Hello everyone,

Well, I've been out of the hospital for three weeks. So much has happened since then, it feels a lot longer. Trust me, that doesn't happen very often. Since I have been out, I have started rehearsals for the next project I am working on, and then had to break up that routine for a vacation we had planned. This vacation was very important. We have been planning it for three years. It was part of my personal celebration in turning 40 this year.

So you are probably asking, "Well, what the docs say????"

:)

First, I remained at 117 pounds. Guess I'll have to work harder to hit that 118 mark.

Tests - well, they were better. By 2%; For those of you following my numbers, I did 41%. When I went in, it was 35%.

So what's that mean? Well, they said I could come home. Freedom!!!!   :)

But, I have to stay on my IV meds for another week. Since, my tests still improved, my doc wants me to see if I can bring that number up just a little bit more. But being cooped up won't necessarily help with everything else being in tip top shape. Thank goodness. I was not in the mood to maybe indulge another week in there.

So, still on meds for seven more days. But at least I am home.

Hello everyone,

A lot of people don't really know how serious CF is. Most CF'ers have a thing that is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We look normal. Thank goodness, what a wonderful thing, to have a disease and look normal!

The curse is that fact that it hides inside and most don't understand how serious it is. I often tell people, "Well, if you could see a picture of my lungs."

I remember when I was young, my dad asked me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I said, "A streetcop." He said, "Lara, you can't. You'll never keep up."

Every CF'er has been told, (I think), that there is something they cannot do in life, because of this disease. My goals changed, so I don't know if I could have become a street cop or not....I do know this, if I had, I might have a desk job by now at the station instead of being on the street, just because, well...I am a realist. I know my lungs couldn't do the street thing now.

Hello everyone,

It's been about eight months since I have written; and as I am sitting here in the hospital doing nothing but wasting brain cells in front of the television, I figure I have no excuse to not get an entry done. I know once this is done, my campaign coordinator, Bridget, will be happy too.  :)

Writing - or getting in the mood to write - has been a task. I haven't had anything positive to share, really....nothing negative either - just stagnant news...but Bridget says, "Then share that. People want to know." So in fear of pulling down some pride and always self-monitoring my words to sound positive, I guess I won't edit myself quite as much this time and just say how I feel.

Hello friends,

Well, there isn't really a whole lot new on the healthfront since I wrote last. I can say things have been calm, which of course is a good thing. People ask me how I am feeling, and the answer has become "holding steady." I suppose that's how I feel not just physically, but mentally too.

It's flu season, approaching winter and the cold season; and for the first time, that weighs on me if I think about it. Consequently, it makes me thankful for every day I go by without a cold or an infection. I make consious efforts to stay away from anyone who is sick. ....I just heard on 60 minutes tonight that the H1N1 can travel through the air, easily, ten feet. ... Doesn't fit my "three foot rule."

Hello friends,

This entry is going to be shorter. I am on my way out the door, on my way to a REAL vacation; we are going to Michigan today. Our first vacation in two years. A vacation that is not spent at the hospital; and with all the traveling I get to do for work, this will be my first trip in two years that is in summer, not winter. Oh, so, so many things to look forward to; including spending time on the beaches of Lake Michigan! And my cousin is getting married! Woo-hoo!

Well I have left the comfort of UMNC Suites, I am back at work, I can sleep in my own bed again, pet my kitties and be a part of normal life. But normal life has changed a little bit. The hospitalizations contained several conversations. I think my CF staff took turns to hit me with what needed to be said. What was said? Well, I need to increase my respiratory therapy at home, I need to increase the respiratory medications I take at home, and I need to start an exercise regimen. This may seem like no big deal to someone reading this. The might be a no brainer from those who advised me of this. But here lies the dilemma: Theatre and bad health don't mix. Both need lots of time....If I am at work all day starting at 9am, and am going straight to rehearsals after work, and then I get to go home after that...that puts me home at about 9 or 10 or 11pm....then they want me to do all the added regimens. This regimen will take about 45 minutes. I should do the same regimen in the morning.

I just had a fabulous week of working the big conference I mentioned in my last entry; the Great Plains Theatre Conference (GPTC). What a WONDERFUL experience! I want to say to all reading this and who were there, thank you for all your help, support friendship, smiles, hugs, play readings, performances, words of wisdom; everything! Such a joyous time!

Hello everyone,

It's been about four months or so since I have given an update. A lot has been happening. After finishing my hospitalization in January, which went extremely well, life kicked into full gear. I went out of town three times; two for work, once for pleasure. Most of you know, this is great because I LOVE to travel. I got to go to Memphis; nothing beats a bit of warm weather in February along with some "true" Southern Sweet Tea and getting inundated with FAB Elvis everywhere! Now, I am going through Sweet Tea withdrawal! I also got to visit a dear friend of mine in Oxford, MS; got a tour of Ole Miss. That was fantastic! My other two trips were to St. Louis. St. Louis doesn't seem to like me. It gets cold every time I am there. A very good sign I should NOT pick St. Louis as the place to go for my transplant!