Speaking Engagements/Update

This week I had two speaking engagements: Wednesday and Thursday!

Wednesday afternoon I went along with my former CF doctor to a private and very small elementary school. I spoke to about 25 1st-3rd graders. They had been studying about the lungs, so my former CF doctor talked briefly about the lungs, CF and organ transplants/donation. He had invited me along to share my story so the kids would be able to see someone in person who actually had CF and had a transplant. I had so much fun! I was a little nervous at first, because I had never spoken to little kids like that. Usually most of my fundraising events/speaking engagements are geared towards adults, or high-schoolers! And this talk was just for information purposes, I didn't have to persuade anyone to give money....which was NICE! And apparently (according to other adults), the talk went extremely well!

The kids were so sweet and well-behaved and asked very smart questions. The director/teacher of the school was absolutely amazing, and asked me to come back when she has a new group of students. The kids made me and my former CF doctor these HUGE cards!!! And the teacher found out that it was my 5 year anniversary, so she had gotten me a "Congrats" card, in which all the kids signed their names...too sweet and very thoughtful!! My former CF doctor's son attends the school, so that was our connection. Aidan (the son) was so proud that his Dad was there and that he actually knew me personally! (me and my former CF doctor and family are really good friends)!

Thursday night, I went along with 2 of our CFF staff to Tuscaloosa for our Great-Strides Walk kick-off party. I had attended this last year, so I was familiar with some of the people, and the house it was hosted at. We had an awesome turn out...probably about 35 people! They were all so motivated and so excited about their upcoming walk in April! I was asked to share my story again, and I really enjoyed it! I had so many nice complements at the end...which always makes your day :) People told me that by hearing me speak I gave them hope and just motivated them even more to take part in this worthy cause!! I had also gone to volunteer and help with other logistic stuff, which I love doing too! By the end of the night, several people went ahead and wrote donations, which totaled to about $7,000. WOW!!!

This was a brand-new walk last year, and was very successful. One of the guys participating in this decided to "verbally" raise the goal for this year to $50,000 instead of $35,000. I know we will raise that with no problem. The guy whose house we had the party at owns the majority of Tuscaloosa...so he has LOTS and LOTS of money and LOTS of very important contacts. Which gets to one other thing...he is "friends" with 2 of our senators from Alabama-Senator Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby. He asked me if I'd be willing to come and share my story in front of them. Of course I agreed in a flash!! It would be such and honor to tell these government officials about CF and how it has affected my life. We are going to bring some of our CF doctors along to, to help explain in detail what CF is! We are really really trying to get government involved, and eventually government funding! I can't wait!!!

Well...I had a very very busy week!! I'm up late tonight...can't sleep, and unfortunately (I know I have mentioned this yet), are sick. I've had some sort of cold or something for about 2 weeks, and it hasn't gotten any better. I've been putting it to the side, hoping it would go away on its own. This week it has progressed each day, and now I'm just trying to hold out until my clinic appointment next Wednesday, March 5th.

I also had my GI test (Gastric Emptying Test Study) done this morning (or rather Friday morning). I'll post more about that later!!

Have a great weekend!

Grilling Goodness #20

Welcome back for another installment of Grilling Goodness! I hope that you've had a wonderful week! To participate in this Friday Meme, click here

1. What is your favorite thing about Springtime? Hmm...I think it just makes me more excited about summer and hot weather! If we actually have Spring weather, then it's nice, but usually in Alabama, our Spring weather is crazy rainy/tornado weather. I like Springtime flowers and celebrating Easter too! And of course if the weather is nice, I start going to the lake!

2. Do you prepare special, maybe even fun, meals for your kids? Example, please. Don't have kids and I hate to cook! And when I try to help my Mom cook, she tries to talk me out of it for fear of messing things up :)

3. What are you looking forward to this weekend? REST!!!!

4. Within driving distance, where do you like to go for a little getaway? Hmmm....I guess that would be the beach, but that's still about a 4.5 hour drive. So I guess my answer would be my lake house for sure! Only about 40 minutes...and I absolutely LOVE being at the lake.

5. Laundry detergent: liquid or powder? Liquid

6. What does your spouse do around the house that you appreciate the most? Not married.

7. Do you converse with the grocery checker or pay and bolt? If they initiate a conversation or say something to me, then I will respond back.

