Chicago

What a great trip to see my Utes play (get beat) by Notre Dame. Traveled with the two best sons a Dad could possibly have. I was even able to keep up with them down Michigan Avenue, up the John Hancock building, Ginos East deep dish pizza, 127 hours movie, Wrigley Field, and a beautiful campus tour.

Chicago....my kind of town!

Everything is holding steady so I'll take it witha smile.

Dwight

Golf Medication

I have determined that the very best cure for this disease is Golf! Last Monday, my son Carter and my nephew Dave from Arizona, and myself, played 18 holes at Hobble Creek Golf Course.

Now I don't mean to belittle the medications I am taking and the clinical trial in which I am participating, but the immediate healing effects of golfing with best friends on a perfect day at a majestic course cannot be denied. I felt fantastic and now believe I have found the Cure!!!! Having now discovered this, it is imperative that I stick with this remedy and take my medicine like a man.

Anyone out there; help me get better with more golf...please.

Dwight

Still doin' Fine!

Once a month I Go to the U. Of U. Hospital , (eh..eh... a Pac 12 Research Institution), and participate in a clinical trial. Along with a 2 hour infusion of some antibodies, I go through some tests to see if the disease is spreading and how well I am holding up. The most important test I think is the breathing test which measures the lung capacity. Fortunately, I have been able to maintain the same level for the past six months, which is about 50% of normal. I will take that with a smile because it still allows me to function effectively with normal activities (including golf), without requiring a portable oxygen tank; something I want to avoid as long as possible.

Statistics say that I should be going down hill but I am not a statistic!

The clinical trial goes for 14 months and I am on the 6th month. So far there have been no side effects although we don't know for certain if I am on a placebo or the real thing. Won't know until after the trial.

All I know is life is great and I look forward to every day. I have the best family and friends in the world.

I start most every day at the Treehouse Gym in Draper where I exercise within reason and still keep up my oxygen level. It is hard some times because I want to do everything. I might be on a treadmill next to someone and your competitive instincts tell you to keep up, but you have to just walk and be thankful you can at least do that. I prefer being around people and friends at the gym rather than excercising alone. I feel being in as good of shape as possible, given the fibrosis, helps immensely. Some excercises I can perform at the same level as before, but others are near impossible. Where I could, just a year and a half ago, run six miles without a sweat, I now can't run 20 seconds without being out of breath; yet I can walk on level ground as before and maintain my oxygen level where it needs to be. Onward and Upward!

Anyway, thanks for thinking of me and I am doing fine!

Dwight

Doin' just Fine!

So far. so good!

It's been a while so I thought I ought to update this blog. I have been to 2 clinical trial infusions which I do once a month. there have been no noticeable side affects but I have no noticeable benefits either. Things have remained stable so far. Maybe I am on a placebo and that is why. time will tell I guess.

I am very thankful that I can function very well during the day and maintain my oxygen levels above 90 with normal activities. Try to jog or lift or anything strenuous and that is a different story. I am on oxygen at night and actually prefer the mask--it keeps out noise and keeps my airways open. I do sleep better with it.

Spring is almost here and I have to admit I get jealous when I see the joggers out. I am greatful though that I did have that era in my life and will always be thankful. I tried jogging with oxygen but it didn't seem to make any difference.

Anyway, Life is good!

Dwight

Made my day!

I Just received the news on a 2nd high resolution catscan. This one was done in preparation for the clinical trial study I begin this Friday. The initial Catscan was done last June showing the extent of the fibrosis. This one, which is a little over 6 months, showed no change. This could be significant or mean very little, but it is definitely good news. Perhaps whatever triggered the disease has been removed and no longer an irritant. I hope that's the case.

Now that we know what we have, we can map out our plan. I met with the lung transplant team at the U this week and it appears if that ever becomes necessary, it won't be at the U as they have an age limit. Probably it will be done on the west coast somewhere, L.A. or Seattle, maybe San Francisco. What is apparent is that I want it to be a last resort and will do everything to keep things where they are.

I am going to participate in a new clinical trial with a new drug which has shown some promise in it's early stages. There are only 150 people worldwide who will be in the 72 month study.

The only other thing I can do is follow a good exercise routine, which I like to do anyway, and keep positive, which I am anyway.

It helps a ton that I have THE BEST family and friends in the world! Much to be thankful for!

Dwight

The Plan