TWO YEARS AGO TODAY

April 22, 2022 It was just about this time of day, two years ago I got the call: “Mr. Roy, would you like to come to the hospital for a new pair of lungs?” After four months of being on oxygen 24/7, six weeks of pre-hab training and exercise, I was ready, but didn’t expect to be called at least for a another 3 to 4 weeks. It was a very sudden “game on!”

Today, I’ve been thinking back a lot to that day. The nation was in the early grips Covid, only six weeks into the pandemic. Duke Hospital had a strict no visitor policy, so when Susie dropped me at the front door, is was unclear if I would ever see her or any of my family or friends again. It was surreal, but it was what was up next in my life. Nothing to do but step into it with as much calmness as I could muster. For the next seven hours, I lay on a gurney in a holding area awaiting the word if the donor lungs were vibrant enough for the transplant. I was Zooming with my daughters and closest loved ones during this time. It was quite emotional. So much for the calmness! Once the calls were over there was nothing left but to sit alone and await the verdict.

Just before midnight, a team of nurses descended on me. “It’s a go!” and in a matter of minutes I was wheeled into the operating room. I chit chatted with the crew about their roles and what type of music would be playing during the operation. They manuerved my body into a contorted position, strapped me down, and said take a few deep breaths……………..

Looking back on that day, i can remember it in great detail, but at the same time it feels so long ago.

Once again, my life is very full and blessed, but this time I feel a lot a lot more gratitude. I know how lucky, blessed, fortunate, whatever words you want to use, to have new working lungs and the good health to move forward and enjoy my life, friends, family, travel and the privilege of everyday life.

Most are not so lucky. Of the cadre of Duke transplants in April 2020 there have been a variety of outcomes, few better than mine. Some are no longer with us, others have been in and out of hospital for the last two years. I got a great match and me and “Sam & Dave” are getting along famously.

Strangely, the Covid epidemic was an advantage for me. The first year I had to remain pretty isolated, but so did everyone. A lung transplant saps about 40% of your physical strength so it was a slog workingout to get stronger, but I did make progress and am back to playing golf again.

Today I feel great, better than I have in years! Amazing what being fully oxygenated will do for you! I quite serious about scratching experiences off my “bucket list” these days, so we have been busy traveling.

A highlight was returning with my whole family to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2022. It was such fun. A special shout to Nan Parati for our costume creation.

One of my goals is to travel west and visit Montana, the Dakotas and the Canadian Rockies. Having never been there its definitely a bucket list item. To make that happen, we purchased a Sprinter van we’ve named “Boudreaux.”

We just took a week long maiden voyage to Key West and got acclimated to van life. We did well on our first trip, and will take off again in June for 3 weeks out west. This time we will only make it to Colorado, Utah and New Mexico before making a u-turn for home. Next summer we will head to the Northwest.

So on this two year anniversary my prognosis is very good but I’m taking nothing for granted. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to many people to be where I am today. Drs. Tom Chandler, Jack Haney, and Jordan Whitson. My partner Susie and her son Mo made tremendous sacrifices for my well being. Emma, Molly and Juliana gave me reason to keep fighting. Ann and Lex Alexander did so much and made our time in Durham so much better. And all of my dear friends that continued to send love and support. I appreciate you so much! Hopefully, I will have many more anniversaries, and we will enjoy more good times ahead.