All systems a Go Go!! #clipperrace #doublelungs

Countdown to Clipper 11-12

Well it has certainly been a roller-coaster towards the build up of my departure. I had intended the last month to be actively training in my specific sports entering in the British Transplant Games on my returns (and keep training 5 x week). However, a virus and then an infection wiped out all my energies and I was very unwell, so it forced me to rest and take things easy. Then, a scare that I may have a problem with my left eye and it required me to be referred to see an eye specialist. Initially the word cataract was mentioned as my drugs can cause this as a side effect. However, someone must be on my side as whatever the problem was has rectified itself and I need to go back again in 4 months for a check up. My lungs/health check up went well this week too, and my Doctor said see you after your sailing :)

I have been unhappy I guess with how things have panned out, but as many people said - it's better now than whilst at sea, to which I totally agree with! I know being immuno-suppressed makes it harder to fight and guess wiped me more than I thought. However, the good news is I am feeling better and just making sure I do take it easy and no point now resuming my 5 x week training. 

I know doing this is to raise awareness as a Transplant Ambassador, and I have been lucky to feature in local newspapers, radio, sailing magazines, sailing websites and even an Italian newspaper! I've yet still to do more PR work in New York and hopefully the other countries my sailing trip takes me too. My story is spreading and not only raising awareness on Organ Donation, but also for LAM disease and of the Clipper 11-12 Race itself. This is also as a personal goal/challenge for me to achieve and the most difficult one since my transplant. My emotions have been all over the place and I have gone through the whole spectrum from excitement to the absolute fear of being petrified as know at times it will not be easy at all!

My condition that brought about my transplant, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, is a truly horrific disease and I am trying to raise funds to help research into finding a cure to helps others for the future. I have set up a Just Giving Link if anyone would like to donate please on. Thanks.

http://www.justgiving.com/JUSTINE-LAYMOND1 

So...what's left? I am now in the process of packing and re-packing, it's not easy, and everything is in zip freezer bags in dry bags. Then, my 2 months worth of pills which have been organised and removed from their boxes and further organised into daily and weekly bags.

So much organisation is required and careful planning, also, making sure all relevant paperwork is printed and taken with me.

I will miss so much about my life here, and know when I DO finally return home it will be the most incredible feeling and I have already shed some tears. I will be at sea on July 9th, to which will be my 6th anniversary post my double-lung transplant, and it will be an emotional time thinking of my donor. I do think of my donor daily and know without his kindness signing the organ donor register and/or making his wishes known to be one - I wouldn't be alive.

I will have satellite email - and just trying to finalise these plans and if anyone wants to contact me - please let me know ASAP. For updates on this venture, if you scroll down a couple of blog entries I have already typed up all this information for anyone still wanting to know. As for my returns to the UK, there is a group already wanting to be there for me - if you also would like to be included, please HOLLA quick and I will pass your email to my Dad who will be finalising the plans. But don't delay as I leave June 1st!!!!!

I would like to thank again everyone who has helped me in whatever way, whether with sponsorship to help with funds needed that my initial sponsorship didn't cover, items purchased on my Amazon wish list, and for just all the constant love and support. Sending my gratitude right back at you!

That's all for now.....I may get to write another blog before I go - but if not...please wish me luck please. Thanks :)

And so I leave you all with my motto I made up and live by "Always Smiling and Always Will" xx