Back so soon?

We had our two nights at the Sheraton in Noosa, courtesy of Jacqui, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Caught up with George and Wendy from Tassie who were there for the Taxation Institute Conference. Had a great time and the weather was just magnificent. We would love to have stayed longer but holidays will have to wait until some other time.

Received an email from Rebecca who has suspected obliterative bronchiolitis (refer my 9th July post) apparently resulting from her rheumatoid arthritis. I had always thought OB was a common condition following lung transplant and didn't realise it could develop through other medical conditions. I am actually trialing a new drug, everolimus, which it is hoped will prevent or manage this condition. I am one of about 400 transplantees worldwide on this trial program. We won't know for a few years but, if it works, it could mean that, barring complications such as rejection or infection, lung transplantees could go on living for a very long time. Rebecca, thanks for your comment. Perhaps have a chat to your lung physician about this new drug. I wish you well.

We are receiving a very positive response to the fundraising flyer seeking support for a tenth anniversary gift to the Queensland Lung Transplant unit with $400.00 in so far and many promises of more. Considering it's been only a week since the flyer went out, this is very encouraging. Thanks to my brother Rob for his contribution. He felt a donation was better value than buying flowers for me when I was in hospital and I thoroughly agree. Could be food for thought for some of you out there!!!!

I would love to have some feedback in relation to a suitable gift. We hope to have $2,500 to $3,000 to purchase a "thank you" gift to the lung transplant medical team at Prince Charles Hospital. So far a painting or a wishing well has been rejected and it has been suggested that a statue of some sort might be suitable. Can't imagine a "Venus" or "David" achieving the objectives we're seeking however. The theme of the gift should be the giving of life or "new beginnings" and be an inspiration to those involved in the transplant journey be they surgeons and other medical professionals, patients or prospective transplantees and their relatives and friends. If you have any ideas, please let us know by completing the "comments" section below.

Queensland is having a State election on Saturday 9th September. Could we be seeing a new Premier and/or Health Minister at our 10th Anniversary morning tea?

Talk again soon,

Ben