Results

Results from the one year anniversary of the clinical trial in which I have participated are very encouraging! There has been very little progression of the fibrosis in the lungs! It is not necessary for me to haul around a portable oxygen tank in order to carry on ormal activities and I can do pretty much everything I need to. The breathing capacity tests are the same and my over-all physical condition is good.

Dr. Scholand, my excellent pulmonologists, say this is cause for celebration! This is timely as Chris and I left soon after for our St. George/Palm Springs hiatus. While in St. George we were blessed with a new grandson, Tanner Clark Osborn, who was born during the Super Bowl. Best half-time program for us ever!!

We were joined in Palm Springs with our good friends and family, TC and Gail Conlin, who we have enjoyed being with. Long walks, pool-side conversations, and incredibly scenic rounds of golf on the Marriott Desert Springs Palm Course; couldn't have asked for better weather.

I have been able to mix in some business with pleasure here so things are working out.

Look forward to seeing you all soon. Spring is just around the corner.

Dwight

New Year

It's a new year with spring around the corner and lot's to look forward to. This Friday is my last infusion session at the U with the clinical trial I have been participating in the last year. The next several months will consist of monthly check-ups and blood tests to see if there are any significant changes after concluding the clinical trial.

It's hard to believe that it has been 18 months since the diagnosis. Things seem to be holding steady and life is good. I anxious to see the results of a high resolution x-ray of the lungs which I will have soon. We will compare that to the lungs 18 months ago and see if there as been any progression of the fibrosis or scarring.

We will be spending most of January and all of February in St. George and Palm Springs to get out of the cold weather and inversions. This is another one of the sacrifices I have to make due to this disease. What I have to go through!!

Hope to keep in touch and see you all soon.

Happy New Year!!

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