tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44513946755185750042024-03-18T22:00:50.328-07:00MARTY'S LIFE WITH NEW LUNGSThis is an attempt to update and inform family, friends and whomever else may read this blog, about my journey with lung disease and my life after a double lung transplant.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-74016808868922984542021-08-26T16:45:00.000-07:002021-08-26T16:45:00.845-07:00<p> August 26, 2021</p><p><br /></p><p>Well, its been another many years since we have added a post. Things have been pretty crazy and at the same time just the same. During the past 2 years, Marty has had some ongoing and expected transplant health issues, his Drs. at the Cleveland Clinic are on top of things though. He has also had both knees replaced. The first one in December 2019. I am thankful we are not superstitious becaues it was scheduled for Friday the 13th.. All went really well. He had home PT for a few sessions and then was released to outpatient PT. He did real well there also. His knees had been needing to be replaced for about 20 years, putting it off as long as possible, He had many different treatments; like gel shots, cortisone shots, ablation on both knees. and Physical Therapy. Each treatment helped for a short time, but the pain would return. So after his first TKR ( total knee replacement) he was mostly free from pain for the first time in 20+ years in his right knee. Well in March of 2020 we all know what happened... COCVID 19. His second TKR was scheduled for March but was postponed two separate times due to COVID and elective surgeries being put on hold at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He was finally able to have the 2nd susrgery on July 24, 2020. The recovery for this surgery was a bit more involved and the wound took a bit longer to heal. He was not able to go to the Out Patient PT due to covid, but his home Physical Therapist was amazing and she worked him hard. She showed us so many things to do here at home with the equipment we have and get almost the same results. Today, he is mostly pain free in in his knees. </p><p>Because of COVID, this year has also brought some realizations for us. You realize, because of being an organ reciepient, that your life will be totally be changed just so you can have a normal life again. Health protocals for transplant reciepients are pretty much the same, although not quite as intense as the protocals for COVID. Mask wearing, hand sanitizer, washing hands thoroughly, staying away from sick people,and just plain being cautious. It's not living in fear like some people on social media keep saying, living cautiously is a more applicable term. Some of the things we realized during this pandemic is many of our friends just don't seem to want to take the time to understand our position with COVID. Because of an organ donor, Marty has been gifted 13+ years of life. Thirteen years of being with family and friends, spending time with our Grandkids, traveling, watching our Grandkids play sports, going to Disney World,and experiencing the joys and disapointments that happen in everyday life. Friendships have been lost due to, what seems like Covid protocol differences, we do not see the protocols as political at all or that any freedoms are being taken away from us. And that is a sad realization that those friendships are gone or on pause. Another thing we realized is the connections and reconnections to new and long time friends. Not only in our transplant community, but with friends and family from many years ago. These friends and family have shown support in so many ways, like doing some shopping for us, asking if we needed anything added to their Instacart order, calling to check on us, helping us with our car (a few different situations and a few different friends, most recently July and August) when things got crazy with it. They would brave the cold rainy weather to fix a porch roof that blew off, or the Arizona heat to fix a roof, drive to check on the house, and stand outdoors just to check on us or drop off groceries. We also have an amazing Church family here in Ohio as well as Arizona. These are amazing people and we love and thank them. And our family.... words can NEVER express our love and gratitude for your love and support. We have family in Ohio, Arizona, and South Carolina. We have also been able to re-connect with family members we had not seen in years. So, for now, the end of my Covid realizations.... I think it's funny what people choose to make political, for us COVID is not political, We do not live in fear, we will follow protocols, and we will do our best to live what Galatians 5:13-14 says, " It is absolutly clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do what you want to do and destroy your freedom Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. Thats an act of true freedom."</p><p>Thankful for Marty's organ donor and their family, thankful for family, friends...<br /></p><p>God has truly blessed us.</p><p>So, keep being the amazing people you are, keep healthy, and love your neighbor.</p>Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-55629653321621119792018-12-03T09:55:00.003-07:002018-12-03T14:40:13.192-07:00December 3, 2018<br />
<br />
Can you believe it has been over 5 years since I have posted anything? I always feel a bit strange posting things about my life, on the internet. But I guess if people are going to hack you or try to gain any information about you they will find a way.<br />
<br />
Things have been pretty good these past few years. This past July, I had my 10 year transplant anniversary. Like I have said many times before, it is a day of mixed emotions for me and Monica. I am so grateful for the person who made the decision to be an organ donor. There is not a day that goes by I don't think of them and their family, and I thank God for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have been in Ohio spending time with our family and our grandchildren for a while now. It is amazing just how much the grandkids have grown. I have been able to experience so many things with them. Our grandson is now 13.... an amazing young man. He's in advanced placement classed in school, loves playing baseball and is on a travel team, and loves his video games. When I recall him as a baby and toddler, it is no surprise he is such a kind thoughtful young man. Our granddaughter is now 5 years old... a little spitfire with no hesitations in life. She loves preschool, soccer, tea parties, and playing with her little toy animals. She has quite the imagination. I'm so thankful to have this time with them.<br />
<br />
As far as the transplant is going, I have experienced some health issues. They are just some typical things that happen when you have a transplant though. Pneumonias, RSV, funky flu things, sore joints(knees and ankles) some AFib, some skin cancer, pretty significant reflux, and a few more things. Pretty much, typical issues. My kidneys are holding out real well the Doctors say, I was worried about them because of all of the medication. My lung functions are sometimes like a rollercoaster, but at this point, they are stable. The Cleveland Clinic transplant team is good and keeping me healthy. It was quite the adjustment going from St. Joes to Cleveland though. You don't get to know many if any, of the fellow transplant recipients at Cleveland . I have become real familiar with the nurses on the transplant floor at the hospital though. <br />
<br />
That is a brief summary of the past few years. I am very thankful for the family members and our friends who have chosen to be in our lives. I couldn't be on this journey without you all (You know who you are....). Thankful for... well everything. God has blessed me richly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.helphopelive.org/">www.helphopelive.org</a> fundraising for Marty Zelei<br />
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays, and Happy Blessed New year. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv8KM1YeItgvb6cKofrJtEhk7WSROhcqXbeD2oBdrdT_H5ZM5ikAZcNE9amfQF7EXSQwlGbI6A7QLVPzYbUvw5h_-APSKUxrIrOITvlqgySL6ZvvLGMiVOorqjNGqSBENuhM3uMLvQ8oa/s1600/6BF3F77E-7C6E-4826-A412-A03AB7C30D76.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv8KM1YeItgvb6cKofrJtEhk7WSROhcqXbeD2oBdrdT_H5ZM5ikAZcNE9amfQF7EXSQwlGbI6A7QLVPzYbUvw5h_-APSKUxrIrOITvlqgySL6ZvvLGMiVOorqjNGqSBENuhM3uMLvQ8oa/s320/6BF3F77E-7C6E-4826-A412-A03AB7C30D76.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawRf3uZ7Zi-pPRlPZiXW1x8gXJKQBpBR1LLQkVI2gislkJo-LeyHDeDG6M27qc5h7WtfOXE76UByJfJFpu6UczpuWriBr6wk0ancXRMkFBvvJoBazFkv_3JlLGaj6QM9paknOl1jrg6gO/s1600/07D2AF68-FCBB-4BB5-B43D-C2527D8099BB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawRf3uZ7Zi-pPRlPZiXW1x8gXJKQBpBR1LLQkVI2gislkJo-LeyHDeDG6M27qc5h7WtfOXE76UByJfJFpu6UczpuWriBr6wk0ancXRMkFBvvJoBazFkv_3JlLGaj6QM9paknOl1jrg6gO/s320/07D2AF68-FCBB-4BB5-B43D-C2527D8099BB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd-e6rnqdl-ky9oNGcPYUKayKO1JqJ4W4Jiw0zL0b91xp-8K0kFpUoCPJ0Z9JoO_gpQxlzYU1mfKi5pU4TglYrcEjtXQWx6-ORIHPAbqxXEfaoArLFGSXF5vg_NVBCkB0HzLGeWPUM-8o/s1600/21D68BA7-AF91-4E14-8779-325202921F70.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="750" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd-e6rnqdl-ky9oNGcPYUKayKO1JqJ4W4Jiw0zL0b91xp-8K0kFpUoCPJ0Z9JoO_gpQxlzYU1mfKi5pU4TglYrcEjtXQWx6-ORIHPAbqxXEfaoArLFGSXF5vg_NVBCkB0HzLGeWPUM-8o/s320/21D68BA7-AF91-4E14-8779-325202921F70.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhmvKX5JnYp6tJz17XUierJDvC0GYhei86QwRlQk0WZkdUDYrUnja4qlCAI3MyQ8sjlJ-66QSkxF38ulLbpSUo-obVvmyk-a1Igfj_upxqjuChbLp8Pfyvo-c9X6ALMuJqyIpPMfaKVY/s1600/40FC7CDE-CB0B-4628-B5B8-649EA5C3BB1F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhmvKX5JnYp6tJz17XUierJDvC0GYhei86QwRlQk0WZkdUDYrUnja4qlCAI3MyQ8sjlJ-66QSkxF38ulLbpSUo-obVvmyk-a1Igfj_upxqjuChbLp8Pfyvo-c9X6ALMuJqyIpPMfaKVY/s320/40FC7CDE-CB0B-4628-B5B8-649EA5C3BB1F.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTobmI9fnQD__4aNYgbe1tLd5y2sLSnVEmSdaxqgscnJFS_y3zuZmi4sMVQ1morsYu1I2draUeS9B_fhsBuhhnWGRKLwGmAGzB8yQymiO9NfMFZpk_bKjb8CGgkq5y7bmxkaWe1HWCbQd/s1600/53FFACA8-F09E-4967-BB03-29A1D4EB1E13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTobmI9fnQD__4aNYgbe1tLd5y2sLSnVEmSdaxqgscnJFS_y3zuZmi4sMVQ1morsYu1I2draUeS9B_fhsBuhhnWGRKLwGmAGzB8yQymiO9NfMFZpk_bKjb8CGgkq5y7bmxkaWe1HWCbQd/s320/53FFACA8-F09E-4967-BB03-29A1D4EB1E13.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzO63GJpT10NnFof7oKtymdetD366eT9PZFBPbV4N2y0LRCrCKUakspQot_P9873_EV9BeKuase-QMxL2tZ36nEge4PphhzHo4hldKWQMEmYaXT8BsrMErPxGJ2UpKkdRGoOHLpQ0KOZd/s1600/77FC4F63-4745-49FF-8781-3301FD55C907.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzO63GJpT10NnFof7oKtymdetD366eT9PZFBPbV4N2y0LRCrCKUakspQot_P9873_EV9BeKuase-QMxL2tZ36nEge4PphhzHo4hldKWQMEmYaXT8BsrMErPxGJ2UpKkdRGoOHLpQ0KOZd/s320/77FC4F63-4745-49FF-8781-3301FD55C907.