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
