We are waiting patiently here in Los Altos and I realize I have not been a very diligent updater. I have an appointment with the tx team tomorrow and I will give a full report on my health status after I meet with them. It's been a rough few weeks but I feel like I am at least holding my own right now so that is encouraging.
For now, I just wanted to share something a little different. I have never recorded my dreams before and I usually can't remember anything about my dreams once I wake up no matter how much I want to recall them. I had a very vivid dream last week and it has stayed with me all week. In fact, I have thought of it every day and want to record it here so I will always remember it.
Dreaming about Lexi is a gift. It doesn't happen often, maybe a few times a year (that I'm aware of), but when I wake up and I realize I've dreamed about Lex, I immediately try to fall back asleep into that same dream so I can see her again. It never works! Last week when Lexi was with me in my dream, I woke up and found I could remember every detail about the dream. I don't think it is a coincidence, I think I am supposed to remember this dream...especially as I am being wheeled into the operating room.
I was on an operating table, all prepped and ready to go. The room was big, light and spacious. Derek Shepherd and Meredith Grey may or may not have been there but Lexi definitely was. She was not only there, she was laying on the operating table with me. She was holding my hand and we were both calm and comfortable. As the surgeons started explaining they were going to put me to sleep and then make the incision etc. etc., I asked them where my sister was going to be as they were operating. They looked at me and said so clearly, "Oh, she's going to stay right there on the bed with you."
I thought this was a very unorthodox allowance and questioned if it was a good idea. In my dream, I didn't get the message because it was so real. But, when I woke up, I was struck with the significance and was grateful once again for the reassurance I am constantly receiving.
SUPPORT THIS FUNDRAISER
RELATED LINKS
Sharlie's Angels Facebook Page
Keep up with Sharlie's updates on Facebook.
Sharlie's Blog
Follow Sharlie's progress.
PERSONAL PAGES
RECENT UPDATES
- An Update on SharlieMarch 2nd, 2012
As most of you know by now, Sharlie underwent a successful double lung and heart transplant surgery on February 16th. You can follow her progress at facebook.com/sharliesangels.
I have inc…Read more..
For Sharlie Kaltenbach, Living IS the Dream. Please join us in becoming one of Sharlie’s Angels.
Sharlie desperately needs a heart/lung transplant. Her life depends on it.
Sharlie’s family and friends are uniting to fund this expensive procedure. We have been told the transplant, rehabilitation and related expenses could exceed insurance coverage by several hundred thousand dollars. We are so very grateful for the “Sharlie’s Angels” who have stepped forward to raise money for this cause…climbing to dizzying heights; running hundreds of miles, launching websites, even setting up lemonade stands. Thank you! We love Sharlie and are humbled that you would join this battle simply out of the goodness of your hearts, simply because you care. You have made a difference and we are forever indebted to you. We are asking everyone who knows and loves Shar to forward this page to your contacts and to keep Sharlie, her husband Ryan and their four-year-old son Harrison in your prayers.
Sharlie is a beautiful, vibrant 32-year-old wife and mother who was born with Cystic Fibrosis. You can get a sense of her indomitable spirit by clicking on the You Tube video on the upper left-hand side of this page. That Shar has lived as long as she has, and delivered a healthy son, was thought to be impossible. Now, however, one of her lungs has failed completely, and the other only functions at 18-percent of normal. When Sharlie’s right lung collapsed, her heart moved over to fill that empty cavity. Because of the damage sustained, we have recently learned that Sharlie needs a new heart in addition to a new set of lungs. Sharlie’s loving light is dimming, like a candle starved of air. Will you join us in becoming one of “Sharlie’s Angels?”
A little more about this remarkable woman…
On, March 19, 1979, Sharlie became the newest member born into a family with three older, healthy siblings. It wasn’t until 14 months later that she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – a chronic, degenerative, terminal disease. At the time of her diagnosis, Sharlie wasn’t expected to live past the age of 10. Two months after Sharlie’s diagnosis, her mother, Collette, gave birth to another baby girl, Lexi, who was also diagnosed with CF.
