I wanted to share with you a few more things from our trip to Duke last week.
We had some time before our appointment (since we had left extra, extra early), so we popped into Target for a few minutes. Our nearest Target is almost two hours away so it’s always a treat to get to shop there. We found the plastic drawers we were looking for and on the way to the checkout, we happened to pass the St. Patrick’s Day display.
A certain husband of mine just could not resist.
It was nice to find a reason to laugh since I had been feeling more and more tense as the appointment got closer. It became a little more clear just how tense I was when the appointment started and I discovered that my blood pressure was 133/76, compared to my normal BP of about 90/60. I had just been waiting so long for this appointment, waiting for the doctors at Duke to apply their prodigious diagnostic skills to the puzzlement of my 14-year long lung disease,
Thankfully, Steve and I loved my doctor. He strolled in, stuck out his hand and said, “Hi. I’m Lake Morrison.”
No airs or attitudes, just a smiling, empathetic fella who was funny, down to earth, and an excellent listener. He was also wearing a pair of colorful socks so he and Steve spent a bit of time talking about their respective happy sock obsessions collections.
Dr. Morrison spent over an hour with us, asking careful questions, listening intently, and working hard to put together all of the complexities of my condition.
At one point in the conversation, he said, “You know, I’m not so sure that you don’t have RA.” (Which is the opposite of what the Duke rheumatologist had told me.) His thinking was that I might have an atypical case of RA which, instead of spreading throughout my body, has only attacked my hands and my lungs.
I thought, “Oh great. Here we go again. Doctors who can’t agree.”
But then he went on to say, “I’m going to do some blood work on you and then I’m going to go and talk with Bill.” (Bill being Dr. William St. Clair, Head of Rheumatology at Duke.)
I just about jumped out of my seat and shouted “Hooray!” because that is one of the big reasons we moved my care to Duke–so that my two specialists would be under one roof and could efficiently collaborate. (There was a note added to my online My Chart a few days later that said Dr. St. Clair is sticking with his “no RA” diagnosis.”)
The last thing Dr. Morrison wrote in his notes was, “Mrs. Smith has had remarkable stability over the past decade but since OB can progress quickly, it is not unreasonable to begin discussions about lung transplantation.”
So there’s the visit in a nutshell. A serious diagnosis confirmed but with a little hope scattered along the way.
And now let’s talk about who we got to see while we were at Duke. (Ellen W. made a VERY good guess in the comments about meeting Tricia Lawrenson.)
Here’s the story.
On the day before Steve and I went to Duke, I thought about Nathan and Tricia Lawrenson being four hours from home without friends or family near. I thought it would be nice for them to see a couple of OBX faces. The only drawback was that we have only met Nathan a couple of times at area church gatherings and have never met Tricia. Our only other contact has been some message on FB in the months following my OB diagnosis since there is the possibility I will also need a transplant and they have just a little experience in that area.
At any rate, since we don’t know them well, I didn’t want to be presumptuous and say, “Steve and I will be in Durham and would like to see you.” So instead, I sent a message and said, “We’re coming to Durham tomorrow. Is there anything you need from home that we can bring with us?”
Turns out that they were wanting the posters and signs from Tricia’s goodbye parade to decorate their apartment with. So on Sunday afternoon, I drove up the beach road to meet Nathan’s dad and collect all of the signs.
After my appointment, Steve and I drove over to the Duke Pulmonary Rehab where Nathan and Tricia were. Nathan thought I might enjoy seeing the facility since that is where all lung and heart transplant patients spend several weeks preparing for their surgeries.
In other words, when you walk into that building, you walk into a place peopled by strong-hearted, frail-bodied folks who are working intensely on their chance to add a few more precious years to their lives.
It was sobering and inspiring to see the patients doing their exercises and routines, many of them on oxygen, all of them with determination on their faces.
Tricia was in the middle of physical therapy when we got there but we waved at her and gave her a thumbs-up as she walked near us on the track.
