Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Answers

Wow! You people really know how to ask some questions.

There were a lot of the same questions asked several times, which makes it easier, and a ton of questions that I've already answered...if you asked a generic question about CF or organ donation/transplantation that I either don't answer here or only give a quick answer to, it means I've already answered it and you can very easily find a more detailed answer by using my "labels" feature over there on the right of your screen (start with "CF", "Organ Donation" and "Transplant"), by visiting CFF.org and DonateLife.net or by googling your question.

I'd love to answer every CF/organ donation/transplantation question in detail every time they're asked, but I just don't have the time.

To make it easier, I split these up into categories.

Organ Donation/Transplantation
>
A second double lung transplant is an option for some, but hopefully we won't be considering that for many years to come.
> Tricia's new lungs will never have CF, although the rest of her body always will.
> The potential for rejection will always be a part of Tricia's life with her new lungs. She is on a very high dose of anti-rejection meds that keep her immune system from attacking and rejecting her new lungs. The first year is the biggest risk, and then the drugs should be reduced.

Blog
>
I'll probably try to continue the "White Rose Blooming" segments, but maybe only on a monthly basis. Last Tuesday's was the last weekly one (as I've been alluding to every week).
> I will continue blogging when we return to the OBX (which stands for Outer BanX, BTW), but I guarantee it won't be nearly as often as I have been able to the past several months.
> I am going to continue to "Story Of Us" series...I've been waiting for a special day...look for the next segment later this week...
> I used one of the blogspot templates and just modified it to fit my style. I designed the header myself. Look for an all new look coming soon!

Gwyneth
>
The docs told us to avoid sick people, lots of direct contact with lots of people and large crowds...which is basically what we do with Tricia.
> My ring has not fit her arm in about 7 weeks. I think I wear an 11/12?
> She is not on an apnea monitor. I know that a lot of parents of preemies have a really hard time sleeping when they bring them home for the first time, being scared that they'll stop breathing or have other issues (which is totally understandable). We figured, if they let her come home with us, and she has been breathing on her own for nearly two months, we don't have much to worry about, and along with the fact that we are already very accustomed to dealing with severe medical issues at home (which is a blessing and a curse), we've been sleeping very well.
> Gwyneth has very long eyelashes, just like her mother...you can see them in many of her pictures.
> Her eyes are doing well. She has another appointment next week to have them checked again. The doc said she might need glasses as she grows older.
> We've been using her real age (4 months) when people ask, but we also follow up by telling them that she's a preemie ('cause we can tell most don't believe us)...not sure why anyone would be touchy about that...
> As I've mentioned several times before, outside of adoption, Gwyneth will be our only child.
> All of Gwyneth's smiles are real (not sure what a not-real smile is...).

Tricia
>
Tricia has a test in a few days that will help determine if she'll need the stomach wrap surgery. Her last test showed that she probably won't need it, so we're optimistic. If she does need it, it probably won't be scheduled until later in the summer.
> She blogs at times on Her Website...hopefully she'll be updating soon! (funny side note...she doesn't remember writing her last blog entry...)
> The ring Tricia wears on her right hand is something I gave her on Valentine's day. I "went to Jared". (I also "saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico" a few years ago, but that's a different story)
> Tricia only has about 12 of her 23 days of PT left before she should be released to go home to the OBX.
> She is breathing better and feeling better than she has in a few years, and she's (hopefully) only about half-way to feeling 100% at this point. Check out Alice's Blog (nearly 4 months post-TX) for an idea of what it feels like to be nearly 100% there!
> She plans on a stay at home mom (which by the way, is a $134,000/year job according to Salary.com). She is already strong enough to care for Gwyneth, which she loves to do.

Me
>
I haven't been without facial hair for more than a day or two at a time since my junior year of high school.
> Have I ever doubted God? Yes!
> Was I tested for CF? Click Here.