Growing up, Sharlie and Lexi were inseparable. They grew even closer due to the common bond of living with Cystic Fibrosis. Sharlie watched her younger sister; best friend, confidante and playmate physically degenerate before her eyes. Sadly, Lexi lost her life to Cystic Fibrosis at the tender age of 14. She and her mother lovingly held Lexi as she passed from this life into the next, leaving Sharlie to continue on her journey without her little sister.
Today, at the age of 32, Sharlie has beaten many odds, not the least of which has been outliving her original life expectancy by more than 22 years! Sharlie is an accomplished writer and has spoken to audiences around the world. She has taken a proactive approach to her own health, studying nutrition and healing.
Sharlie gracefully balances being a wife to Ryan and mother to their darling Harrison with taking care of herself and keeping up with her rigorous daily schedule of treatments and exercise. She also finds great fulfillment in enriching the lives of those around her. She serves as a youth leader in her church and loves being involved in the Cystic Fibrosis community – raising awareness, fundraising, connecting with others with CF online and speaking at CF functions. In 2010, Sharlie was honored with the prestigious “Woman Who Takes Our Breath Away” award from the San Diego Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was the keynote speaker at the annual CF Gala.
We have had people ask if they can send a donation by mail. Absolutely! Please make checks out to:
Sharlie Kaltenbach Medical Fund and send them in care of Sharlie’s brother, Dax Ross. The address is: 896 Summer Moon Road, San Marcos, CA 92078.
One final note:
Please send any pictures of your fund-raising efforts to dax@larsenglobal.com. We would be honored to add you to our photo gallery. And again…thank you!
Sharlie's Angels updates.
An Update on Sharlie
March 2nd, 2012
As most of you know by now, Sharlie underwent a successful double lung and heart transplant surgery on February 16th. You can follow her progress at facebook.com/sharliesangels.
I have included some of the updates from the surgery and recovery below. Sharlie, Ryan, and our whole family are so full of gratitude for all of the people who helped make this possible for Sharlie. The acts of kindness and generosity we have witnessed over that past months have been humbling and will never be forgotten.
Thank you.
2/16
Sharlie has been taken to the OR. They'll begin shortly. Prayers, tears and lots of hope.
UPDATE: The surgeons have successfully removed her old, well used, and well loved heart and lungs. This step was one of the significant hurdles given how compromised her chest cavity had become after her right lung collapsed back in high school. We're being told the new heart and lungs look beautiful. All is well.....all is well.
UPDATE: Shar's new organs are in place....her trachea and heart have been sewn in. Her lungs are next. Apparently they're on the large side.We've learned the donor was an adult. We anxiously await meeting the donor's family to share our condolences and gratitude. We hope their pain can be lessened knowing their loved one gave life to another. I can't think of a more appreciative recipient.
Success! The head surgeon just came out and gave us the great news. Her heart is functioning well. Her lungs are already up to 50%, a level she's never been at before. They believe her lung function will rise as she heals. We'll have a better idea about the health of her new lungs shortly. We were able to see her for a short moment when they wheeled her out....she looked so peaceful. We'll be able to see her soon. We're so thankful for your love and support.
2/17
We just visited with one of Sharlie's surgeons at her bedside. He called her new heart and lungs "pristine". They had to turn down her oxygen while we were in there......she was providing more than they thought she would be:) She'll be extubated/awake in a couple hours and they'll have her sitting up before the end of the day. “Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles.”
Sharlie's first words..."I love you"! She is fully awake and can't stop saying thank you! Her donor came up in the conversation and she immediately began sobbing and saying, "I'm so grateful, I'm so grateful, I'm so grateful." She is sore and uncomfortable, but is doing great. Joy.
2/19
Today has been difficult on Shar and on us. Her nausea and pain hasn't improved much. She didn't sleep today like she did yesterday so it's been never-ending purposeful breathing and meditation interrupted by agonizing bouts of vomiting without proper rest. We're by her side to help her with her every need every moment of the day yet we all feel so useless to truly make her feel better. We would all like to fast forward a few months, but we know that's not possible. This long road of recovery will only make all of us, especially Shar, that much more grateful for the incredible capacity for life she has in front of her. You can't possibly know the lift you have been to Sharlie and all of us on #TeamShar. I've read your messages, a few dozen at a time, at her bedside. They're one of the only things that can take her mind away from pain for a time. Much love to you all.