8. Have you ever had an MRI? (If you feel comfortable sharing why, please do.) Yes, several. I've had them on my back and hips due to severe back and hip pain. Like I've mentioned before, I had/have scoliosis and had surgery to correct my curvature of the spine. I still have daily pain from it, and have had times when it's been severe enough to go see my orthopedic doctor. My MRI's though have always come out normal!

CF Jewelry Fundraiser

So I've decided to do away with the Candle Fundraiser for my Great Strides Walk...just not successful! I've decided to give my Jewelry another try, as it was very successful last year. Please see the info on the side bar. All earrings are hand-made by me and my Mom! If you click on the slide show, it will give you more detailed information about each style. Each pair is $10. If you order 2 pairs, the cost is $9 each, not including shipping! (I don't expect shipping to be that much, but not sure yet). I know we are all trying to raise money for CF and our Great Strides Teams! But if you are interested in purchasing some jewelry (they make great gifts), please let me know by leaving a comment or by sending me an email. Thanks for your support!

5 years today!!!

Today, February 25th, I am celebrating God's gift given to me 5 years ago: my transplant! I'm so blessed to even be alive and are so grateful for my mom and family friend-Jeff for sacrificing their life to save mine! I'm not going to go into much detail about the transplant...you can read my previous post or click on the "About Me" label to read more about my story and transplant. But just briefly....my transplant journey was extremely rough.....the recovery was unimaginably hard. I never thought I would walk again! I had to have major stomach surgery 1 month after the transplant. But God knew what he was doing, and the whole process has brought me closer to him and taught me so much about life! God was with me the whole way, and obviously had plans for me! He allowed me to live to experience his miracles, mercy, power, love, grace....etc, etc.

Every now and then my Mom and I talk about this time 5 years ago. I like to remember things, and I learn new stuff everyday. I learn of new people that prayed for me during that time....which was so incredibly amazing! It was the prayers and God's mercy that allowed me to live that day! Being in California was extremely hard for me and my family. I had an aunt and uncle that flew out to help for about 1 week, but that was the only family that was able to fly out. I didn't see my brother for 3 months...that was probably the hardest thing for me! My Dad stayed with us through the 1st two weeks, but then had to return home to care for my brother and also to continue to work and support our family! He came out one other time to give my Mom a break to go home, but that was it. It was definitely hard being away from him too...and I can't even imagine what my Mom went through, emotionally! There were so many little miracles performed during my recovery time in California (such as Vet's working for my Dad for free, donations, people buying plane tickets for us so my Dad could travel back and forth, free car rental and so much more). Too many to count...and some you don't even realize were miracles until later on in life!

Tuesday morning before I was scheduled to fly to California, my parents were told I was too unstable to make the trip, and they should prepare for the worst. I can't even imagine what went through their minds. I asked my Mom if she was every concerned or worried that I was going to die. She said yes, but knew God had a plan! The neat thing about the whole process, is that God gave me and my body an ultimate peace. He took me home for these few days. Upon stabilizing before transport to California, my Dad said that I had a peace and calmness about myself, that couldn't be explained. He said it was clearly God working his miracle!!

I've had my ups and downs post-transplant. And there are times when I get frustrated and think things aren't fair....However, because God gave me this precious gift 5 years ago, I can't complain! I'm just thankful to be here on Earth...and are so eager to please my Lord and Saviour!!

I'm going to post some pictures throughout this week of my transplant journey in California!

I leave this post with this quote from my Dad that the Birmingham News used in one of its articles about me:
(from reporter): Buddy Ballard (my Dad) said he will never forget sitting in a hospital waiting room while his daughter, wife, and best friend underwent surgery at the same time. (directly from my Dad): "You just pray that everything is going to go fine. You just constantly pray. I had a pretty good peace about it that morning. I had this feeling that everything was going to come through. I'm not saying there wasn't a doubt in my mind; those five hours were scary. We just witnessed so many miracles."

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift"! 2 Corinthians 9:15

"Me Facts"

As suggested by Christy, at Color Me Healthy, and as many other blogs have followed her suggestion, I have decided to do a post with brief facts about me (some health-related, some not). I'll try not to make it too long, but sometimes in order to understand one thing, you have to explain another :)

So here it goes....

