3 Month Update

[rosech44]

Well, It's Been 3 Months Today, Since I And 4 Others Received Our Ubc Stem Cells---i Have Enjoyed Some Pretty Decent Improvements, Altho, I Am Still On 3lpm 02--24/7--not Ready To Give That Up Yet---

Untill Yesterday, I Was Again Enjoying An Upslide On The Wild Ride--however, My Husband Has Been Sick With A Bad Cold, And Has Decided To Share It With Me---first Time I Have Been Sick In Over 3 Yrs.--as Yet, I Have Not Gone To The Dr.~~~don't Feel I'm Bad Enough For That Yet, Hopeing It Will All Go Away.--will Keep You Advised As To The End Results Of This Darn Cold, It Seems To Be Settling In My Lungs, So May Have To See The Dr.

Any Idea's On Home Remedies????

[danny]

try taking "cats claw" at GNC..search cats claw on google.com

[barbara]

Rose - I would try what Danny says for sure and also increase your NAC to 3 times a day for now. Also, add some vitamin C and continue to do the Power Lung to try to keep your lungs clear. Nasal irrigation is helpful several times a day. I use sea salt and liquid aloe for that. If you have a nasal irrigator that helps or a nettipot. If it is a cold, there is nothing that an antibiotic can do for you anyway, but I know that all of us lungers walk a dangerous line when it comes to things like this. It can quickly turn to a lung problem. Use Albuterol or Xopenex to keep your passages open. My RT told me it was okay to use them every 2-3 hours if needed when the cold is at it's worst. Some people really believe in the Zicam products. Try steaming (You can breathe in steam from a hot cup of tea) and of course make it green tea! Lemon juice helps to get toxins out so lemonade hot or cold would be good. Last, but not least, you may give your husband 50 lashes as soon as you feel better.

[Bev12452]

Dear Rose I am so sorry to hear you are ill I had company for the whole month of Dec it seems everyone wants to go to Fl in Dec anyway brother and family came for Christmas, loved it, but they left the cold weather and germs and boy did I ever get sick I thought I was on my way to the er news years eve but I did have a stash of antibiotics and two days later I am feeling better than I have in along time. I guess alot of what I was going through was stress from the holidays. get an antibiotic before it gets to your lungs, mine settled in my throat couldn't talk at all hubbie loved that. drink alot of hot green tea with honey and relax you need a break anyway after all that cleaning and if you get bored you can come clean my place

[rosech44]

Still Hanging In Here, Coughing My Head Off, But Not Getting Much Up---norm's Settled In His Head---mine Is In My Head And Feels Like In My Lungs, But That Could Be The Soreness From All The Coughing.

Bev, Glad You Got Over Yours, I'm Trying Not To Take Antibiotic Unless It Is Necessary.

I Will Try The Tea And Honey--been Taking Extra Vit. C

[Jeannine]

Rose

I just complete a bout with a nasty cold. Here is what worked for me:

Afrin nasal spray every 12 hours
Robitussin CF
Two Mucinex capsules twice a day

I also used two dropperfuls of Astralagus root once a day
Two dropperfuls of echinacea & goldenseal three times a day for three days

I also drank a cup of goldenseal tea each day.

It is now ten days later and I am back to normal. Quite an accomplishment for someone with COPD to have a nasty cold and not require prednisone or antibiotics.

[barbara]

Good for you Jeannine.This is really great news because so many times these things deteriorate into something much worse. Your stem cell army must have come out in force. Rose - hang in there. I have had some kind of gunk myself for over a week now. One thing I forgot to mention with excessive mucous is to use techniques such as the Tarzan chest pounding and the bellows. The bellows is accomplished by putting your arms out like you would if pretending to be a chicken. Then swiftly bring them both to your sides like you would a bellows. Repeat 5-10 times. These techniques are from an asthma book I have. My stem cell doctor is now telling people if they have excess mucous to do chest clearing techniques. It can't hurt. I would continue to use Mucinex, up the NAC and I find that the Bragg's unfiltered vinegar and raw honey drink keeps mucous down also. I have mentioned it before, but if anyone missed it. Take 2 tsp. Bragg's unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp. raw honey and mix in an 8 ounce glass of pure water. Drink first thing in the morning and again before lunch and dinner if you desire.

[rosech44]

Dry Hacking Cough, No Mucus From The Lungs---my Surgeon Friend Was By To See Me Today--right Now, I'm Not Worried Just Very Uncomfortable---:( The Coughing Is Realy Getting To Me, But It Is Not In The Lungs So I Am Happy About That--right Now, I'm Losing My Voice----that Should Make Norm Happy!!!

