Tags
Cancer-Free, Cystic Fibrosis, Encouraging, Health, Hope, Inspiration, Life, Prayer, Thankful, Update
Ahhhhhh!!!!!! Friends! Good news today. This week I’ve officially been IV antibiotic-freeeeeeee for TWO. WHOLE. YEARS! This is quite the milestone for me (in case you can’t tell) & my veins have just been loving life. Let’s have some context for this excitment, shall we?
- The first time I did IV antibiotics (only used when oral antibiotics have failed to kick out a lung infection) was when I was just about to start my sophomore year in high school (age 15). I spent a week in the hospital for treatment.
- The next time I needed IV’s was a couple of months after Josh & I were married (I was 24). I did that session (and the rest of them since then) at home with home care nurses. They even put the picc line in at my house. WORST IDEA EVER. I still semi-hyperventilate just thinking about it.
- From that time on I’ve done IV therapy once or twice a year-ish. I’m running out of available veins due to scar tissue buildup, and will probably need a port placed when I need more IV therapy down the road. This used to really be ultra scary to me but is much less so now. All I needed was a real surgery to fix that fear! ha.
- Two years ago this week I was just pulling out of a particularly long session – 8 weeks (yup, long hard spring) of IV’s.. And I came out feeling GREAT, which blew my mind. I took a breathing test and did better than I had in years..
- And then the next month I had major surgery. Recovered. And made it 17 whole months without even oral antibiotics. What a ride.
Two. Whole. Years. I’m so thankful. My health doesn’t just affect me, it affects everyone around me. And I know there are a bunch of you out there praying for me (and my brother Mark). Thank you – I am confident that my good health is the result of lots and lots of answered prayers.
Sooo.. I guess there’s nothing left to do here but DANCE! Get on your feet, people! Time to boogie down!
*My experience living with CF is my own. (My brother) Mark’s story is different from mine, same as every CF patient. The truth is that many adult CF patients spend much of their time battling illness, and I don’t mean to minimize what they go through. I also know that I am not exempt. Life is not easy (for anyone!) – so celebrating the good stuff is where it’s at! It’s that whole “Count Your Blessings” thing, right?
Praising God with you today! I think God blesses you because you bless so many others! Your positive attitude is an inspiration, it’s contagious. Thank you for so often reminding me to live life to the fullest! I will be dancing for you today “inside”, after all I’m from the old school when we weren’t allowed to dance !!
Love to you Suzanne & and the wonderful man who walks with you through your journey with CF
Congrats on 2 years. Your story is an inspiration.
Praising God with you for your health today! I enjoy reading your blog even though I don’t comment very often. You are an inspiration to all of us. Enjoy this lovely day.
So so so grateful with you and for you, Suzanne! May the months of being IV antibiotic free just keep stacking up. YES!
Congratulations! Inhale, exhale! Do the twist! Yay!
God is amazing! Great reminder to be thankful for the health we have. So glad you are in a healthy, carefree state!! What a ride!
WAHOO!!!!!! That is beyond exciting. Is there anything to which you can attribute this amazing 2 years??? As far as ports go, I have to say – getting one placed was very nearly the BEST decision I ever made. (I got it placed the same year I got married, and I always joke that it was ALMOST as good a decision as marrying my husband.) I know there is lots of angst in the CF world about ports, but honestly, I have only good things to say about them! I would happily go the whole rest of my life without another terrible PICC experience.
(That said, you never know – after two years IV-free, your veins might have regenerated some.)
Great news… I’m having a little dance for you!
Praising God with you, Suzanne! I agree with the other posts–your positive attitude is contagious. May God continue to bless others through you. And may your good health continue! To God be all the praise and glory!!
Luke and I just did a happy dance for you!!!! How awesome! It’s inspiring to know that you are doing so well! I look at your challenges and struggles and triumphs and watch Luke with his and I know that there is hope
Congrats ON TWO YEARS!!!!
Congratulations Suzanne!!!! Dancing with you! Thanks for letting us know. Bryn will probably want to make cupcakes in your honor.
Oh, Banana, I can just boogie with you! : )) Our gracious Father God has blessed us with you & your reminding us that each day is a day to celebrate the breath that He gives us. I thank Him for you and am rejoicing with you the anniversary of such a wonderful landmark. MAY THEY CONTINUE!
That is so fantastic! I love hearing stories like this because it really bolsters my optimism for my son’s future. Celebrating with you for a fabulous milestone!
Your blog is such a bright spot, you just make us all want to celebrate your life and ours. Thanks so much for your good news and creative 3 step fling in announcing your 2 free years – makes me smile inside and out – we rejoice with you.
This is such great news! Your beautiful smile and positive spirit are so contagious!
Congratulations!!!! How thrilled you, your family and friends must be. Love your “happy dance”!
~d.
I’m so happy for you Suzanne!! Congratulations girl! You are a wonderful example of someone who soaks up life and enjoys it fully!
Awesome! Definitely something to celebrate!!