H1N1 Virus is GONE

Even 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.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Swine flu

Just 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.

ONE MORE THING

In 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 (www.transplantfund.org ) 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!

Jonathan waiting at the airport

Picutres from KY 2009

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

Well, 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.

Survival at its best

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.

JULY 26, 2009 ONE YEAR LATER

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!

Virtual Spaghetti Dinner

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. If you click on the picture of the flyer, 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, Monica

Almost One Year

Well, on July 26, 2009 it will be my one year anniversary with my new lungs. It is a time of celebration and thankfulness for my family and me. So much has happened this past year. We have met many good people either in person or through the internet(because of their medical situations and/or transplants) It is also a time of reflection for me, sometimes just thinking about the process of getting my lungs, someone having to die, and their family to experience such a loss is overwhelming. They made a very unselfish decision. I do not go a day without thinking about them and praying for them. I guess it is not uncommon for people who have received an organ transplant to go through a period of feeling guilty; guilty that they are alive because someone died. It is something that I think about often. The guilt is not quite as strong as I began to realize that the person who died, made the selfless decision to be an organ doner because they wanted to give someone else a second chance at living. Thank you! Another thing that Monica and I have been thinking about is that Jonathan (his parents too) are moving to Kentucky on July 16th. It will be very hard to not have him around us, but we both understand their reasons. I guess we will just have to take extra long weekends and fly into Knoxville Tn. every so often to see them (Him) :) Thank you Jesus for my life and for another chance at it.

Marty's Birthday June 7, 2009

Tomorrow is Marty's birthday. I thought and thought about how to make it special for him. As time wound down today, still with no good ideas to celebrate, my daughter called and asked if Jonathan could spend the night. What a perfect gift for Marty, a Papa and Jonathan night. Right now they are brushing their teeth together, they both have their systems. Next is bedtime medicine, (Jonathan pretends to do his swish and swallow medicine like Papa), then Princess Gertrude (Cory's Beta fish) gets fed. Then it is a "superhero flashlight show", bedtime story, and ice in a cup like Papas. Marty said this is the best birthday gift I could have gotten for him. Thank you Erin and Jason for letting Jonathan spend Papa's birthday eve with us. Marty and Marissa went out for a birthday lunch to the Landmark this afternoon. I am so glad that they got to spend some good time together. I think that no matter how old a fathers daughter is, they will always be their daddy's little girl. I must add that I am so grateful that Marty is here for another birthday. Two years ago, when he was admitted back into the ICU, I just wasn't sure just how much longer he would be here. God has a "Big Idea" as Jonathan says, for Marty. And for that I am thankful HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN JOSEPH. I LOVE YOU!

Wickenburg

Today we drove up to Wickenburg. Monica loves to get out of the city, so we try to take drives once in a while. Anyway, yesterday was our anniversary and all Monica wanted to do was go to Wickenburg. It was so peaceful on the way up there, no traffic, beautiful scenery, and just a slower pace of life. After we got there, we parked at the park, and took a walk. It is so nice to be able to do the simple things in life. As we were walking, we noticed a restaurant that was a great photo op. When you see the picture, you will see why. I am so thankful for 11 years together.

DONATE LIFE MONTH

April is National Donate Life Month. I am going to try to upload a news release from UNOS regarding organ donation. There are so many people who wouldn't even be here without our donors. Words aren't enough to express our gratitude. Well, I am unable to upload the article, but there is a link to the UNOS site. http://www.unos.org/ UNOS stands for United Network for Organ Sharing. Another site is http://www.donatelife.net/ Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive to Monica and me these past few years. Your cards, letters, phone calls, prayers, and your donations to my NTAF fund are very much appreciated. If by any chance, my donor family, or any donor families are reading this, I can only speak for myself, but THANK YOU for the selfless decision that was made by your loved one. I am so grateful for my second chance at life.

More California Dreaming

Waiting for the trolley at 6:30 am

at the ocean

Waiting to get into Disney Clubhouse

Here are a few more Disneyland pictures!

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

on the teacup ride.

Big Waves

Landsharks at Naja's

Redondo pier and waves

from my phone

It has been a while since I have posted anything. A lot has been going on here. First of all, I am doing fine and recovering well from my RSV hospital stay. Since I have been out of the hospital, I have been hesitant about going out in public, you know, just being TOO cautious about germs, viruses, and bacteria. But I go out despite my overly cautious views.

Our grandson and his parents invited us to Disneyland on the 13th of March. I had Clinics that day, my first since being released from the hospital. I was not even sure that I would be able to go. Well, everything went very well. I had the best PFT'S (pulmonary function tests) ever. My chest x ray was good, no medication changes, and I was allowed to go to Disneyland (even ride on the rides). As Monica and I left the clinics, the transplant nurse coordinator told us that she and her family were going to Disneyland over the weekend too. Monica jokingly said "maybe we'll see you there!"

Our son-in-law drove the whole way there, arriving in about 6 hours. We had such a fun time, watching Jonathan just looking at everything, going on the rides, watching the people, and just being plain grateful that I am alive and able to enjoy life. By the way... we ran into the transplant nurse and her family on our way out, they were just coming back for the second round and to see the fireworks, and just to prove it to my self, I rode on Space Mountian among many other rides.

