Charlene Marshall,  —

Following my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in early 2016, I was told that the doctors couldn’t predict how fast or slow my disease would progress. Since it was so “rare” that I had IPF before my 30th birthday, my medical teams were pretty transparent about not…

I am currently attending a professional development conference for work that is inspiring, enriching, and exhausting! Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in early 2016, it’s no secret that I no longer have the stamina to do all the things I once could. This includes…

It is natural for people to experience highs and lows throughout their lives. Significant highs may include milestone events such as marriage, a baby’s birth, or retirement. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a relationship breakdown are some examples of the lows we…

It is human nature to try and relate to one another, especially in times of difficulty. So, when a patient living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is having a tough time, it is natural for others to try and relate to our experience. Despite knowing that others intend to…

Since my 2016 IPF diagnosis, so much has changed for me. I can no longer participate in the sports I once enjoyed or go for a run to channel my energy or frustrations with the day. I can no longer maintain the social schedule I was so fond…

This is an ongoing series. Read the May 2018 entry here. Here it is: my gratitude miniseries column for June 2018. This means that we’re halfway through the year and, overall, I’d say it has been a better one for me, compared to the past few years. That isn’t…

Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in early 2016, I’ve had to ask for or accept help on multiple occasions. I am always appreciative of offers of help following an acute event such as an exacerbation, illness, or prolonged hospital stay due to my poor…

For patients living with a life-threatening illness, adjusting to change and reevaluating our abilities is an ongoing task. This is because the progression of our disease causes physical limitations and restrictions and our values may change over time. When our physical capabilities change, it is important to consider…

This is a difficult column to write because I have always enjoyed doing things for other people. However, since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in April 2016, I have had to learn the hard way that sometimes I need to put myself first. Lately, I am…

There are many different memes, quotes, and metaphors out there about how different personalities make us all unique. I am sure you can think of people you love who are entirely different in their personalities, and how each of them is skilled or excels at different tasks. They…