1. My name is Kathryn Marie, but I go by Katey!

2. I was diagnosed with CF at about 1 month old, after having a meconium ellius at birth.

3. I have 1 brother, 2 years younger, who does not have CF.

4. I had a feeding tube (G-tube) placed in February of 1996. I hated eating and my parents basically had to force me to eat. I only kept my G-tube until 1999 due to the discovery of Megace. I was the 1st patient placed on this drug at my CF Center, and it became a miracle drug for me. Food no longer was a major issue.

5. My health was pretty good until about the age of 7. At that time I went in the hospital for my 1st tune-up. It wasn't until the age of 10 that I began going in the hospital 3-4 times a year.

6. I had scoliosis surgery in July of 1999, where my spine was fused and rods were placed on either side. In June of 2004, shortly after transplant, I had surgery to remove the rods due to them protruding through my skin.

7. I graduated high school in 2003 as Valedictorian and #9 in my class of about 240.

8. During spring break of my Senior year in high school (2003), I became very ill, requiring oxygen 24 hours a day and constant antibiotics.

9. I have a huge addiction to marshmallows!!!

10. My family has a lake house and I love to spend as much time down there as possible. I love to water ski and tube!

11. I became listed on the lung transplant at UAB August 1, 2003. It took lots of praying, denial, questions, etc., to agree to be listed. And from that day forward, I had a peace about the whole situation. I never once questioned my decision, never once questioned God, and never worried about it. God had given me a peace, which proved later on to be another blessing.

12. In February of 2004, CF had basically taken over. I had 1 hospital stay the 1st part of February and another the last 2 weeks of February. The 2nd stay I was on 12 liters of O2, morphine aerosols, pain medicine, treatments every 2 hours, and MUCH more! I had also dropped to about 60 lbs (for a 19 year old).At this time, my doctor told my parents I only had days to live. Therefore, my parents moved forward with a living donor transplant. I had this type of transplant due to not receiving cadaver lungs in time. And on a side note...due to how sick I was, I had no idea this was being done....not even a clue!

13. My transplant was performed at USC (University of Southern California), which was the only hospital at the time that was performing living donor lung transplants.

14. Monday, prior to my transplant on Wednesday, my CO2 levels were so high and my O2levels were out of whack, that I don't remember a single thing from that day, even though I was told I had several conversations. My doctor put me on the ventilator that afternoon, and I called my Mom (who at the time was going through tests to be a donor) from PICU to tell her bye!

15. I was flown Tuesday morning by MedJet to California along with my Mom and a family friend, who would be my donors. My Dad, a back-up donor and a family friend flew out a little later that day. Prior to departure that day, my doctor called my parents to tell them I was too unstable to make the flight and they needed to get to the hospital soon, in fear of me not making it.

16. Upon arrival to USC, the decision was made to place me on ECHMO(Extracorporeal Membrane oxygenation), a heart-lung bypass machine. My C02 level was 211 (normal is about 30-40). Yo DON'T live with this high of a level, but God had plans for me. This machine artificially pumps blood through your body. This machine was made for the purpose to use on babies. But this was my only option to make it through until the next morning (the 25th). An artificial lung and heart kept me alive for about 24 hours. ECHMO can cause brain damage and multiple organ damage.

17. By a miracle from God, the surgery was a success and I had no side effects from the ECHMO. My lungs were perfect. From the Monday prior to transplant until 4 days later- Saturday when I woke up from the surgery, I was unaware of anything. I describe this period as God taking me "home" for a few days!

18. A month after my transplant, I had a major intestinal obstruction, and had surgery to remove it.

19. I remained at USC for 2.5 months, and in a nearby hotel for about 2.5 weeks. I returned to Birmingham on May 5, 2005.

20. Because of the severity of my health prior to transplant and being on ECHMO and receiving lots of paralytics, I was completely paralyzed after my transplant. It took me 6 months to learn how to walk again and gain the strength to support myself. I finally was able to walk without the help of anything in August of that year.

21. I started college full-time in January of 2005. I had taken several online classes that summer and fall semester before. I attend University of Montevallo with a major of MIS(Management Information Systems) until Fall of 2006. I transferred to UAB in January of 2007, with a major of HIM (Health Information Management). I will graduate this May with a BS in HIM.

22. In August of 2006, I was diagnosed with chronic rejection of my lungs. I have added multiple meds, immunosuppresants, and infusion therapy to help reverse or stabilize the effects of chronic rejection. Unfortunately, not much has helped. But God has kept me going strong!