Other
>
My mom is doing well. You can read a few updates about her surgery/recovery on My Dad's Blog. Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts.
> I used a tripod for a few of the pics I took in This Video.
> What do I do for a living and how I am able to spend so much time away from home/work? Click Here.
> As I've mentioned before, Tricia's trust fund is ONLY able to pay for anything involving Tricia's medical needs...it does not cover Gwyneth's medical needs (and we don't need it to) or any other personal expense (please, be careful what you assume).
> Meka the pug is doing great hanging out with Frank, Don and Ginger.
> The font I use for my videos is "Broken Ghost". I'll devote an entire post later on video making...
> I did find what I was looking for when I asked for help with jewelry (Here). Her name is Lisa Leonard and she is seriously good...plus, I read her blog every day because she has a cool family.
> Most of the CFHusband videos you see on this blog can be found at our YouTube Channel (which has been over there on the right of your screen for a few months...)
> I've posted a few photography tips on this blog and on my Photo Blog...I'll be posting more at some point there when I have some time.

I read every comment and every question, and again, if I didn't answer your specific question, it's for a very good reason.

Thanks!

Nate

58 comments:

Megan and Company said...

Obviously, you missed MY question. Don't worry. You won't hurt Janet's feelings.

"Why Megan is my favorite sister-in-law, 100 words or less."

Julie said...

Hi Nate,
Thanks for all the time you spend reading our comments and answering the myriads of questions.
Praise God you are all doing so well with what must be a busy, but exciting lifestyle.
I look forward to continuing to check in on you regularly in the weeks, months, years to come... in fact for as long as you are willing to share your remarkable life story in words and pictures with us all.
Hugs and prayers contining from
Julie
Moonta, S Aust

Tonia said...

Nate,

You are the bomb!!! Thanks for sharing your life with us! Your beautiful girls are blessed to have you!!

Tonia - Central Illinois

Apple said...

Good answers, concise, I like concise.

In answer to your question that wasn't really a question...a "not-real" smile is probably the beautiful smile that a baby gives you when she/he has gas...it is sometimes followed by a grunt and unmistakable odor. Glad to be of some help this morning. haha

Youth Leaders said...

Is there time for one more?

Tricia was only in the hospital for a few weeks after her surgery. Is it normally that quick?

Anonymous said...

I haven't asked any questions, but I wanted to tell you how cool you are for answering them all.

I'm so glad things continue to go well for the three of you.

God bless.

Wilson Ramblings said...

Nate, my husband and I had no idea you were a worship leader! That's awesome. We will be up in the OBX this summer and might come to visit your church. Chad and I are both worship leaders in our home church and what a humble calling it is to lead God's people into worship with Him. :) You guys are so strong in the Lord - and His strength is made PERFECT in your weakness! What a testimony to thousands! Stay weak in the Lord! ;) You guys are such an amazing couple - and now an amazing family!

Blessings From Above said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions. Your family has won the hearts of so many as we have watched your daily struggles and progress. You are very blessed with the love of God, family, and friends. Many people – like me - who do not know you or your family personally, have become invested in praying for you and keeping up with your daily progress. What a wonderful thing it is to be part of the family of Christ!

Jennifer Burgett said...

It must take a lot of time and effort to keep this blog going and I appreciate it very much. I know this blog has touched many lives, mine included.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a "member" of your family - if only via blog.

Speckledpup said...

but still, am I your favorite person in Missouri?
do you like grape or cherry koolaid the best?
briefs or boxers?
acoustic or electric?
chevy or ford?
kjv or niv....or even *gasp* the message?

THESE ARE THE BURNING QUESTIONS....

:o)

The Lockwood Family ♥ said...

Wow...good job! You are amazing! You answered all of my questions (even if you did say you'd already mentioned one of them many times before in your post ~"embarrassed grin" ):)
Soooo glad to hear the Lord is blessing so abundantly.
love and prayers,
The Lockwoods

Candy said...

Thank for you always being so honest with us, whether it's answering questions, talking about what's going on, or simply telling us kindly that something is personal and none of our business. Too bad more people couldn't be like you are with honesty and frankness. God bless your little family. I have been so blessed to be apart of your journey, even from so far away. I, as well as many others I'm sure, have grown so much through your story of faith and love.

John and Michelle said...

Thanks Nate! Well done. It's so generous of you to spend the time answering questions from people you've never met. (I know you know some.)