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitgfpJ2uwasfThr_QSbUstxrnuqLOVmMySQy0Y_5FvI0UtiYp44zztjiB3oG-UtESKrq78xVPI79ZBUEacDABnorUx8EYAt6DZhrLkud-QWtTWNsO8tnl_qsSzCiNDu9_x-62eEdMmQmY/s1600/529ACE52-BC7C-4D36-A09D-EEF666C2C202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitgfpJ2uwasfThr_QSbUstxrnuqLOVmMySQy0Y_5FvI0UtiYp44zztjiB3oG-UtESKrq78xVPI79ZBUEacDABnorUx8EYAt6DZhrLkud-QWtTWNsO8tnl_qsSzCiNDu9_x-62eEdMmQmY/s320/529ACE52-BC7C-4D36-A09D-EEF666C2C202.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPvNJS7r01qwdhkgayMS_clJR4uwNT6frIds9OkaCk1RLF8qivOm_qJabhfU0b31yeOE-B3FvH5Jz17iSQlPooEJqeUBRnQTJOGmjdSpZeSeq4C_Na6Yrcezln97tj0siivLIyM7QGzni/s1600/546DE1EC-4140-4F93-A0B9-9EDA59ACCD4C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPvNJS7r01qwdhkgayMS_clJR4uwNT6frIds9OkaCk1RLF8qivOm_qJabhfU0b31yeOE-B3FvH5Jz17iSQlPooEJqeUBRnQTJOGmjdSpZeSeq4C_Na6Yrcezln97tj0siivLIyM7QGzni/s320/546DE1EC-4140-4F93-A0B9-9EDA59ACCD4C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x-RiAhZvDZRm80S8G7Pe8kDwGvtzPSXUGJZ_zwBfGK3esTcddw-l9WPsI6nnm44ehRxyuB8b72qknKmsi739km_8bT-5JdhbIVEDShTR1rrJEEhK9UqaXiggbiLwSYfJayjKjst0BRU4/s1600/3905453B-70A1-4DC3-A225-84E378D4B4DF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x-RiAhZvDZRm80S8G7Pe8kDwGvtzPSXUGJZ_zwBfGK3esTcddw-l9WPsI6nnm44ehRxyuB8b72qknKmsi739km_8bT-5JdhbIVEDShTR1rrJEEhK9UqaXiggbiLwSYfJayjKjst0BRU4/s320/3905453B-70A1-4DC3-A225-84E378D4B4DF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Amm5oQpiaNN3jBvcrUdBwBguaP3sDWD6nxByz_AggtBAe904RVnICn9Rx_hPRES0xTtILd3BJesmztJm9CNMJSUAHvTEgSXx_5daMyHgndqwp1wpWCncv8arVEc6apS1QUWdoB_TeMcb/s1600/B05BC99B-E6DE-4D5F-BDAC-7484C9617CCA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Amm5oQpiaNN3jBvcrUdBwBguaP3sDWD6nxByz_AggtBAe904RVnICn9Rx_hPRES0xTtILd3BJesmztJm9CNMJSUAHvTEgSXx_5daMyHgndqwp1wpWCncv8arVEc6apS1QUWdoB_TeMcb/s320/B05BC99B-E6DE-4D5F-BDAC-7484C9617CCA.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgtEZKE9P23QKeE4r8vbwWYxjDkKOEdAMeLEKVoxSERlwLGaOgMfm5MDL_hfSMvEFlBbr5mUQ0uGYz6m67ahN5gs8iKVcjUUmum3pQNvH1VwjEm6ChkjUdbJKSXbLahj-EG4WSdnFJ8zT/s1600/B05FB0B6-C583-48DC-B912-27AE5A6553EF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgtEZKE9P23QKeE4r8vbwWYxjDkKOEdAMeLEKVoxSERlwLGaOgMfm5MDL_hfSMvEFlBbr5mUQ0uGYz6m67ahN5gs8iKVcjUUmum3pQNvH1VwjEm6ChkjUdbJKSXbLahj-EG4WSdnFJ8zT/s320/B05FB0B6-C583-48DC-B912-27AE5A6553EF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8HLL5-0IKH-HwH3Hpc_waTaEG-uOb61EmU0tRGBdHQ99Zp4TgjMwAG19vY6bIt-u9VfgocJ35xUIXKakDXulCW11lsAPT8PEGTmVnX2EG4pdfdbXckc3c259rMq2CNLhhpm2BouvEZ4u/s1600/B25B3DBC-2757-41A0-8855-CB02C0FC5FE0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8HLL5-0IKH-HwH3Hpc_waTaEG-uOb61EmU0tRGBdHQ99Zp4TgjMwAG19vY6bIt-u9VfgocJ35xUIXKakDXulCW11lsAPT8PEGTmVnX2EG4pdfdbXckc3c259rMq2CNLhhpm2BouvEZ4u/s320/B25B3DBC-2757-41A0-8855-CB02C0FC5FE0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4XHKuKhRgOQ9xZPf0AE32CAU6tO9bFPsTzFMnGE_2T1x-7f3mXThV74EZHItFpVmFhYvF2zfPaeMU7B7VoOs1od5nDz4x8-IIsl0M0qQahwbbE5SgipKEFrm687xsaSYJErtOZFRVzaV/s1600/C2D45AC7-F3AD-4583-8BE3-C6B5A4F57947.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4XHKuKhRgOQ9xZPf0AE32CAU6tO9bFPsTzFMnGE_2T1x-7f3mXThV74EZHItFpVmFhYvF2zfPaeMU7B7VoOs1od5nDz4x8-IIsl0M0qQahwbbE5SgipKEFrm687xsaSYJErtOZFRVzaV/s320/C2D45AC7-F3AD-4583-8BE3-C6B5A4F57947.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hiCKH70CrgE5KUW2t84_lPoSkmF5sPJuFvctpu6N6eRR76fAIQG6pxRvDAe9P1OhsjSIKXvWS4B5RnWlbVFDUwBHxP9kO8k-lrZwuGdEUWNA85whMnPq-oWVwWFATBILeUCGgaYI5TIT/s1600/C3BB2D2F-E0E4-442E-993D-AC8BDFA53481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hiCKH70CrgE5KUW2t84_lPoSkmF5sPJuFvctpu6N6eRR76fAIQG6pxRvDAe9P1OhsjSIKXvWS4B5RnWlbVFDUwBHxP9kO8k-lrZwuGdEUWNA85whMnPq-oWVwWFATBILeUCGgaYI5TIT/s320/C3BB2D2F-E0E4-442E-993D-AC8BDFA53481.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQtA640HFKIGWouPB_whG2wW6Vt0HKUdLhJUJ5W_UaaDU9CoBRAggupwuUitk191FOty5Q7EzDfk4NupTlQJBzC7xQbkFzypQDYEVREnMOjC92TpVCQ0pUuZvxHJb6pIVfbp-KQTZ-v-/s1600/CAC46BC3-C16F-4C49-8198-B3FCF6D01DE2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SQtA640HFKIGWouPB_whG2wW6Vt0HKUdLhJUJ5W_UaaDU9CoBRAggupwuUitk191FOty5Q7EzDfk4NupTlQJBzC7xQbkFzypQDYEVREnMOjC92TpVCQ0pUuZvxHJb6pIVfbp-KQTZ-v-/s320/CAC46BC3-C16F-4C49-8198-B3FCF6D01DE2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWldZVgSn_bSTm7ZehsoocFWlgRofGwkOR4YcRcXe_krrExP59GtaHVm60wyDxW-Dnq3aVOxnXtvq6c5cq4gEQLFCoDMj1cGIbLi0TjbgmL4iFdfzkyGs-YeBa2Sj3Sl8EQJmT9eH9kS48/s1600/F27C3F26-D5E3-4BAA-8DA9-3F68688728C2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWldZVgSn_bSTm7ZehsoocFWlgRofGwkOR4YcRcXe_krrExP59GtaHVm60wyDxW-Dnq3aVOxnXtvq6c5cq4gEQLFCoDMj1cGIbLi0TjbgmL4iFdfzkyGs-YeBa2Sj3Sl8EQJmT9eH9kS48/s320/F27C3F26-D5E3-4BAA-8DA9-3F68688728C2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-13219079349549686142013-07-28T00:34:00.000-07:002013-07-28T07:52:20.797-07:00<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">By the grace of God</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Five Years!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I just don't know where to even begin. There are so many things going on in my thoughts. First thing, yesterday was Marty's transplant anniversary date; 5 years. Seems like just yesterday and then again seem like a life time ago. So much has happened in our lives. We try to squeeze every bit in. I guess as time goes on, this date and what happened for Marty, is less important to some people, but for us it is a miracle day, a day when Marty was given another chance at living. I'm not sure what exactly I expect from some family members, but I guess if I don't expect much from them, I won't be disappointed. What I don't understand is how someone can be so close to him as they were being raised; and know that he has been given a gift of life, basically borrowed time(although God knows each day of our lives) and now have nothing to so with him. I pray each day not only for them, but for myself to not be so angry with that person. Anyway, now moving forward...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We spent our day as usual, doing our usual things but with so much more gratitude. We always think of the family of Marty's donor, but especially more so on July 26th. I always wonder if they think of how their loved one changed many lives that day because of their decision to be an organ donor. I wonder how they spend their day. Marty wrote a letter to the family after his first year anniversary. He just gave a little bit of information about himself and expressed his sympathy and gratitude. It is understandable that they did not respond. That is their personal choice. I would now, let them know that he is living his life and enjoying his life. That he is doing well with his lungs, and that he tries each day to be kind and loving to people so he can in some way bring honor to their family member. That we don't do super extraordinary things, but have learned to slow down and appreciate life more fully. Just some of the things I wish they could know.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We were going to go out to celebrate, but instead decided to just order some sandwiches and relax at home together. We were able to reflect on that day, how he got "the call", waiting at the hospital to see if the lungs were a good match, the realization that Marty was so close to dying, and then when the nurses came in and gave him his first Prograf anti rejection pill, then it became reality..this was going to happen. Then he asked me how I felt in the waiting room. It is strange, but I had a calmness about the whole situation. I wasn't scared or nervous. My daughter and son were there and that brought me some peace. Marty's daughter was there as well. I was very concerned, but not fearful or scared. Jeremiah 29:11-13 "<span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-12" id="en-NIV-19648"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.</span> <span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." God has been with us through this whole journey. Each step of the way. Thank you God!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="font-size: large;">Now a few things on a little lighter note. Jonathan came to "the desert" to visit us. His Mom and Dad came too, but stayed at a resort in the area. Jonathan had so much planned for us to do. Just like when we were there in May. Oh my gosh, we played hot wheels, rode the trolly,(Olley the Trolly that is) went to the skate park, went swimming at the resort, went to Amazing Jakes indoor park, saw The Lone Ranger, went to the Arizona Science Center, and played played played. What a great time..I am hoping we made lots of memories. He's just growing up so fast. One of these days we are hoping to be able to relocate back to Ohio to be closer to our family. God's timing.</span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="font-size: large;">One day earlier this week we took a trip to Walmart to pick up some things. Like I said earlier, we have learned to slow down and enjoy simpler things, as noted in the picture of Marty and Willie....</span><br />
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><span style="font-size: large;">So until next time, keep warm, cool, dry, or hopefully get wet(here in Az.) Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and support..since the first onset of this journey in 2006.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGegzuLZ1_ZiOCxXmij-qZqSOp5xLEwEJZm_rT5o64JVZoFLurzT0848D3hVLtBEUtrlK7aswlIQ1Xt_EJFMUD9XAJj8QTgFvMLlh-J_K4889v2W2Oo-Eehly5Ty1hretujJnj118fiDEN/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGegzuLZ1_ZiOCxXmij-qZqSOp5xLEwEJZm_rT5o64JVZoFLurzT0848D3hVLtBEUtrlK7aswlIQ1Xt_EJFMUD9XAJj8QTgFvMLlh-J_K4889v2W2Oo-Eehly5Ty1hretujJnj118fiDEN/s400/IMG_2009.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie and Marty(the lost brother)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWzjDrX6psgAHdZPEEV5sD7WV1sC-m8slI7IMRYDnfoPK-IYuRKRRXIlNY_Slbk4ndOQ79AhAdK99o6uzUkxwc2axbX5JQ2JduetWTEQorU7A9RcLcCvsg4NkEzuUCO9lMCva-P8hlCSr/s1600/IMG_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWzjDrX6psgAHdZPEEV5sD7WV1sC-m8slI7IMRYDnfoPK-IYuRKRRXIlNY_Slbk4ndOQ79AhAdK99o6uzUkxwc2axbX5JQ2JduetWTEQorU7A9RcLcCvsg4NkEzuUCO9lMCva-P8hlCSr/s400/IMG_1738.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan and Papa playing Hot Wheels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitonDZRpTn-GMC8kgE-y7wLkAaPwbPf9A2QBOJNBY2ebmtRKIFSCIQ-EJdpH45BGuipj6LlY_btvxUjKmNshOWn_c1LmsL_Do_HI1npJCa8EZKXnpJHnqc_WqVBE4q4TDHLA0T6-D-TVQp/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitonDZRpTn-GMC8kgE-y7wLkAaPwbPf9A2QBOJNBY2ebmtRKIFSCIQ-EJdpH45BGuipj6LlY_btvxUjKmNshOWn_c1LmsL_Do_HI1npJCa8EZKXnpJHnqc_WqVBE4q4TDHLA0T6-D-TVQp/s320/IMG_1956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to head back to the airport.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><br /></span>
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><br /></span>
