This Thursday at 10/9c
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On June 1, 2007, Brenda returned home to begin the long recovery process. Despite a rigorous rehabilitation schedule, and daily infusions delivered directly to her heart through a port in her chest, Brenda was able to get back to doing some of her favorite activities: shopping, walks with Larry, even the annual family beach trip to Ocean City.
Her recovery was relatively smooth until she had to have an operation to control her acid reflux, which could have damaged her new lungs. While on the operating table, her blood tests revealed she had contracted CMV, a virus that commonly affects transplant patients. She also suffered unrelated complications during surgery and lost a lot of blood. In just one day, her survival was again in question. “I felt worse than I did after the transplant. I was hospitalized with a fever of 104.” Brenda spent a month in the hospital, and her body learned to fight the virus. By late October she was back at home.
Brenda’s recovery process is ongoing, but she says she feels healthy for the first time in years. She was sent home from Hopkins, after the transplant, on daily infusions delivered directly to her heart through a port in her chest, and a regimen of 51 pills per day. She no longer needs the infusions. Her doctors removed the line to her heart, and they’ve reduced her medications by almost half. “2007 was a great year. I feel very blessed. Larry and I need time together to plan trips, and to do normal, everyday things too.” Although Brenda hasn’t started running yet, she’s taken up bowling, and plans to travel to Cancun, with Larry, for a second honeymoon.
Brenda, I first want to say how much your story touched my life and my heart. I had tears running down my face and went through about a whole box of kleenex while watching your story. Your an amazingly strong woman and I wish you nothing but the best. I wish you and your family many great memories and vacations and laughter and all good things from now on. I hope and pray that you continue to stay well. I hope all is well and hope you stay healthy!
Brenda, First of all, I want to tell you what an amzing woman you are, and what an inspiration it was to watch you go through the trials of an attempted transplant, followed by the transplant itself! Seeing Pt's daily with kidney/ pancreas transplants, I know how stressful and trying those "calls" and trips can be. However, this brings me to my other reason for writing. This surgery you had for your reflux...did you happen to travel to PA for that? As soon as the show came on, and I saw you, I felt I recognized you. I think I may have taken care of you as a patient here in Harrisburg. I can't tell you how exciting that is to not only follow your story through the transplant, but to see that one of our patients and family have overcome. Let me know, I would love to know I'm remebering correctly! You, Larry, and the family take care Brenda!!!
God Bless you, hope your feeling better. Be strong and remember keep a positive thought because a positie thought can not be denied. <3
Hi Brenda. I also had a double lung transplant and had many, many problems in the first year. The good news is that the first year is the worst. Over the last two years, I have only felt increasingly better. I had forgotten, pre-transplant, what it was like to live! Now I am living a near normal life despite several complications. Your good attitude will get you through the bumps in the road =) Stay well.
I'm very happy that you are healthier now. God bless you and your devoting family.
Brenda - Congrats on your successful transplant!! You are blessed with great doctors, a wonderful family and a great attitude. Your story hit home as I have a niece who also has suffered from bronchiolitis obliterans since birth. She is now 32 and lives in Stafford as well. Your story gives all of us who have family strickened with this disease hope for a full recovery. God bless you with continued good health. Thanks for allowing us to share your story
Hi Brenda, Your in my thoughts and prayers. After I seen the episode, I really was amazed. I have pulmonary hypertension and my doctors have wanted me to have a double lung transplant, but two times, I told them to hold off on any testing. I still am not sure what to do. I guess I can say, I am scared. Take care of yourself. Good Luck. Jackie Haynes
Hi Brenda, I saw your story yesterday and was inspired by your bravery and your families wonderful support. I have recently found out that I have bronchiolitis and wondered if you would be willing to write to me regarding your orginal symptoms and treatments tried until you had the lung transplant. I have RA and Crohn's disease and they think mine is caused by an autoimmune problem and my Dr. is suggesting a lung biopsy to see what cells are present or if there is an infection or mold causing my problem. You can email me at jaftoom57@aol.com Molly you also were asking Brenda to write to you, you could contact me as well as I am just starting to try a sort this problem out, it really is an obscure problem. Thanks, Jeanie
Brenda, you were like my 2nd Mom growing up. Even though I was at your house more often than my own, you always greeted me with a warm smile before Matt and I would go do something, generally something incredibly stupid.