This is a photo of Trish that Nathan posted on FB recently with his description.
One of the things we appreciate about this transplant journey is reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. CF patients can not spend much time together in the same space because of the danger of shared germs. So, getting the opportunity to talk face to face like this is a treasured experience.
While Tricia continued with her therapy, Steve, Nathan and I stood for about twenty minutes in the nearby lobby and talked.
I felt just slightly awkward when Nathan asked, “So how was your appointment?” I hated to say that there was a slight improvement in my pulmonary function when his wife was just a few feet away–on oxygen and with 15% lung function.
But he was incredibly nice about it and grateful along with us for a bit of good news. He then added that if we ever needed a place to stay while at Duke for an appointment, they had an extra bedroom in their apartment and we would be welcome to use it.
He is such a gracious, funny, compassionate, gifted guy; Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed our brief time with him. He is taking very seriously his calling of helping his wife down this difficult road toward a third chance at life. “For better for worse, in sickness and in health . . .”
When it was time for us to leave, he and Steve carried the stuff we brought to his car.
And then we got a picture together before Steve and I headed home. (Note the sticker on the back of Nathan’s car.)
Tricia hopes to be listed in the next couple of weeks, which means she will have successfully completed her preparation. She and Nathan will wait for the call that a set of lungs (her size and her blood type) has become available and then a mad dash to Duke will ensue as she becomes one of about dozen people in the country to undergo a third lung transplant.
So much courage. So much hope.
Noah started tee ball recently and has hit a home run in each of his first two games. He was given the game ball for his first game and posed for a shot. Is it not so cute that he has his thumb tucked into his belt?
Of course, it was covered in all the major news outlets. 🙂
Sarah is headed home this Friday for a few days. My birthday is March 8 so she’ll get to be here for a little party we are having.
She and some of her Regent friends (and the dad of one of the friends) did an Escape Room in Virginia Beach recently. Given one hour to figure out the clues and get out, they managed to make it under the wire.
I’m so looking forward to seeing her. It’s been quite a while since she’s been home and our house is a little lonely for her.
What about you?
Did you play sports when you were a kid/young adult?
What was your sport? Any particular experiences you’d like to share from those days?
Happy Birthday, Becky!
Mrs. Pam,
Thanks for remembering!
Becky.
It is great that Sarah is coming home for a few days, her presence will be one of your best birthday presents. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
How sweet of you to offer to bring things from home for Tricia and Nathan, what a nice way to getting to meet them and spend time with them. A blessing for all of you.
Glad you and Steve had a chance to shop at Target and found what you were looking for. I am lucky enough to have three Target stores in the area, none of them no farther than 10 minutes away!
Darling picture of Noah, he looks so proud o himself and rightfully so! It is so much fun to watch kids play sports. I remember attending games and cheering for my nephews (now 50 and 46) when they played football, baseball and hockey in school. Unfortunately, my nephew and his family live in Kentucky, so I didn’t get to see his sons (one is now in his second year of college, the other a senior in high school) when they were involved in sports.
As for my own participation in sports, I always like to say that there was a reason my mother didn’t name me Grace – I am not the most coordinated person you will ever meet. My involvement in sports was limited to unorganized games of basketball, kickball, dodgeball, Indian ball, etc with all the kids in the neighborhood. Of course since Pittsburgh is home to the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, so I have also participated in profession sports…as a spectator! 😉
As always, keeping you and yours in my prayers,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Three Targets within 10 minutes? All I’ve got to say is that the company needs to transplant one of them to the Outer Banks!
My mom didn’t name ME Grace either and for a very good reason. Even though you and I may not be super athletes, we are still very important to the world of sports–as you so adroitly pointed out. What would all those players do without you and me (and a million others) to cheer them on?
Glad you had nephews to watch play sports as they were growing up. Such fun times and good memories.
