When Trikafta was approved in late October 2019, I was overcome with a variety of emotions: anxiety, excitement, and skepticism. I spent many days pondering numerous questions in my already overloaded brain: “Is this drug for real? What exactly does it do? Is it as good as some people claim it to be? Will my insurance cover the cost? Will I see positive results? What does this mean for my future?” The very next morning after its approval, I was in contact with my CF clinic to receive Trikafta. 

On a daily basis, I was going on an internet and social media search frenzy: I was seeking out CF patients from the clinic trials to ask them about it; I was reading news articles; and I was browsing YouTube videos. I found myself devouring anything with Trikafta or “triple combo” mentioned. I even found myself putting my multi-lingual skills to the test by reading articles relating to the medical breakthrough in Italian, French, and Spanish. Although all these articles and clinical trial data touted this as a great medical breakthrough for cystic fibrosis, there was still a part of me doubting its achievements.

When Kalydeco® was approved in 2012, I was overjoyed for those who could benefit from it. Although my genetic mutation wasn't approved for Kalydeco, I knew this was a major stepping stone -- not only for cystic fibrosis research but also for modern medicine. I did have moments of jealousy that I couldn't benefit from Kalydeco, but I knew my day would come.

A few years later during the summer of 2015, I received a phone call from my CF clinic instructing me to come in immediately to fill out the paperwork for the newly approved, Orkambi®. I quickly researched the new medication and was excited to begin this journey. Was Orkambi the drug I had been waiting for? Was this a cure? Within a week, Orkambi was in my hands.

When I started Orkambi, I experienced two weeks of exhaustion and cold-like symptoms. My breathing seemed to improve, but I noted no changes in my appetite. I was disappointed when I went to my first clinic visit after starting Orkambi and noted a minimal increase in my pulmonary function and weight. Was my body rejecting Orkambi? Did I trick myself into thinking Orkambi was more than it was?

A few short years later, Symdeko® was newly approved, and I promptly switched. This time, I had fewer initial side effects but noted no change in my body's reaction. If anything, Symdeko (like Orkambi) was keeping me at my baseline.

Over the years, I've heard rumblings of this “triple-combination” therapy. Going off my prior experiences with Orkambi and Symdeko, I was doubtful it was truly different.

Around Halloween, I received my approval for Trikafta and figured it was time to unleash my inner superhero powers and vanquish my doubts. Despite my mix of emotions, I couldn't help but get excited to start this new journey.

Fast forward, I am overjoyed to announce that Trikafta has proven me wrong, shattering both my pessimistic attitude and expectations.

I received Trikafta almost four weeks after its FDA approval. It was a week before Thanksgiving when I returned home from work to see it waiting for me on my kitchen counter. The next morning at 6 a.m., I began another chapter of my life.

Within hours, I wasn't sure if it was my mind playing tricks on me or if what was happening to me was real. I was coughing more, bringing stuff up that looked like it came from a sci-fi movie. I felt like I had the beginning stages of a flu, but I pushed through and finished the last three workdays of the week.

That weekend I found myself getting air into parts of my lungs that I haven't felt since I was a child.

There are no words to describe the feeling of taking deep breaths and having it travel through your entire body. My cough was quickly subsiding as I began coughing up white, clear, saliva-looking mucus.

After consulting family, my CF clinic, and other Trikafta users, I was shocked to learn this is what normal mucus resembles. It wasn't my mind playing tricks on me; the medication was apparently doing its job.

Suddenly, my cough vanished, and I was met with an overpowering appetite. I was devouring any food in sight, having four meals a day and gaining weight. The leftovers from Thanksgiving didn't stand a chance with me always on the prowl. It was enjoyable to have a family holiday and not feel nauseous from hacking; for once, I didn't have to remove myself from the table to have a coughing fit and catch my breath.

As I progressed through the month of December, I honestly felt like a normal human being. I had energy; I was eating and gaining weight; I never coughed; my mental health was improving; and for once, I was looking forward to my next CF clinic visit. The changes my body was going through were noticeable to my family and friends -- for once, I felt like I was really living my life.

A little over a month since starting Trikafta, it was the real moment of truth … my first CF clinic visit of the new year. Although I was feeling amazing, I knew my mind wouldn't rest until my initial weigh-in and pulmonary function exam. During my visit I was informed that I had gained more than 15 pounds and my pulmonary function was up more than 15 points. My FEV1 was at a level I have not seen since my teenage years. Never in my wildest dreams would I expect to see a number in the mid-80s, but there it was. This was not a dream; this was reality.

While I was excited to share the great news about Trikafta's impact on my life over social media, I suddenly found myself feeling melancholy. On various online platforms, I was coming across CF patients who couldn't receive Trikafta whether it was due to their genetic mutation, their insurance coverage, or they were not in the United States. I also began thinking about all the CF patients who aren't here to partake in the joy of this new drug. One could call what I was feeling a variation of “survivor's guilt.” I was blessed with this life-changing medication, while others are struggling.

Hopefully soon, everyone who is eligible for Trikafta will receive it. For the CF patients who are not eligible for Trikafta, you are not forgotten! We all will not stop until there are options for the entire CF population; we are all in this together.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, my CF clinic, and the fundraising volunteers and donors who all had a hand in making this a reality. I'd also like to thank my parents, especially my mother, who has had a hand in helping me maintain my health throughout my life!