All of this you've been through, at least the world now knows what an incredible person you are, something I've known since I was in the 4th grade. I'm so very proud of you.
With much love and admiration,
Hello Brenda, I watched the third episode of Hopkins - never seeing the first two. I sat on my couch and smoked while I watched the show. I cried as your family hugged you before you went into surgery - the first time when the lungs weren't "good enough" and the final time when you received your lungs. As I cried, I thought to myself "why am I still smoking?" I"ve been trying to quite recently and have reduced my smoking dramatically but I know that a story such as yours is few and far between. I don't know that I would be as lucky as you. I've decided to reconstitute my efforts to stop smoking and I didn't go to the convenience store for cigarettes tonight! Finally, I sometimes sway on my decision to be an organ donor because I am worried that I won't get the best treatment if something were to happen to me because "they" would want my organs. Today, I have been reassured that my choice to be an organ donor is a good thing. If something ever happens to me, I hope I can help as many people as possible - people just like you! You deserve all of the happiness in the world. May God bless you and keep you. May God lift up the light of his countenance upon you! Misty - Pittsburgh PA
Hello Brenda and Larry, I was drawn to her story and was amazed to see your new lungs inflate. It was wonderful seeing the love your family has for one another and I wish you and your family well. God bless and Happy 4th of July.
Tammy
My mom has emphysema and tries to hide how she is really feeling because she doesn't want to put anyone out. She is only 67 but has it set in her mind she is "old". She rarely leaves the house and or comes to see her grandchildren.
I don't know how old you are but the mere fact you can be so brave for your son and husband gives me hope that my mom will soon be willing to be more courageous and try to live a more active life and at least get out more while there is still life to enjoy. I thought it was very sweet to hear your son proclaim how happy you finally are after 2 previous marriages. Larry must be the best husband in the world and I'm grateful to God you have found eachother.
I hope that abc continues to give us updates on how you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda, your story compelled me to watch "Hopkins" last night. One year ago we were at Hopkins hoping my 17-year-old daughter, Jenny, would be placed on the list for a double lung transplant due to Pulmonary Hypertension. The doctors there gave her meds that helped so much she went to Georgetown Univ. last year and did great! Unfortunately, she is not having such a great summer. She is at Vanderbilt Univ. Hospital right now (we live in Tennessee). All the scenes in the hospital brought back memories and your story gave me hope that if a transplant is indeed needed we will make it through. Thank you for sharing your story. Lung transplants aren't for sissies. Enjoy each moment! Love to you and yours.
Hi Brenda, My husband received a double lung transplant on March 20, 2008. He's been in the hospital twice since, the latest for a gallbladder removal four weeks ago. He's now at a rehab center trying to regain his physical strength and dealing with depression. This was, by far, our toughest week since his transplant. Your story caught my attention last night after I returned home from the hospital. It hit me like a ton of bricks the magnitiude of what you and my husband have received and gone thru. Right now, we're walking it and living it without much time to process it.
I don't know how your recovery went and by the looks of the posts here, many have had many setbacks after transplant. What got my attention was you and your husband walking, holding hands at the end of the episode. I sat there thinking.....that's what I want...that's the dream.
Your story renewed us and we wish you many years of sweetness and happiness with your lovely family.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT DAMAGED YOUR LUNGS IN THE BEGINNING. THANK YOU FOR ANY INFORMATION I HAVE SERIOUS BREATHING PROBLEMS.
