2018: A glance over the year

This was the first FULL year we had kiddos in our home. We became fosterparents in 2017. We loved sharing memories and moments with all the kiddos we had in our home this year! Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other big events!

2018 started a little rocky health wise. I was admitted multiple times between Jan-April. However, I started a new medication this year that was a bit of a game changer so far for me. Since starting symdeko I haven't been on IVs or been in the hospital (8 months as of this week!). That's a record since 2011! I'm so happy I am finally stable, considering I was running out of antibiotic options that would work. I went from thinking I was running out of meds and nearing lung transplant list time, to having some of the healthiest and happiest months of my life.

Andrew started Seminary school at Wartburg for his Masters in Divinity, we have been blessed by our church & congregation family helping us cover the cost (so we can stay away from student loans). Andrew will finish schooling in 3 years and at that point we hope to find a church in our local area. Pastor asked Andrew to give the message that day. It was an amazing way to start this journey and celebrate the moment with family, friends, and church family.

I changed companies, still doing Real Estate. I had my best year ever in Real Estate- thanks to the help of my co-workers and mentors! <3

Lots of happy and exciting moments: a couple trips to Galena, trip to St. Louis. I was given an award in Feb and named "Realtor of the Year 2017" by the Women's Council of Realtors. Andrew MCed multiple CF events locally (awards nights and CF Education Nights). I was honored to be 1 of 3 panelists at the National Cystic Fibrosis Volunteer Leadership Conference and was honored to share my story with the entire CF Community.

I took on more roles within the CFF and have been very focused on my fundraising! My family, friends, and teammates raised $11,865 this year for the CF Foundation and we still have a couple checks coming in the mail for end of year donations! WHOOHOO- proud and appreciate all of you!

Andrew and I appreciate all the support and love everyone has shown us with CF fundraising, Fostering, and with my CF. Happy New Year everyone.

and as far as new year resolutions go... I just want to continue to have a happy life with family, friends, and love <3

What's your NY Resolutions?

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Today's BIG Appointment

I discussed last week about my recent struggles & goals. I have been dealing with a lot all at once! Family planning (update on that in 2 weeks), my Grandma's funeral, lower lung function. Through it all I have remained very compliant with my meds! My health is VERY important to me. So this last weekend I took my vest machine, wabi sterilizer system , and packs of ensure to my parent's for the weekend. I wanted to make sure I did everything. While it was a sad occasion, it was still pleasant seeing almost all of the family together again. Actually 27 out of 29 of the cousins made it to the funeral. Grandpa is in the middle of the picture (can you find me?) LOL On top of my medications I have been doing some dancing & walking, but no jogging or anything. I'm still counting calories on my fitbit (hitting over 3000) a day (& 40 grams of protein, 50 grams of fat at least). I knew I was feeling a bit better than before, but wasn't sure what to expec

Post- Surgery Appointment

Post Surgery Appt: As you prolly know, I had Laparoscopic Triple Hernia Surgery last Tuesday. Here was a picture of me devouring a piece of bread so I could go home afterward the surgery (4 hours post surgery and 20 mins post waking up from recovery). I was ready to go home! Today I had my post surgery check up. He said everything in the surgery went well and besides the finding the 3rd hernia there were no surprises. He pointed out where the staples/stitches (they are holding the mesh in place) are in me. I have two on each side at the end of the mesh (so 4 on top) and two down farther in my groin. Apparently, I just have one huge piece of mesh that runs the width and length of my whole abdomen/groin area. Bahaha. I am Inspector Gadget after all. He said a few more weeks before I can lift stuff or exercise. Also, he said the area where the staples are will hurt when bending or twisting. However, I only notice really when I twist or turn too fast. Overall, it was a nice appointment

Exercise is VITAL to my HEALTH!

One big promise I have struggled with in past, present, and probably future is to EXERCISE! I know a lot of people struggle with the same problem, regardless is they have CF. We are too good at making excuses for ourselves. I don't have time, I don't feel good, I will start next week. I was on the right track in 2012. I was doing musicals, where I was singing or dancing every night. AND I was coming home to walk or jog almost 5x a week! I started slow and added more distance as I could. I would walk 2x a week with a friend. This is where I focused on distance & length, not speed. Then on the opposite nights, I would jog as much as I could, walk catch breath, and repeat. I had more muscle, was eating more, gaining weight, and my lung function was the highest it had ever been! 60 - 64% <--- WOW! I was single, didn't have a TV (on purpose) and kept myself accountable through my blog & friend (w CF) Laura. Since then a lot has changed. Living with another pers

Cheriz: My life with Cystic Fibrosis

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