Cheriz: My life with Cystic Fibrosis

I wasn't sure if I wanted to discuss this or should write this post. I had to make a really tough decision this week. I have been struggling with it for months. I finally decided to bite the bullet and do what I needed to... I decided to share because there are probably many others in the same or similar situation. Well, here it is: I took a giant step back in my career.<insert gasp> That's right. I, Cheriz Kunkel, houses fanatic, architecture loving, Realtor, has taken a step away from her Real Estate Career. Let that sink in. NOTE: If you are looking to buy or sell- STILL CONTACT ME. I still make commission on referrals!!!! Plus, I worked with some AMAZING realtors that are friends. So please still reach out!!! Realtor of Year: 2017 I have been a Realtor for 5 years now and I have LOVED being in this industry. Helping people buy & sell, nothing gives me a greater joy than having a 1st time home owner excited to purchase their own HOME! I had always wanted to do R...

Born 12 weeks early and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly People didn't think I'd live past 5 and tomorrow I turn 34 years old. BOOM BABY! I wear my age, gray hair, and wrinkles proudly (yes, even the wrinkles). Hats off to all the medication for keeping me alive. And OF COURSE... my parents, doctors, family, and friends. Research and fundraising has really helped some AMAZING, life prolonging drugs come to market. I have a large support system that helps and volunteers. I'm so thankful!! Heaven knows I needed that support system when I became a foster mom. Especially since I went from zero kids to three specialized (needs) kids. All three of whom I LOVE completely and will do anything for in the future. But, I needed help when I was sick, run down, and tired. As I said in a previous post last mont, " It's a challenge to be foster parents, it's not a challenge to love them" (Blog post: Thinking of Fostering ). I know most parents are guilty of s...

And I'm not talking about the new hit show "Tidying up with Marie Kondo," although I DO love to purge items and be minimalist as possible. I'm talking about juggling life. Having a career, being a foster mom, with a chronic illness like cystic fibrosis can make it feel like I'm juggling 10 items at a time. I think I'm finally getting an idea of what I need to do! I sleep 9:00 pm-6:30 am (yes, full 9.5 hours) and I need them. I do nebulizer treatments, pills, and clean medical equipment for 4 hours a day. Between getting the kiddo(s) off/on bus at 8am and noon, making meals, cleaning, errands. It doesn't leave a lot of time for: career, family, volunteering, and other aspects like appointments (both medical and fostering). I'm not complaining. I'm SUPER lucky to have a family and career. Plus, I'm fairly healthy and stable despite my cystic fibrosis. I have been doing awesome at managing all my meds. SUPER THANKFUL for that! Especially consi...

I have a lot of feelings going on, for many, many, many reasons. It all centers around my health and family. On August 4th we received 3 Foster kiddos, let's call them "Cajun, Barbie, and Shoes" (that is what I refer to them by on FB). It was a very big Roller Coaster ride for the last 3 months. If that isn't enough worry and emotions to have going on, we can throw my hospital stay and lower lung function into the mix. I knew my lower lung function was not a result of the kids (even though many believe it was)... Yes, I was run down from pulling all the "all nighters" with the kiddos- they are adjusting to a new home and its hard on them. BUT, I have been struggling with lung function for the last year now. I was 60% August 2016. I started Orkambi in Sept and 5 weeks later I was in the 20s.. I was admitted (my family did thanksgiving with me at the hospital last year). When I went home I was between 38-45 for months that followed. Not even getting to 50 was ...