Christy took a trip to Pittsburgh with her mom and her Aunt Pam for a variety of tests. Here is her update:

The week was as successful as it could have been! We met with my pulmonologist, who was insistent that I was doing a good job (and he is not one to sugar coat). We met with social work, physical therapy, my hepatologist, as well as my liver and lung surgeons, who will be doing the actual transplants. They are all wonderful. Very straight forward and willing to answer any questions, without talking above us.

I was tested on my pulmonary function, how far I can walk in 6 minutes, grip tests and other measures of muscle strength. I had tons of blood work done. I did a stress test (do not recommend) and a right heart catheterization.

Ultimately, the reason for all of these meetings and tests was to assess my status for transplant listing. They don’t ever want to rush transplant and do it sooner than necessary. Its a risky procedure and particularly with lungs, you’re just setting a clock until those lungs get rejected, or some problem develops. The tough part is that my liver is actually in far greater need than my lungs, but my lungs are compromised enough that they won’t be able to support my recovery from a liver transplant. So they will do both surgeries at the same time. Based on my feedback this week, I’m hopeful about getting listed soon. But- that doesn’t mean transplant will happen soon. I have to wait until a matching donor is available- its a weird thing to be hopeful about. But that’s part of this crazy wonderful terrifying process. And I’m so very ready for it.