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

Christmas Eve was a quite time here around the Berry household. My mom and I met a few dear friends for dinner. Of course we missed services again this year. Christmas Day I cooked a full dinner for 12ppl and we opened gifts and shared in the joy of excitement and surprise. Later that evening my sister, her fiancée, and I headed to my father’s for another present exchange and a late night snack.

Then came my 30th birthday, December 27th, I can’t even believe it! The big 3-0!! The doctors told my parents I probably would never make it to my teens and now I am three decades old. My Aunt Susie surprised me with a visit too.

Travis is headed to the Rose Bowl on New Years Day in California. He has been talking about this since Oregon beat Oregon State in the Civil War around Thanksgiving. Go Ducks!

The weather here in Boston is freezing, and I mean like 13 degrees with a -5 wind chill factor. Since my lung transplants I am very sensitive to the cold, plus I think I climatized to the South real quickly. I am having a gynecological procedure at Mass General tomorrow morning. Hope for a quick recovery and fly home to NC in mid-January. I really miss the kids I sit for, both Elle and Griffin. Once I get home I will have another bronchoscopy, PFTs, and x-ray to see if the high dose steroids I took in early December worked to cure the rejection. If not I will be admitted to Duke for a few days for a heavy duty anti-rejection medication.

Happy Birthday December Babies: Bethany Kim, James, Marla, Jan, Sarah, Kellie, Dottie, Ashley, and Lindsey!

I am wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, and healthy New Year!

~Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.~