2/27
Big improvement today......she had a better night's sleep and her pain is much more manageable. Unlike yesterday, she's been able to converse and visit with Suedy, her Mom, and I. We hope the days of barely manageable pain are behind her. With those out of the way, we're all confident she can continue with incremental daily improvement.
2/28
It's been another "2 steps forward" day. Sharlie's docs recommended she set a goal to walk for 15 straight minutes...so, she did it twice:) We've covered every square inch of the Intermediate ICU wing over the past week. On today's first 15 minute "marathon" we started talking about future walks around our favorite local place, Huddart Park (attached pic). What a healing place...we can't wait. I'm still reading Sharlie your messages everyday. She continues to gain strength from your love. Thank you for the continued prayers and support.
The Mother of All Updates
November 1st, 2011
Not to be confused with"the mother of all hot wheels tracks" which is the current internet video that is requested daily from Harrison!
Well we've been here about two months now and it has been a full two months! We have tried to make life here as normal as possible and we have a pretty good routine. We obviously miss home dearly but are doing our best to make this waiting time an "adventure!"
Los Altos is a charming community and we are within walking distance of the library and the adorable, quaint town center with yummy restaurants and cute boutiques. My brother Dax described the beauty of this place better than I could. He wrote about his time here on his blog. He traveled here to help us move in and as much as I appreciated his help lifting heavy boxes, setting up our computers, setting up my treadmill, and making yummy meals for us, I appreciated even more his calming brotherly presence. That presence, with his gentle shoulder squeezes and his ability to make me laugh, started our time here in the right spirit.
When we first got here, I was just off a "tune-up" (otherwise known as a three week stay in the hospital), so I was feeling relatively good. My lungs felt clear and I had a refreshing energy which was I'm sure part due to the fact that we had taken this step towards transplant and the burden of "not knowing" had lifted.
I met with my surgeons and also met the CF team here for the first time. I was encouraged by my meeting with the surgeons who would be preforming my transplant. They were very professional, yet down-to-earth. They answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed. Ryan recorded most of our conversation and I will summarize my questions and their answers in a separate post. The bottom line is that I felt very comfortable with them and had that reaffirming "good, peaceful" feeling while talking to them. Despite that good feeling, after talking to them, the reality of everything hit me very strong, and I couldn't help crying the whole way home. Ryan just held my hand and let me cry. I knew he understood. When I got home my mom hugged me and said something to this effect, "crying doesn't mean you're weak or afraid, it just means you are letting yourself feel this experience." It was comforting because I didn't know exactly why I was crying after having a good, positive appointment and I realized I was just allowing myself to "feel" the enormity of the situation without letting go of the peace and hope that is so prevalent.
These last few weeks have been a little bit rough as I got a cold that started out as a sore throat and quickly turned into fevers and congestion. Unfortunately, I am resistant to any oral antibiotics that could help and I couldn't bear the thought of going back in the hospital so I just tried to deal with it on my own by upping my treatment schedule, getting lots of rest and increasing my supplements. When the CF clinic found out I hadn't called them as soon as I started getting sick, they were NOT happy. They scheduled an appointment and then admitted me once they saw me. I am used to going into the hospital on my own terms and I felt like they were putting me in because they didn't trust me so it was very hard.
Being in a new hospital with new doctors and nurses who didn't know me was discombobulating and my physical and emotional well being spiraled downhill quickly. I wasn't sleeping well or eating well and the miscommunication was frustrating to say the least. After two days of being physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, I did something I've never done. I asked my doctor to let me go home. There had been a failed PICC line attempt so I still just had a peripheral I.V.. I told him that I thought they had jumped the gun on admitting me and begged for a week to prove that I could get better on my own without committing to three to four weeks of I.V.'s plus more hospital time. He let me go on the condition that I would come in if there was any decline and that I would come to clinic in a week so he could reassess the situation. It was such a VICTORY! I continued what I had started at home before they put me in and although I am not back to baseline, I am gaining strength every day and am so glad to be home healing with my family.
