Celebrating two years

My two-year lungiversary went by with little fanfare, much to my dismay. The only ones to acknowledge it were those within my household. But, that is because I have declared it an official holiday, penciling it on the calendar and announcing it days before. For me it is a second birthday. I'm sure it's a feeling that only fellow transplantees can understand. Silly I suppose. But when cards and greetings didn't roll in, I felt a bit... a bit, well, forgotten. Then I had remind myself that almost dying and getting a transplant was a battle that was how long ago? One year? Great. Two years? Come on. Life goes on. No one wants to have to remember to celebrate ME twice a year. Except for ME.

Thankfully, I had less anxiety this year as I reached the date. I think this is because I now have a relationship with my donor's mother. At this time last year, it bothered me greatly that I didn't have anyone to focus that energy on. I had reached out to the family with a letter through LifeBanc and told them how much I thought of them each and every day, and how much their gift meant to me and my family. I wanted them to know that every single breath I take is because they said yes to organ donation. But, by the time I had my first anniversary I had not heard back.

Eventually, I did hear back and since then, we have exchanged several letters. This communication means so much to me. Even though there are no words powerful enough to express the thanks I feel for this gift, at least his mom knows that this wonderful gift is allowing me to spend more time with my family, and is allowing me to selfishly celebrate two birthdays.

Health-wise I am holding in there. I'm working on getting that room in the ER named after me. Yep, I'm back to my old record of going in once a month with the usual--migraine, vomiting, and dehydration. I don't know why it's happening and wish it would stop. Also, I recently found out the pain in my left ankle I have been walking around with for over two months is tendentious. I did not do anything to it... supposedly the medicines can cause it. I guess I have been getting so used to walking around in pain and not realizing what is normal, or rather the new normal. Basically any time I have had aches and pains the doctors usually tell me the medicines can cause it and then they shrug it off. So with this, I just kept shrugging it off until I couldn't take it any longer. But surprise, now I am hobbling around on a walking boot. I'll see the podiatrist again in a couple of weeks to see what my next step is.

Certainly not the fanfare I was looking for, but I hobbled right along and continued my celebrations throughout the weekend. I look forward to celebrating my real birthday soon enough... and perhaps I won't be hobbling around for that one.