23. My current lung function averages in the high 30s/low-mid 40s. This is thought to be due to the Chronic rejection, and also because I have 2 lobes and not actual full-sized lungs.

23. I'm a member of my church's singles ministry and I love to go on retreats and spend time with the Lord. He is my rock and salvation and is the one that got me through this journey and continues to bless me every day! I've always been a Christian, but never have longed for a close relationship with God until he showed us his mercy, grace and power through my transplant journey!

24. After my transplant, I realized one of my purposes (besides spreading the gospel and glorifying God), was to be an advocate for CF. I soon joined the staff of the CF Foundation, which was one of the most rewarding jobs ever!

25. I will start nursing school next May, as long as my health allows! I've always wanted to be a nurse, and I feel that is where God is leading me right now.

26. I have a port-o-cath for the chronic rejection treatments and also because I get pneumonia several times a year which require IV abx. But by another blessing from God, I never had to have a port prior to transplant.

27. I have relatively good sinuses, and had my 1st sinus surgery summer of 2007.

28. I've had one bout of acute rejection, last April, which was cured with IV steroids!

30. And last but not least, tomorrow, February 25th, I will celebrate my 5 yr transplant anniversary and my renewed strength with God. I still face multiple complications, but know God has a reason and plan behind each and every one of them! I will never take anything for granted again, because of having basically been on my death bed! While thanks goes to all my doctors, nurses, friends and family, God is the sole reason I'm alive today!

Ok...so I said it wouldn't be short...but hopefully it wasn't too long for you to read! Sorry!

Music Monday-Hero

So this week I picked a song by one of the top 12 American Idol Contestants this season...Danny Gokey. If you don't watch AI or aren't familiar yet with this season, this guy has an awesome voice and was voted into the top 12 last week. This song is dedicated to his wife, which he recently lost. I just started watching last week...and I can tell he is going to be one of my favorites.

On another note...I love this song too! We all have hero's in our life. But when I listen to this song...I think of God being my hero! He gives me the strength to carry on!

An Off Day

Today I had an "off-day." I woke up feeling sick and really dragging. Therefore, I opted to stay home from my internship. I HATE with a passion skipping work or school! Because if it's school, that means I have to make up the internship hours. I know I probably could have pushed myself to get up and go ahead and go, but I just couldn't find the motivation. Is that bad??? My body just clearly told me this morning to take it easy. I slept in, and did actually feel bad all day....so it's not like I was making it up...just hated to miss my internship! After major anti-nausea meds, throwing up a few times, coughing up some good junk and lots of rest, I do finally feel a little better--but not lots! It's not fair sometimes..and I know everyone has these days....it's just frustrating when you try so hard to keep up with something and your health gets in the way! And especially since I had last week off...if I was going to get sick, why couldn't it have happened last week when I had some time to lay around and rest?????

The frustrating part for me is...that I've already had a transplant. I'm not battling the everyday struggles of a CF patient (for the most part). I'm not supposed to face post-transplant challenges. But my body for some reason has never fully recovered from my transplant due to having basically died, so I struggle with keeping myself well, and more importantly, having enough energy. And today was one of those days...no energy...sick...which means no internship!

I will go to my internship tomorrow and Thursday, no matter what. I will make myself go no matter how I feel. I'm a very strong person and will fight until I can fight no longer. And I'm stubborn sometimes...yes, I admit it! I just want to get done with school...give my body a break! I can't let my health interfere now....now is not the time! But today...today was an off-day!

On the flip-side of things...my program director and the staff have been awesome with me! And my internship preceptor has been great too (although today is the 1st day I've missed). I started out this school program with no-one knowing my history. I don't openly tell anyone! The first year into he program, I went in the hospital 4times! They've allowed me to make-up tests, assignments, clinical hours, etc. If I didn't have good and caring instructors like I do now...I would probably be in really trouble of passing! I'm so thankful. And by no means do I take advantage of it, because I don't EVER use my health for getting advantages! But I do have times when I need a few extra days to work on an assignment or make-up a test. And for that, I'm extremely grateful!

So...I'm off to bed to hopefully get some peaceful and deep sleep! And I pray tomorrow I will be filled with lots and lots of energy! And I know God will get me through it all!

Music Monday-AWESOME GOD

Our GOD is such an AWESOME God, isn't he??? This week's song is by Michael W. Smith, "Awesome God." I can't even begin to tell you how awesome of a God we have!! If you don't know the Lord...then you are definitely missing out!!