Anyway, thanks again for sharing your lives with us. It's a daily check in for me.

Prayers for good PT for your bride and lots of eating, pooing and sleeping for your little princess.

Sanchez Stories said...

Congrats on getting your family home, I am so excited for you three. I've been reading, but haven't posted in a while! I am so happy for you all!
Blessings!
Dre

Rick Lawrenson said...

Hey Megan,
He answered your question in his last sentence!

Mary Knapp Yahoo said...

Enjoyed the answers. People think of interesting questions that I would never think of!

I have seen a question that you might have answered elsewhere (but I don't think I have missed a word you have written =) )...and that is the phonetic pronounciation of Gwyneth.

I didn't know there was more then one way to say it until I saw the question!

Can you solve the mystery??

CyndiAKADisneyqueen said...

Wow, I am still amazed by your family, your willingness to answer questions ( and I am amazed at the questions people ask) and the miracle's God performs. Blessings to you and yours.

Growing Up Rutledge said...

I'm so relieved you save a ton of money on car insurance!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Nate,

Thanks for the newsy update. :)

Rebecca

Jenny said...

I didn't end up asking anything b/c every time I thought of a question I found the answer in a previous post. :)

I enjoyed reading the answers to everyone else's questions though. Very insightful.

Thank you for sharing the link to Lisa's site. Her jewelry is beautiful.

I'm glad you'll be writing at least some when you go home.

Lots of love from TX...

Anonymous said...

I have a quesion for you....what kind of carseat did you get for Gwyneth? Is it a special one for preemies or really lightweight babies?

Christy said...

Thanks Nate for taking the time to answer all of these!!

Stacemoe said...

Thanks for answering our questions!!! I will ask mine one more time, and if you don't answer than I guess it is because you didn't want to!! :) Do you have a video of Gwyneth's homecomming that you are willing to share. I firgure you do, because you have posted video of Tricia leaving the hospital, but if for any reason you don't want to share..that is totally fine!!! We just appreciate everything you DO share with us. hope you are having a great week and thanks for the updates!!!!

Carey said...

Thanks for answering these questions. I enjoy reading your blog, and hearing of the great success your family is experiencing. You and your beautiful family are always in my prayers. God surely has blessed you all.

Jen Wilson said...

1. You have a wonderful sense of humour, which is so great, given the things you write about.

2. I've noticed your wife's eyelashes before - GORGEOUS.

3. It makes me so happy to hear that Tricia is well enough to take care of Gwyneth. It's every mother's wish to do everything she can for her child! And salary.com totally underpays moms!!! (but it is quite humorous to put a $ sign on it)

Thanks for sharing your story Nathan and Tricia, your honesty shines through as does your faith in and love of your Heavenly Father.

Have a great day!

erika said...

Thanks for all of your "answers" Nate. I love that you take the time to answer everyone's questions. Also, thanks for the link to Lisa Leonard's website. We have been looking for jewelry for my 1st mother's day (and a matching necklace to give our daughter someday too) and I think Lisa's jewelry will be perfect! Thanks! Best wishes to all of you and know you have our continued prayers. Your family is such an inspiration to me and has renewed my faith. Have a wonderful week with your beautiful girls!!!!! love and hugs from IL

DavitaJo said...

Nate-

I noticed that in one of your previous posts that you indicated that you weren't a Dallas CowBOYS fan. (AKA...God's Team.) I wanted to let you know that I've decided to take the high road and try to look past that. As I continue to pray for your family...I'll pray that any disappointment you feel when the Boys win the Super Bowl this year be minimal.

Obvious. Sarcasm. Included.

Emily said...

Nate,
I think it's wonderful that you take the time to answer so many questions, especially personal ones. I am so impressed by your openness & willingness to share. You are so special & I want you to know that I think Tricia & Gwyneth are very lucky to have you as husband, daddy & advocate!
Thanks again & I'm still praying for all of you,
Emily

JonesFam4 said...

Hey, I found Lisa Leonard from your blog and used her too! Her jewelry is incredible, plus she designed something for a specific gift idea I had...LOVE that!

Blessings From Above said...

Wow - I just realized that your site passed the 4 million visitors mark. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Ashley said...