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><br /></span>
<span class="text Jer-29-13" id="en-NIV-19649"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-30183660626310359672013-06-06T22:28:00.001-07:002013-06-06T22:28:21.939-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eAzW2n3tQpVmQ5TXYQIAIMq5zK3JWGGoo5Ssm_yZmY5X2RTHRFUUeIgzsYnMQ7nD9mM1aHCLnuRPKDfaBn4Taf-mq0YyKq-zvaLRESwY8Lm-R4QSuBEAcqAZ8r-CQhgaXicisP4NuR58/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eAzW2n3tQpVmQ5TXYQIAIMq5zK3JWGGoo5Ssm_yZmY5X2RTHRFUUeIgzsYnMQ7nD9mM1aHCLnuRPKDfaBn4Taf-mq0YyKq-zvaLRESwY8Lm-R4QSuBEAcqAZ8r-CQhgaXicisP4NuR58/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June 7th, 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTY!</div>
<br />
Well, Another year has flown by, mostly with out any major catastrophes. Marty and I will be celebrating his 57th Birthday. We don't celebrate the way most people celebrate. No big party, no balloons, but we will have German Chocolate Cake and a nice dinner out. What we will do is think of the family of Marty's donor. With out the choice of organ donation that was made, we would not be celebrating this day together. So although we have no idea who his donor was, we take this day to think of them and to say a prayer of thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
So, back to May 21st-28th.... we were able to travel to Ohio. It was the first time Marty was cleared to travel/fly due to some health issues. It was quite an experience this time because he had to travel using a walking boot, custom made for his ankle. People always seem to stare at him because of wearing a mask on the airplane. Picture a 6'4" man with long hair, beard, ponytail, sunglasses, wearing a mask and a high-tech looking leg brace, of course people especially children, are looking at him. But well worth it since we were there to see our Grandson Jonathan. I had been able to see him this past year, but it had been over a year and a half since Marty had been able to see him (in person anyway. Face time and Skype are nice but in person is so much better) This is the grand way we celebrated our anniversary and birthdays, with Jonathan (and I guess I should include the rest of the family ;-)<br />
<br />
It was amazing to see how Jon had grown and matured. Our last visit, we read bedtime stories to him, this visit, He read to us. Not just quick little easy stories, but "chapter" books. Spending time with him was the best birthday gifts we were able to give to each other. The whole week was a gift. We also decided that the best thing about elementary school lunches is eating them with your grandchild, that alone makes the food top notch. Jonathan also had a whole itinerary for us to accomplish..Ironman 3, Epic, fishing, bowling, McDonalds, McDonalds, McDonalds, watching him ride his bike, and playing at the park. We did all except the bowling. There just wasn't enough hours in the day....What a blessing this week was. (Thank you <b>EVERYONE</b> who helped to make this week possible.) Love you all. <br />
<br />
Marty's brothers and sister also had a little party for him at a family cook out.... it was a nice surprise. He was able to visit with them for a short time, but you know a week just isn't alot of time to do all of the things you have in mind to do. We plan to have more time there next visit. We are just thankful that we could see most off our family and hope that they understand our time constraints this visit.<br />
<br />
This past year has brought some losses to us. Some family members and dear friends have passed away. Some are friends or family members we met through the transplant process. It has been said that after transplant it is like living on borrowed time, the loss of someone you have become close to still hurts. Thankfully there are great memories with all of these people. Life is short, LIVE....each day like no other. Some of the losses experienced this past year are due to ties being cut or stretched. You deeply miss these people, you hurt and grieve the loss, and you hope and pray they know the doors are always open.<br />
<br />
So thankful that God has blessed Marty with another year here on earth. July is around the corner, we will be celebrating his 5th year Transversary. Who would have ever thought this would be our Journey..<br />
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN! I love you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9R1NAOIA4w1UrrtpNOa29exxIaWTWo65CoLG2sq0RvY2EBV2em5vsCiSfYsdh6q7a8lfIMfokhP8YIxSUPMmKxQNXTjI38_TSiAVlnoxEe34oFDNr5hpbNMdO8vqslZszlgt66QthLRV/s1600/IMG_1551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9R1NAOIA4w1UrrtpNOa29exxIaWTWo65CoLG2sq0RvY2EBV2em5vsCiSfYsdh6q7a8lfIMfokhP8YIxSUPMmKxQNXTjI38_TSiAVlnoxEe34oFDNr5hpbNMdO8vqslZszlgt66QthLRV/s320/IMG_1551.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7GNFFDaCyHnIJsjU2dxc7fEecnMEgU4rZoJ-hMhuoQnuMtlgjw6EBL4zFCtieENT50I9eNp-VZEm2THd2mbDhf8QLxEJ04qWYnv8X0QqkVMTCi6U3U7C6WbgqDz4kYVObGqN9YZSyAIp/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7GNFFDaCyHnIJsjU2dxc7fEecnMEgU4rZoJ-hMhuoQnuMtlgjw6EBL4zFCtieENT50I9eNp-VZEm2THd2mbDhf8QLxEJ04qWYnv8X0QqkVMTCi6U3U7C6WbgqDz4kYVObGqN9YZSyAIp/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-13531631830750062372013-04-13T08:38:00.000-07:002013-04-13T09:09:24.145-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWO9VcNJM2rzvllAjK449MKsoUgPURLauWKW8lODA5RixEbMg3ufyKpphV9UFgbtua561IbsyMVFx79O0XjXnSiqfS7OyMQUfVqcP6mz0iKO1z-jiHa6HSyzGIG9t-auwL4hFFSRpm8D19/s1600/2013-BlueGreen_Slider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWO9VcNJM2rzvllAjK449MKsoUgPURLauWKW8lODA5RixEbMg3ufyKpphV9UFgbtua561IbsyMVFx79O0XjXnSiqfS7OyMQUfVqcP6mz0iKO1z-jiHa6HSyzGIG9t-auwL4hFFSRpm8D19/s320/2013-BlueGreen_Slider.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">APRIL IS DONATE LIFE M<span style="font-size: large;">ONTH</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">APRIL 19TH <span style="font-size: large;">IS BLUE<span style="font-size: large;">AND GREEN DAY</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION BY WEARING B<span style="font-size: large;">LUE AND G<span style="font-size: large;">REEN.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I must admit that I don't have a lot of blue/green clothes, but I am going to give it a shot on the 19th. Anything to get the important message of organ donation out there. <br />Sometimes, I think, there are so many health and medical "causes" out there that are being promoted. Mostly all of them are very worthy causes, and their word needs to get out there. There are huge organizations that back up and support these causes both in the media and financially. Please don't misunderstand what I am trying to say.. I am thankful that these non profit agency's are getting the word out, promoting research, finding cures, fundraising, and making donations.. The medical field would still be in the dark ages if it weren't for these amazing people and organizations...<br /><br />But since I am fairly new to this transplant journey by comparison, I am still learning. It seems to me that people are hopping less on the bandwagon to promote donation;and sometimes I wonder if it is because it appears less glamorous. I must say from living with and loving someone who is or was in need of a life saving transplant, it is an amazing, glamorous miracle to see them be filled with life again. And glamor can come in many forms, it is in the eye of the beholder... To me one of the most glamorous things I have seen after a person has been through transplant is the pink in their face, the smile on their family's face and just the plain simpleness of taking that first walk down the hospital hallway with out any extra medical attachments.. All because a selfless choice/decision was made on a card or drivers license application. Sometimes that decision has to be made by a family member, and that may not be an easy thing for them to have to do at such a sad time in their lives. Bless their hearts.<br /><br />There are many amazing volunteers who are with the Donor Network of Arizona, The New Life Society, Lifeline of Ohio, and all of the other states Donate Life Organizations. They do an amazing job of educating people, supporting people, manning the booths at all of the "sign up to be a donor" drives. Just go to the events page of your local Donate Life Organization and look at their calendar of events. Almost everyday there are events all over the United States...Volunteers do this. There are not many news stories, National news coverage, or T.V.commercials out there. Maybe that will change soon.. But the need and the word is getting out there anyway...<br /><br />There are local groups in each city that work hard to get the word out about donation. The Lung Transplant Support Organization,<br />is a non profit agency based here in the Phoenix Valley. They not only promote and support donation, they support the people in the valley who have had Lung Transplants. They do this is so may different ways, check out their website <a href="http://www.gotmask.org/">www.gotmask.org</a> to learn more about them, what they do, and where they want to head. They have a fundraiser golf tournament on May 11, 2013 at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, AZ. <br /><br />James Redford, Robert Redford's son promotes organ and tissue donation as well. He has an annual event ( I believe), Share the Beat and James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness based in California. His sites are <a href="http://www.sharethebeat.org/">www.sharethebeat.org</a><br />and <a href="http://www.jrifilms.org/">www.jrifilms.org/</a>. Both sites offer some good information. I guess I am just trying to do my small part to get the word out there. <br />As you may see, I am not putting alot of information here, but am posting links in hope that if you are reading this, you will check out these sites and do some research on your own. Please do what you can to learn and become informed, maybe even promote the need for organ donation, and living donation... (Yes, you can even be a live donor in some cases..) I am sure that as you do, you will come to realize that the people who have had organ, eye, and tissue transplants, are some of the most appreciative and greatful people you will ever come across. Each day is a gift thanks to the selfless decisions of donors and their families. <br />Like the Hallmark slogan says:<br /> "LIFE IS A SPECIAL OCCASION"<br /><br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-5814778416294965962013-03-23T15:21:00.000-07:002013-04-13T01:33:46.026-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, March 23, 2013 was the Annual Laura's Run. This event directly benefits the Lung Transplant Program at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. It is always amazing to see the amount of people that are impacted by transplantation..There were people there from all over the valley and for that matter all over the state. Laura, whom the event was named after, did not have her lung transplant here in Phoenix because at that time, there wasn't a thoracic transplant program available..Laura received her after transplant care in California. Six years ago, St. Joseph's began their transplant program. The proceeds from this 5K, run/walk/doggie trot/ and kids dash, go directly to the transplant program at St. Joes. An amazing amount of time and effort goes into this event. The weather this time of year is always so nice, not too hot, and the sun is shining. I just stand in total awe of God's creation as I watch, feel, and experience the emotions of everyone at this event.