My Valentine's Day

Ok...so since pretty much everyone else posted about their Valentine's Day or plans for V-Day for that matter...I thought I would post about my mine...very briefly!

I don't really care too much about V-Day! I don't have a boyfriend....so don't think of it in that sort of a way. On Wednesday night I did do Valentine's crafts with the kids I keep at church..and passed out little Valentine's gifts to them. I do love doing that! My family and I give each other cards...but that has actually been post-poned til tonight for a couple of reasons. Due to the economy...and our family not being in the best financial position...I told my Mom not to get me anything (sometimes she will give small gifts, candy, etc.). I told her I don't need material things to prove that she loves me! So we all opted for just cards this year!

So like pretty much every year on Valentine's Night...I babysit! It's kind of funny...because it's like a competition...who can call me first! I had one lady that called me on February 2nd to secure me for the night. I had 2 other families call me later in the week...but unfortunately, I was already taken! I love babysitting...so I'm more than happy to do it on Valentine's....

So last night I babysit for a couple who I've never babysat for before, and top it all off...they never have babysitters. They had two boys (8 yr old and 3 yr old)...but one of the boys was going to spend the night with a friend, because the Mom was worried that if I kept both boys....they would run me off and I wouldn't want to come back. Honestly...I was a little worried after she told me this. I underwent massive interview questions, and had to arrive about 45 minutes early last night before the parents finally left. All in all though...it was a great night...and the 3 year old boy I kept ended up being great! The only issue came about when it was time to go to bed. He wanted Mommy...like most kids that age (and plus they never have babysitters). So I rocked him to sleep....precious!

The only thing that drove me crazy all night was......I couldn't figure how to get ice out of the refrigerator. Obviously, this family had some money...because their house and kitchen were filled with the most up-to-date and expensive appliances, furniture, etc. Well, their fridge...was something else. I searched and searched for hours...and still couldn't figure out how to get ice out. And after asking the 3 year old...he said that they don't have ice. Which I believed at that point. I never figured it out...and still don't know if it was possible!

At the end of the night....when the Mom paid me (I spent about 4 hrs total)...she paid me a lot more than I had told her I charged! I ended up getting paid $10 an hour for 1 little boy! That was nice end to my Valentine's Day!

So...maybe next year, I'll actually be going out on a date :)

Grilling Goodness #18

Welcome back for another installment of Grilling Goodness! I hope that you've had a wonderful week! To participate in this Friday Meme, click here


1. How long has your longest friendship been? Wow...that's a tough one! It's probably going to be one of my CF Friends...Amy. We probably met when I was 7 years old. We've kept in touch...been best friends in and out, had slumber parties with each other...We Still see each other every now and then....we live near each other, same age, same views on life, same church, etc. I love her a bunch! I'm probably more close to some other friends right now...but she's probably the one that I have had the longest and the friendship still continues. And I hope it will never die!

2. What made you happy this week? I had lunch and dinner with several of my good friends!

3. Are you planning any kind of event right now? Yes, working on our local CF Great Strides Walk (planning a kick-off party for March). I'm also planning my cruise for this summer. And trying to plan a 5 year transplant anniversary party.

4. Do you wear your wedding ring? What is it made of? Not married (yet)

5. Do you shave your legs in the winter? Yes...but not very often...I admit! They become a little hairy at times. I don't like it..but don't see the point in shaving my legs when I'm wearing long pants.

6. What time do your kids go to bed? No kids...but my bedtime varies between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am in case you you are curious!

7. Right this minute, is your laundry caught up? My mother still does my laundry :) And by the looks of it...she is fairly caught up. I helped her catch up on Wednesday. And..BTW...I do help with the laundry....but are very thankful that My Mom does it the majority of the time!