Ah, yes, Target brings out the “best” in people =) I don’t know why, but I’m not much of a Target shopper. I prefer Wal-Mart. Maybe I just haven’t been there enough times?
I’m so happy that you are happy with your new team at Duke. Answers to questions must feel great!
And what a treat to visit with Nathan and Tricia. You are so sweet to offer to bring what they may want from home.
It looks like you have a superstar in the family. Noah is so cute!
Have a great and blessed week!!
Krista,
I had to smile at your comment. My family knows how much I hate going into a Walmart. I am not a Big Box Store person anyway, but I’d much prefer a Target.
Funny how everyone likes different places; it’s a luxury to have a choice!
How nice that you are going to be able to spend some time with Sarah. Mama’s love seeing their children. CONGRATULATIONS to young Noah. I love watching and hearing all about my grandchildren and all their sporting activities. I am so glad that your doctor’s appointment went as well as it did. It is nice that the doctors are able to communicate with one another. I agree it is easier knowing what is wrong than wondering and I will continuing praying that your condition remains stable. I was surprised your breathing function test actually improved, although slightly, it is better than being lower. Do you any problems following a full breathing function test? My doc is very hesitant in having me have them because I become so sick for weeks following them. You are in my prayers and trusting God to hold you close.
Catherine,
Wow–I’d never heard of someone becoming sick for weeks following a breathing test; that must be incredibly frustrating for you!
I get a little light-headed and tired immediately following my PFT’s but I recover pretty quickly.
Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement.
First of all, I totally agree with Lesley. Stay home as much as possible due to your underlying condition. How great that you were able to help out Tricia and Nathan and get together with them. And I’m glad to see that you have had some slight improvement and that your doctors are communicating. Yay!
My sport was softball but then switched to gymnastics. I remember my first gymnastics meet. I think I was in the 7th grade. I was terrified to get up in front of all those people to do my floor routine. Holy cow!! As I recall, my score was not very good, but I got through it. Quite the learning experience. I have so much admiration for gymnasts because that stuff is HARD to do!!
We don’t have a Target in our town. The closest one is about 60 miles away so I don’t shop there. I do go to the one in Lincoln with my daughter sometimes though. I really like their clothing.
Congrats to Noah on the home runs!! I just love watching tee ball and my grandsons will be playing this summer. We can’t wait to go see them play!
Lee Anne,
Yeah, I think softball would be a lot less terrifying than gymnastics because you’re part of a team and the attention (unless you’re pitching or batting) is not all on you. Plus, you don’t have to have an elastic body! Good for you, though, for persevering through your routine all those years ago. Those are the kinds of things that build character.
It was such a treat to get to spend that time with Nathan L. and to help them out a little bringing their stuff. They are such an inspiration to me!
I forgot to add, being two hours away from the nearest Target might be the only negative thing about living on the OBX. Mine is 2 miles away and I visit frequently! The dollar spot (where it looks like Steve was trying on the St. Paddy’s hats) is one of my favorites!!! I find lots of cute things there!!
So Y’ALL are the ones who brought the posters from home that delighted Trisha! I didn’t realize you had never met Trisha, I guess I assumed your paths had crossed along the way. You are both such inspiring ladies! I’m glad you received relatively good news and that your doctors are communicating.
T-Ball is so much fun to watch!! I still reminisce about my now 33-year-old son’s T-ball games. Go Noah!!!
I hope you have a wonderful visit with Sarah. I’ve always thought those escape rooms would be fun. Our high school has a similar version available for teachers to borrow called Breakout.edu. You write the clues around the lesson, and the correct answers lead to being able to unlock different types of locks on boxes. The students seem to really enjoy it.
Wishing you a wonderful week, and an early Happy Happy Birthday!!
Sue Ellen,
What a great idea for the teachers to write clues around a lesson. Nothing like creative ways of teaching and learning!
Definitely looking forward to Sarah’s arrival; the last time she was home was at Christmas so it’s definitely time for her to pop on in.
