I am #205!

Well, lets just start by saying "my life has changed forever"! After my last blog I had a wonderful trip in Chicago. I was very sick but pushed through. After Chicago I started my long journey that I am on now. I was admitted into Phoenix Children's July 31. I was on oxygen and in the ICU. It was decided between everyone that I needed a transplant. I was transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital on Saturday August 3. The tests started immediately for the transplant list. I was finished with the tests and listed by Monday August 5. On the beautiful day of Thursday August 8, I received my transplant. I am the 205th lung transplant at St. Joseph's Hospital. I am very proud of my new sense of identity! After that day I saw life through different eyes! I can finally look forward and plan my future. I have waited for this feeling my entire life. I was discharged from the hospital 9 days after my transplant. I have been living in Phoenix for the last few weeks and will continue living here for another few months. My recovery has been remarkable. I have never been so grateful for such a gift. Next week is my 1 month mark since transplant! I feel not only has this decision changed my life physically for me, but it has opened so many opportunities! I have a new story to share with the world. My first interview airs with Fox 10 News in a few days and I think from there my story will spread to others will want to know more about my story. I have also been so inspired to write another book! My first book, a historical romance, will always be my first love. But this new idea I have is really going to be great. I started a memoir that will include life before, during, and after transplant. It will explain Cystic Fibrosis so the reader will be informed on the disease before they read my story. I think I want to title it "I Survived". I think that title is relatable for my readers. I want to explain the title in the book, also. I think every individual has their own battles and struggles, each person's is different in every way. In my eyes, for that person to live another day through their personal battles is a true definition of surviving. It kind of goes with one of my favorite quotes, "Do not fear death, but rather fear the unlived life. You don't have to live forever. You just have to live." I am open to any feedback on the title or suggestions for my memoir! A new life, new beginnings, and new chances!