That follow up appointment took place on Friday and although I was a little nervous they would think I hadn't improved enough, I felt confident in the progress I had made. Fortunately, they could also see the improvement and didn't feel I needed to be readmitted. What a relief!! I am a very compliant patient and need to work on being assertive and advocating for myself, so this was a very good lesson for me. I knew what my body needed and even though it was challenging for me to voice it to my doctor, he listened and trusted me in the end. I know that experience was good for my confidence in communicating with my doctors and will serve me in my future encounters with them.
I am so grateful for the prayers that have continued in my behalf and am certain that they played a big part in me being able to endure these past few weeks and get home from the hospital quickly. I am so so grateful for your love, support and prayers always!
Some Say I'm a Dreamer...
October 19th, 2011
The Miracle Preceding the Miracle
September 29th, 2011
I am praying for the miracle of a new heart and new lungs that will allow me to take a deep breath, which is something I have never done before. I believe in miracles and I feel a peace and a calm reassurance that my family and I will be blessed with this miracle. However, whatever the outcome of this journey will be, this is a truth... we have ALREADY EXPERIENCED A MIRACLE!
We have been overcome with emotion and gratitude these past few months as those around us have rallied to support us in so many ways. Our families, our friends, church friends, high school friends, facebook friends, CF friends, fellow bloggers and even strangers have enveloped us in a tight knit cocoon of strength and love that has held us steadfast in faith and hope. The fear, worry and anxiety that could abound in this situation has been completely replaced by gratitude and love. There is no time to be anxious, worried or afraid because I am too busy being overwhelmed by the raw goodness of people and absorbing the light and love that is being sent to me through Facebook, e-mails, my blog and our fundraising site!! It fills my heart and leaks out my eyes!!
There is a reason this blog is called Sharlie's Angels. No matter how difficult our challenges are, I believe our Father in Heaven is aware of every single one of us and knows exactly how to comfort and succor us. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by these earth angels who lift me in my most vulnerable times. As we began this transplant journey, it was no exception. We have been so humbled by the angels that have simply swarmed to us during this time of need. Amazing things have happened since we accepted that it was time for me to have a transplant. As I said, it has been a MIRACLE. A series of miracles really. In my next few posts, I want to highlight a few of my angels and how they have helped ease our burdens.
To start this off, I want to express my gratitude to Jessica Erickson and Mique Provost. In one of my earlier posts I wrote, "Ask NOT and ye shall RECEIVE!" Before I had even started this transplant process, Jessica urged us to set up a medical account so she could start fundraising for my upcoming transplant or any other medical costs. It's amazing how she perceived this need without me ever asking anything of her. That is the kind of friend she is. Jessica is truly like a sister to me and has always been there for me (for 24 years!!). Mique is also like a sister, a wonderful older sister! I love these girls and their whole family with all my heart. Yesterday I went online and discovered that Jess and Miq had put together this amazing shop. Seriously?! How did I get so lucky to have best friends like them?! See, I told you...ANGELS!
Stanford Update
August 25th, 2011
It's hard to type when tears of gratitude keep blurring my vision. What I have been fervently praying for, came to pass tonight. To quote my mom, "I feel another miracle coming on!"
During the first week in August I traveled to Stanford to undergo their Double Lung Transplant Evaluation. It was four days of extensive medical tests. Although it was physically (and mentally) draining, I felt a sure sense of peace and calm that was very reassuring. For the duration of the evaluation, I knew many prayers were being heard and answered in my behalf because of the strength and hope I felt. I connected very well with the team there and despite a few concerns they mentioned to me during our clinic appointment, I felt extremely confident that the following Monday (August 8th)I would receive the great news of acceptance to their program.
