Yesterday's pulmonary function tests were pretty tiring. After that I did a 6 minute walk and completed paperwork at pulmonary rehab, and then I did the nuclear VQ scan. The scan requires that I wear a mask for part of it. I inhale radioactive gas through the mask and they take pictures of my lungs to see how the air moves through the lungs. The mask I had to wear for the VQ scan was a tiny inflatable plastic mask that was sealed around my nose and mouth. I put up with this for maybe 5 minutes until I just couldn't take it anymore. They then released the straps so it wasn't sealed anymore and continued the test. This was tolerable and the mask came off shortly thereafter. They then injected a small amount of radioactive albumin into a vein in my arm and then did scans to measure how well the blood flows through the lungs; or at least this is how I understand the test to work. I asked Marsha if I glowed in the dark afterwards and she said no. lol

I have not heard the results of the VQ scan, although I'm curious to know how the air and blood are able to flow through my lungs. I will find out on Tuesday.

My transplant coordinator called this afternoon and said that I am listed, but on inactive status until I see the doctor on Tuesday. They want to make sure I am psychologically ready and that it is truly time for me to be listed. I will be the only patient on the Barnes Jewish lung transplant list with my blood type (AB), so I will be at the top of the list! She said to take this weekend to enjoy activities with out being worried about getting interrupted with "the call" while I'm out eating lunch, at the movies, etc.

I didn't push real hard to be listed today, as I have actually been able to do what I need to without a lot of struggle. I am so thankful that I had the energy to get packed and moved up here. A big answer to prayers!

That's it in a nutshell. As always, thanks for the prayers and I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend!

God Bless,
Lynda  

Tests...

I thought I only had to go in for pulmonary rehab today, but alas, the scheduling nurse called and said they wanted me to do full pulmonary tests (takes 1+ hour) and a VQ scan in addition to the pulmonary rehab. This day suddenly got a whole lot more tiring! 

The VQ scan measures breathing and circulation in the lungs. Part of the process involves wearing a sealed mask. Prayers for this part, please. I am claustrophobic and not looking forward to this :( The VQ also requires some radioactive fluid through an IV--maybe I'll glow in the dark afterwards? lol

I'll try to let you know how it all went. If you don't hear from me today it's because I was too tired!
Hugs to all,
Lynda

St Louis

Just wanted to let you know that we made it to St Louis. Between the tearful goodbyes this morning and the trip, I am tired out!

The transplant coordinator said I should be listed by the end of this week. I will start daily exercise classes on Thursday (pulmonary rehab). Wish me luck!

Thank you for the safe travel prayers! I'll let you know when I'm officially on the list!
~Lynda

Moving Day

Tomorrow is moving day! My sister and I will move to St. Louis and she will stay with me until I get the call, then Garry will take her place. I should be listed for transplant by the end of the week! The call could come the day I get listed, in 2 days...or 6 months...one of those things I have no control of.

Even if I do get the call stating that lungs are available, I could have what they call a "dry run", where they call you to tell you they have lungs, you rush to the hospital, meanwhile the procurement team goes out to harvest the lungs and then they may see something not quite right with the donor lungs, so they will call the hospital and tell the transplant team that it's not going to work. What an emotional roller coaster this scenario would be! All in God's hands...

I will let you know when I'm officially on the list! Please pray for safe travels for us and thanks!

Have a blessed week!
Lynda