December 14,2011

Well, a ton has happened since my last post. I haven't posted for some time but things will change. Great News with regard to the lung transplant. Initially my prospects of having a lung transplant were slim due to my age. Fortunately, we put in a request for one before my 65 birthday in hopes something would develop; this would prove very important later.

In September of 2011, Bryan set up a meeting with UCLA and asked for a meeting with their lung transplant team hoping that maybe they would entertain putting me on the list there. The meeting went very well. They explained that they operate on a point system and age is not an automatic disqualifier. Due to the fact that I have taken care of myself and was in great shape for my age other than the lung, they would consider me for a transplant if I could pass some physical examinations and tests. We were given permission to do the tests at the U. of U. in SLC which I have been undergoing this fall. While going through the process and seeing how well the tests were going, the Doctors at the U revisited my situation and two week ago, after all the tests, I was officially placed on the transplant list at the U. Because the request was made before 65, I was able to get the approval. I am now just waiting for a call if a lung should become available. Wow! is all I can say. I new lease on life?

My overall condition and lung capacity began to diminish earlier in the year making it impossible to do any of the activities I once enjoyed. This is a wicked disease which is progressive and relentless. Overall lung capacity is somewhere around 30% and it is necessary to be on continuous oxygen. My challenge is to stay as healthy as long as I can. I go to the U three times a week for rehab with oxygen which I enjoy.

Friends and family have been wonderful and I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Even with this, Life is awesome, and I don't say this lightly or to try and impress. It really is. Every day is exciting. I have challenges now with trying to navigate through this ordeal that involve more than just the physical, but with family like my daughter Jani, my two sons Bryan and Carter, and my wife Chris, I can't lose no matter what happens.

The season is upon us and, who knows, maybe my next post will be with a new lung from the hospital.

Merry Christmas All.

Dwight