae will have to repeat the operation/procedure :-( Not cool :-( Waiting to hear abt a date, but will we soon.

Day 27 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

2011-03-20T17:15:00.001+02:00

CHRONIC REJECTION!!!!!!!!!

Day 26 - A picture of something that mean's a lot to you.

2011-03-20T16:57:00.003+02:00

The intranet! It enabled me to learn a lot more about CF, I was interacting with CF people without fear of cross-infection for the first time in my life. I discovered that there is such a thing as a lung transplant. I knew most of what a transplant involves by the time the Drs told me. Through facebook I have met more fellow CFers and transplantees who understand my health better than any of my "real-life" friends do. I also met Chris via the internet. So who knows where I'd be without this awesome tool!!!!

Cold update!

2011-03-15T20:46:00.002+02:00

So my cold is still lingering... haven't been able to go back to gym yet :-( Did some gardening though this weekend. maybe too much... oops!!! Throat fine, nose still snotted up, and bit of a drying cough/nasal drip. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Slept too little last night: Chris flew to Durban for the day today, and had to get up at 4am. Obviously I also didn't sleep much again after that. Still waitning for him to get back, but hopefully we get some more sleep tonight! Oh, and I made him sick too...

Today marks 3 months till we leave for Sweden!!! Hope all goes smoothly untill then!

P.S. I got news from Bree via friends of hers on fb... she's still in hosp, struggling with her vision :-( Please get better soon now Bree!!!!

Day 25 - A picture of your favourite memory.

2011-03-15T20:30:00.002+02:00

Summers as a child in Port Elizabeth in our house. Swimming in the sea, cookies and tea! Our house was about 200m from the beach, we went to the beach every day that the weather allowed. We'd return home starving, and gulp down cookies and tea after a bath. In the afternoons the wind normally blew, so it was reading time. This pic was taken Christmas 1994 I think. My sister and I got those dresses for Chistmas. Some of my best memories!

Day 24 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

2011-03-15T19:55:00.003+02:00

Me with my grandparents on my mom's side, the first time they saw me post transplant!!!

Day 23 - A picture of something you crave

2011-03-12T18:47:00.001+02:00

I crave lots and lots of sweets! Stupid CF/Prograf related diabetes :-( Mostly only get to have some sweeties if sugar low, and then they're wolfed down so fast I barely taste them. Ugh...

Day 22 - A picture of something that confuses you.

2011-03-12T18:08:00.002+02:00

Glass half empty people. Pessimists. I don't understand how their minds work. Obviously all of us have our negative days, where you don't think anything is going to work, but surely you must be able to see the silver lining or want to see the silver lining most of the time? I know people who haw ALL the reason on the world to be EXTREMELY pessimistic and if I were in their shoes I'd just give up trying to be positive and wallow in self-pity. And somehow they seem content or even happy?? But then you get other people who have the power to change their situation and just don't, because they're pessimistic and just don't think anything will ever go their way.

So yeah, that confuses me about people. Are you born that way or is it the way you were raised? Very interesting topic I think!

Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy.

2011-03-11T10:39:00.002+02:00

Our 2 kitty children make me very happy!!! They're so entertaining and so cute. Love the way they follow me around EVERYWHERE in the house, esp if it's just me at home.

Update!

2011-03-10T17:15:00.002+02:00

So training for the Games has been going really well. Did the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge last week Thursday, and wasn't even stiff the next day :-) Just generally feeling really fit. On Monday after gym, I even posted a facebook status update about feeling fitter than I ever have in my life! And def gaining muscle, because my weight's up a bit :-(, but clothes feel looser around my waist. Ie MORE MUSCLES!

So then the Murphy bitch striked again and I received a cold!!! I say received because I know exactly who at work it was who gave it to me! Wish people would stay at home when they're sick!!!!!!!! On Tuesday evening it felt like throat was on fire... Yesterday I went to work, but made Dr appointment for late afternoon. Seems like it's a viral thing ie a cold. Got some nasal meds. Booked off from work till Monday. Lung func was down 2 % to 98%... it better be over a 100% again next time, but think I just blew with less energy, if that makes sense. Have a proper 3 month check u* again in May. Getting more nervous as Sweden gets closer with regards to my health! My good friend Evlyn from Australia can't make it to the Games anymore due to decline in lung function (not sure why) so that sucks. And Bree has some strange brain infection and had a spinal tap last Monday. She's been extremely quiet since :-( SO BREE IF YOU'RE READING THIS PLEASE DO A BLOG POST OR SOMETHING! YOU'VE GOT ME WORRIED!!!!

So today I went to work for about an hour to get some work to take home with me, followed by a gynae check-up. The latter went well, lets hope the test results say the same!!!! Rest of the day was fairly quiet apart from some work issues, gggrrrrrrr. Not sure how much I relaxed, but at least I was away from all the sick people! Don't know where I get it from, but I feel guilty if it's office hours and I'm not at work. Even if I know I'm not well, and do not take sick leave often AT ALL, and that it's better for me to be at home that surrounded by 3 people at work who are sick, I still feel guilty ... not cool.

Anyways. Hope the cold blows over soon so I can get back to gym! Have a good weekend!

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

2011-03-10T17:11:00.003+02:00

Right now I'm so excited about our trip to Sweden, that Gothenburg is the only place I'd love to travel to! Excited about London too, but I've been there before :-)

Day 19 - A picture of something that inspires you.

