Sorry for the long delay in communication. The last month has been the big push to get moved to the Seattle area and settle in. I flew down on April 12th. Then the next day I was officially put on the double lung and liver transplant lists. So we are now live! 

 

Since being here I’ve been settling into a new normal at my cousin’s house. As nerve wracking as this whole situation is, I am in about the most ideal of places while I wait. My cousin Kendra’s home is on a large plot complete with a big yard and woods in the back. The neighbors have a little farm complete with roosters and a horse, so the sounds wafting through my window are as calming and delightful as I could hope for. 

 

My cat Kairos moved with me and is my constant and happy companion. She has settled in perfectly and loves living the good life with big windows and places to explore. As of today she ventured all the way down stairs (where the dreaded dogs live) and perched on the bottom step for a good 3 minutes before racing back up the stairs. She is so brave. 

 

Being on the list is a whole new level of alertness, and the first few days were very strange. I couldn’t shake the nervous feeling until the last couple of days. My body has eased some and I’m feeling more grounded in this new space. 

 

It’s been a good challenge to explore notions of readiness, which is equal parts existential crisis and organized lists. I am having to remember that it’s important to stay on top of the cleaning and laundry, as I don’t know when I’ll get called. I can’t put off correspondence, or paperwork. Kendra and I have lots of conversations that involve visualizing getting the call and what the next steps will be – I’ll call Jamie and then take a shower. She will call my mom and make last minute lists for the house…. At the hospital I’ll check in at admitting…then I’ll go down to get prepped for surgery. Then I’ll wait until they actually know if the organs are viable – if they are then I’ll go into surgery, if not then I’ll go home and start waiting for the call all over again. 

 

The wait between getting the initial call and actually going into surgery could take anywhere from 10-24 hours (according to people I’ve talked to). Then the surgery itself will take anywhere from 10-18 hours (it’s a longer ordeal as it’s both lungs and the liver all at once). The nurse told me that it could take another 8-10 hours for the anesthesia to wear off and I wake up. So all that to say, no news is good news! But you will know when everything happens, as there is news to share.

 

You will be able to get your updates here on this blog and on Facebook. There will be a designated person who will be in charge of communications.

 

My main needs right now are just continued fundraising. My daily needs are minimal at the moment. I do want to purchase a car so I can be more independent and so that my family will have a car to use when they come to help post transplant. Other than that I have paint supplies and friends and family close for visiting and day trips. 

 

If you want to read more about my existential musings you can visit my blog orthisway.blog

 

As always, thank you for your love, prayers and support.