Dear Brenda, I was diagnosed with asthema related emphasema 4 days before I gave birth to my son. He is now 3 and my pulmonologist says it is time to consider a lung transplant. I have many questions and even more after watching the program last night. If you could find the time to email me I would really appreciate it. Glenda S. from Kansas
Brenda, I'm so happy for the success you've finally had with your transplant! I had a lung transplant in July 2003 (5 yrs. next week!) at the Univ of Wisc at Madison. I was CMV-negative prior to my transplant but acquired it from my donor also. It caused some big problems for the first two years but I feel better and better every year now. Life is good - enjoy. I plan on being the record-breaker for survival time. Peggi
I watched in awe as you experienced the challenges and heartache associated with the lung transplant. My brother is awaiting a double lung transplant and I recognized the value and importance of a strong supporting team. Like my brother, you are strong,courageous with a sense of humour! May God bless you and your family for continuing good health. Enjoy every day! And thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses that helped you through the process.
All I can say is WOW! I was so emotionally moved by tonights episode that told your story. I was mesmerized when I watched both of your lungs inflate ... the human body is amazing! I wish you and your family the very best!
Hi Brenda, I just wanted to say that I have been thinking about you and your family ever since I seen you story today. My heart goes out to you. I hope you and your NEW lungs stay healthy for that trip to mexico. lol.... God Bless You..... Sarah......=)
Hi Brenda, I just wanted to say that i've been thinking about you and your family ever since i seen you story today. I hope and pray that everything goes as planned and that you and your NEW lungs stay heathly.... lol Your in my prayers. God bless you and your family..... Love, Sarah....=)
Hi Brenda! My Uncle Chuck Walker was the first man in the world to ever receive a heart and lung transplant twice! Although I was very young when it happened I saw the effects it had on my dad and his family. How Blessed you are to have had the care and support you have had and also your BRIGHT spirit to get you through! You are an inspiration!! I wish you all the best in recovering and living life to it's fullest!!
Dear Brenda - You are an inspiration to me - I too a bi-lateral lung transplant in 10/07 - due to IPF- the transplatation was a piece of cake compared to the 4 additional surgeries that followed - infections -etc. but would go through it all again to be able to breathe without coughing & gagging. You are amazing! I wish you the best & brightest of everything. Be well my friend Robin
Hey Brenda, Larry and family. You guys are such a beautiful famliy. You can see the love you guys share. You and your family are in our prayers. You are a beautiful lady and you look so happy with larry. So you take care of yourself and countinue to heal and live life to the fullest. God bless you.
Brenda, What an inspiration you and your family are. My husband is just begining the lung transplant process. The reality of your/our situation really touched us. We are ready. God Bless you all. Monica
Hi All, this is Brenda from the show tonight....
I just wanted to say thank you to all. I appreciate your well wishes, compassion and concern. For those with questions; my diagnosis was strictly bronchiolitis obliterans. I'm doing very well and plan to play a part in increasing the lung transplant longevity statistics! I plan to be here after the 5 year milestone, WELL after..
i'm very very glad that you've recovered from your lung transplant!!!
love, corey d.
Thank you for allowing ABC to share these intimate and revealing insights into the world of lung transplantation. My close friend had a double lung transplant, also done by Dr. Shah, in early 2007. I am sure you have been ships passing up on Nelson, Halsted or Wineberg as there have been a couple of returns to JH in the last 17 months. After riding shotgun to all the pre-transplant appointments and tests your operating room scenes were mesmerizing for me as it was the only thing I really "missed" - when the first lung inflated I gasped and when the second one inflated I cried. I remember those "update" calls in the waiting room and hearing the helicopters land above us..... God Bless your family support system and Dr. Shah and his team. Stay well, stay strong...........
I have severe COPD. I have been very afraid of a transplant..until I saw you story tonight. You are so brave and have such a supportive family. I am blessed to also have a great supportive family. I will check out the transplant idea again. Bless you ,your family and the entire staff at Hopkins. Breathe well.
I have severe COPD. I have been very afraid of a transplant...until I saw your story tonight. You and your family are amazing. I am blessed with a great family also. I will check into that transplant thing again very soon. Bless you and yours. Breathe well.
