Tags
Cancer-Free, Celebration, Cystic Fibrosis, Goals, Health, Josh, Love, Molly, Thankful, Update
Admit it: The 70’s have a certain appeal, right?
I have a special love for the 70’s too.. But I’m talking about something totally different from the decade. Yesterday I had a routine visit with my cystic fibrosis specialist in Ann Arbor, which happens at least once every three months. When I go, I take a breathing test (pulmonary function test- PFT) which measures lots of things about my lung capacity. The key data that is used to get a picture of my overall lung health is the FEV1- the forced expiratory volume of the first second.
The FEV1 is measured in percentages out of 100 and most “normal” people taking the test would score between 80-100%. I am happiest when I can get into the low 70’s, which for me says that I’m feeling great and don’t have extra congestion/lung infections that I’m fighting.
The 70’s and I have an on-again/off-again relationship. It’s been years since I have been able to consistently test over 70%, because part of having CF means periodic infections in my lungs. However, 2 weeks before my surgery this past July, I took a breathing test and the FEV1 came back solidly in the 70’s. It was beyond encouraging to know that I was feeling my absolute best before I headed into the great unknown.
After my surgery I thought it was fully reasonable to expect a setback in my lung function and maybe do some antibiotics/IV therapy. To my surprise it wasn’t necessary! By October, when I needed a pick-me-up, I was prescribed a new medication that was just released this past year. It’s an aerosolized antibiotic called Cayston.
After a month on this new medication, both Mark (my brother, also has CF) and I have felt a definite increase in lung health. Yay! So yesterday, when I was a week into a congested messy head cold, I still was able to score a 70% on my breathing test.
YESSSSSS!
Six months ago I had a major surgery. My FEV1 scored in the 70’s before it, and now after! If you would have asked me in June if this was possible, I would have said, “Umm.. Maybe, could you pray for that?”
The best part is, I am hopeful that this new medication is going to help me maintain a higher level of health. This is the first year in probably 5 years that I haven’t had any sort of oral or IV antibiotics by this point in the winter. *high fives all around*
So.. yesterday was a good day! *I love love love having good news to share* We took our celebrating selves to the road and headed over to Ikea to blow off some steam (and some cash). Molly was along for the whole adventure yesterday too, and here she is sharing the love.
In honor of the day and of course the decade I am apparently celebrating right now, here’s my purchase: a faux sheepskin!
Kara said:
So happy to hear the amazing news! You’ve been in my prayers a lot lately, and I’m just so glad you have some celebrating to do! Too bad I didn’t know earlier, I would have requested one of those sheepskins- I’ve been wanting one for a while. 🙂 love you!
suzannebrandsen said:
Next time we go to Ikea I’ll definitely give you a call.. I think there are 3 sheepskins on my list already! Love you too.
Aunt Barb said:
Hi Suzanne! A big high-five from me!!! Thanks for the update, and it’s so good to hear a new med actually turns out well. We can pray the good affects will stay with you [and Mark] for a long time.
I love Ikea. Molly should use that photo for her FaceBook acct. 🙂
Love, Barb
Juanita said:
YESSSS!!! This is great news for you! And for Mark! I love the thought of you both getting to enjoy better breathing! Thank you for the update.
Love to you from all of us.
Marilee said:
So glad to get your continuiing good news despite a messy head cold. Hope that will pass quickly, and this new med will continue for some time to provide you and Mark with good breathing. I love it when you are full of bounce in your email and still give us the details of what is going on. Thank you so much. Love and prayers from us.
Aunt Kris said:
YEAH, Suzanne! I am SO praising our Father God for this remarkably wonderful report!!! He is showing Himself as “The Great Physician” to you in so many ways this past year and now into this New Year. May you continue to see Him working in and through your life so that you “may know Him more and more.” Thank you for sharing with all of us so that we can praise Him right along with you. Happy dances go along with high-fives. : )
Linda said:
Suzanne, what awesome news! God has been SO good. We all thank Him for answering so many prayers on your behalf. Thanks for sharing your good news.
(P. S. LOVE IKEA, makes me want to take a road trip myself!!)
Love to you and Josh.
Aunt Linda
suzannebrandsen said:
Thanks for your comments.. I always love reading them! Love to you all too. 🙂
Suzanne W. said:
Great news! And I’m so glad both of you are noticing improvement…great news is even greater when it’s multiplied. 🙂
Wendy said:
Woot woot! Love the great news. *high five and a fist pump*
Heidi Tagert said:
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!!!!!! So Stoked for you!!!!!!! and my brother too 🙂
When Jess called me to let me know I got goose bumps, I’m so excited to hear and see that you two are feeling better. Praise Jesus!
Ikea is one of my favorite stores… have you ever seen that commercial with a wife driving into her driveway/yard and has a huge truck load of Ikea? She says “Their having a sale!” and the husband has a shocked look on his face. Yeah that would be me if Nate let me go by myself LOL. Love the sheepskin though! Nice choice.
Love the pic of Molly too, how cute is she! 🙂 Love you and congrats
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Part Time House Wife said:
So glad to see you have such a positive attitude! I’m a Respiratory Therapist and although I don’t see them often, I do work with patients who have CF. I only see the battle they face from the outside and I can assume its pretty rought. Glad to see you are improving and life looks good for you!
Suzanne said:
You’ve probably got a pretty good idea of what life is like for a CF patient! Don’t take it personally but I hope to stay far far away from all ya’ll Respiratiory Therapists! 😉