8. Do you want flowers for Valentine's Day? Of course...I would love anything for Valentine's Day...especially if it's coming from a guy. But I doubt that's going to happen. I'm sure my Mom will give me some candy :)

Perimeter Point

I've mentioned a few times that I also work for a local church, keeping and teaching kids! This home-based church actually broke off from my former (current at the time) church about 5 or so years ago...maybe a little longer. I started working in our church nursery (paid childcare) as soon as I turned 16. For several years, I had worked with several of the women who left to join this "sister" church. After my transplant, about 1 year later, one of the mother's contacted me about keeping the kids during their church service. What I thought was a 1 or 2-time thing, turned out to be so far, a 4 year thing! This church has changed a lot over the years, and it pretty small. I used to keep the kids on Sunday afternoons when they held their service. Then they went to Sunday mornings, where I would work every other Sunday, so i could still attend my church. They also had Wednesday night Bible studies, split up into two different groups. For awhile, I kept kids at both of these groups, because they were on different nights. There were times where I would have 10+ kids at one time...but I'm used to that, and had a lot of experience when I worked in the nursery at my former church. Currently, I only keep kids for one Bible Study group every other Wednesday night. Anyway...needless to say, I love these kids and have grown extremely close to them. I've watched them grow, and have formed relationships with their families. Although I don't "officially" attend this church, they treat me like family. I babysit all the time for different families, attend social gatherings, and take the kids on fun little outings when I can. I have a strong Godly love for kids!

This past Sunday, I was invited to their morning service for the dedication of one of the family's new little girl, Lauren, born last September I believe. I was honored to be invited, and got to visit with a lot of the families that I haven't seen in a long time. I've included a few pictures from the dedication, and another picture of some of the girls that I used to and still occasionally keep. Although we try to keep in touch via other ways, such as my CF walk team, kids sports, etc. I love them so much, and hope I can stay in touch for as long as they will allow me! Here are some pictures of Lauren and her family: (she has 2 brothers)and the last picture is 4 girls (2 on the left are sisters, and the 2 on the right are sisters).







On Sunday, one little girl gave me an iLove Valentine. I thought it was the most creative thing. Here is a picture:



Another girl made me a thank-you card for a birthday gift I had given her. They all are so very grateful, and love me as I love them! Here is a picture of the card this one girl made:


Here are a few more pictures of the kids that I currently keep on Wednesday nights (this is from last night):

Anti-Depressants

CF is an emotional roller coaster! It has its ups and downs. When a cfer gets to be a teenager, and especially a young adult...CF just makes life even more challenging...and it messes with our minds and emotions. Almost all CFers get frustrated and/or depressed at some point. I'll be the first to admit it...I have on several occasions. HOWEVER...I have a very different view on taking anti-depressant meds. And I'm sure I will get some comments on this post that disagree....which is fine. This is just to express my opinion. I admit that I have had times of feeling down during pre-transplant and post-transplant. Transplant even sends you on another emotional roller coaster, depending on how sick you are and other challenges it brings. In summer of 2006, my transplant doctor and coordinator decided that I was depressed and should start taking an anti-depressant. Of course, I denied it and wasn't thrilled with the whole idea. However, my coordinator assured me it would be temporary and there was nothing wrong with being depressed....that it's normal and tons of people take anti-depressants. And it wasn't my fault. So I agreed and proceeded taking a very low dose of an anti-depressant. I took it for a little over 1year, then decided to stop it on my own. I was in a very happy and active place in my life, and over the course of taking this med, I really and truly could not tell any difference in the way I felt or acted. When I told my coordinator I stopped taking the med, she had a little fit. But then was fine with the idea, but made me promise that I would start it back if life got too crazy and I starting getting "depressed" again. I agreed, of course, deep down not promising to restart the med by any means. Several months later, I ended up getting pneumonia 3 times in 3months, each time being hospitalized. My coordinator wanted me to start back on the med. I told her I would, but then I really didn't. Yes...I lied about it...I admit it. And to this day, she and the transplant team, still believe that I am taking it.

I'm a very spiritual person, and put all my faith and trust in my Lord! So when I go through emotional times, I turn to God to help me through it. I pray, read the bible, books, talk about it, etc. I feel that if I am in a time of depression, frustration, etc. that the only thing that can bring me out of that state, is Jesus. Therefore, I do things to help with that, which does not include taking anti-depressants. I believe that by taking anti-depressants, you are in a way ignoring this emotional state and are relying on the wrong thing to fix it (being medicines). I find myself more frustrated and angry with life more than actually depressed. And this is not denial. This is just how I feel about things. The reason I don't feel "depressed" is because I know I have God to turn to, and can find joy and peace within HIM, and he will get me through anything. I'm happy knowing that I have Jesus in my heart, and my sole purpose on the this earth is to glorify him...not matter what we are going through, whether it be CF or not. So I feel taking anti-depressants goes against what God would want me to do. And this goes for any one that has any type of depression or illness that causes depression. I feel that if you pray about it and pursue other "natural" means, God will help you get through that emotional time. It's an emotional state that I want to resolve without medications.

