Bright Spot Sunflowers

12/18/2024

The rest of my year- as done as either a count down or a Christmas song since both are so popular this time of year:

https://brightspotsunflowers.com/2024/12/17/my-christmas-tune/

12/18/2024

As I'm looking at what I have on the calendar for the remainder of the year, I am astounded by what lays ahead. Though my first ILD Clinic (Interstitial Lung Disease) is not until December 23, my Pulmonologist has already ordered 4 tests that will help gauge the progress of my disease and be a strong indicator in the viability of a lung transplant....

As I’m looking at what I have on the calendar for the remainder of the year, I am astounded by what lays ahead. Though my first ILD Clinic (Interstitial Lung Disease) is not until December 23…

12/17/2024

Some light reading while I sit on hold with the insurance company. Nonstop parade of medical appointments since checking into the hospital on 8/20. All and all, we made it til December before any big problems but now this Chest CT and 's terrible customer service is really ending the year on a sour note.

Just keep swimming

12/13/2024

Today's Friday fun is fighting with Insurance company for needed tests before my pulmonologist appointment that they're rejecting for lack of documentation. Then we get to fight with the Medical Supply company (the same terrible conglomerate that mucks up my oxygen delivery) to accept my prescriptions for a durable wheelchair and rollator walker. Hopefully after those victories, an appointment with my P*P to address overcoming the vaccination hold ups and disability paperwork.
Being sick is hard work.
Enjoy those deep breaths today, friends. Please take a deep cleansing breath for me. 💕

12/08/2024

The cold has brought a litany of complications on my health and my comfort. Reflecting this morning and being honest about my condition ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

12/07/2024

I'm gonna need someone to explain to me a Bushy Chicken!

12/06/2024

My 66 year old Mama Driving my wheelchair through the streets of NYC when she can't find a sidewalk ramp. There was laughing, there was crying, there was almost peeing! LOL 🤣

12/03/2024

Now for something entirely different - time to attack my bucket list! Some are super simple, others are over the top crazy, and a handful have probably been knocked out just because I am physically no longer able to. Let this be your daily reminder- Do NOT postpone joy. You never know when you will no longer be able to do something....

Now for something entirely different – time to attack my bucket list! Some are super simple, others are over the top crazy, and a handful have probably been knocked out just because I am phys…

11/29/2024

Having a chronic illness means saying "No" when conditions aren't right. Canceling plans with friends today bc they aren't feeling well and when you're immunocompromised, it's not worth the risk. Sending love and long distance hugs to all of my friends today.
Time to find some Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals! Break out those passports, friends!

11/28/2024

11/27/2024

Undoubtedly the biggest part of my life and the singular thing that has brought me the most joy in my 42 years is performing. I have been blessed that I have run the gamut from community theater to Hollywood set, stunt woman, singer, and improvisational guru. When I was young I desperately wanted to be a model or an actress, but I was so shy that I could not grow beyond it and let myself shine....

Undoubtedly the biggest part of my life and the singular thing that has brought me the most joy in my 42 years is performing. I have been blessed that I have run the gamut from community theater to…

11/22/2024

A comparison walk of my hacienda style hotel in Azores vs our October 1 walk in our first outing ever. God bless my cane! These old buildings and old streets are not wheelchair feasible

11/19/2024

I think many people would agree that listening is a lost art. It's something we all long for: to be heard. By the world, by the people who mean something to us, by our true selves... An interesting symptom of my current situation means that I am especially well positioned to listen. Thankfully, I adore people, relationships, and effective communication, so being able to listen to the world around me and the people I encounter is truly a gift....

I think many people would agree that listening is a lost art. It’s something we all long for: to be heard. By the world, by the people who mean something to us, by our true selves… An i…

11/18/2024

My first trip out of the country with a POC and on a small airline. A LOT of paperwork and advanced communication and stress and worry. Thankfully everything went smoothly and my body performed admirably

11/14/2024

Going on 3 1/2 months with no income. Disability rejections and paperwork galore. I'm also applying for remote work wherever possible. In the meantime if you can please consider a donation or a share - I'm trying to stay positive, keep checking things off my bucket list, and live as much life as I can squeeze out

Born and raised in Manheim, PA Lancaster County, Shannon mana… Ian McCafferty needs your support for Brighten Shannon's Days: Donate for Medical and Living Costs

11/13/2024

It's been 2 months that I've been home from the hospital. I can hardly believe it both because it seems like so little time and yet it feels like it's been years. The number of changes that have occurred in my life from the moment I walked into the ER, I am still trying to process. I have known for the last 2 years that my lung capacity has been decreasing, and I was fighting a terrible, chronic cough that would last for hours every morning....

It’s been 2 months that I’ve been home from the hospital. I can hardly believe it both because it seems like so little time and yet it feels like it’s been years. The number of ch…

11/12/2024

Trying to balance life, business, developing illness and mobility issues - I love when the world just makes you stop and laugh

11/08/2024

First two sticks done! RSV and Pneumonia in 2 weeks. Doctors want me to get as many vaccines as I can because of the immunosuppressants

Quick, painless and administered by some kind pharmacists. Huzzah

11/05/2024

For everyone who fought for your right, please exercise it today! Despite my health challenges, this is one exercise I can still do!