Re: Hi Janie, Margaret and all [1 Attachment]

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Joan. I love the picture of you and your grandson. WOW! I can't imagine having 13 grandchildren and the love & fun they must bring to you. I have two grandsons, 3 years & almost 1. I LOVE being a grandma. I have been on O2 since the oldest was born so they think the cannula is part of me. I always say, I'm the Nana with the built in toy". Janie (55; IPF 10/04; WI)Every day and in every way, I'm getting better and better.Subject: Hi Janie, Margaret and all [1 Attachment]To: Breathe-Support Date: Monday, July 20, 2009, 4:16 PM

Hi Folks -

Welcome Janie...I know that you'll find this group informative, caring, and willing to listen. I'm really being educated by all the posts. Well today is going to be another 'scorcher' by our standards (95-100+). I realize that's 'nothing' to folks in AZ and other hot spots, but I'm spoiled with our breezy, usually cool northern Calif. weather :<}

MARGARET: I can totally understand your reticience about the biopsy...I'm in a similar boat. I was referred by my Stanford pulmodude (as I've heard others call their drs. :<) to have a biopsy, called a cryo-bronchoscopy. They insert a tube down your throat and use an instrument to freeze, then snip a sample for biopsy. However, I'm not a candidate for that either and I'm too old and have too many things 'going on' to be considered for a transplant.

My ability to breathe and 'get around' has dropped greatly in the past 6 mos. I'm seeing all my various specialists for an ok to have an angiogram that goes into both heart chambers and then into both lungs for a 'look-see'. I too am overweight (have lost 50 lbs, but still need to lose more...a lifelong challenge for me). I'm diabetic, have heart disease, kidney disease, GERD, sleep apnea, etc. I'm fortunate to be loved and supported by many friends and my family. I enjoy reading, watercoloring, puzzles, word games, etc. And yes, each day is a new day and an opportunity to learn or see something wonderful and new! I've attached a photo of my w/, one of my oldest grandsons (he's a twin)...another blessing...I have 13 grandchildren to love and spoil!

Best wishes to you -

Joan

PF diag. 4/08, 71, CA

"life is not about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning to dance in the rain"