Living Beyond - a Column by Jennifer Bleecher

Many of the thoughts that cross my mind daily are specific to cystic fibrosis (CF). Recently, I’ve recognized that they’re not things that most people, including my family and healthy peers, have to think about. I’m not upset that the following topics are frequently on my mind. It’s just…

I had a virtual call recently with my cystic fibrosis (CF) physician, who’s also a lung transplant expert. More recently, he obtained credentials in palliative care as well. Since my double-lung transplant in 2020, I see him every few months under his palliative care hat. On this virtual…

Here in Pennsylvania, September is my favorite month. The summer humidity is gone, the sun is still warm, but there’s a slight chill in the air that’s new. If you’re observant, you can notice the leaves on the trees are not as vibrant. They start to look more frail as…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with a continuous glucose monitoring device. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor before using any new medical device. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is largely known as a respiratory disease. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system,…

I learned last week that my pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) physician had recently passed away. I say pediatric physician, but I was under his care from birth to age 44. I’m now 53. As I reflect on my experiences with him, I realize the CF patient-doctor relationship is unique…

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex disease that affects each of us differently. However, many outside factors impact our lives in ways healthy people often don’t realize. In this column, I want to spread awareness of one of the many challenges and stressors involved in living with CF:…

It’s utterly amazing to be able to breathe easily again, almost four years after having a double-lung transplant due to advanced cystic fibrosis (CF). It isn’t easy to put the enormity of the feelings into words, even now. Besides the vague discomfort from a scar that runs from…

“I’ve never run a race, but I want to,” I said to myself when I saw a registration link for the 27th annual Gift of Life Donor Dash, held last month in Philadelphia. I’m a 52-year-old with cystic fibrosis (CF), insulin-dependent cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, stage 3 chronic…

Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) feels like riding on a never-ending roller coaster. There are highs and lows, unexpected pitfalls, and twists and turns around every corner. Like a roller coaster, the paroxysmal journey of CF leaves us feeling ill much of the time. But life moves forward,…

If I didn’t have cystic fibrosis (CF), I’d be rich. This thought has crossed my mind many times throughout my adult life. While I can’t prove I’m right, I know I’ve certainly spent an absurd amount of money on CF-related expenses. Living with CF has had many physical,…