Message regarding Mike M (Mango Man)

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

Mike (Mango Man) has requested that I update the group regarding what is going on with him. His pulmonologist let him know that his most recent pft had dropped overall about 20% from his last one in September and apparently that one had dropped 20% from the one in May. Long story short his advice was that it was time to call in and request the support of hospice. So that is what he and his lovely wife Sandy are doing now....working on getting things set up the way they need to get Mike the comfort and support for this part of his journey.

Mike specifically requested that I mention that though many of us live alot longer than the often heard 3 years or so, Mike is someone in whom the disease has progressed much faster. That is the flip side of the coin and it's impossible to predict who will be stable for a long time and whose disease will progress quickly. The most important thing is to cherish every moment we have, spend time with those we love and don't take anything for granted.

I know you all join with me in wishing Mike well. I think of Peggy and how much help her hospice organization is helping to make her life enjoyable again. My hope is that hospice can do that for Mike too and that he has many days ahead.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08