The following weekend on the 20th of March, Monica and I took a long weekend to where we spent our honeymoon...Redondo Beach; Thanks to a monetary gift from a special person, to be used for us to take a trip and relax. It was so nice and peaceful there. We didn't have to be anywhere, didn't have any blood work done, didn't have to visit anyone, didn't have to go to work, didn't have to go to any Dr. appointments. It was almost like we were normal again, a real vacation. God knows that we, especially Monica, needed to get away and rest. When we got married, I just kind of put my finger on the map of California and said that is where we will go for our honeymoon. That was back in July of 1998, and we have tried to get there yearly since. We hadn't been there since Sept. 2006 because of my illness. When my health really started going downhill, Monica attempted to talk me into us driving to Redondo. We both thought that it might be our last time there. If we went, we would have had to take about 20 oxygen tanks, the wheel chair, and make arangements for an oxygen concentrator to be set up in the hotel room. Needless to say, it just didn't work out, and the transplant happened so quickly. Like I said in a previous post, I have my routines, and one of those routines is going to a place on the pier called Naja's Place (Believe it or not.... they used to have a sign for 777 types of beer you know me with my 7's.) They have a 3 peice band that playes classic rock music and we sit there on Friday and Saturday evenings and listen to them for a few sets, walk back to the hotel and get in the spa.... how relaxing is that. There aren't enough words to express my/our thankfulness to my doner and their family. How unselfish a choice that is...... PLEASE CONSIDER BEING AN ORGAN DONER!

Papa and Jonathan's SNAKE

Well, Marty came home from the hospital yesterday. He is doing well and has to stick around the house most of the time. He can't go to the center to exercise this week, but next week, he will be able to go. Our grandson went hiking with his parents at Four Peaks over the weekend. When he got home he wanted to color with his "Marks" I guess he wanted a snake on his chest like Papa, so he made one. He loves his papa!

Well, it has been a long time since Marty has posted any updates, so I thought I would help him out. Things are going along quite well. Right now he is in the hospital due to contracting RSV, A virus that small children mainly get. Most people who get RSV don't even know they have it, and it runs a course similar to a cold. (which we thought he had) He along with most transplanted people are more susceptible to RSV due to the suppressed immune system. He has been blessed in the fact that his pulmonary function, chest xrays, and his oxygen saturation's have remained good. His hospital stay is a required time of 5 days. (His treatments will be up on Sunday morning) He receives three treatments of two hours long daily. He is in isolation, but at least this time, he can get up and move around and there are no catheters(which he is very happy about). The medication in the treatment is called ribivirin and is pretty serious stuff. Any visitors can not be pregnant, nursing or contemplating pregnancy. I can't even wear my contacts in there because they could melt. He is in good spirits considering he hasn't left the room since Tuesday. He did begin to panic at first when the transplant nurse said he needed to be admitted. My daughter let him borrow her lap top (thanks to a suggestion from another transplant person) so he can pass the time with that. Before getting RSV he was continuing to go to the gym and work out. He still feels like he needs to do more, but he is realizing he has time and to not rush his "six pack" In the beginning of February, he began to babysit our grandson on Wednesdays. Jonathan spends the night with us on Tuesdays, and then the whole day with Papa. He is such good therapy for Marty. They can enjoy doing anything together. Anyway, it is getting late, and I guess I just want to thank the transplant team at St. Joe's for being so proactive and aggressive with this treatment. More when he gets home (on Sunday).

New Years

I forgot to tell about our New Years Eve tradition.... We always stay at home and just relax, watch TV and try to stay up until midnight (I can't remember the last time we made it up to midnight though) We always eat shrimp too. Well, this year was no different except our grandson stayed all night. When it was time to eat the shrimp, Jonathan took one, peeled the tail off, dipped it into the cocktail sauce, began to chew it, and immediately spit it into Monica's hand. He did though, enjoy peeling off the tails, so Jonathan was my official tail peeler. We had a great time.

More Suns Photos

Here are a few more photos from the Suns game...Jumbotron, Cheerleaders, and Monica and me.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS

It has been a busy month preparing for the holidays. I had some mixed feelings this year due to the events in my life these past six months. We have never gone all out materialistic at Christmas, but this Christmas I really felt like going overboard. So many people have been here for us, and I just wanted to show my appreciation. Needless to say, we did not go overboard, but instead tried to get gifts with a significant meaning for friends and family.(the one picture is of my daughter Marissa with a very significant gift) It was mostly about our grandson and his joy at each gift he opened. We again had the family over (Monica's Mom, sister and brother-in-law were here from Ohio). Christmas is very casual, no sit down dinner, just come and drop in and visit and eat. We are not real big football fans, so watching football is not a problem. We do have some traditions though, We go to Christmas eve service, and then as part of our Christmas gift to our kids, we go to a Chinese Buffet. Everyone came over after the buffet;we just visited and since Monica's mom and sister were leaving on Christmas Morning, Jonathan opened their gifts. He is so much fun to watch. He is very dramatic with his expressions. A very nice Christmas and New year.

Monica has a cold, so she has been "taking care of me" by sleeping on the couch, so I don't catch the cold. Not much fun for either of us. She just doesn't want to take any chances.

I have been doing Pulmonary Rehab at St. Joes two days per week, and taking a mind and body class three days a week. But both are done now, and I am wondering how to spend my days. The insurance company approved rehab until the end of Decmber, that time really went fast. On my last day, Bonnie the director of Rehab, went over my exercise charts with me, from the first session to the last session. The first session, I could not walk on the treadmill even THREE minutes as a very slow speed and stationary bike for five minutes The last session, I was walking 25 minutes at a much faster pace and riding the bike for 20 minutes. I am planning on continuing my rehab at the gym at the senior center down the road. (Just incase you are wondering, the gym at the center is open to the public)