I saw your story tonight and I had to contact you. This is my 10th year anniversary of having my double lung transplant at the University of Madison. When your transplant doctor said something about wanting to know how lung trransplant people can survive 10-15 years after transplant , I had to write.Please feel free to contact me to talk about our experiences. I too have had a number of rejections and had the CMV virus. Congrats to you...... Maureen Janik
Hi Brenda - so happy to see you and your wonderful supportive family...keep encouraged and continue that positive attitude. It's good to know that the doctors look for the best organs for each patient. How invigorating to see the doctor pump air into the transplanted lungs and they begin to work on their own. Enjoy that second honeymoon.....and all the best. God bless you Pauline
Hey brenda, larry and family. You are such a beautiful family. You can really see all the love you guys share. God bless you and your family. We are praying for you. Hope you continue to heal and live a great life.
Brenda, our family lost our beloved Chelsea, age 16 on 1/31/08, after a two and a half year battle with rejection and bronciolitis obleterans after a double lung and heart transplant. We are actively involved in the U.S. Transplant Games and Team Alabama and will be at the Games in Pittsburgh in 9 days. We were wondering if you might be there. We would love to meet you if you are. Contact us at the e-mail above and we will send you our cell phone numbers. Without the transplant, we would not have been able to share the last two years we had with her. She wanted us to stay involved in the Games and Organ Donor Awareness. Hope to hear from you. Good Luck and many blessings.
Hi Brenda my name also is Brenda and I am currently waiting on a lung. I have Alpha One Antitrypsin Lung Disease, I have been waiting since June of 2007. Your story was an inspiration to me tonight. I pray that you continue to do great and that you and Larry are able to do every thing you desire to do. May God Bless your Family and your health richly. I would like to talk to you, e-mail me if you would like some time. Thanks so much for your encouragement!
Brenda, Thanks for sharing your story tonight. My sister was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans a couple of months ago. We've searched for information about this disease, without much success. She's being treated at UVA. Your story has given our family a little more insight and we're glad to hear you're doing well. If there is any chance you would be willing to contact me, I and my family would really appreciate it. Thank you and God Bless.
What an inspiration you are to those who've seen your story! My hopes are for your continued progress. God bless you.
Hi Brenda, I watched your story, I empathize. I had a double lung transplant 2 years ago. I also have CMV, they knew that from the begining so I have to take medication to keep it under control. I am sure you do too. Watching the surgery on the show was amazing. Isn't amazing what God impowers humans to do!! God bless, and continued good health.
Amanda Hylton
What a loving family you have, including your husband and children. I've been a Physician Assistant for many years, and to see such a supportive loving family with such a lovely patient with a good success story validtes the field of work I am in. You guys are the best. Thanks for sharing your story. And go go go to Cancun sweetie>
Brenda you are an inspiration. I hope you continue to win your battles and this show is just one of my favorite shows ever. I love the realism and its just motivating me to become a better doctor in the future. God BLESS
Brenda,
You have a great deal of courage. I have been living with Bullous Emphysema since I was 17 and have had over 100 collapsed lungs during that time. I am now 40.
On last week's episode, a young woman had a Pneumothorax and needed a chest tube. I literally sat in my room shaking watching her get the tube. Thankfully I have not had more than 20 chest tubes in the last 22 years. In my case, sometimes we just let the collapse reverse itself with the help of gravity and rest.
When I watched you tonight, I began to sob uncontrollably. I felt as if I was watching the bravest person in the world. The heartbreak of the first lungs and then the hope for the second set was overwhelming for me.
As you know, the episode showed your surgery. I sat here dumbfounded when each lung inflated. Having a background in studying Sports Medicine, I have been fortunate to view the human body in all stages. But to see each lung inflate and turn pink was miraculous.