2011-03-10T16:54:00.002+02:00

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20101007/ARTICLES/101009718?p=1&tc=pg

Read this article! This guy was 20 years post double lung tx last year! He also has CF, was diagnosed at age 2, met his spouse the year after his transplant, a lot of things in common with me! Amazingly Inspiring!

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

2011-03-08T20:58:00.004+02:00

At this moment in time there's nothing I'm insecure about. Of course there's some body parts I don't like, but that's pretty normal, and normal is good. My biggest insecurity used to be my COUGHING, or that constant niggle I used to have in my throat. Made me feel SO self-concious!!!

Day 17 - A picture of your favourite song.

2011-03-06T07:26:00.002+02:00

This is one of my favourite CD's. It's a local female rock artist. My favourite track on the CD is a song called Beautiful. It brings back loads of memories of my student days before the lungs concked in, and I even had the poster for this CD autographed at a music/arts festival and it was hanging in my room for years! I found the lyrics and You Tube link:

Your'e beautiful, every time we touch
When you make me laugh, when you think to much
Your'e beautiful, without your clothes
Everybody knows, your love for me it shows

Chorus: And it shines through, shines through
Everthing we do
I need you, I need you
want to swim across this crowded roomAnd whisper in your ear.
Your'e beautiful, when you're being polite
She just fell off her chair, and you gave her a light
Your'e beautiful, in your ugly shoes
You know that I still hate them, but I can stand by you

Chorus: Because you shine through, shine through
Everything I do
I need you, I need you
I want to shout it from a rooftop, Shout it out to the moon...
Your'e beautiful, you know its true
I could go black, I could go blue
Your'e beautiful, there are no lies
Only the river, only the sky

Chorus: And it shines through, shines trough
Everything I do
I need you, I need you
You know its true...

Found the song as it is on the CD on You Tube, but someone used it as background for their pictures, so images unrelated!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqC1oyI8G1s&feature=related

Day 16 - A picture of you and someone you do weird things with

2011-03-06T07:04:00.002+02:00

I'm a rather boring person when it comes to doing "weird things", but I suppose as a child my sister and I did some weird things together. Like pretending to wressle like they did on the show Gladiators that was on TV back then. Or make home-made sherbit (we never really had sweets etc in the house, just healthy food!) with Nesquick and Eno's! Or the weird story-lines we thought up for our Barbie dolls. Really miss her and hope someday she can move to Joburg so that we live in the same city again!

Day 15 - A picture of your family.

2011-02-26T20:30:00.002+02:00

Day 14 - A picture of you doing something that makes you happy.

2011-02-26T19:42:00.003+02:00

Couldn't decide between these 2 pics... so posted both. GARDENING and EATING RIBS both make me very happy!

Day 13 - A picture of something you hate

2011-02-25T14:15:00.001+02:00

SMOKING!!!!! Need I say more?

Breakaway from the photo challenge...

2011-02-25T04:30:00.002+02:00

Just a quick breakaway to do a normal post! AAHHHHH FEB IS ALMOST OVER!!!!! Where the hell did the month go? Not complaining though, means it's closer to our OVERSEAS trip! So excited I can burst... all the finances seem to be sorted now. So hard part is over! Going overseas with my hubby is one of my dreams come true!

Work has been good this week, not too bad. All the changes that are happening with the new company that has bought us are quite interesting! Definitely going to be a more exciting year than last work-wise.

Had a great week socially as well. Louzanne (see photo challenge Day 2) has been in Joburg for work this week, so she's been staying over here by us! So Monday night we invited Andrew over and has some pasta, had a great time! Tuesday Chris and Louz and I went out to my current favourite restaurant Grand Central in Melrose Arch (their grilled cheddar and caramalised onion burger is my favourite burger EVER!). Wednesday night we just had a braai (BBQ) at home, and went to check out Andrew's new townhouse he bought! We weren't really planning on seeing Louz again last night (she had meeting in the afternoon and went straight to airport), but due to a house-keys slip-up, we had to go to the airport too and ended up having supper there! So yeah, not a very "healthy" week, but did get in a tiny gym session yesterday before the key-crisis! And according t the gym's unreliable machine, lost a bit of weight and body fat.

Been awake now since like 3AM, mind too busy for sleep :-( Have to get up for work in an hour's time. Obviously then I'll fall asleep again in 45 mins time, just so that I'll feel like a bus hit me when I DO have to wake up! Damn you Murphy! Anyway, at least it's Friday! Tomorrow moring's going to be busy... have our first regional SATSA (SA Transplant Sports Assoc) meeting for Gauteng, where we'll be electing the committee. Going to be intereting! Hopefully the rest of the weekend will be quiet, with a bit of squash thrown in!

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

2011-02-25T04:24:00.002+02:00

Our little family! Love my hubby and our 2 "childrens"! I can spend an entire weekend just with them quite happily. I'm a very lucky girl!

Day 11 - A picture of your celebrity crush.

2011-02-24T21:40:00.002+02:00

Johnny Depp! Used to be a lot crazier about him than I am now, but loved him in movies like Benny & Joon, Chocolat, Pirates of the Carribean, and many more. I suppose I've always like the rebel thing. And that he's HOT! (well mostly!) And a great actor!