Yes, I have been slack.

Yes, I have been slack and not written anything for a couple of weeks. But as tomorrow (4th August) marks three months since transplant, I felt it was about time I stopped being lazy and started writing. I hope some of you out there are still reading!!!!!

I am pleased to say that healthwise nothing has changed. A bronchoscopy and biopsy (tissue samples) yesterday showed no sign of rejection or infection and everything appears fine. Let's hope it stays that way.

There is an important anniversary coming up on 22nd September, the tenth anniversary of the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit. Somehow Janyne and I have involved ourselves in this.

At a recent support group meeting, it was decided that a gift of thanks from lung transplant recipients to mark this occasion, would be appropriate. The theme of such a gift should be an expression of gratitude to the medical professionals who make transplants possible and to the wonderful support staff post transplant who continue to look after us today, not to mention the organ donors without whom most of us would not be here. After much discussion, it was decided that an original work of art depicting the concept of new life or new beginnings might be appropriate together with a plaque expressing our gratitude.

“Lemon Orchid”, a painting of a Western Australian wildflower by Australian and Mt Tamborine artist, Peter J Hill, (http://www.pjart.com/index.htm) has been put forward as a possible contender.



It measures 90cm x 60cm and is beautifully framed. The picture doesn’t do it justice as the colours are quite striking. As fellow transplantee, Phil Griffiths stated, “the stages of opening of the flowers is able to be interpreted as similar to the phases of life a transplant recipient experiences or even the ray of hope for those waiting for transplants.”

Asking price for this original painting is $3,000 but I am meeting with the artist after 8th August in the hope of negotiating a better price. With about 100 transplantees who enjoy a second life and who continue to benefit from ongoing care at Prince Charles Hospital's lung transplant unit, we are seeking donations of $30.00 or less per head. I know that some may find such a donation difficult but perhaps families and friends could also chip in as a way of saying thank you for saving the life of a loved one.

If anyone else out there wants to make a donation, please contact me by email and I will direct them to the appropriate person at Prince Charles Hospital to arrange it.

The anniversary will be marked by a morning tea to be held at the hospital and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, with as many transplantees, current and former staff attending as possible. It is hoped the Premier, Mr Peter Beattie and/or Health Minister Mr Stephen Robertson MP will attend.

Anyway that's all my news for now. Talk again next week.

Ben Brian