I did receive a call on August 8th and was initially shocked when the doctor explained to me that after looking at the results of all of my tests, the surgeons would not consider doing a double lung transplant on me. Because my right lung collapsed in 1996, all of my organs had shifted and were stuck together with the sticky scar tissue and remnants of my damaged right lung. Ryan and I were on the phone together and we nearly crumbled with fear and uncertainty when we received that news. However, the doctor went on to explain that there was a slight possibility the surgeons would consider doing a double lung/heart transplant. They needed more information and wanted to request all my CT scans and X-ray's from 1995 on to try and track the progression of what happened to my right lung and to my heart. They gently told me to be patient and that they would be in touch when they got the information they needed.
We were with my whole family when we got that call and what we thought would be an evening of celebration, turned into a somber evening of tears, hugs and comfort. By the end of the night, we, as a family, had resolved to remain hopeful and start working on Plan B by researching centers who may be more familiar with my unique situation and/or more willing to take high risk patients. I still felt like even if Stanford would not do a double lung tx, but would do a heart/lung tx, they would be my first choice. We decided to pray specifically for that but also that we would continue to be guided and led in other options as well. After the initial disappointment wore off, the calm reassurance that this was in the Lord's hands returned fully and I was gently reminded to keep trusting.
My last request that night to my family was that we have the time of our lives the next few weeks while we awaited further notice. Chels and her whole family were here and I wanted to enjoy our cherished time with them. I did NOT want to perpetuate fear and worry but wanted to celebrate the love that exists in our family and have FUN!! Have fun we did and I have the pictures to prove it! I guess they took my request seriously because my mom drew up quite the itinerary....look forward to an upcoming post with all the details of the BEST two weeks of my year so far!
In the mean time, my mom and Ryan's dad Terry both immediately started extensive research and were both very impressed with Duke as they do over 100 lung tx's a year and despite the fact that they accept the riskiest patients who have been denied at other centers, have a very high success rate. We went ahead and started the process to get evaluated at Duke as well. I am scheduled to be evaluated there on Aug. 29th.
As you can imagine, it was quite a feat for Stanford to get all of the records they needed, let alone review them (there were likely nearly 200 films to look at!) After finally receiving all of the films, they presented my case at their meeting again tonight and I got a call from them letting me know that after careful consideration, the surgeons feel confident that a heart/double lung tx will be successful. They have accepted me to their program. I was so choked up after the news that the tx coordinator said, "are you still there?" I was there, I just couldn't talk with a lump of gratitude and relief in my throat!
Stanford was aware of and respectful about my desire to pursue Duke as another option and in fact, they sent Duke all of the results of my evaluation. After a lengthy discussion with my family tonight and following the impressions of my heart, I have decided to cancel the appointment with Duke and move forward with Stanford. I cannot discount the peaceful feelings I had there and the connection I felt with their team. I am 100% confident that they want me to survive and have only had my best interests in mind.
There is much more to discuss but I will update again soon with our next steps on this journey!
So many prayers of gratitude have already been said in our home tonight. We have expressed gratitude to our Heavenly Father for not only this outcome but also for the wonderful people in our lives who have held us in their hearts and remembered us in their prayers. We have asked that blessings will be poured out upon you for your love and goodness! Thank you, thank you!
During the first week in August I traveled to Stanford to undergo their Double Lung Transplant Evaluation. It was four days of extensive medical tests. Although it was physically (and mentally) draining, I felt a sure sense of peace and calm that was very reassuring. For the duration of the evaluation, I knew many prayers were being heard and answered in my behalf because of the strength and hope I felt. I connected very well with the team there and despite a few concerns they mentioned to me during our clinic appointment, I felt extremely confident that the following Monday (August 8th)I would receive the great news of acceptance to their program.
I did receive a call on August 8th and was initially shocked when the doctor explained to me that after looking at the results of all of my tests, the surgeons would not consider doing a double lung transplant on me. Because my right lung collapsed in 1996, all of my organs had shifted and were stuck together with the sticky scar tissue and remnants of my damaged right lung. Ryan and I were on the phone together and we nearly crumbled with fear and uncertainty when we received that news. However, the doctor went on to explain that there was a slight possibility the surgeons would consider doing a double lung/heart transplant. They needed more information and wanted to request all my CT scans and X-ray's from 1995 on to try and track the progression of what happened to my right lung and to my heart. They gently told me to be patient and that they would be in touch when they got the information they needed.