Using Green Tea And Honey---lots Of Water---robitussin Dm--tylenol--lemonade--- Coldeze Cough Lozenges---xtra Vit C

Thanks For All The Suggestions---

[Bev12452]

I just passed my three month update and boy what a ride I never knew what to expect I don't know how Barbara and Jeannine held a job through all of it My panic attacks are becoming farther apart and last night my concentrator broke woke up this morning checked my levels they were 95 but as soon as I started moving they bottomed out to 68 so I guess I am not ready to give up the hose yet I have noticed that the brain fog has lifted alot whether it is the cells or the decrease in xanex I don't know but my typing fingers are actually going where I want them to I have stayed on diet and supplements although over the holidays IT was rough but I did it and am really starting to enjoy the very many ways to make chicken even my husband is enjoying it my next step toward recovery is put my lazy butt on the treadmill I do have more energy during the day so the only downside I have is the hormonal changes but hopefully they will soon just be a memory

[barbara]

Bev - I am really pleased to hear that you continue to do better all the time. Pretty bumpy ride, isn't it? You seem to be happier too at least that's how I read your post. Thanks for the update! I really do appreciate hearing from all of you. Make sure you keep "working out" with your PowerLung. That will get you in better shape for the dreadmill (that's what Nassin calls it) when you are ready.

[Mysty119]

I feel so silly, but I've got to ask. What is this hormonal roller coaster that was mentioned? And---is the power lung that has been mentioned a spirometer?? :rolleyes:

[rosech44]

The Power Lung Is A Devise That Used Properly Will Help Strengthen Your Lungs, It Is Not A Spirometer. If You Look At The Top Of Home Page, You Will See A Power Lung Button, Click On It, And You Will Find Info About It.

As To The Hormonal Roller Coaster, I Have Not Had That Problem, But Beverly Says She Has, She Can Explain That To You .

Hope This Helps

[Mysty119]

Thanks Rose!!! The more I learn, the better off I'll be.;)

[Mysty119]

Rose---I went to the Power Lung page and am now confused. (What else is new?!) There are eight diffent types of Power Lungs Listed. How do you know which one you need? ( Such a dilema!! ):rolleyes:

[barbara]

The PowerLung that most people on this forum should use (except for Nelson who is training for the next Olympics) is the AireStream Active Series, light resistance. Jeannine and I have been in contact with the PowerLung company and have decided that we may wish to offer the PowerLung for sale via the forum to help with our forum fund. If you are interested in purchasing one and want to do it via the forum, please contact me. You can also call the PowerLung company with any questions you might have. They are the nicest people. The inventor is a member of our forum, Mike Jarvis. The exercisor really does work. Some of the hormonal things I have experienced are hot flashes and mood swings. I go from grouchy to grouchier.

[rosech44]

Thanks For Jumping In Here----i Have The Yellow One---that's Great That You'll Be Able To Sell Them Thru The Forum.

As For The Hormonal Stuff, I Think I Did All That Years Ago After My Hysterectomy, I Suspect Hormonal Reactions May Relate To Age, Etc. Also---i Am Older Than Barb And Beverly---

Cold Is Much Better, But Still Coughing

[Bev12452]

Hello Misty I have been on the ride for awhile now I don't know how old you are but when I went to see the Dr here in Florida that knows about the treament he said I was going through menopause again and it is just like it some days I get up and am in the greatest of moods and can take on the world other days don't look at me the wrong way I will b***ch slap you my husband thank goodness has alot of patience with me I have nicknamed him ST James but I would do it all again because each day I feel Little better and a little stronger I have more energy and now am able to do things for myself instead of waiting for someone else Poor Barbara she has listened to my rants so much she deserves Sainthood also I seem to be the only one in my group to have such a severe reaction so I guess each person is different please feel free to ask anything I have bared my soul to this group so there is nothing to hide good luck

[barbara]

Bev has just said something really nice about me and here I went and put her on probation in a previous post for talking about 80 degree weather. I guess I had better reconsider. I am past menopause also Rose, but the stem cell treatment brought back a month or so of hot flashes. That was a few months ago. I still get them, but only occasionally. I also had mood swings, but now I am back to my always grouchy self. Even Larry reported that his mood was affected. It is a small price to pay to be able to breathe better. In fact, it has been so cold here that I am wishing the hot flashes would return.