I would just like to say that I admire your honesty and straight-forwardness - like when you said to please be careful what you assume, and wonder why people would be so touchy about Gwyneth being so small and already four months. I can't believe people actually act a certain way. I am amazed at all that God has done for you guys and praise Him for it! Glory be to Him! Continuing to pray for strength for you and continue recovery for Tricia and growth for Gwyneth! God bless! - Ashley

Marianna said...

Thanks for sharing all of those questions and answers. I had something I wanted to share with you. I have a 2 yr. old son, and until a month ago we were using something called an Angelcare Monitor even though he was a full-term baby. A friend told me about it before he was born. It's awesome because it sounds an alarm if it doesn't sense the baby's movement (breathing, etc..) for 20 seconds. You put the motion sensor under the mattress. You can read testimonials on the Angelcare website. It's an amazing invention. Target sells several different types of Angelcare monitors and so does Babiesrus. So thrilled that your precious baby girl is home with you now and praying for both of your girls. May God bless all of you and keep you in His tender care!

Tammy C said...

Interesting stuff.

Thanks for sharing the info.

Meg said...

Ah, Outer BanX. I will sleep better now :-)

The Lockwood Family ♥ said...

Nate and Tric- I know you read all your comments...I just want to ask you to pray for us...We are the Lockwoods...Daniel (hubby) and I and our 11 little blessings are missionaries in Mexico.
After days of sickness and tests, they are saying my dear hubby has cancer and needs immediate surgery.
I love your blog and we have prayed for you all so much.
love,
Jaynee

Renee said...

Nathan,
I just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I've been following your blog for a short while! WOW!! What an awesome DOUBLE miracle!!! I haven't written until now because of a bad experience in the past with "commenting" and devoting my heart on another blog. However, since I know that you do read EVERY comment I wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and your family!! I will continue to pray.
I think your photography is AWESOME!! Way to go! I love it!
Maybe I misunderstood your Q&A post but I wanted you to know that I do look forward to reading your blog daily and will miss it when you slow down, however I do completely understand you are very busy and have a beautiful family to take care of now that they are both home. :o)
Reading your blog really just warms my heart. I'm so happy for you all. Will continue praying and may our Good Lord continue to Bless you and your family.

Take care

Shannon said...

I am so glad that Tricia is well enough to take care of the baby on her own. I am sure that means so much to her since she has waited a very long time to get the chance. I am sure she will handle motherhood with as much grace and beauty as it seems like she has handled everything else. I have read your blog from the beginning and I do not think there was ever a picture of Tricia not smiling. It has put lots of things into perspective for me, if Tricia can go through what she has gone through and still be smiling then I need to take a lesson from her.

amy smith said...

hey lockwoods---
we are praying for your family here in iowa....

Kat said...

Ohhh - I have another question.....

Do you have any pictures of the OBX that you'd be willing to share? Maybe pics of the beach, the town etc?


Why?


Well, mainly because I have wanted to live there for years now. Even though I have never actually been there.

Kalla said...

I know that salary.com says that $134,000 is what a mom should make but i seriously think that it is a lot more! Don't you agree? I am so excited that Tricia gets to stay home with Gwyenth. There is nothing more rewarding than that!!!

Shaleen said...

Awesome. Thanks - I clicked over to a few of the links that you posted - your 'bump' to answer have you ever doubted God is so great. I was especially touched by your comment that God puts us in situations where we can only choose to trust Him; or rely on ourselves (a scary thought). Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate, thanks for answering so many of our great questions! That is so wonderful of you!
I did have one question that maybe you have never addressed. Forgive me if you already covered it!
I have noticed that you seem to enjoy the "spotlight" and also handle all the media attention so very well! I was wondering if Tricia was as into all the attention as you are or does she prefer a more private lifestyle? I only ask because it appears to us that she kind of stays in the background,and not really posting much about her own story. Hope Gwyneth is doing well at home! By the way, we just love your blog!!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that Tricia will be able to be a SAHM! That is just so awesome! I would love love to be a SAHM too, but right now it's not in the cards for us.(need to work)
:-(

I was wondering if you have the WIC program in your area and if so, can Gwyneth get her formula for free? Not sure if preemies get WIC too.

