"Now I can do handstands"

That comment was made by a very interesting 19-yr. old we met in the lab at the hospital this morning. Picture this, a very stylish "emo" type kid, tight black jeans, "indie" band t-shirt, dark black dyed hair with two red streaks over the ears, pieced eyebrow, thick silver link necklace, nails polished black, reeking of sullen "no-one understands me" attitude...get the picture? Maybe know someone like that?

He and Donovan were side by side in chairs while the "vampires" in the lab did their thing this morning. "Dave" shared that he'd been transplanted (double-lung, also CF) about 5 months ago...As he started to share his story, the goth-like trappings faded into the background, and the excitement of his new life took over. With bright eyes he stated that he'd never been able to do handstands pre-transplant, but now he can, he skips the elevators in favor of stairs, and has also gained 30 pounds! It was such an encouragement to hear this story, and it put a spring in our steps as we had long appointments and another full day at U of A.

Today an exta 5 minutes were added to treadmill time in the gym, and more strides were made on the BTE machine in occuptational therapy, a device that measures and builds strenght for tasks of daily living. Today after Donovan's afternoon nap, I suggested that perhaps I could help him downstairs where he could watch TV. He hasn't yet tried the full flight of stairs. A little later, as I was preparing supper downstairs, I turned around and there he was! He had made the trip down all by himself!

My friend Verla and I went for a long walk the other night, and spent some time in prayer in the cool autumn weather. One thing we asked God for was to relieve the diabetic symptoms that the transplant has left Donovan with. This morning, the diabetic specialist tells us she's very pleased with Donovan's sugars, and even decreased his nightly long-acting insulin. As the prednisone is decreased, we hope to also see the diabetes get better....it does in about 50% of CF transplant cases....so with a little prayer....maybe....

The "new parent" feelings I spoke of in a previous post are still with us. We got home to feed the "baby" on schedule the other day only to discover we were out of insulin, which the pharmacist forgot to retrieve from the fridge with our drug order, so had to rush right back to hospital. We try to get as much ready the night before to make it to the hospital earlier each morning, and it's coming, but still challenging to get all the meds ready, snacks etc. And today, we wasted about 15 mins. in the wrong waiting area...incorrect instructions on our daily schedule...so frustrating!

Donovan tried to post on this blog today, and got a few paragraphs down while we were watching a movie tonite, but unfortunatley a computer glitch caused him to lose the information...but keep checking in and I'm sure it'll appear soon. He also picked up his guitar for the first time since transplant today...it was sure good to hear him strum.

Tomorrow we have clinic again, and hope to hear all is well, as I'm sure it is. We look forward to a much less busy weekend, and perhaps a trip to Laurier's cousin's in the city to visit with them and also for Donovan to meet their dogs, since he misses his beloved Scout! I think a little pet therapy is in order, don't you?

And on the soccer front, we've been in touch with the PA Celtic in Charlottetown, and so far they haven't lost a game! They haven't won either...two tie games of 0-0! Perhaps tomorrow they'll see victory, amid the wind and rain...Go Stephen, Go Celtic!!!

Off to bed, have a good night everyone, God Bless...

Beth

ps. Our friend Kristen spoken of in earlier posts, sure needs a new pair of lungs. How wonderful if it would happen this weekend, or maybe tonight? Let's all pray for her....As well, Lauren, another wonderful young lady at U of A hospital, will receive a donor lobe from each of her parents in early November if lungs don't arrive by deceased donor earlier. This family needs our prayers as well. Thanks everyone!