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As this event approaches each year, it is always a time of reflection for me. Some of our friends are no longer with us at this event, it is a strange feeling. I know they too, were thankful for being given this second chance in life. Just a chance of life again...Two of our friends have been blessed with a second (and Third) chance of life twice. They are both doing well after their second lung transplants..Yes, that is right, their second one.... I think of the new friends we have been able to make too. People who are just now experiencing breathing without lugging oxygen tanks and tubes all over the place and the joy they have is a wonderful sight. As the race was beginning, the announcer was giving a brief history of the transplant program at St. Joes. I was totally shocked when it was said they have completed 188 transplants, and that St. Joes has one of the highest success rates in the nation. It is an amazing team of medical professionals. It is ever growing, so much so that us "Old Timers" sometimes can't keep up with the changes. Where we were 6 1/2 years ago to where we are now has been miraculous journey. The things that Marty has been able to do because of his transplant are unbelievable compared to what his medical condition was in November 2006 through half of 2008. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank you to all organ donors. If you could just see the gratitude and joy in the people's lives who have had an organ/tissue transplant, it is worth signing that little card to register. Thank you also to the Donor Network of Arizona and the New Life Society for having your Donor Registration booth set up today. These people volunteer their time going to events to get the importance of donor registration out there. Most of the people who work these booths are transplant recipients or members of a donors family. These are some amazing people too...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank you Laura Hart Burdick Foundation for all you do for St. Joseph's Lung transplant program..</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check out </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.laurahartburdickfoundation.com/">www.laurahartburdickfoundation.com</a> for more information regarding Laura.</b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQCN00f0_yQx-451WDvfESJbusM-CbC4Px1d1YmXx6vjc_MkRR5TQqxmYs8tNUETyhaj9P8p50Rat8KuD9XtH91QObPWOaggArqW3oa346P3fMWgXU1RJgKso1038GGSvM_BLNlsA8-uQ/s1600/IMG_1202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQCN00f0_yQx-451WDvfESJbusM-CbC4Px1d1YmXx6vjc_MkRR5TQqxmYs8tNUETyhaj9P8p50Rat8KuD9XtH91QObPWOaggArqW3oa346P3fMWgXU1RJgKso1038GGSvM_BLNlsA8-uQ/s320/IMG_1202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CmFVzfTN8m1jaGw5ChAGPqrBBDaRcsbd4GkA2LTOg2sURi4sG9BxW1XvBFK0QZ0bxbaBpCgpmgK3oo6rnhWvhZiwYdeO-nZRE8wOaKTKqAlg7xOJjGMM9GVqgKyKA8vrW692KKusg9y-/s1600/IMG_1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CmFVzfTN8m1jaGw5ChAGPqrBBDaRcsbd4GkA2LTOg2sURi4sG9BxW1XvBFK0QZ0bxbaBpCgpmgK3oo6rnhWvhZiwYdeO-nZRE8wOaKTKqAlg7xOJjGMM9GVqgKyKA8vrW692KKusg9y-/s320/IMG_1213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rOzRq1BBbmbCABxVXRAPTk0VV81san0LUycPLR7Ms7iGJH_y9FP3coQe54VtNc5o6Rybj9EBPSxHZTfazdQIH5PCIC8w0K1j9KWadKeNgUqRYoDjs_VggQu7z5SD_wOwgBtDSzypBoTx/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rOzRq1BBbmbCABxVXRAPTk0VV81san0LUycPLR7Ms7iGJH_y9FP3coQe54VtNc5o6Rybj9EBPSxHZTfazdQIH5PCIC8w0K1j9KWadKeNgUqRYoDjs_VggQu7z5SD_wOwgBtDSzypBoTx/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>DON'T FORGET THAT APRIL IS </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH.....</b></span></div>
<br />Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-12168578242303345032012-12-11T23:35:00.000-07:002012-12-11T23:54:51.343-07:00<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">December 11, 2012</span></b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs2GKdefGnPNP92MUJdFbWOCaCoqg5daklxFjkCWRmX7KSKBehSh47sBEKHIlObOW41QreCAwDynJ_pEsL49GkYEku8bbTqTDv5lGCdhul7oBmfAwCoPVjwVnGhjY4uu2J9vWkAhbYUcv/s1600/1208121053a_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs2GKdefGnPNP92MUJdFbWOCaCoqg5daklxFjkCWRmX7KSKBehSh47sBEKHIlObOW41QreCAwDynJ_pEsL49GkYEku8bbTqTDv5lGCdhul7oBmfAwCoPVjwVnGhjY4uu2J9vWkAhbYUcv/s1600/1208121053a_0001.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Well as you can see, we put Christmas lights up this past weekend. It was about 70 degrees, sunny and not a cloud in the sky. We took our time, enjoying the beautiful Arizona day. There are about 6 houses on our street that have also put up lights, not too many lights, just the right amount. They all look nice. Putting up the lights did provide somewhat of a challenge for Marty, since he has been wearing a walking boot cast to help stabilize his ankle. It helps him tremendously as he walks, but going up and down the ladder was something he had not yet done with the boot. But the lights are up and look great.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>It is also flu season, so that seems to mean I turn into an overbearing "nurse type" person. "Do you want a mask? Did you bring your hand sanitizer? Are you sure you want to go there, there will be a lot of people?, What is your temperature?, What is your O2 saturation? Your heart rate? Your BP? etc..." Marty always answers with a kind word, and I try to not be so overly cautious. The truth is, any little bug/virus/bacteria, scares the heck out of me. Marty has NEVER shown any signs or symptoms of illness after is original onset of his lung disease 6 years ago. The few things he has been ill with, he hasn't had any symptoms, even the Swine flu. Just have to keep on trusting God...He has been and continues to be right here with us.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Today we got our Christmas gifts wrapped and sent to Ohio. Marty did some of the wrapping, and of course I let him do all of the totally weird shaped packages. So Ohio family, if you get a package with tons of tape on it......I'm not going to say anything else.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Today on Facebook I got an update from Help Hope Live, formally National Transplant Assistance Fund, with a suggestion for a fundraising idea for tomorrow, 12/12/12. We thought it was a pretty unique idea, so we are passing it along... the idea is that since 12/12/12 is a once in a century date, to post on blogs, Facebook and Twitter asking for your supporters/followers/ friends to contribute $12.00 to your fundraising campaign. So that is what we are doing. Just go to <a href="http://www.helphopelive.org/">www.helphopelive.org</a> and in the section that says "Find Patient" type in Marty's name. Thank you for considering this.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Well, it is getting late, so I am going to close for now. More later when it is not so late.</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-73700196809647758682012-11-29T10:22:00.000-07:002012-11-29T10:28:16.894-07:00<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>November 29, 2006....</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I know, the wrong year is posted. I am not crazy (no smart remarks here please). But on this date in 2006, Marty was sent to the ER at the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn campus from his PCP. He was at the PCP for a follow up from an Urgent Care visit 3 days prior. At his point we are thinking "ok, this is more that an upper respiratory infection like the Urgent Care said". After we arrived at the</i> <i>hospital, it is kind of hard to describe. Things moved so slowly from the standpoint of Marty needing care immediately, to</i> <i>moving so very quickly that I couldn't keep up with what was being said regarding his health. At this point, all I could gather was that He was very sick, that he was going to be admitted (and it didn't sink in that he was going to the ICU yet), and that his coloring, which was purple, was getting a deeper shade of purple as time went on. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>He was hooked up to a pulse oximeter (now fondly known just as a pulse ox), heart monitoring machines, blood pressure cuffs, and the obvious.... oxygen. This was all happening all at the same time by various ER staff. I heard one nurse say "HIS O2 is 72" I had no idea what that meant. Now we both realize that it was bad... anything above 90 is "normal".</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><i>He was taken to his room in the ICU. Room 238. I was asked to leave him while they assessed his condition. An hour later, I was allowed to come back in to his room. A pretty scarey sight I must say/ I had never seen so much medical equipment attached to one person before in my life. Little did I know how much more equipment he would be needing the next day. </i></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>As Marty was intubated the next day, That is when our new reality slapped me in the face. In some previous posts there is some history and photos of his journey through this. </i></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><i>So this day holds some very strong emotions for me and as I have related the day to Marty, strong emotions for him as well. Everytime we pass Scottsdale HealthCare, I can look up and see the window of his room. I am very thankful for the memories, although some are pretty scarey, I have from him being in that room. How many people prayed for us, and his healing. How God used this time in my life to draw me closer to Him. You have to have faith... </i></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>From this date on November 29th, 2006, our lives were forever changed for the better. Long struggles with health, but God has been so good to us. There are so many things that the world would view as lost or impossible in our situation, But we view them as blessings from God. So in a weird way, This date has become "<b>the first day in the rest of our lives</b>" Every day is a special occasion, a gift from God. Use it wisely, and be the best you can.</i></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><i>This Christmas Season, the best gift you can give to everyone is to become an organ donor. Without this gift given, Marty and countless others have received the gift of life. Please consider contacting you states Motor Vehicle Department or Donate Life Organization.</i></span></span>
Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-82291210919546740212012-11-23T00:45:00.002-07:002013-03-24T00:26:18.568-07:00Thankful<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHiG0blt8Sh7XET5wCbUILhhaF9qmskfXw6Q5I_RD8UWRXq5-73l3xJ1hNQ6OPdE_TIY1-h0cBkDwnBHqH6CDPnDEAf1OgyDCOV83i71_o6dAB_HZmdP1ejmUY5iM1qPdJh4-JBgFcGiv/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHiG0blt8Sh7XET5wCbUILhhaF9qmskfXw6Q5I_RD8UWRXq5-73l3xJ1hNQ6OPdE_TIY1-h0cBkDwnBHqH6CDPnDEAf1OgyDCOV83i71_o6dAB_HZmdP1ejmUY5iM1qPdJh4-JBgFcGiv/s200/IMG_0198.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">November 22, 2012</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know, I know, it has been over a year since anything has been posted here. I have had some thoughts about sharing too much personal stuff on the net... but if someone wants to find out something, they will anyway.</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First off, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Thanksgiving should be an everyday thing a verb.... an action we express and act on. </span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is also a time of reflection for us. Six years ago Marty couldn't even finish his Thanksgiving dinner. We were pretty sure he just had a bad cold. You can read previous posts to gain some history or to refresh your memory if you so choose. That was the beginning this journey we have been on. I am so thankful that today Marty was able to finish his dinner including seconds and desserts. We were invited to a friends house for dinner, so I didn't have to prepare any food. She wouldn't even let us help out with the dishes. She just wanted all of her guests to have a restful time visiting, and we did as we sat outside eating our dinner. A nice time was had with friends, old and new. It did feel a bit strange not having any family around this year though. Phone calls were made to family back home, as well as Facebook contact, so we did get to spend some time with family. What in the world would do with social media, Face Time, and Skype...???</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marty is 4 years and 4 months out from his transplant. His annual testing was in July and he had good results. He is doing well; with the expected issues and complications that occur with a lung transplant. We just deal with them as they come up, and are thankful they don't come up often. His lung function had decreased consistently for awhile, but has been stable now for a year. His complications are no where near what some of our transplant community of friends have experienced this past year. The thing that is limiting him most right now is his ankle. It is bone on bone and because of some blood clots in the same leg, treatment of the ankle is on hold. He was given a walking cast to help stabilize the ankle and give him a feeling of what an ankle fusion would feel like. So hopefully his clots will clear up so the ankle can be treated...</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are enjoying the beautiful weather here, the air conditioning hasn't been on now for over a month. After 14 years, it is still strange to me to have such beautiful weather during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. </span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, that is it for now... We are so thankful that God has been with us and has provided all things for us (because by all human reasoning, Marty shouldn't be here; and we should be so down and out-but that is a totally different subject for a later post date), But God had/has different plans...</span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutPFnue8bjktFa6hx867KqovZRsjEbx6ICpcglimABbhr4rDOyE3fFtcB7rVy08jGIghDb9_aOgAhXZjaoShQqxe59-jNtYqJ0jbKu3_LKLDKppwY2l8OfYBNeCA-JtygO9yPtb9jAoTj/s1600/DSCN0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutPFnue8bjktFa6hx867KqovZRsjEbx6ICpcglimABbhr4rDOyE3fFtcB7rVy08jGIghDb9_aOgAhXZjaoShQqxe59-jNtYqJ0jbKu3_LKLDKppwY2l8OfYBNeCA-JtygO9yPtb9jAoTj/s320/DSCN0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 year testing at St. Josephs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXvrDYPMgxlCeZOOMmNNIoanThNnOYvzm-zS8SZBpNz6KCP-gg6PUry_AEqLr18Cxsb6tTVyT1bhZXxm4cu0Q-Sk7wvsKshDBj586sGjNCHArkKgTvoY6SyAoC54pNIfvhmkowpqUDom-/s1600/1113121512_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXvrDYPMgxlCeZOOMmNNIoanThNnOYvzm-zS8SZBpNz6KCP-gg6PUry_AEqLr18Cxsb6tTVyT1bhZXxm4cu0Q-Sk7wvsKshDBj586sGjNCHArkKgTvoY6SyAoC54pNIfvhmkowpqUDom-/s1600/1113121512_0001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Botanical Garden 11/13/2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like the Hallmark slogan says "Life is a Special Occasion"</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-42001308523723802662011-06-02T11:34:00.000-07:002013-03-24T00:27:40.761-07:00Fundraiser Flyer<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuNowl9NY39a7USfVP7_b_YhqUQxFhV0aijn-NOtsPss8JJXkOx6kuSkAlfujL_Gyb4TLMg5bU4i8DFNT5ngMzAomUIdyJx2-njOdTOTrjprLpP20iNHv3ry606VyAIWj2DVNXiY6NYZw/s1600/Virtual+Spaghetti+Dinner+-+Marty+Zelei%255B1%255D2011+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuNowl9NY39a7USfVP7_b_YhqUQxFhV0aijn-NOtsPss8JJXkOx6kuSkAlfujL_Gyb4TLMg5bU4i8DFNT5ngMzAomUIdyJx2-njOdTOTrjprLpP20iNHv3ry606VyAIWj2DVNXiY6NYZw/s320/Virtual+Spaghetti+Dinner+-+Marty+Zelei%255B1%255D2011+pix.jpg" t8="true" width="247px" /></a></div>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, thanks to the wonderful people at NTAF (National Transplant Assistance Fund), I was able to get this flyer posted. I am not very computer literate at all, so a HUGE thank you to Joni and Kathy.</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is a difficult thing to have to do fundraising, but as most of you may know, it is costly after a transplant. I have pretty good insurance with a Cigna Medicare plan. Just this year, as with many insurance plans, coverages decreased and co-pays increased. I am thankful though for having medical coverage. We decided to have a Virtual Dinner because so many of our family and friends are scattered throughout the United States. This way, if they so choose, they can participate with out having to travel...We would love to see everyone though! So if you are able to participate in this fundraiser, we would appreciate it. Thank you so much.</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, it is getting pretty hot here, most days the temperature is still under the "normal" temps. We have even been able to keep the doors and windows opened. We still have the real hot months to look forward to. Last year, we spent some of the summer in Ohio, the temperatures were not as high, but the humidity was real high. I have been in Arizona for 30+ years so the heat hasn't really ever been a factor for me. Until after my transplant. It seems as though the summer heat just drains me now. So, we are enjoying the cooler temps for now, they will be gone before we know it. I just realized it sounds like complaining, but it is not. It is just a fact of my life now. Yes, my life, I am alive and am so very thankful for that. There is not a day that goes by I don't think of my donor and their family. What a blessing they are to me. Thank you to them and all organ and tissue donors.</span></span></b></i>Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-34927967986275460982011-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:002013-03-24T00:28:31.005-07:00Almost 3 years<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wow, almost three years... God has been so good to us. Things are going really well at this time. I just had an unexpected clinic appointment this past week, was doing alot of coughing. I had a nasal wash, and thankfully the results were negative. </span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have been partnering with the National Transplant Assistance Fund(NTAF) for our fundraising. Since my 3 year "Transversary" is coming up, we are holding a virtual spaghetti dinner fundraiser to assist with my annual testing. I am going to attach a flyer to this post that has all of the information on it. Please feel free to invite anyone.... Remember, its virtual, no real food, no real calories, no real mess, no real clean up. It is just a way to involve our family and friends who live throughout the USA. All contributions and donations are tax deductible. Thank you so much. I'll post more later, as well at the photos from Laura's Run.</span></span></b></i>Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-19161871681546497142011-03-09T09:26:00.003-07:002011-03-09T17:33:14.932-07:00Our FebruaryWhat a good morning it is. This is Monica, playing secretary again. Marty had given me the information he wants written, but it will be me that writes, so there may be some of my sarcastic attitude that comes through. Sorry about that.<br />
