Round 1

Round 1 goes to CF. We were hoping that a week of IV fluids (hydration therapy) would be enough to break up the junk in my lungs and get me back on track. Though I did make some progress, it wasn't nearly as much as we were looking for. So, for Round 2, we're bringing out the big guns: IV antibiotics. Fortunately I'm still being treated at home and am keeping out of the hospital. Unfortunately, I also managed to come down with a head cold this week, because I'm a drama queen. So right now I'm all runny nose sore throat miserable, which pretty much sucks. But hopefully by this time next week I'll be feeling miles better!!!

Anyone wanna brave my germs? Visitors welcome! 

On the plus side, I got a day off from treatments yesterday while they worked out the transition from hydration to antibiotics, and my wonderful friend Sandy came all the way down from NY to visit! Not only did I get a chance to get out and about all day without being attached to an IV pole (for the first time in a week!), I got to do it with a friend! Definitely lifted my spirits and gave me energy to buckle down for this next round of treatment. Thanks so much Sandy!!!!!

Community support

B"H, despite being sick, I had SUCH a nice Shavuot! I'm so grateful to live in such a caring community! From setting me up with meals close to my apartment, to getting me a wheelchair, to scheduling people to chauffeur me around town, everything was worked out to put my illness on the back burner and allow me to experience simchas yom tov. Cherry Hill rocks!

Health issues and adjustments

Some of you know that the last several months have been medically difficult for me. In October I had a significant CF exacerbation and was hospitalized most of the month. It took until March/April for me to really regain lung function and feel close to fully recovered. Unfortunately, my health started slipping again a couple weeks ago, and I'm currently going through another round of breathing problems. Fortunately I haven't been hospitalized, and we're hoping that a week of home IV fluids will help clear things up, but it's still a disheartening setback. Once again I'm indefinitely out of work and on temporary disability, and even once I get passed the stage of acute illness it's going to be another long haul to scratch and claw my way back to mostly-normal lung functioning. I've had to make significant changes in my daily life, and need to continue making more as I adjust to new medical realities. It's been difficult, and I won't pretend that my disposition has been all sunshine and daisies throughout the process. It's gotten easier to manage with practice though.

I'm pretty much on house arrest this week due to the ridiculous amount of pollen in the air these days. Truthfully, right now even walking down the hall is difficult for me, so I'm not much inclined to be out and about anyway. It would be lovely to have some company though to break up a long boring week. And for those who aren't local, prayers are always greatly appreciated! My full Hebrew name is Keren Eliana bas Sara.


On the bright side, my family has been awesomely supportive and I don't know what I'd do without them. My employer has also been incredibly understanding, for which I am so grateful. AND, despite all this, I still managed to move into a new apartment! Ok, so technically my family did all the hard work; I just directed. Thanks Mom and Frank!!! I'm so excited to be living near the frum community now (especially with yom tov coming!), while still having my family close by. Upwards and onwards to better things!