It's Time for Hubby's Update

First of all, thank you to everyone for all your prayers and well wishes that you have been sending us. Just knowing that there are people out there who care, is comforting.

So, it's been a bit since I updated you all on the hubster's health. Yesterday we went to see another specialist for his Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, IPF as it is known in the medical profession. There was the usual x-rays, blood tests, and breathing tests. The x-rays showed inflammation in the lungs. The breathing test showed he is breathing at 27-28% of the expected norm. And the blood tests don't give immediate results.

This Dr. has put him on the immuno-suppressant called Cytoxan. The Dr. wants to bring down the inflammation in his lungs quickly. He feels that if we could get the inflammation under control, hubby would have a much better quality of life. Also has put him on a regiment of steroids.
We were also able to discuss a lung transplant possiblilty. We were told previously that he did not qualify for a lung transplant, and that was wrong. There should be no reason why he wouldn't qualify, but doc said, "getting a lung transplant is like trading diseases." From what I have studied, it is a constant battle to keep the body from rejecting a donated lung. And the time added to life is not as long as one might think. Doc said he would have better, longer life if we could get his lung inflammation under control, than if we went the transplant option way.

So that is where things stand. I am going into town today to pick up an armload of RXs and I guess we'll see what happens. Last time we tried this, hubby had 4 weeks of migraines. We are hoping for better results this time.

Just an added note for those who have made suggestions- Our state does not have a program where I can stay home and be paid to take care of hubby. I did get some help with our electric and gas bill for the next couple of months through a gov't program. And I'm still looking for a job.
Update completed.....for now :)

***A quick Thursday morning note-the Dr.s office called last night and said NO Imuran; so he is only taking the Cytoxan. And it did not make him sick!...Yay!! The steroids made him feel better than he's felt in months..until they wore off in the evening