Saturday, March 2, 2013

Thankyou


There is only one special word that I can use to sum up the past few weeks, and that is THANKYOU.

I came home from hospital Thursday night, and it seemed to be all the more special as I was returning home with my shiny new lungs during DonateLife Week.

I waited for 18 months and 6 days. Once I'd hit that magic 18 month mark, I started to worry that the phonecall would never come.

I still have a long road of recovery ahead, with three months of intensive rehabilitation where I have to attend the Alfred three days a week. I also have some problems with my diaphragm so I need to use a BIPAP machine at night for a few months. I'm very wobbly from all the meds so you might see me getting around with a Nonna Walker for a little while!

I couldn't have made it through this entire experience without my amazing family. They saw me at my absolute worst, on the days when it was so just so tough to keep fighting on. They stuck by me day by day, and wouldn't leave my bedside until they knew it was safe to do so. Their support got me through.

I also really have to thank everyone for all of the blog / instagram / facebook / twitter comments. In the first few days, my sister would read them all out to me while I was in ICU, until I was able to start reading them myself. All those positive comments also made a huge difference in keeping my spirits up when times were really tough.

The staff at the Alfred also get a huge thumbs up! If you ever have the misfortune of ending up in ICU, the staff there are amazing, along with all of the staff on the respiratory ward.

I have to also thank my beautiful friend Cathy who is spending the weekend at my place looking after me, cooking me gourmet meals, making me do my breathing exercises, and waking me up at the right times to take my meds.

I've saved the final thankyou for my donor. I now have a chance at living a normal life. Thankyou is not enough, but I just haven't quite worked out the right words yet. 



30 comments:

Jan said...

So pleased you are back in your own little nest, Cam. Keep smiling - and keep getting better every day.

Leonie said...

So glad to hear you are home again and on your way to recovery. Keep on going, every day is a step closer to that walk down the drive way without puffing :-)

PaisleyJade said...

Oh Cam - so happy that you are home and well.

Fiona said...

So glad you're home and that you have so many people around you to help you through your recovery. Must be a great feeling to know that things are just going to keep getting better and you're going to be able to do more and more.

I'm sure that having donated their loved one's organs the bereaved family is deriving a great deal of solace knowing that they've given the gift of life to many people - I'm sure that must help their healing process.

Hope you go from strength to strength over the coming weeks and months.

ZippyZippy said...

Wonderful to see you are home, must be great to be in your own surrounds again.
Take Care and be Good
Jacqueline xxx

Lotti said...

That is just the best thing that I have read all day ... so totally wonderful. Wishing you all the best and hoping that everything goes just the way it should. May each day bring you greater health and strength .... blessings to you.

Lyndel said...

so wonderful to hear you say you are home. just continue on that road to recovery. thinking of you, and hugs to Tinnie girl too♥

willywagtail said...

I want to cry. Right now I am just so happy for you. Yay for granny walkers too. Cherrie

Kate said...

The Alfred is an amazing hospital, I don't think there is anywhere better you could have been. Glad you are home, best of luck for your continued recovery.

Makeminemidcentury said...

I think your donor would just be happy to know that his or her lungs are helping you type at your keyboard.

What's the point of a good set of lungs if they're just discarded with everything else?

I'm sure all your donor would want is that you live your life just as you have been ... full of hope, joy, humour and good kindedness. xox

Naturally Carol said...

I am absolutely thrilled to find out that you have a new set of lungs! Wishing you all the best with a speedy recovery and a brand new life!

Fiona said...

So very, very pleased for you. Hope your recovery is smooth and steady.

Swirlyarts said...

You need to jazz up your Nonna Walker with some pink and orange ribbon :) Still sooooo pleased for you!

Melissa G said...

Love you heaps Curly Cam. :)

Stomper Girl said...

Ah, you made me cry, Cam. What a beautiful soul you are. I m o happy for you that you have this hance at a new life, and glad that you are surrounded by such loving and caring friends and family. Cx

Stomper Girl said...

Ah, you made me cry, Cam. What a beautiful soul you are. I m o happy for you that you have this hance at a new life, and glad that you are surrounded by such loving and caring friends and family. Cx

Sue said...

I am so happy that you are home and on the road to recovery and a new life with healthy lungs!!! My cousin who passed away 11 yrs ago had her organs donated and helped quite a few people. Her family are very grateful that she did this as they said it is part of her living on even though she is no longer here. I think it is a wonderful thing to do and you are living proof of that too that wonderful people have wonderful things happen.

Cherie said...

OH Cam from the bottom of my heart am ecstatic you're home ... WOW words dont come, my heart bursts for YOU ♥

Kate Moore said...

Amazeballs. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you're home and recovering. I have all fingers and toes crossed that everything goes well and you'll be sucking in gorgeous big gulps of life from here on in.

Tas said...

So glad to know that you are comfy at home, Cam. Rest up and heal well.
I think of you a lot xx

Drewzel said...

Been quietly following your progress on FB...so so happy for you xxx

Bron said...

Very excited to read of your healing and strengthening....look out life.... xxxx

teddybearswednesday said...

OH Cam I"m so thrilled to hear this news. FOrgive me I've not been online on phone much so I missed the news at the beginning. But this is the MOST WONDERFUL WONDERFUL news I've heard this in a long time , both you have your new lungs finally and now you are home and doing well. And honestly if you need anything please give me a hoi. big love to you and hope you continue to gain strength every day xoox

Chiara Z said...

Yay--you're home and have so much promise for the future. I'm looking forward to seeing what you get up to as you recover. All the best with the hard work of rehab.

Jenny said...

Each day is wonderful and it is so nice that you have a special friend and family looking after you. All the best for a smooth transition to a new life! How exciting:)

Adriana said...

So glad to hear your wonderful news.
What an amazing donation to receive... Truly a precious gift.

Take care of yourself and heal well.
XX

Dianne said...

So glad to hear you are doing well & back home! Hope Mr Limpy Houdini dog is on his best behaviour while you recover!

Cat from Raspberry Rainbow said...

Yes, what are the best or correct words for your donor family? They are amazing for giving you a new life.

Cathy is such a good egg, looking after you on your first weekend home.

I can't wait to see what adventures you get up to with your new lungs, go Cam.

Thank you for being so inspiring.

Cat xox

Melody said...

Crying. Thanks for that. lol

What an achievement. Well done in getting through it all so far.

Beky said...

So glad you're home. Peace and rest for you. xxxx