Talking about lung transplantation is frightening. It was scary when it was initially introduced following my diagnosis nearly three years ago, and it continues to be difficult to talk about. This is despite all that I’ve been through with my disease progression over the years. Recently, I talked…
Living with IPF — a column by Charlene Marshall
It’s no secret that I love to travel. Upon receiving my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in 2016, my biggest fear was that this cruel lung disease would take away my physical ability to explore the world. While IPF has certainly changed how I travel, I am grateful…
There is no question that living with pulmonary fibrosis is exhausting for patients and caregivers alike. Those who may not have any experience with PF might assume that it is only a physically limiting disease. I would have thought the same before my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in…
It’s true what they say about life being unpredictable, and those living with a chronic illness know this better than anyone. Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) nearly three years ago, I have faced many uncertain times. And though I’m aware of the fickle nature of…
Relationships make the world go round, and connection with others is an essential part of our human existence. These range from the intimate ties between spouses to the close bonds between parents and children, siblings, and grandparents. Friendships and relationships with co-workers are also important in our…
I have never really believed in the importance of making New Year’s resolutions. That’s because I think people can choose to better themselves through personal goals or resolutions at any point in the year, not just when the calendar flips. I like thinking about what I’d like to…
So, here it is: the last of my gratitude miniseries columns for 2018. As I write this, tonight is New Year’s Eve, and I am looking forward to spending it reading each of these columns and reflecting on what a great year it has been. While many…
It’s no secret that life-threatening illnesses are overwhelming. Suddenly, patients must try to understand a flood of unfamiliar information, accept psychological and physical changes, and manage numerous appointments. Due to all of that, it is essential that patients find effective coping strategies. This is not something I’ve perfected,…
When I set out to establish a career some years ago, I couldn’t have foreseen that many of the skills that set me apart as a desirable employee would eventually be lost to a fatal illness. Unfortunately, this is now my reality as I continue my battle with…
Most of society thinks of grief in the context of a loved one’s death. However, people with chronic illness grieve other things as well, such as personal losses inflicted by disease. Since my 2016 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, I have become increasingly aware of the things I’ve…
