Well I expect most of you know the great news already from wonderful Uncle Grunc's comment on the previous post, but I thought I'd make it official by putting it into its very own post, because this is just the best news I have ever heard!!!

EMILY IS OFF THE VENTILATOR AND BREATHING FOR HERSELF WITH HER NEW LUNGS!!!

This is what we have all been waiting to hear and means that our awesome Emily is making great progress! I know from other people who have gone through double lung transplants, that their first breath with their new lungs is like no other they have ever experienced. I'm so very happy that finally Emily has had the chance to experience this.

I think we all know just how determined and focussed Emily is and I am sure that these qualities are going to be very significant over the coming days and weeks as she works on gradually getting her strength back and re-learning how to do all the things that she hasn't been able to do for so long. There may still be some tricky times ahead as recovery from an operation this huge takes months, but I know that with Emily's strength of character and zest for life, she will tackle every hurdle head on and with determination.

Even when Emily was struggling so much during the months before her transplant, she still managed to have plenty of inner bounce and sparkle. With a new pair of puffers I reckon there will be stopping her! I won't be able to see her for a few months unfortunately (due to cross-infection rules) but just knowing she has had her transplant and that she is now off the ventilator has already made my year, as it has done for so many other people.

Once again I'd like everyone to remember the family who gave Emily this gift and in doing so have given her life itself and a future. Emily, her family and friends can never thank them enough.

Thanks to everyone who has wished me well too. I had my operation this afternoon but was prepared to have a stand-up fight if I was prevented from getting to a computer to post this blog, seeing as I've waited two years to be able to pass on such positive news! I am doing fine though and will continue to update when there is more news. However I'm sure that as soon as Emily is a bit stronger and gets near to a computer she will be taking over the job again and I know we will all be so happy when that happens!