What a blessing that you were able to meet with Nathan and Tricia and bring the posters to them. Glad she is nearing the point where she can be listed for lung transplant.
They did not have girls sports when I was in high school. I don’t remember girls playing t-ball like they do now either and pretty sure they didn’t have summer softball. After graduating college, I did play some league volleyball and also softball. One thing I remember about playing softball is that I was catcher at least one year. A batter had hit a ball into the outfield and the pitcher ran behind me to back me up. The ball went over my head – pretty easy at my height of 5′ and hit the pitcher smack in the nose and broke it.
I bet you will love having Sarah home for your birthday.
Phyllis,
When I first read your comment I thought you said that you got YOUR nose broken! Playing catcher is a rough position; you were brave to do that.
Glad you got to participate in some sports; I think it’s good for ALL kids to get to do that at some level.
Well, I am so glad for the relief of a definitive diagnosis, it sounds like you are in very good hands. You described the visual of those at the pulmonary rehab building so well, I felt like I was there. And how wonderful that you were able to bring the signs for Tricia and Nathan. I understand about it being awkward, but totally worth it to reach out. What a great idea to come at it sideways with an offer of assistance. And there happened to be something that you could do!
Noah is adorable. Just so cute. He looks so proud.
I’m glad you are home, try to stay there. You have one of those ‘underlying conditions’ that we are hearing about in regards to the corona virus.
Thanks for the update!!
Lesley,
Today we had our first case of the coronavirus reported in NC. Even though you sort of know it’s coming it’s still sobering. As much as I would love to hunker down in an attempt to evade the bad stuff, my life doesn’t allow for that. I’m just trying to follow all of the health guidelines as diligently as I can.
I was so thankful we got to do that little act of kindness for Nathan and Tricia; it made my day!
So glad you were able to share with Tricia and Nathan. Sometimes when you are going through something, you feel like you are all alone. Hard to believe a lung transplant is becoming more of a reality. Remember when you first started talking about it – that it was a possibility. Praying for complete healing, but if the Lord chooses not to do it that way, that He will provide the perfect match for you – and for Tricia.
My mom was a pro/am baseball player in the late 40’s. She was a catcher. In one game a lady was running from third to home and ran into my mom, who was flipped over and landed on her head. That was the end of her playing days. I played soccer and basketball in high school – son played baseball and some football. Daughter played soccer (played on a field where there were a lot of geese – DON’T FALL!), basketball and was a fast-pitch pitcher. Husband was in track and played basketball in high school, and all three of them played on a church softball team. We all have bowled also – son, some 300 games. We all love watching games on t.v., since we are getting up in years and the legs don’t work the way they should any more. Have done escape rooms on the internet, but not in a “real” room. Congrats for them making it out under the wire. Congrats to Noah too – what a great start in his sporting life.
Sharyn,
Yeah, transplant is definitely a sobering word, one that takes a little time to get used to. Depending on what my lungs decide to do, it could be months or it could be many years, or maybe it could be never. In the meantime, I was thrilled to get to be able to do a little something for Nathan and Tricia.
You have got one athletic family. Impressive! I love the thought of a woman playing pro/am baseball back in the 40’s. Your mom was definitely a pioneer!
Thankfully, the whole landing on her head incident did not injure her. That would be scary–and I think I would have ended my playing days, too.
I love hearing about a family like yours doing so many activities together. Whether it be sports, music, camping, whatever–the memories you make are priceless.
So glad you got to visit with Tricia and Nathan. I thought about the possibility of you four seeing each other. I remember the first transplant and the birth of the first child. Can’t remember if we met him on a Durham VA trip at that time. We met several families during that time including the Smith family. We were blessed to have appointments when some were there. The Smiths are the only ones we have continued to have contact with. So glad for God’s blessings. Happy for the good news and prayers continue. God is able as we both know. Hugs, love and blessings.
Ann,
We’re grateful our family has the blessing of being someone you continue to have contact with! Bless you guys.