I am not ready for a transplant, although I have been told that I may get to that point soon. Unfortunately, I have many allergies and have always felt that rejection of the organs would be imminent. So I have never thought a transplant would work for me. You helped me change that opinion.
Your faith and will to live have truly impressed me. When and if it comes time for me to consider a transplant, I hope to be as strong as you. I will never forget what I saw tonight.
I wish you continued good health and happiness! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
All my best,
Stephanie
Hi Brenda, i watched the show tonight on july 3th. It brought back so many thoughts for me. My husband got a heart transplant at cleveland clinic 19 years ago, and my grandson got a heart at 8 months old at pittsburgh children, he is now 6. PRAISE BE TO GOD
Hi Brenda, I just seen your story and cried right along with you and your family. I'm so glad to read that you are doing so good. Your story is really and inspiration to so many people, and the importance of organ donation. God bless you and your family, and I hope you and Larry get that second honeymoon!!
We watched your story on Hopkiins tonight. It brought back memories from 2000 when our son had a heart transplant in London, Ontario. We know how hard it was on you and your loved ones waiting for that organ and how much joy you probably feel now, being able to do things you couldn't before.
Wade (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
Brenda, I just saw your story and was so heartfelt, I had tears streaming down my face, I hope you have a wonderful life with Larry and your family. You deserve so much good in life and my prayers are with all of you. God Bless You All!!!!!!!!!
Brenda, congratulations on your new lungs and your new life!!!! Go on that trip with Larry! Seeing your show tonight gave me some insight into what our family will be going through shortly. We expect my brother to be listed on Monday or Tuesday for his lung transplant. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us.
I wasn't sure that Brenda really reads these messages, but I am here just wanting to know how she is doing. I just watched the episode with her, and I thought I would drop a line to say hello and take care of yourself and your new lungs.
Brenda, I just saw your story. I am happy to read that your recovering process is better ! I hope you and Larry havde a great trip! God Bless you & your family in every way!
Hi Brenda, I have brocheactisis also, I saw the program this evening and was surprised to hear about someone else with this same disease. Take care and best of luck to you.
Congratulations on your successful transplant. God bless you!
Hello Brenda! I saw your story on "Hopkins" tonight. I have pulmonary hypertension and a lung transplant is the only cure. I was wondering if you also had pulmonary hypertension. Thank you and congratulations! Annette
Best wishes to you for the future! I was so glad to see that your transplant went well.
Brenda, all the best luck in search for your lungs. The right pair are waiting to give you a long, happy life. You have a good man in Larry, and the world can see how much he loves you. Stay strong. Smile.
Brenda, My thoughts are with you as I went through the exact same thing. I had lupus at 14, it attacked my lungs and I ended up with bronchiolitis obliterans also. I waited 2 years, 2 months and 2 days for my transplant and on August 11, 2008 I will be celebrating my 9th birthday and my 7th wedding anniversary. I had my transplant at the leading hospital in Illinois for lung transplants. Your at Hopkins, you have the best of care there.
Tina Orlita
Brenda: Your story really touched "home" with me! My Mom suffered with COPD, RA, which damaged her lungs, she smoked for 38 years, but quit just before I got married in 1984. My Mom went to her eternal home on 2/27/07 at the age of 77. She also lived with a lot of immune deficiencies that weakened her body. I haven't watched your show on Hopkin's yet, but will as soon as I'm done posting here. I wish you a healthy recovery and a life filled with happiness for years to come!
Hi Brenda, Janna here from OKC hope your are doing well! Be sure and tell Larry I said Hi and all is well here in OKC . Take care
Brenda - I'll be watching, remember what I said about remembering us little people. It's been such a blessing to how how well you are doing after the ordeal you've been through. Only good things ahead now!!
Hi Brenda & Larry! Thinking about you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! All my love, Jenny's Auntie Suzy
Hi Brenda I had an incompatible kidney transplant on 4-15-08 at John Hopkins I am doing great they saved my life. You are in the best hands in the world. God Bless you and I will pray for you and your family. Candy Flora