We were with my whole family when we got that call and what we thought would be an evening of celebration, turned into a somber evening of tears, hugs and comfort. By the end of the night, we, as a family, had resolved to remain hopeful and start working on Plan B by researching centers who may be more familiar with my unique situation and/or more willing to take high risk patients. I still felt like even if Stanford would not do a double lung tx, but would do a heart/lung tx, they would be my first choice. We decided to pray specifically for that but also that we would continue to be guided and led in other options as well. After the initial disappointment wore off, the calm reassurance that this was in the Lord's hands returned fully and I was gently reminded to keep trusting.
My last request that night to my family was that we have the time of our lives the next few weeks while we awaited further notice. Chels and her whole family were here and I wanted to enjoy our cherished time with them. I did NOT want to perpetuate fear and worry but wanted to celebrate the love that exists in our family and have FUN!! Have fun we did and I have the pictures to prove it! I guess they took my request seriously because my mom drew up quite the itinerary....look forward to an upcoming post with all the details of the BEST two weeks of my year so far!
In the mean time, my mom and Ryan's dad Terry both immediately started extensive research and were both very impressed with Duke as they do over 100 lung tx's a year and despite the fact that they accept the riskiest patients who have been denied at other centers, have a very high success rate. We went ahead and started the process to get evaluated at Duke as well. I am scheduled to be evaluated there on Aug. 29th.
As you can imagine, it was quite a feat for Stanford to get all of the records they needed, let alone review them (there were likely nearly 200 films to look at!) After finally receiving all of the films, they presented my case at their meeting again tonight and I got a call from them letting me know that after careful consideration, the surgeons feel confident that a heart/double lung tx will be successful. They have accepted me to their program. I was so choked up after the news that the tx coordinator said, "are you still there?" I was there, I just couldn't talk with a lump of gratitude and relief in my throat!
Stanford was aware of and respectful about my desire to pursue Duke as another option and in fact, they sent Duke all of the results of my evaluation. After a lengthy discussion with my family tonight and following the impressions of my heart, I have decided to cancel the appointment with Duke and move forward with Stanford. I cannot discount the peaceful feelings I had there and the connection I felt with their team. I am 100% confident that they want me to survive and have only had my best interests in mind.
There is much more to discuss but I will update again soon with our next steps on this journey!
So many prayers of gratitude have already been said in our home tonight. We have expressed gratitude to our Heavenly Father for not only this outcome but also for the wonderful people in our lives who have held us in their hearts and remembered us in their prayers. We have asked that blessings will be poured out upon you for your love and goodness! Thank you, thank you!
Sharlie's Angels Donors.
|
-
Art & Lori Barter gave $10,000.00September 7th, 2011
-
Anonymous gave $5,000.00August 22nd, 2011
"You epitomize courage, grace and strength of spirit in every aspect of your life. You are truly a woman, "who takes our breath away." With love and admiration."
-
Anonymous gave $3,000.00August 21st, 2011
"We love you Shar and would do anything for you. You are always on our prayers."
-
Prudence gave $2,500.00September 2nd, 2011
"You are in our thoughts and prayers, Sharlie! "
-
Chai*5 gave $90.00December 31st, 2011
"Sharlie, You are always in my prayers, & every time we say a prayer for healing at synagogue. Chai (18) means life and I wish you 2 beautiful lungs and a beautiful new heart to live on many life times. And for now, a most happy new year."
-
Anonymous gave $100.00December 29th, 2011
-
Merry Christmas gave $100.00December 28th, 2011
-
The Hills Family Dentistry of San Elijo Hills gave $100.00December 28th, 2011
"Our Dental Practice & The Martin Family would like to give a donation as our Christmas gift to you. We have been touched by your story. We wish you and your family all the best. "
Hugs for Sharlie's Angels.