[Mysty119]

I am going to be 59 shortly. I am told I went thru menapause 5 years ago or so. I don't know because I was on depo prevara and that kinda screws up the old menstrual cycle. I did have some hot flashes but used over the counter stuff for a very short time. Have had nothiing since. So maybe---just maybe, my cheerful self won't have any of that. (And I just know my husband prays for exactly that.) I've always been a pretty "up" person. Of course, I have my moments, like anyone else.
In October '03, I was taking care of my only grandaughter while mommy worked. I had her about 10 hours a day, and my husband was home recuperating from breaking his hip, breaking his arm and breaking some ribs from falling from a ladder while helping my daughter to move in May. At that time, I used the O2 when caring for her. (Exertion.) But a time came in April of '04 when one day, while wearing O2 at 4 lpm, I felt as tho' I couldn't breathe. I upped it to 6mpl out of fear. No help there. Then had husband call 911. I was aware and talking when they got here, and remember getting off the couch and putting myself on the stretcher. After that----zippo! When I awoke, I thought it was the night of the day I went in the ambulance to the hospital. Nope. I had been intubated and put on life support. Apparently,----each time they went to remove the intubation tube, my blood pressure sky rocketed. So---the put me in an induced coma. I had already been there 8 days!!!!!!! ( But did not know this at the time. I learned this AFTER I got home.) All in all---I was there for two weeks. Never found the cause. Only said the only possible thing they could think of was that I had contracted a heart virus. I had never heard of such a thing!!! I found out from a friend, that his mom had also had a heart virus and was sleeping when it happened; and she passed away. Anyway---I was quite weak after being bed ridden for two weeks. They had physical therapists come to the house to help me get back on my feet and I was not only religious in doing as they said---but doing it longer!! (Type A personality). I was frustrated that I was on so many meds that when I'd get up to walk to the bathroom I was so dizzy and weak. I went from my very own precious cardiologist, to another to get another opinion!!!! Man----BIG mistake. I'll have to continue this in an additional post

[Mysty119]

She told me that she wanted to refer me to Rochester (Minnesota) for a heart transplant. That I could "go" any minute. My heart function was at 20% or less. That is 1/3 of full function. (The 60% is full function because at any one time---your heart pumps 60% of the blood in your body.) I went back to my doc (a male and a great doctor), and he was in shock as she immediately wanted to put me on coumidin and change my meds. He said that if he had referred me to Rochester for a transplant---"they'd have laughed me out of my profession!!!!). I was being impatient. He told me it would take time, but I'd have to GIVE it some time.....not weeks or months, but TIME!!! Well, I went to pulmonary rehab and my first echo showed my heart at 30% (now I'm up to 1/2). As of January '07---guess who has full function in her heart!!!!! Yup---that would be me. ;) And I was religious AFTER rehab to be on the treadmill (down in the basement) no less than 3 times a week. With O2 at 3mpl. In a few months( 5 or 6 ), I was doing a mile at a time with NO rest period at a 2 level. (2 mph). I had started at lowest speed for 10 minutes. I was breathing better and doing more without the O2. They want me on it when I sleep because your O2 does lower when reclined; AND when I exert myself--like exercising and cleaning. I learned to listen to my body and not "push" myself. When I'm out---if I tire walking--I sit!!!!! And I quickly reoxygenate in a matter of maybe, 3 minutes. So---Now--I'm TOO well to be put on the list at this time. I get it-----and yet I'm disappointed. I worked hard to get there---and now have to wait to be on O2 24/7!!!!!!
I was told a LVRS might help in '03 and they took the CT scans. My disease was too diffuse. (2-1-0). That the LVRS wouldn't help & that actually, it may do more harm than help. So, my doc moved on to transplant. I"ve been seen by Clevland Clinic since March of '07. I'm from East Syracuse, NY and I was going there every 3 months to be evaluated as to whether I'd be put on the list yet. I was there in June and again in September. I should be sceduled to be there at the end of this month. Should I mention what I'm thinking about doing? I know I will mention it to my home pumonary doc. I know there are some docs that may "poo-poo" the thought and others who will be curious. I've been tallking back and forth with Tony Hamel since sometime last year. He has been such an inspiration for me. He told me about you guys and I went a-huntin"!!!!! As of now---I use O2 exercising and cleaning. Very seldom need my inhalers as I always be sure to take my nebulizer treatments. For someone who doesn't see me 24/7, they can't believe I'm being considered for a transplant. They think I'm "just fine". I arrange my outings to just after a treatment. Or---I have a portable nebulizer to use when I'm out too long and need to keep going like the energizer bunny. I take no less than 2 Mucinex a day. And when going where there are a lot of people----malls, church--etc.---I swear by Airborne!!!! That stuff is awesome. I've always taken vitamins and supplements; so that part shouldn't be bad. I take C, E, B complex Calcium, etc. Been doing that since '93.
It is so great to have a support group like you guys. Serious, playful, scared, brave, and most of all----adventurous and helpful!!! Thank you so much for all your input. And thank God we have you here!!!!
Barb, I will let you know about the Power Lung. Is it available from you now; or will be soon? Take care all----and BREATHE (easy)!!!!!!!!!!!

