Saturday, March 1, 2014

Winter Slump

Winter weather go away!  Who is ready for some warm weather and green grass again? I AM!!

Earlier in the week I went to a doctor appointment and my FEV1 (PFT) went down to 86% from 93% at my last appointment. Thank you cold weather for welcoming my laziness... Fortunately, my other results were good. BP was low (almost too low though) and my Oxygen was 99%. Apparently I have gained some winter weight as well.  : )  

I'm continuing to do pulmonary treatments using The Vest System and Pulmozyme. I also have been drinking Probiotics to help with my immune system this winter. I think it has been helpful. Along with those things, I've been taking a general multivitamin, 10,000 Vitamin D3, 500 Vitamin C, allergy pill, and of course my enzymes with every meal. I started doing a bit of exercise since the appointment as well. 

As a person who is reminded every cough and meal that I have Cystic Fibrosis, please remember to check in with your friends and family who are suffering from a daily fight with something. Encourage them. Many of you reading this also experience something in your everyday life that you feel you would like support in or to at least know others care. Illness management is exhausting and sometimes very discouraging, especially when you throw life into the mix. Let's work together and check up on one another! Be an encouragement. I'm so thankful that God is active in my life and keeping me going strong all while working out His plan.

Check out the latest on CF Research



Sunday, December 29, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What a year it has been... Thank you to all who participated in the Clean Water project. The goal was to raise at least $1,200 to go towards a water well and because of people like you, the funds exceeded $1,340. If you would like to still give a tax deductible donation click below!

The deadline is December 31st!    Clean Water Project 

So far this season, I have tried hard to stay away from people who are sick or just stay at home away from extra germs. In fact for my 30th birthday, we went so far away from cold weather, we made it to MAUI! It was beautiful and a nice break. Below is a picture from our hotel balcony. It was right on the beach!


I had been coughing a lot and even ordered antibiotics, but the bad coughing ceased the day I picked up the medicine! So I have it on stand-by now. My next doctor appointment is towards the end of January. 

I pray all of you had a wonderful Christmas and will have a safe New Year in 2014. Another year of opportunities and decisions are ahead. Remember that when you let God do the leading, you end up on a much better path and life will be a little easier when you hit pot holes...

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Let's Give the Gift of Clean Water - Together!

Hey everyone! Just a quick update. I went to my CF doctors a few weeks ago and overall it was a good report. I got my flu shot too. I am in the midst of lots of coughing and sneezing in the last week or so. That's no fun, but I know I'm not alone this time of year!

Now, moving on... I wanted to do some special things this year for my birthday and one of the things I want to do is give the gift of clean water to those who need it very badly. This project isn't meant for me alone, but for all of you to join in. I found a website that does exactly what I was thinking of and, best of all, 100% of the proceeds go directly to installing the clean water source. When I registered my site, it was indicated that it would be placed in either Ethiopia or Cambodia. What a great way for a group of people to come together and help others, not only now, but for generations! 


If you feel led to give, please visit here: "You Shall Not Thurst" Clean Water Campaign


You may give with Credit Card, Debit Card or by using your Checking Account information. If you prefer not to give online but would like to participate, I am collecting donations and will donate on your behalf. Contact me in the "Contact Jen" section to the right if you need to. If you decide to give $1 or $100, I will be equally ecstatic! I would love for lots of people to participate. What a great opportunity that will make a difference in people's lives for generations! And by donating, you can say you were a part of making this difference.  


After the water source is complete, the Water Team will email you an update with information. Even its GPS coordinates! Please consider donating.  Even if it's just a dollar!  


The holidays are just around the corner. I hope all of you stay safe and have a great time with family and friends. Please remember the real reason for the season: JESUS!


Saturday, August 10, 2013

Cystic Fibrosis Caucus

My meeting was scheduled very quickly with Representative Rodney Davis. In fact, it was the day after my last post! He came to town and I met with him and an assistant of his privately. I was very appreciative of his time and that he didn't rush me or make me feel like I was "just another person". He was supportive of CF research and was already a member of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus. He also said that he will join the Cystic Fibrosis Caucus as well. Thank you Mr. Davis for your time and for promoting Cystic Fibrosis awareness. It is greatly appreciated. 

If you are interested in being an advocate for Cystic Fibrosis, here is a link that will give you basic steps on how to get the word out about the importance of CF research and support that is needed - CF Advocate . Remember, only about 30,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and 70,000 worldwide! CF'ers like me need your help, so please consider it. 

I appreciate everyone who supports me and other CF'ers no matter the way you show your support (prayers, advocacy, monetary donations, cards, emails, etc.). It's all very much appreciated and a promise that I will get to live longer days which will include more healthy breaths.

To view Jen's full blog and/or to contact: Jen's Breath of Life

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

August Update

Two months later and I'm still getting in medical bills from the "unnecessary" emergency room visit from two months ago. I'm sure some of you can relate to this kind of experience. I'm very thankful that I have insurance that helps cover a portion of it. For what little time and treatments I received, I can't believe the cost it has amounted too.

A good neighbor friend of ours brought over an article from "Discover Magazine" regarding updates on Cystic Fibrosis research and new medicines in the works (Sept 2013 issue). It's a good read if you have time and are interested in the developments taking place. I recently sent a request to meet with my State Representative to discuss my concerns about Cystic Fibrosis and continuing funding and healthcare coverage. I am currently waiting to hear back from him.


I can't believe it's August already! This summer has by far been the fastest one I can remember....yes even from when I was a kid in school. :) I hope that all of you have been able to get some free time with friends and family.


I know most readers of this blog receive it by email, but if you wanted to contact me, please go to my blog page and look on the right side of the screen for a form to email me. I'd love to hear from you. Even if I've never met you! Click: Jen's Blog. As usual thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Jen :)