Patient Stories
You may be taking care of a child that has a hard time talking about how they feel. Below you’ll find stories about people of all ages. Watching them may help you and your child start a discussion of your own.
Kids: Rickey W.
San Jose, CA
12 years old
I have been dealing with the medications and treatments related to CF, so it’s all become just my routine. Sometimes everything can seem overwhelming, but I get over it pretty quickly and stay positive because I remind myself why it all needs to be done – to keep myself healthy.
I make my treatments and my medications the first and last thing in the day. As long as I keep taking care of myself, I have time and energy for the things I love, like soccer and video games.
Kids: Claire A.
San Jose, CA
6 years old
Watch a video showing how Claire and her parents balance CF, treatments, and Claire’s activities.
Teens: Emily S.
Birmingham, AL
14 years old
I am 14 years old and I am in the ninth grade. I didn’t really know what was going on, you know, I’d never heard of CF.
I was put on Pulmozyme like right after I was diagnosed “cause my doctor highly recommended it and he said that it was usually good to help maintain lung functions. So, I was put on it pretty much right away and been doing it ever since.
Teens: Jeff Y.
Fairlawn, NJ
15 years old
The most important part is that CF has given me a better outlook on life by empowering me with the knowledge that life doesn’t stop with a medical diagnosis.
My parents are very supportive to make sure that I stay as healthy as possible and am able to live as normal a life as I can. I am grateful for the help and support I have gotten from my network of family, friends and my community which allows me to have a positive attitude!
Young Adults: Jeremy K.
Alameda, CA
18 years old
Watch a video about Jeremy as he talks about balancing life with his prescribed CF treatments.
Young Adults: Sarah Y.
Fairlawn, NJ
18 years old
Life is about challenges and obstacles. Living with chronic illnesses can use one's strengths to help others. I am able to appreciate life and realize I have benefited from my illnesses and the many people who I have met that have added an extra dimension to my life.
Adults: Bridget K.
Stockton, CA
31 years old
Some days are easier than others. My inspiration comes from my family, friends and belief in myself. I try to remind myself that there are people in far more dire circumstances, that I should be grateful for what I do have.
CF doesn't define me, but it has necessitated the birth of a great strategy of how I approach the world. I believe it has made me more compassionate, aware of other points of view and flexible. When I can't meet all the goals I set for myself in exactly the way I'd like to, that's where the Plan B, C, D, etc. come into play. I call myself the "Queen of Plan B" because I always have back-up plans for when life throws an obstacle in my way.
Adults: Janine U.
Brooklyn, NY
52 years old
(median life expectancy for a person living with CF is 37)
I stay compliant because my life depends on it, and, in addition to doing the medications, these are the only bodies we have. If we don't take care of them, who will?
Adults: Theresa S.
Kennebunk, ME
44 years old
(median life expectancy for a person living with CF is 37)
I live one day at a time and believe that tomorrow always has something special in store for me.
I find inspiration in the incredible feats of other people. I believe that can accomplish my goals, no matter that I have CF.
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Treatment Tip
You can view the Webcasts with your child. Even better, you can fit in their prescribed treatment while they’re watching. Click here for more ideas on fitting in treatment.
Indication and Usage
Daily administration of Pulmozyme® (dornase alfa) Inhalation Solution along with standard therapies is indicated in the management of cystic fibrosis patients to improve lung function. In patients with a forced vital capacity (volume of air exhaled with maximum effort and speed) greater than or equal to 40% of predicted, daily administration of Pulmozyme has also been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring the administration of injectable antibiotics. In our pivotal study, safety and efficacy of daily administration has not been studied in patients beyond 12 months.
Important Safety Information
Pulmozyme should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients
Pulmozyme should be used along with standard therapies for cystic fibrosis
When starting Pulmozyme therapy, patients may experience change in or loss of their voice, discomfort in the throat, chest pain, red watery eyes, rash, dizziness, fever, or runny nose
These side effects are usually mild and short-lived
The effect of Pulmozyme on exercise tolerance has not been established in adults and children
For further information, please see the Pulmozyme full prescribing information. If you have questions, please discuss them with your CF healthcare team.