[barbara]

Wow - What a great post and a double header at that! I e-mailed the president of the PowerLung company today and we will decide what we are doing by early next week. We will probably go ahead and buy an inventory and that will enable us to give our forum members a discount on the product. I swear by the device personally and not just for lung patients. So if you can be patient a few more days, we should come to a decision. You have really been through the mill. It is amazing that you found Tony somehow who is an ultimate Pioneer in my opinion and that led you to this forum. Are you considering stem cell therapy? Obviously, you have an interest in it, but some are sort of waiting to see what the future brings and others feel like there is no time like the present. Either way, the forum welcomes you and your participation. I have never heard of a heart virus either. Maybe, some of our cardiac patients will respond. I wonder if it is common. It sounds horribly scary.

[hlichten]

...I have never heard of a heart virus either. Maybe, some of our cardiac patients will respond. I wonder if it is common. It sounds horribly scary.

Supposedly they are very rare.
That's all I know about them.

[Mysty119]

Yes, I can wait to see what you decide as far as getting the power lung. And yes, I am very much considering getting the stem cell therapy. Just waiting to get some things together before I fill out the application and speak with the doctor.
And yeah, I've been thru enough, but one thing I learned from the heart virus set back was to keep busy. Because I didn't know about some of the different things that pulmonary therapy teaches you, I was just home most of the time and not going anywhere. I didn't need the O2 for just going to the store, etc.; but quickly learned what "fear" was when I went out on a very humid day. I thought I'd "bought the farm". I continue my exercise and what's nice is: In February '07, an old junior high school mate got in touch with me on Classmates.com. We emailed for a while and then we met up. Apparently, in Sept '06 he suffered major clinical depression. He was being put on all kinds of anti-depressants and had counseling and none of it was doing him any good. He was living alone. After we "caught up" on each other's lives, he was in better spirits---enough to "keep at it with his treatment". He is a vet and began getting benefits thru them. He was getting treatment for his Hepatitis C and prostate enlargement and cirrohsis of the liver. He is also a diabetic. At least now he was caring about getting better. He had lost his car to repossession as he was not getting any pay. I began taking him shopping and to all his appointments, do crosswords with him and play cards and brought him our leftovers from dinner, which he truly appreciated. We also went on "adventures",----taking drives to different places. Saw a lot of waterfalls and parks and gorgeous scenery! Kept me busy, and him happier. In October we found he has liver cancer. Inoperable. He has maybe 6 months. So, you see----I don't have such a bad time of it. But when he's up to it, we still go on our adventures.
And yes, heart virus is rare. But here is a site: pslgroup.com/dg/ec706.htm It tells about it.

[barbara]

I am not sure if liver cancer is being treated with stem cell therapy, but many cancers are. It would be a good question to ask the doctors. You may get some negativity from your own doctors. Some are that way, others aren't, but he scale is beginning to tip in favor of at least having an open mind.

[Mysty119]

Yes, I have read that stem cell therapy for liver cancer is viable. Here is one site:
Click here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/27/nstem27.xml
Unfortunately, he in no way can afford the treatment. It is so sad.

[barbara]

There are groups that might possibly be able to help him. If you can, search the internet looking for angels that do help people that are in this position. I would also have him contact stem cell companies and ask if they have any compassion programs or terms that he could possibly meet. This is too sad. Jeannine and I are working on our own little fund and some day in the future our dream is to not have to read sad stories like this without being able to do something about it. It is fortunate he found you and that your friendship was renewed.

[hlichten]

Here is a possible clinical trial for you to check on for him:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00003839?term=Liver+AND+stem+cell&rank=3

It is in Bethesda, Maryland and they list a 1-800 number for patient recruitment.

I am quite sure it would be free.

There may likely be others. I will keep checking.

Also, since they got rid of my cancer years ago, and because they are so incredibly wonderful there, have you considered taking him for a week to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas? You spend 5 days there, and are given any options that they can suggest. They may be doing stem cell trials there, no way to know really without asking. They won't charge him a dime if he doesn't have money, it is totally on an ability to pay basis. I feel that anyone with a malignancy that doesn't go for an opinion at MD Anderson is selling themselves short, even if they have been to the Mayo Clinic. People come from all over the world there every day.

