Why I Decided Not to Get a Lung Transplant

After discussing it with my family and giving it a lot of thought, I decided not to pursue a lung transplant.

| 3 min read
Randal-Haller-Headshot
Randal Haller
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Growing up I didn't let cystic fibrosis get in my way. I enjoyed most everything others did. Fishing, bowling, and baseball have always been a part of my life. Living an active life, I feel, has kept me away from many of the difficult challenges my disease presents.

My first hospital stay didn't happen until I was 47. I had pneumonia and they discovered a large tracheal diverticulum. It's basically a pocket that collects the same infections as my lungs. My first dose of intravenous (IV) antibiotics worked wonders on my pneumonia. I am now 55 and dealing with the real challenges of CF. I recently started using oxygen due to the decline in my lung function. My care team discussed a lung transplant with me. I have chosen not to have the procedure done.

My decision not to have a lung transplant was a difficult one, but the right one for me. My reasons include the medical expenses and drug costs that would last the rest of my life. I refuse to leave debt to my loved ones and live a longer life but have no money to enjoy it. Another part of my decision is my tracheal diverticulum issue. A transplant wouldn't include the removal of it and bacteria could leak from it to my new lungs, which would most likely be a big problem.

The final deterrent for new lungs was how going through the whole process and learning about the requirements of qualifying for transplant made me feel. I went to bed stressed and woke up stressed as well. I was miserable until I made my decision.

I'm at peace with my choice not to have a transplant and my family supports and understands all of my reasoning. One of my favorite doctors told me he respected my decision and would do all he could to keep me going with the lungs I have.

I have lived a blessed life. My wife and I have six awesome grandkids. I have achieved everything I've wanted in my bowling journey. I have had multiple perfect 300 games, bowling titles, and awards in my 45 years of bowling. I have also been on championship baseball teams, gone sky diving, and even owned winning racehorses.

I choose to enjoy the memories I have and continue to create something new each day because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

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This site contains general information about cystic fibrosis, as well as personal insight from the CF community. Opinions and experiences shared by members of our community, including but not limited to people with CF and their families, belong solely to the blog post author and do not represent those of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, unless explicitly stated. In addition, the site is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

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Lung Transplantation
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Randal was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth in 1964. He grew up playing several sports, but bowling became his passion. In 1983, at the age of 19, Randal became the youngest winner of the Tacoma Masters, a locally televised tournament. Randal was inducted into the local SSUSBC Bowling Hall of Fame in 2005. Randal pursued a degree in Arts and Science, and after college, he worked 20 years as a postal clerk, retiring in 2004. Randal continues to bowl, averaging 217. He is married to Jeri Haller and enjoys spending time with his children, Josh and Stephanie, and his six grandchildren.

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