Angels For Amber » Cystic Fibrosis

Book Review– “Seven Letter’s That Saved My Life”

amber — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:29:38 +0000

Dottie is a true inspiration for the young and old, the sick and the healthy. Her message is clearly conveyed: to enjoy life and follow your dreams, never “give-up!” As you follow her life’s journey, you feel a significant connection to Ms. Lessard and her goals and your own dreams. Having Cystic Fibrosis myself, I found her story to be true and heartbreaking, but realistic. You can’t change your situation but you can change your attitude and direction in life. Be positive and reach for your goals, they are attainable. The exercises at the end of each chapter in “Seven Letters That Saved My Life” are there to start your own motivational journey. Enjoy!

Please visit Dottie’s website: www.dottielessard.com

You may purchase this book through www.Amazon.com

Agenda for Duke Medical Students

amber — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:06:05 +0000

Duke Medical School Lecture Agenda
Monday April 26, 2010

1. Introduce myself

2. CF Facts
• CF is the 2nd most common inherited childhood onset diseases in the US.
• Approximately 30,000, w/ 1,000 new cases per year
• CF affects mostly Caucasians, and seen least in Asians
• 70% of patients are diagnosed by 2yrs of age, although I have two friends, one diagnosed at 17yrs old and another at 40 years of age
• What does cystic fibrosis do to the lungs?
People with cystic fibrosis have airway secretions that are drier, stickier, and harder to clear than normal secretions. This thick mucus can block the bronchial tubes in the lungs, and can lead to gradual blockage, infection, and lung damage. The thick, sticky mucus also can block tubes, or ducts, in your pancreas. As a result, the digestive enzymes that your pancreas makes can’t reach your small intestine. These enzymes help break down the food that you eat. Without them, your intestines can’t fully absorb fats and proteins. This can cause vitamin deficiency and malnutrition because nutrients leave your body unused. It also can cause bulky stools, intestinal gas, a swollen belly from severe constipation, and pain or discomfort.
• Prognosis: The median age for survival back in 1955 was 5, now it has risen to about 38 years of age
• RH Factors (symtomless): You must have 2 carriers or one with the disease itself: -25% chance will have CF -50% will carry the gene -25%- will have nothing
• The specific gene for CF was identified (through birth) in 1989. Since then doctors and researchers have been working on clinical trails to cure this disease. Inspire Pharmaceuticals in RTP, NC is in Phase 111 of two drugs to fight CF.
• www.CFF.org

3. Transplant Facts
• Kidneys are the most commonly needed organ
• Approximately 1700 lung transplants in 2009 (www.UNOS.com) compared to 1150 in 2004.
• Two donation types: cadaver and living donation
• Waitlist based on medical condition changed from wait-time on list in Spring of 2005
• Lung transplant needed for many diseases: CF, Pulmonary Fibrosis, COPD, Emphysema, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, and Alpha-1
• www.transplantliving.org

4. Share my story
5. Lung Transplant foundation www.luntrasnplantfoundation.org
• “Lungapalooza” September 19th 2-5pm @ Sarah Duke Gardens
6. Appointed questions from Dr. Scott Palmer
7. Questions from students

Happy Thanksgiving

amber — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:43:23 +0000

Can you believe it? Where has two thousand nine gone? Some of us are happy to see the year pass by, as others’ just lost track of time and are shocked Santa is already at the mall. Myself, I won’t mind to see this year end but will treasure the memories, weddings, babies, and the people we lost. With the rejection of my lung transplant being at the top of my “not-so-fun times of 2009, I did get to share in the journey of love and marriage of several close friends, and the engagment of my little sis. As for my own love, Travis, we are happy and pulling strong, maybe someday in the future we will be headed down that same path.

I am hoping for peace and good health to all this holiday season. Please keep my friend Jana in your thoughts as she countinues to fight everyday to breathe. Also please pray for Jill Sager, Felicia, Carmen, and Bobby Dixon. I am thankful for the wonderful family I have been blessed with and the caring friends that surround me. Have a happy and safe Turkey Day!

~Inhale.~Exhale.~Breathe.~