Hello all,

It's been nearly 10 months since my surgery and way overdue for an update. Things have been going really well for the most part. Other than some issues with a low white blood cell count (anti-rejection medication induced) things have been going relatively smoothly. The white blood cell count issue seems to have been straightened out through adjustments to medications and honestly even while that was going on I felt fine other than the additional stress of wondering how we'd get that fixed.

To give you an idea on how much better I'm feeling, I signed up and am now training in kickboxing / mua thai. No, I don't have any impending fights, but it is a tremendous way to get "in shape" in a fun and very challenging environment. Obviously we use protective gear and I'm concious of protecting my chest by blocking incoming attacks with arms, legs, and face. ** Note: I did consult my doctors before I got started. **

My last check up with the docs in Edmonton went well. My pulmonary tests were up a little bit again and finally hit 90% FEV1 and 90% FVC. Unbelievable when I stop to remember that I was down to ~22-24% at times prior to my surgery.

I should also mention that since the last update we have been able to reduce the number and dosages of some of my medications. Even my diabetes has improved! I still take insulin, but the amount I need to take is way less than it was before. Along with these developments the medication side effects like the tremors I was having are far far better, most of the time I don't even notice it anymore.

Well, that's enough about me, I would like to remind everyone to sign their donor cards and let their family know of their wishes to be a donor. Transplantation DOES work and can make a huge difference in a person's life. I can attest to that. Yes, I've got my lungs, but there are many more out there still waiting for a second chance, some of them are my friends and I assure you are wonderful people.

In an effort to "give back" and help raise awareness as well as hope I'll be walking in "Great Strides" a fund raiser for Cystic Fibrosis on May 30, 2010. There are several walks being held in various locations, I will be walking in St. Paul, Alberta. A friend I met in the post-transplant rehabilitation process has asked me to walk with him and his team. He doesn't have CF, but he received a double lung transplant as well and there is a young family in his community that have two young girls that have been diagnosed with CF. Our effort is to raise awareness and donations for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to improve the quality of life for all "CFers".

If you're interested you can get more information at www.cysticfibrosis.ca/en/GreatStrides/index.php

If you'd like to sponsor my walk you can do that online at http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=863351

Be well, and have a fantastic summer!

Travis

Beginning of October - At dog park in Calgary with Daisy

Oct. 24 GOOD CHECK-UP

Trav had his followup appointments in Edmonton a week ago. The doctor was very happy with all the results. We continue to marvel at how he is able to do things he's not been able to do for years. He is living on his own and seems to managing well - although there continues to be issues with his blood sugars. He was in to the Foothills today for his flu shot and able to catch up with almost everyone there.

We remember and pray often for the brave donor family who made this new lease on life possible.

Posted by Auntie Terri

Near end of September with more Yoga poses

Middle of September Great form Travis!!

Middle of Septemer on the treadmill

Travis with Orianna in physio