There has been so much that has happened since the January post. The one thing that has had the most meaning to Marty is going in to say hello to Dr.'s Shah and Levinson. They are the "insurance appointed" pulmonologists that basically kept Marty alive during his Scottsdale Healthcare stay. When something like a sudden illness happens and you are just given a Doctor that happens to be on your insurance company provider's list, you have NO say in it, no choice. You just pray and hope that they know what they are doing. Well, these two Dr's did/do know their stuff. We just stopped into their office, yes, a mask was worn, to say hello and to say thank you to them. I could not believe the reception that Marty received from them. We were taken back into their offices and just chatted like old friends. Both Doctors had smiles on their faces, and words just didn't seem like enough to express our thanks. I always wonder if it does the doctors good to see their patients and how their medical knowledge for all intents and purposes saved their lives. These two doctors were key to saving Marty.... (not to say all of the others didn't have a part it was a big team effort) We then had the oportunity to also say thank you to Dr. Manish Patel. He is the ICU/Critical Care Doctor (although he has partners too) that kept on pulling things out of his sleeve for Marty. He just couldn't believe that Marty was up walking and living. Dr. Patel is the Dr. that recommended both of the Roto Beds. How do you ever really say thank you to people. It was strange for me to hear how some of the medical professionals at the hospital say they remember the family of the patient more so than the patient, maybe because at that time, I was a pain in their butts....??? They all did remember Marty, just as the patient in room 238 or the Roto bed guy. What an amazing group of people we have had the opportunity to meet, yes, people first and then Doctors and Nurses. In my opinion, they would not be good medical professionals unless they are good people first.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ySdHpSrVwL3xu3vPpCfGp3Q5Z9TOhz52OMXTAFa-BWYPVkp6H0BYcUWDx19-LMpdscWCCDC2vtBvuQs7mIbxU9WmwFC4Pb7ZpRRsvytycBu39OMLd_uXiYlSZLvXcjg5dlpnZrDthAYC/s1600/blog+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ySdHpSrVwL3xu3vPpCfGp3Q5Z9TOhz52OMXTAFa-BWYPVkp6H0BYcUWDx19-LMpdscWCCDC2vtBvuQs7mIbxU9WmwFC4Pb7ZpRRsvytycBu39OMLd_uXiYlSZLvXcjg5dlpnZrDthAYC/s1600/blog+pix.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunU2_0NqVW5D4DCrRmn-trCJ29Vk9I0GOt0l63RSbuTBZ5Smkp4b8CksnRw94tDEZVs_U-X3igu2GLzwkd29BqkaYFYKT0OALQGd4_4gzv3rKL9FESMhSxza2VZSzUThrLiNZWJU7a4Wg/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunU2_0NqVW5D4DCrRmn-trCJ29Vk9I0GOt0l63RSbuTBZ5Smkp4b8CksnRw94tDEZVs_U-X3igu2GLzwkd29BqkaYFYKT0OALQGd4_4gzv3rKL9FESMhSxza2VZSzUThrLiNZWJU7a4Wg/s1600/blog.jpg" /></a></div>Well, on another note... Marty started getting a different type of cough mid February. It is just part of life after a transplant, but when things are different with their health, you are supposed to call the transplant nurse coordinator. So we called, since his vitals, breathing,and O2 saturation's were all good, we were told to just monitor his cough and vitals, he had a regularly scheduled clinic appointment on Tuesday and things would be checked out then. Clinics involve chest x rays, Pulmonary function tests, and blood work. The only thing that was a little off was Marty was a little more tired, and tired more easily. So on Tuesday, we went in for the appointment. His chest Xray was clear, his blood work was good, but his PFT's went down. Thus a bronchcoscopy was ordered, as well as 3 IV steroid treatments, oh and 2 of his treatments I had to do at home, something I have never done through this whole thing...The IV steroids were precautionary in case the bronch showed rejection...The last time he had steroid infusions, he was a complete nut case, so hyper, so hungry, his thoughts just couldn't even connect with his speech.. a horrible thing for me...oops I mean for him to go through.<br />
<br />
The bronch results came back negative for rejection, negative for RSV, but positive for the flu and a fungus growing in lungs. The IV treatments weren't as bad as I thought and his reaction was NOTHING compared to the first time. The fungus is being treated, he has no more coughing, and he is not as tired. He is just so incredibly cautious now... that is a big change for him...I am glad he is though. He is doing what he needs to be doing to take care of himself..finally.<br />
There have been so many people who have been praying for him through this latest bout.. Thank you all, We have been blessed with many good friends and family. Thank you God for letting us go through this journey, and thank you for the many lessons we have learned, and to be honest, for the lessons that we are still trying to learn.<br />
Oh, one more thing... This Saturday there is a fundraiser for St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center's Heart and Lung Institute (where Marty's transplant was done). It is called Laura's Run. We are planning to go there, not to run this year, but to show support. More next week about this event.<br />
I was trying to add captions to the photos, but I could't figure out how to... anyway, the top photo is at home during the IV treatments, and the other photo is Marty "dressed up" the day we saw Drs. Shah and Levinson... Yeah, no black T shirt or Camo pants... I say with a smile.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-51400447702021777312011-01-21T21:31:00.000-07:002011-01-21T21:31:54.311-07:00FEELING GOOD AND THANKFULWell, 2011 has gotten off to a good start. I am feeling well, and am trying to get back into blogging. I am doing good and enjoying my daily life. I did have some pretty strange head trips to deal with last year. I guess there were alot of things that were floating around in my head, and they just decided to stick around for a while. Issues that needed to be dealt with, like when you have a zit that needs to be popped. Well I am thankful that the "zit" has popped, the issues are gone, and I am prepared to deal with any more "zits" that may come my way. I don't want to come across as not being able to handle things, but when you go through a life changing illness and then a major organ transplant, things are different. I have learned to enjoy dealing with things that come my way. I am able to look at life in totally different way. I have learned to not stress over things I have no control over, to not be hesitant talk to someone if I need to, and not to be afraid to share my life experiences with others.<br />
<br />
I feel that I am beginning to get back to normal, and that feels good. I am very thankful that I can enjoy things in life that I have taken for granted in the past, just simple things like sitting on the front porch with my coffee, listening to the birds, and just living. I don't feel like there is a rush anymore.<br />
<br />
One other thing I have been really trying to do daily is exercise. I can usually get up in the morning and get my exercising done. When I think back to my first release from the hospital in 2007, I had lost almost 95 pounds. I am not going to say how much of it I have gained back, but I will say that I feel healthy. (I did break a kitchen chair two days ago when I sat down in it).<br />
<br />
After our trip to Ohio, I have realize a few things. One, I wouldn't be this healthy if it were not for my wife. She says she nags me, but I tell her it is a good nag. Two, for a while I didn't think I would be around to see my daughter grow into being a woman. She has more than amazed me, and I am proud of her. The third thing I have realized is that family can be more than "blood family". We have some pretty amazing friends both in Ohio and here in Arizona who are Family. Monica and I love you all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4am4I6PMOwwot-S2DWfe0lXQ-HEBDrYA0zfFo-vTiLDtolgrdeE4wWowEtPsh3Wsted6CsWOxeVavyCkikBeDheL1fbpwEOeEfSE-etevhaGm64D7igaA4HD_4KHt3gi3VSa5TwQyiq8V/s1600/Roto+Prone+Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4am4I6PMOwwot-S2DWfe0lXQ-HEBDrYA0zfFo-vTiLDtolgrdeE4wWowEtPsh3Wsted6CsWOxeVavyCkikBeDheL1fbpwEOeEfSE-etevhaGm64D7igaA4HD_4KHt3gi3VSa5TwQyiq8V/s320/Roto+Prone+Bed.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>We were looking at some pictures and Monica found one of the roto prone bed that I had to be in for a week or so back at Scottsdale Health Care. Although it is not me in the bed, it will give you some idea of what the bed looked like, so I am going to try to upload it.. There is actually a funny story about that bed. I guess when I was in that bed, I was hooked into it with these cushioned arms, then I was turned to the prone position, facing the floor. I just had my trach and was bleeding from the incision so I couldn't be placed prone at first, at least that is what the night shift nurse told Monica. When she came in the next morning, all she could see was the flat part of the bed, no sheets, blankets, or even me. She was a bit afraid to ask what happened to me. The nurse, tried her best to not laugh, but said that I was able to face the floor, that I had stopped bleeding. Monica was very relieved to hear that, and not that something had happened to me. By the way, I think from what I understand, being in this particular bed is what helped my lungs. <br />
<br />
So, Hopefully as the year progresses, I will keep up with the writing. It seems like we can not say Thank you enough to our family, friends, medical staff, my donor and their family, and mostly to God and His plan. Thank you for for giving me another chance!Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-35510516760818800752010-11-29T15:17:00.000-07:002010-11-29T15:17:22.771-07:004 years...Hi, this is Monica, Marty's wife. Today is a day of reflection for me. There are so many things going on in my head. First off, 4 years ago today, Marty was admitted to Scottsdale Healthcare for what we thought was a bad cold. He came home 6 months later, only to be readmitted a day later for another 3 weeks, and then admitted another two times before the end of Sept. 2007. If you are interested, you can read about his hospitalizations and his health journey written in previous posts.<br />
<br />
I guess I just want to again say thank you to EVERYONE who had a part with his healthcare, his rehab, his transplant, just everything. Thank you all so much. So many people worked to save his life. <br />
<br />
Thank you too for the prayers and support, I always knew that God was going through this with us, but as I look back today, I am even more aware of it. He has a plan!<br />
In a way, it has been such a long journey and then again, time seems to have flown by. <br />
Thank you all for your love and support given to us these past 4 years.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-924869858503552172010-07-26T09:04:00.000-07:002010-07-26T09:04:31.756-07:00Two years!!!Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. Things have been pretty crazy at times. <br />
Today is the two year anniversary of my lung transplant. I am so very thankful to have this second chance at living. Today I think of and say a prayer for my donor and their family. What a selfless decision that my donor made. As my life continues, the donor family may be experiencing many different feelings today. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for that family.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am going through my two year medical testing, full PFT'S, blood work, CT of the lungs, dermotology, eyes, colonoscopy(yuck), and and EDG. I am very happy to say things are going well so far. I am realizing that the heat is a bit more difficult to handle though. Thank God for A/C.<br />
<br />
It has been a very busy year for us, we have done some traveling to visit family in Kentucky and Ohio, taking a road trip. We were able to drive on some of old RT. 66, seeing some of the landmarks. I will try to upload some photos, but the comupter is not really cooperating.<br />
<br />
So, at this two year anniversary, I am thankful to God for allowing me to continue on this planet, I am thankful to God for putting such wonderful people into my life(Dr.'s, St. Joseph's hospital, church family, friends, support group family, my wife and family) Everyone has been so supportive with words of encouragement, prayers and financial support through the NTAF.<br />
