Monday, January 13, 2014

An Introduction

Dear Readers, Followers, Lurkers, Commentors, Visitors, and All-Around Beautiful People:

First of all, on behalf of Piper, Sampson Bear the Dog, Piper's Family, and everyone else who makes this blog possible, we want to apologize for the recent lack of postings. Please rest assured that, despite the gap, our current mission remains the same as always: to bring you the most up-to-date anecdotes, randomly charming musings, and (strangest of all) true stories of life with CF and lung transplant -- and everything in between! Please also know that the vote is in on blogs with the most amazing, loyal, and forgiving reader base and we are delighted to announce that you all have won the prize, hands down. Congratulations from Piper and all of us!

Unfortunately, as we begin this new year of blogging and being, we do so without the help of one of our crucial team members thus far. As some of you may know, our beloved Donor Bob, whose breath and spirit proved invaluable not just to this blog but to all the experiences, moments, and people behind it, has moved on to greener pastures. Donor Bob graced us with his presence for 3 1/2 years, during which time he enabled Piper to do "Amazing Things" such as return to school for a master's degree, watch some of her closest friends begin families, celebrate her parents' 40th anniversary, turn 30, and meet the love of her life. Now if that's not a gentleman, I don't know what is. Sadly, Donor Bob fell ill early in 2013 and simply never recovered, despite aggressive treatment, to the point where we finally said our goodbyes on Christmas, December 25, 2013. May we always remember him with love and gratitude.

And now for our happy news: Welcome Donor Nick!

We are excited to welcome Donor Nick to the team after his miraculous and perfectly timed entrance into our lives this Christmas Day. (Piper's side note: I actually went into surgery on Christmas around 6:30pm and got out about 12:30am on the 26th, which also happened to be my parents' 43rd wedding anniversary.) Donor Nick has bestowed upon our girl two beautiful new lungs that apparently were so large they had to be "stuffed" in there like a couple of Christmas hams. We'll take it. Donor Nick, thank you for joining our wonderful, chaotic, crazy, beautiful lives. We are, as we remain with your predecessor, eternally grateful for the gift of Life you brought us through your Christmas Day miracle.

It goes without saying that we are blessed beyond measure by this new addition -- and it shows. Piper is recovering well, though still in the hospital in a pulmonary "step down" unit that affords more personalized nursing care. The doctors say the only thing keeping her inpatient are the chest tubes, which are taking a longer time to "dry up" than they did after her first surgery. Much of this is par for the course on second transplants, which tend to be messier business because of scar tissue and other complications. Thankfully our faith in the medical team never waivers -- we know we are getting some of the best care in the world and feel very much at peace with where we are today. Although Piper reports that she would really like to be reunited with that shaggy little mutt of hers one of these days. In good time, Piper. In good time.

So there you have it, friends and loved ones: all the news that's fit to print. And As we gear up for a big year in 2014, please know that we would be honored and delighted if you would continue to share the ride.

Sincerely,

Piper, Sampson, and All of Us


13 comments:

  1. YAY!! I'm so, so happy to hear of Donor Nick's Christmas arrival! Piper, reading your journey these past few years has made me a stronger and wiser 26yr-old Cyster. I have shared many times with people your witty anecdotes and life examples. You've helped lessen grief in my life and helped me cope through reading your detailed stories of your very personal joys, pains, victories and struggles. Thank-you for all the time, love, and devotion you have invested into our community and being a voice saying to other Cystic's, "You aren't alone!". You are a beacon shining for us all, through your humorous and always honest perspectives. I pray much strength over you and that you'll gain ground each day to be reunited with your beloved Sampson soon. Thanks for changing my life and keeping it REAL! :)

    With best hopes for amazing days ahead with Donor Nick and all you love!

    Blessings,
    Marlene
    from North Carolina (Patient at UNC-Chapel Hill)

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  2. Oh wow. What beautiful and amazing news. Welcome donor Nick. I just knew Piper must have been busy kicking some serious CF butt!

    Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I'm still tingling. Love to Piper, Sampson and all of you.

    Lizzy (from Cambridge across the pond).

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  3. Dearest Piper, What a wonderful first 2014 blog entry as we bid a fond, loving, and grateful farewell to Donor Bob and a grateful land loving welcome to Donor Nick. Your writing so elegant as you share your hope, experiences, and fears that you inspire and bless everyone who reads it. I am grateful and blessed to have you as my god daughter! Much love always, XO, Doan

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  4. Piper, Although you don't know me, I've been following your blog for several years (ever since reading an article about you in the American Way Magazine). I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best in your next endeavors, you are remarkable! ~ Laura

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  5. from London UK the very warmest of wishes and hopes for a long relationship with Donor Nick :)

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  6. Dear piper, I am deeply impressed by your blog, your writings, your humour its just fantastic :D . Your words are powerful and your courage inspiring. I just discovered your blog and couldn t stop reading your posts although i can t remember how i really came across your blog..not cf related anyway because that is quite unknown territory for me- would like to say a big THANK YOU for sharing your thoughts about life and all, the good the bad and the beautiful..all the best for your healing and the new lungs!!! Sending rainbowcoloured healing thoughts from vienna (austria) to you. Uma (ahem i hope you like rainbows..and if not they should appear in your favourite colour)

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  7. Thank you Piper's "team" for the update as so many of us CF-ers have been watching, waiting and wondering. The warmth that surrounds you is palpable and wonderful. Piper, congratulations on a successful second transplant and wishes for a speedy recovery. I have been following your blog for a while and am looking forward to all of the adventures you'll be able to experience moving forward. Take care!

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  8. Dear Piper,
    I am so happy to hear you are doing so well!!!! I work for your dad (in the New Mexico office) and read your enitre blog after his "Our Christmas Day" email to us all. I think you are the most amazing person I have ever "met", and after reading your blog I feel like I kow you. You are such a strong, inspiring, wonderful, loving, caring person! Your attitude toward Life as being the biggest gift and that every moment is precious is so wonderful and refreshing! I wish you could impart your wonderful wisdom on the whole planet! Anyway, I want to say that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Thank you for the update on your progress and I pray that you continue to get stronger and stronger every day. You are an inspiration to all of us! `God Bless`
    Love, your new friend, Mary

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  9. What an inspirational answer to a prayer for all of us! I'm so sorry for the loss of Donor Nick to his family but what a wonderful, amazing gift he left behind! Gosh, know that you all are being sent love and light from all of us who wish nothing but the very best for you as you heal and get on with the joy of living! God bless us every one. Thanks for the update, keep 'em coming as you are able!

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  10. I am very glad to hear that you are doing well. All my love to the whole family from your Swedish nanny Eva.

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  11. Thank you, Donor Nick, for keeping Piper around. There are many of us out here reading her posts even if we aren't commenting. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Piper!

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