Cheriz: My life with Cystic Fibrosis

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 ...

I hear a lot of people say "I wish you could get a lung transplant" or "Can you get a lung transplant."   Which is fine and I completely understand. It does sound great.. new lungs right?!?!?! But I heard A LOT of those remarks over the last few months when I was struggling in the 30s for lung function. I wanted to explain. No, I don't want a lung transplant (tx), well not until I have to look at them. And no, I cannot receive one yet, which is a GOOD thing! A double lung transplant is way of extending our life when we are running out of time, it is not a CURE. When someone is waiting for a transplant, they are holding their breath, just hoping to get a pair of lungs. To even be considered you normally have to be below or around 30%. So by that point daily life is fairly limited and difficult, but if you get too ill or drop too low, it you may not be eligible anymore. So I don't wish to ever get that low in lung function, I do not wish to struggle for brea...