Thank you all, especially a big thank you to my donor. <br />
Please register to be an organ donor.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-71728721548889603542010-02-07T22:29:00.003-07:002010-02-12T00:28:35.407-07:00HAPPY NEW YEAR A LITTLE LATEHello everyone... this is Monica, Marty's wife. It has been such a long time since he has posted anything, I thought I would help out a little bit. Usually he dictates, and I type, but not tonight. We Hope that everyone had a nice Christmas and New Year. Ours was pretty uneventful. We did get to watch Jonathan open his Christmas gifts via Skype, very different, but at least we got to see him.<br />
Marty is doing pretty good, just trying to keep healthy and live life. He is having some rollercoaster blood pressures that are not cooperating with the medications. This is keeping him home more than usual, he doesn't want to get light headed or dizzy if he is out. But other than that, his transpant clinics, lungs, breathing and everything else is going well.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we went to Tempe Town Lake, they had a fishing thing going on. There were community organizations that had booths set up giving out information. The reason we went is to show support for Donate Life Arizona. It was pretty encouraging to meet the three people working at the booth. Two were a married couple, she is a 10 year double lung transplant survivor. The other lady is the mother of a young man who was an organ donor, her son died as a young adult. She was so encouraging to us, and even had a look of happiness and joy on her face, at meeting another "transplant person" It just took me off guard. I have never knowingly met a family member of a donor. I was not expecting for Marty and I to have the reaction that we did. As we walked away from the booth, we both were a bit quiet and had tears in our eyes. God has truly been so good to us though this whole experience. He has placed so many wonderful people into our lives, so many people we would have never gotten the oportunity to meet.<br />
<br />
Some other things have happened to bring the reality of how precious life is into our lives. A dear lady, who may not even know how much she and her husband have been a support and encouragement to us, lost her husband this past month. We met them though St. Josephs Transplant Support group, We are so thankful for the wonderful family we have there. The reality of how precious life is, has become so real to both of us already in this new year. <br />
Oh, I kind of got off track with the rest of our fishing day... As we were walking around looking at things, Marty heard drums. For those of you who don't know, Marty plays the drums and hasn't really gotten back into it since the transplant. Well, that changed yesterday. The drums he heard were from a drum circle, set up as part of one of the informational booths. He looked at me and said,"do you mind if I join in?" He ended up playing different drums for about 30 minutes. I have not seen him smile and look that happy in a LONG time. I was having so much fun watching him have fun. It was great. God had us be there, originally just for the Donate Life Booth, but also blessed Marty with playing the drums again. What a great day. Maybe a little too much being in the sun though.....but worth it.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-75927172611774968612009-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:002009-10-31T08:40:53.153-07:00H1N1 Virus is GONEEven though I had not been extremely ill with the swine flu, It was enough to knock my socks off. Each day I did what the transplant nurse coordinator said; REST, DRINK FLUIDS, REST, DRINK FLUIDS and GO IN FOR NASAL WASHES AND so on..... Well, she called yesterday and said my test from Wednesday was clear. Thank you God and all of the people who have been praying and sending "positive vibes". I still have to be cautious when around large groups of people, but I don't feel like a prisoner(a feeling I brought on myself)in my home any longer. It is kind of strange that I felt that way to begin with, since usually I am happy just to stay at home. I guess when I am told to limit going out and having contact with people, I made it an issue. Although I am still rather tired, I am able to start voluntering at the food bank again. Since I have not been there all month, I am really looking forward to getting back. <br />
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers!Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-90264950875341368342009-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:002009-10-19T19:02:43.358-07:00Swine fluJust a quick post to remind everyone to wash..wash... wash your hands. Marty's test results came back today... SWINE FLU. He is doing well and even seemed to be feel much better this morning. No Temp, less coughing, and just a little sore throat. But I think just hearing the words SWINE FLU has had an effect on both of us. Blood work on Wednesday and another nasal wash on Friday. St. Joseph's transplant team are very proactive thankfully. His transplant coordinator, Tracy, gave us 7 days worth of Tamiflu pills. What a savings that was. Thank you Tracy.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-57140716201547748422009-10-18T18:59:00.002-07:002009-10-18T19:04:37.404-07:00ONE MORE THINGIn my hurriedness I forgot to mention a special event we were able to attend when we were in Ohio. A little background first. We became aquainted with a future lung transplant person through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (<a href="www.transplantfund.org">www.transplantfund.org </a>) He happens to be from Wooster Ohio. The NTAF is a fundraising tool to assist with people who have had transplants or have had catastrophic illnesses. Anyway, this mans family and friends were having a fundraising breakfast and silent auction in the Wooster area. Since Monica is familiar with the area, we went there to introduce ourselves. We had only briefly talked over the internet. It was so cool to meet them and to show some support to them. They truly seemed happy that we showed up. It also turns out that Monica knew the man's brother and sister in law from attending church with them a few years back. This man is still waiting for his transplant and has been on the waiting list for 2+ years. If you happen to go the NTAF web site, just type in the last name of Patterson. The directions are easy to follow after that. So for all of our Ohio family and friends in the Wooster area, please drop him a line and show him and his family support. Thanks!Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-45852504097766339912009-10-18T10:33:00.000-07:002009-10-18T10:34:40.892-07:00Jonathan waiting at the airport<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlchoZ9ibcUDJmT8lbMISbL1RRUlKP3wDv1YE0dULymVU6SSeY1dTUhk9YOaN_LEca67IIwTv4BzNcRKnaZbrYT8bjQL4MJqIJ5p0w0g7eOiXhqvLPZ79fO3THadvX0KqBC31BtXGJvgJ/s1600-h/airport+9-2009.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlchoZ9ibcUDJmT8lbMISbL1RRUlKP3wDv1YE0dULymVU6SSeY1dTUhk9YOaN_LEca67IIwTv4BzNcRKnaZbrYT8bjQL4MJqIJ5p0w0g7eOiXhqvLPZ79fO3THadvX0KqBC31BtXGJvgJ/s400/airport+9-2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393994692968701986" /></a>Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-45473149891537088492009-10-18T10:28:00.002-07:002009-10-18T10:29:39.369-07:00Picutres from KY 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroaQJGa7PiB5Ie7zhdCwQZpP2eTS8C9g0vPA3a88ZbTXHxSQY7pN1rbwv6rzCwvobigUv_raWqSV-UP3UXH-12vQJYYlR-_fRMfBPjfEKPId7_-TsUiCj81kXZ4GEq5ZBldBtZTybK-h_/s1600-h/cumberland+falls+10-09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroaQJGa7PiB5Ie7zhdCwQZpP2eTS8C9g0vPA3a88ZbTXHxSQY7pN1rbwv6rzCwvobigUv_raWqSV-UP3UXH-12vQJYYlR-_fRMfBPjfEKPId7_-TsUiCj81kXZ4GEq5ZBldBtZTybK-h_/s400/cumberland+falls+10-09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393993441982191410" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yy8F1zG9liMkVhzDpvA1oiTFJ5Fav1IiBVp0QLUnsxtJ5vgpeR0Gk6AjeayWs-hqT7j7q-v4gt75rcMrXtX0gSWfvLUCGybSjyxWEiQyERxT04GkdE-qCg6i51bbuZ8lggjaYpKRG6N_/s1600-h/Papa+and+Jonathan+Daniel+Boone.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yy8F1zG9liMkVhzDpvA1oiTFJ5Fav1IiBVp0QLUnsxtJ5vgpeR0Gk6AjeayWs-hqT7j7q-v4gt75rcMrXtX0gSWfvLUCGybSjyxWEiQyERxT04GkdE-qCg6i51bbuZ8lggjaYpKRG6N_/s400/Papa+and+Jonathan+Daniel+Boone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393993436619545666" /></a>Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-76467555086492850272009-10-18T08:16:00.004-07:002009-10-18T09:09:19.056-07:00IT'S BEEN AWHILEWell, it has been awhile since I have posted anything. It has been a very busy eventful (some happy and some sad events) two months. My first transplant anniversary went by with out any significant problems. Thank you God for that. All of the test results were good. Over Labor Day weekend I had a 35 year class reunion back in Ohio to think about going to and also an annual family picnic on Monica's side of the family. We dediced to go, since we had enough frequent flyer miles to help with the tickets. (not all were ours though;another blessing from an un-named source) We attended the reunion, a two night event. It was nice to see people I went to school with. Not too many people showed up for the reunion though. But it was nice to get together. The family picnic went well. Even though we both are from the same small town, I hadn't met alot of Monica's family, so it was nice to meet some of the people who have given me/us support through out this illness and transplant. One of the family members had even had a battle with cancer, which now she is doing great. The best part of our trip was that our grandson met us at the airport (Erin and Jonathan came up from KY for a few days. It was so good to see him. He has grown up so much since they moved. We did our usual Amish/Kidron trip but this time Jonathan went with us. He was just amazed at "ALL of the Cowboys". Monica wanted to get some knives from Lehmans hardware (see a previous post about how large Lehmans has become) and we couldn't find them. I went up to an older gentleman who was putting up a display of iron skillets and asked where the knives may be located. He pointed me in the right direction, and then Monica pointed out to me that I had asked THE MR.LEHMAN for the knives. I felt so honored :) We returned home on Sept. 11th. What a day to fly. In a way, it was a way to honor those who gave their lives in 2001. After we returned home, we received word that a fellow lung transplant friend had passed away. He was like my mentor through this whole process. His death was difficult to accept, bringing the reality of transplanted life and death to heart. His memorial service was actually a very uplifting place for me to be. He had lived such a wonderful life. Rest in Peace my friend.