Also, you mentioned that you will need to keep Tricia and Gwyneth away from people contact. Will that mean they cannot attend church when you get back to the OBX? :-( (I hope not!)

Also when you move back to the OBX, will you live with Tricia's mother, so she can help out with the baby? (And Meka!)

Anonymous said...

Okay, I'm confused now. You mentioned in your answers that Tricia's new lungs will never have CF in them. So, then why would she ever need another lung transplant? Thanks in advance for explaining that!

Unknown said...

I'm a lurker. Love hearing about your story. Very inspiring. I think your writing is great. You may already know this but you can make your blog into a printed out journal at blurp.com. It's really cool! Great memory keeper.

C said...

Until I read your story, and followed it for a few months, I had not committed to being an organ donor. Eveytime I renewed my license I would think about it but not sign. I just didn't want to give parts of my body away. I am a Christian and truly believe that when my earthly body is dead, my soul will go to Heaven. The body left here to be buried is just a shell, but still, I could not make myself sign. After following Tricia's story, I guess I began to feel as though now I KNEW someone who could actually benefit from organ donation. Although I have had a few minor ailments, I have always wondered why God has blessed me with such health while so many have major health issues. Maybe this is why, so I can pass on these healthy organs/tissues when I am gone from this earth. Looking back, my decision not to donate had been a very selfish one. So I have registered online in my state to donate upon death, and my husband is aware of my decision. I hope one day when I am gone that someone else will get the chance to live. I want to share God's blessing on me with others!

Justine, Romy's Mama said...

I bought a movement monitor for 100 bucks at babies r us for my 25 weeker when she came home. It's a life saver and I sleep better at night. I've never had a false alarm, and the reviews are all great. Just a thought. God Bless! We're rooting for your girls!

Unknown said...

1. You & your fam are an AMAZING testimony to God and your story strenthens my faith. 2. Read your old post about finances/seeking a Medical Social Worker..that happens to be me! :) Thanks for the shout-out--we can get bad raps for "taking people's kids away" but in the medical realm- we can be your best friend, and we get into this field to help people like you and enjoy it while we do.

Amy Lynn said...

Thanks so much for answering so many questions.

I am so happy to hear that Tricia is feeling better than she has in years. :)

I am so glad that you all are so close to returning home. I am sure your family and friends are so excited to have you home. :)

Scott said...

Thanks for all the info and we are still praying daily for all of you. Now for continued health and healing and the soon trip home to the OBX!

Alice Vogt said...

Thanx for the mention!!!! Celebrating 4 months exactly today!!!! YAYYYY!!!!!

Sasha said...

Thank you for answering! I look forward to the "how to make a video" post! I have been wondering how you do it!

HomeFree said...

You are so kind and humble to answer so many questions. Your blog has inspired me to consider what I should appreciate even more so. Thank you. As far as what people assume, I dont read all the comments but I want you to know I assume nothing, and know you owe us nothing. I pray for your family. Take care & God bless.

~Seth and Nancy~ said...

for our anniversary my husband put our blog in a book...thought it might be something you would be interested in down the line! with your creativity and pictures i'm sure it would turn out great. www.blurb.com is the site he used.
blessings, nancy

cindy baldwin said...

Dang... I missed the Q&A. I had a question for you: What do you and Tricia do when YOU have a cold or the flu or something?

TsMom ~ Karen ~ Durbette said...

Oh, what blessings you have all received from our Lord...

I'm so happy to be able to keep up with the wonderful happenings in your lives...

Go Lawrenson family!!!

Blessings & much prayer & respect for your family,

Karen

Brown Eyed Girl said...

I have been busy and wasn't able to send in my question to you. I am hoping you will still answer it. You had mentioned at one point that Tricia couldn't remember the hours leading up to her actual TX surgery. If she hasn't regained those memories is she happy that she had the "dry run" a few days earlier to know how excited and happy she must have been before the actual transplant?

Anonymous said...

Hi, are you going to show us the jewelry you ended up getting designed by Lisa Leonard? Would love to see it!! I just love her stuff!!!