Now...if I told my coordinator and transplant team that I don't take this med currently, they would probably have a fit. That's why I haven't told them. And my Mom knows and has agreed that's probably the best thing to do. I know some of you may think otherwise!

Anyway...I just wanted to share my viewpoint on this! I welcome any comments....positive or negative!

GI appt results

I had a follow-up appointment with my GI doctor today! While he still doesn't know what's going on....he still seems proactive and wants to figure it out. He now thinks I have gastroparesis, which basically means my stomach isn't emptying properly. Right now there are 1 or 2 meds that can help with this, but they aren't very successful. He has ordered a gastric emptying study to be done. I had one of these about 2 1/2 years ago, but the hospital that did it screwed up the results. I dread doing this study again, as it's one of those that takes at least 2 hours....and my back is not going to be happy! The good part about it is that it shouldn't require any IV's, etc.

He also wants to get a biopsy and get a good look at my stomach next time I have a bronchoscopy for my lungs. He thinks that will be a good idea! I'm not sure at this time when that will be, but I imagine in the next few months, depending on how my lungs do.

So for now I guess I will just continue taking anti-nausea meds, and treating my symptoms. I did have a bad nausea and throwing up spell Sunday night. They come at random, and I just have to deal with it when it happens, unfortunately. While I'm glad my GI doctor is trying to be proactive, it's still extremely frustrating being nauseated every day, and throwing up at least 1-2 times a week. Yesterday morning I woke up with chest pain, really bad junky cough, and just dragging all over. Today I feel better...and are hoping it was just a 1-day thing.

I am going to get my port flushed on Thursday and eat lunch with a nurse (friend) of mine as well. And no...I haven't learned how to flush my own port neither taught my parent's how either. I prefer to do it this way.

Tomorrow I am going to volunteer at our local CFF and work on our Great Strides Walk for our area! I'm on the committee and pretty much helping coordinate all the teams...so I need to get busy!

I am enjoying my break from my internship this week, but somehow have filled it up with a good bit of stuff!!

Thanks for your prayers this morning!!

GI Appt

I have my GI appointment today at 2:15. Please pray that it goes well and that we will be able to figure what's going on! I'll update later!

Music Monday

This week's song is "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" by Sonic Flood. The uploaded video sounds like it is Sonic Flood in concert..so not the best acoustics. I like to use the videos with the lyrics, so you can actually see the words! Sometimes we listen to songs and don't know or realize what exactly they are or mean.

I'm so glad Jesus is in my life, and that he came to save me! I love this song...it's energetic and speaks so true about Jesus Christ! We wouldn't be here on Earth if it wasn't for our Lord and Savior! I love love love to sing the Lord's praises! There are motions to this song, which I'm sure a lot of you know! I love doing those motions as well when singing this song in Church! So as we go throughout our week, lets lift up the Lord's name, whether it be in song or prayer!

B'day Pics

Saturday night I celebrated with my parents my birthday. My birthday was actually this past Wednesday, but it was such a busy day and the rest of the week was filled with stuff, so we opted to wait until the weekend...which was great with me! My stomach had actually recovered from the intestinal abx, and felt up to eating out. We ate at Logan's Roadhouse for dinner, then went to Ben & Jerry's for ice cream! I love steak...so that's what I got at Logan's! And by some miracle, my stomach tolerated the steak and the ice cream...which was great! After dinner and ice cream, we came home and my parents gave me my gifts, which I am very grateful for. Here a few pics of my opening my gifts and a few pics of me with my parents!

A new pair of (nice) scrapbooking scissors! I'm a huge scrapbooker, and my scissors tend to get "dull and sticky" or they wonder to other parts of the house!

I think my Dad was trying to kiss me...not sure!

This is my new UAB sweatshirt...which I'm already loving it! I put it on to show my Dad and wear it for the pictures. My Mom had taken me to the school bookstore earlier in the day to picks one out!

My Mom was determined to get an action shot...so this is what she got :)

Grilling Goodness #17

Here is this week's Grilling Goodness Friday Meme! If you would like to participate, click here.