The next thing of significance that happened is Monica lost her job. That is ok, God has taken care of us all of this time, He will continue. So with all of her free time, we moved up our planned trip in April to see Jonathan in Ky, to the first week in October. We took a road trip. It was just what we both needed. We had a blast. All Jonathan knew is that he had a surprise coming. He spent every night at the hotel with us, just like old times. It also happened to be the Annual Daniel Boone Festival in Barbourville. We had fun taking Jonathan around the festival and even going on some rides with him. We also went to Cumberland Falls. What a beautiful park.
Now we are back home again, getting into the old grind again along with figuring out what the new grind will be.
As you know, people who have had transplants have compromised immune systems and have to be extra cautious with viruses and bugs. Even though I had a flu shot (and am awaiting the H1N1 shot) I have what is hopefully just a cold. Have gone through some testing and am waiting for the results.PFT;s and Chest X-rays are good, waiting for the nasal wash results The Drs. have put me on Tamiflu as a precaution, so I am just hanging around the house feeling like I am not doing enough again. But like I have said before, God is always taking care of us.
So as you can see, I have had many emotions and feelings these past two months. Some good, some not so good, but they all work together for good.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-31825229852953456092009-08-08T08:09:00.004-07:002009-08-08T08:45:03.837-07:00Survival at its best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii90OGfo4Wqgq3iqxBqEwlIq4by76zWtubL8_OZbWSIrMu9o_1Cp0YXT6crq2aOfTUK6Pn_fV7jXDvZARK2S9y0xdGEcelGpKBaLXGHoO8C5uEQkOv-3hX4U42fJ4CUtrZ2Kro6YbJ367a/s1600-h/1+year.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii90OGfo4Wqgq3iqxBqEwlIq4by76zWtubL8_OZbWSIrMu9o_1Cp0YXT6crq2aOfTUK6Pn_fV7jXDvZARK2S9y0xdGEcelGpKBaLXGHoO8C5uEQkOv-3hX4U42fJ4CUtrZ2Kro6YbJ367a/s400/1+year.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367618602170932850" /></a>
Well, when a person in transplanted, they have many many medical followups with the transplant team (by the way, St. Josephe's Heart and Lung Institute in Phoenix has the best transplant team), medication changes, and chest x rays. But when you get to your first year anniversary, or Birthday as some people call it, there are even MORE tests and porcedures. I am now at that point, thank you God. These past few weeks, I have had extensive blood work, a bone density test, CT, chest x ray, lung function test(including the six minute walk, and many lung volumn tests) a broncoscopy, dermotology appt. (which the dr. removed something from my forehead to be sent off for a biopsy),dental exams, a colonoscopy, and yet to have an opthemologist check my eyes. I am very thankful that EVERY ONE of the tests have come back good so far. Still waiting on some of the results (but I am sure if there were any concerns, the Dr.'s would have given a call and or changed up my meds. After some of the tests, I am pretty tired, depending on the amount and type of sedation that is used. But by the next day, I am back to normal, whatever that is.
On a lighter note, Monica and I will be going back to Ohio in Sept. My high school class has a 35th class reunion planned for Labor Day weekend, and Monica has an annual family picnic that weekend too. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends. The really cool thing about this trip is that there were enough combined frequent flyer miles, that our tickets were FREE. God is always providing some blessings for us(alot of the times He uses other people to help with those blessings.) When we are in Ohio, we are planning to drive part way to Kentucky to meet Monica's daughter Erin and to pick up Jonathan for a few days. We both sure miss him and can't wait to see him and spend some time with him. When we talk to him on the phone, he now sounds so grown up. I know, it hasn't even been a month yet.
So, having survived the first year testing, the transplant, and the emotional transitions of having someone's lungs in my body, I would say this is Survival at it's best.Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-72320902443995929462009-07-26T07:08:00.006-07:002009-07-31T16:52:38.031-07:00JULY 26, 2009 ONE YEAR LATER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzO3r3Yaf4nlFgdcb2obKXpxsMQWLmktyguLBpaL-vHgDPjiGNO22qfRBrkok3J7KWeKhXPgezTTwInc0ZIOkf6hf3b4DJQhFb4OeHzyAmpaaOg8bhv6C0hXNLwXABxXgkSHUbgmkhkWH/s1600-h/2624_70781287213_625442213_2341921_7952132_s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzO3r3Yaf4nlFgdcb2obKXpxsMQWLmktyguLBpaL-vHgDPjiGNO22qfRBrkok3J7KWeKhXPgezTTwInc0ZIOkf6hf3b4DJQhFb4OeHzyAmpaaOg8bhv6C0hXNLwXABxXgkSHUbgmkhkWH/s400/2624_70781287213_625442213_2341921_7952132_s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362788257599163810" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwug2cc1CCDbY2jAxj8o3lanJe9VEZkn1laFGv897AQMs_eg5f7bgffhmPwaQtPx9bp4o0lyyihHZS9coxcNRwcHawFBFi-vSstWDjgBWj0fMbnzPO2PNsz4tiaA8PpAJ7jDlg23vvk-Gs/s1600-h/monica+hospital+180.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwug2cc1CCDbY2jAxj8o3lanJe9VEZkn1laFGv897AQMs_eg5f7bgffhmPwaQtPx9bp4o0lyyihHZS9coxcNRwcHawFBFi-vSstWDjgBWj0fMbnzPO2PNsz4tiaA8PpAJ7jDlg23vvk-Gs/s400/monica+hospital+180.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362788252771038690" /></a>
Good Morning Everyone,
This is such a special day for Marty and me. One year ago, Marty received "the call" from Kate at St. Josephs asking him "would like to get some new lungs today?" Alot has happened in this past year. In some ways, our lives have been like a roller coaster, and for those of you who know me well, I HATE ROLLER COASTERS, I hate the anticipation of what is coming next, and the fear of the drops and turns. Needless to say, this past year, I have learned a lot about liking, or I should say having a new respect for them. As we think about this past year a few of the things that go through our minds are: 1. last year at this time, Marty was using a wheelchair for his main form of getting around(he would loose his breath from just walking a few steps) and now... he walks all over the place, he drives, he can get down on the floor to play with our grandson and get back up, and sometimes he even cooks me dinner, 2. He was on 7-9 liters of oxygen 24/7 and his oxygen saturations were continuing to lower, his color was a light shade of purple and getting brighter almost daily,and now, his oxygen saturations are 99-100% without any supplemental oxygen and his color is pink and healthy looking, 3. he used to be hesitant to go to any doctor because for the most part, there wasn't any real hope for his health to improve, now when he goes to the doctor, he waits with anticipation to hear how good he is doing and how his health has improved, 4.We think of all of the people we have met, the Doctors, the medical professionals, patients, friends, fellow transplant people as well as their families, each one of them has had a positive affect on our lives, 5. We think often and pray for the family of Marty's donor. We are so grateful for the selfless decision of organ donation that was made. This also ties into our families. They all have been here for us throughout this whole health ordeal, supporting us in all ways possible, in a sense they have made a selfless decision to stand by us, sometimes sacrificially.Thank you all. We think of our Church family, and how they have always been there, either in person, prayer, cards, or phone calls, you guys are the best. Even though he was experiencing his own health challenges, the pastor would come to the hospital for visits.
6. Most of all we have realized that God has directed this whole thing. We both have learned so much and our faith has grown. It is a choice, either learn and grow from what God is putting in front of you, or not. I am not saying it has always been easy, you know the choices that had to be made, watching the procedures Marty had to go through, and then for Marty himself to endure the healing from the procedures. Thank you God for this journey.(The photos are of Marty during his really bad time, and the other one is after the transplant at Disneyland with our Grandson)
So, I guess that was more than a few thoughts huh? Anyway, we are both thankful for the whole journey this illness has taken us through, Gods provision, family, friends, and Marty's donor. Please say a prayer today for the family of the donor. As we are experiencing and celebrating life blessings today, they may be experiencing memories and some grief for their loved one. Thank you!Marty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451394675518575004.post-25999818740244491832009-07-08T22:13:00.004-07:002009-08-02T14:12:40.676-07:00Virtual Spaghetti Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYogRahNXKsA1sj_LeX3U6KOpiOSe96U-r4KtxJsPiUwFWhW0GOR3UnyP85tfrQA9MVyi_SITGzugr3o_m7uFRHLdOCw-EUu4gEqMki5WpWRDbSvjFHI6WiTCXkvFjaxuMh50nRL45QGa/s1600-h/vsdinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYogRahNXKsA1sj_LeX3U6KOpiOSe96U-r4KtxJsPiUwFWhW0GOR3UnyP85tfrQA9MVyi_SITGzugr3o_m7uFRHLdOCw-EUu4gEqMki5WpWRDbSvjFHI6WiTCXkvFjaxuMh50nRL45QGa/s400/vsdinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356330745115703282" /></a>
We are having a "Virtual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in Celebration of Marty's first year anniversary. We figured this would be a fun way to include all of our family and friends who do not live in Arizona, so you don't need to make the drive out here in the heat. Keep in mind, that this is not real food, so it is calorie free, and not messy at all(no dripping sauce on your clothes). We are associated with the National Transplant Assistance Fund,a non profit fundraising group for transplanted people. <em><strong>If you click on the picture of the flyer,</strong></em> you will be able to see all of the information about the fundraiser. We have been very blessed this past year with much support either financially, words of encouragement, prayer, phone calls, and people we have met through the transplant process. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you all. If you feel comfortable, you are more than welcome to share this fundraising information with your email contacts. Thank you, and love you all,
MonicaMarty Zeleihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11143114639780165573noreply@blogger.com2