1. Have your children corrected you somehow this week? I don't have kids :)

2. Are you waiting for a particular something to happen? Well....I guess. I'm celebrating my birthday tomorrow. I'm waiting for a couple of decisions to be made about some important stuff! In reality, I'm waiting for a lot of stuff to happen...like for a boyfriend to come along....a job, graduation. This is a confusing question :)

3. Do you chat online? Yes...via AOL AIM and Facebook!

4. What is the oldest thing you own? Hmm...that's a hard question! I'm sure I have some old toys that my Mom has put up for me, like a baby doll or something. But something that's actually in my house or that I have currently....probably my bed (frame that is...not mattress). I got it right when we moved into this house, and that will be 15 years next month!

5. What's for dinner tonight? Hmm....not sure!

6. Are you artistic? Sort of. I can't draw or paint, but I'm artistic in a scrapbook and creative way, if that counts?

7. Are you getting an income tax refund? Plans for it? Yes...most definitely! More than likely I will save the money!

8. Do you use 'zero payments/zero interest for XX months' to buy things? No.

My B'day!!!

Yep...today, February 4th is my birthday! I'm not going to do a long post, as I don't have much time and energy..but wanted to quickly let you know of this special day! I was born February 4th, 1985 in Macon Georgia. Words cannot even describe how blessed I feel to be alive today, celebrating another year on this Earth. I never knew I would be where I am today! The plan is to celebrate this weekend, as my family and I have a busy week. Which I'm kind of glad...because that gives my stomach a few days to recover...in hopes of it being able to eat cake and ice cream :) I am having lunch tomorrow with a friend of mine at my internship! It will be a nice surprise this weekend, and right now the plans are up in the air! I feel so blessed, and are so eager to see what God has in store for me this year! Here are a couple of pictures of me 24 (wow...24 seems so old)...years ago in 1985!

I loved my Daddy!!

My Dad is a vet...so I've always been surrounded by dogs and cats! I think I was a little more comfortable with the idea of pets then than I am today :)

Enlightenment Tag

I am going to enlighten you with 10 things you may want to know about me because I was tagged by Katelyn Elaine. This is nothing more than just 10 true facts that you may or may not know about me. I will try to think of things you don't know! Here it goes...

1). I have a huge addiction to marshmallows. If I was given the opportunity, I could eat a whole bag in one day. Unfortunately, since my recent stomach issues, marshmallows are not on my list...which is heartbreaking. And thank goodness, I don't have diabetes. I did have temporary induced diabetes after transplant for about 6 months or so, but it eventually went away. And I am oh so ever grateful!

2). I have never been on a date...yep...NEVER. I've never been asked out by a guy...very sad I know.

3). I was an avid beanie babie collector and still have quite a collection. I've sold most of them...but loved them up until several years ago.

4). I took gymnastics for about 6 years, until I had to have a feeding tube placed. I am very limber...and loved gymnastics. I wish I had continued...but a feeding tube was hard to deal with and didn't quite work when trying to perform on the bars.

5). I have my own scrapbooking business: "Katey's Kreations." I created this when I was home-bound on oxygen 24/7 to occupy my time. I get several jobs throughout the year...and love it. It's a nice on the side job!

6). I'm very short...only 4'11....which I hate with a passion.

7). Before transplant, my CO2 level was 211....normal is about 30-40. People don't live with that high of a level..which goes to show you that I am truly a living miracle of God's work.

8). I have part of my Mom's lungs inside me...which I think is pretty cool. And I can actually say that a part of her will live inside of me forever...physically, not just spiritually.

9). I don't eat fruits or vegetables. I love starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, etc., but not many "healthy" vegetables. The only fruits I eat are applesauce, grapes, and sometimes bananas ( I have to be in the mood). I do eat green beans, peas, and Lima beans...and carrots...but that's it for veggies. Yep...I know...really bad and not exactly a healthy decision. I tell my Mom it's her fault that she should have forced these foods down my throat. Then she proceeds to tell me that I would spit them all out :)

10). I'm afraid of bugs..big time. If I see a bug and there is someone else in the house, room, etc., I will make that person kill it. I've even been babysitting before and made a 4 year old kill a huge flying roach...because I was terrified and we wasn't. In desperate situations, I will get a shoe and smash the bug.

So...now..I tag the following people: (these are all new blogger friends)
Brooks Family at Such is Life!
Marcus at RT Student Blog!
Christy at The Jobes.