[barbara]

Harvey - This is a wonderful idea. We do live in a generous country and if he has no money and they will treat him at no charge, I would hope he would go. Mysty119 - If transportation is a problem, please let this forum know. You never know who has some extra frequent flier miles they could donate or in some other way help this person.

[Mysty119]

I thank you both sooooo much for your input. I went to pick Pete up this morning for his two a.m. appointments and to have his abdomen tapped this afternoon as he has so much fluid in there. He had it tapped somewhat, not fully in the beginning of Dec. and felt a little better. He weighed 202 after that tap. Now---5 weeks later he weighed in at 227!!! And believe me, this is not from over eating. He gets so hungry but is so uncomfortable that most times he doesn't eat much. And THAT---is not Pete!! He was a good eater and ate good foods for himself. I told him to do small meals whenever he was hungry. He also has the fear of more pain if he does eat. He's on pain medication and anti depressants that make him sleep way to much. He's losing his muscles. It's bad enough that he's a diabetic and has little feeling in his feet and therefore oftentimes, he doesn't have good balance. And just few months ago he was so---alive!!!
No---he wouldn't be able to afford travel. He's a hardship case at the Veteran's administration. They got him new hearing aids and glasses and are supplying home needs to him.
And Harv---yes, he too, lives in NY State. At first VA was directing him to the VA in Pittsburg for a transplant. But a week later, Pittsburg told Syracuse VA that they had the "abilities" to treat him and to do that. (This meant that he, like others, would be put on the list. And evidently, he didn't have the time to wait.) Well---time for me to " surf the net " and see what I can find. Again---thank you both!!!

[barbara]

Contact MD Anderson like Harv suggested. If travel is the only problem, then that to me is a minor one. Keep us posted. We all care on this forum.

[rosech44]

I Just Wanted To Thank You For Your, Very Informative Posts, And To Wish You And Your Friend Pete, Success In Finding Treatment For Him---and For You Also---I Will Keep You Both In My Prayers

[Mysty119]

I will do that, Barb. And Rose, thank you very much.:)

[barbara]

I just talked to my Angel lady and she says travel is never a problem. Groups like Make a Wish are available for just such things. The stem cell procedure in Dusseldorf sounds very promising. It sounds like your friend does have late stage cancer of the liver and that is sometimes where stem cells work the best. My stem cell doctor told the forum that he will treat lung cancer patients but it is better after they have tried conventional methods and those methods have failed. I am not sure why this is, being a non scientific person, but that is the answer we were given.

[hlichten]

The Dusseldorf procedure is a trial, as far as I can tell. Since it is in Germany, the requirements for a placebo group may or may not be there. I just don't know, and don't speak any German, so I can't call the University. I already tried previously for me. There is no problem finding people who speak perfect English in Germany, but if you dial the phone and nobody is there that happens to speak good English, it can be impossible to communicate. I had no real problems while we were in Germany for 12 days, but everywhere we went we asked right away if English was spoken. The Germans who speak English are really happy to be able to use it. We were at a Hyatt where everyone at the front desk spoke good English.

The link to the study I posted is the best and closest match to his condition, as far as I can tell. I have read through every stem cell-related study which could possibly include liver cancer, and this is the best one now.

As for his transplant option being eliminated, could this be due to the prognosis for his condition? Has the cancer spread to anywhere other than his liver, or to lymph nodes? That would be a logical reason for doctors not wanting to discuss transplant further.

Again, if he was a friend of mine I would get him to MD Anderson. Call the 800 number, make the appointment, and go. He will spend 5 days or more in Houston for a full workup. After 5 days, he will know everything, and any and all options he has. I went there after being told that I had less than 2 years to live. That was 14 years ago!! It is an incredible facility, and again, other than travel and hotel, there will be no cost if he can not pay.

[Mysty119]

I will keep what you said in mind, Barb. And Harv, I will approach Pete on the subject this weekend. Tomorrow he is slated to have the abdomen drained. He couldn't go today because he was so sick. I think it's the morphine pills they gave him to take to level off the relief of the pain he has. The oxycotin wasn't lasting long enough between times he was told to take it, so they gave him the morphine for the pain and the oxycotin he'll take if it gets real bad. He hardly ate anything today because he felt so sick. They told him yesterday he had about 6 months.
It's hard because he is so hard of hearing. Before I started going to his appointments with him, I'm POSITIVE he was hearing all that each of his doctors would tell him. You see, when you talk to him, even tho he uses hearing aides, you have to face him so he can read your lips. I constantly have to remind the doctors and the nurses to please speak up (especially if they have a higher pitched voice), and to face him when they speak.
But I will sit him down and talk to him about all of this. I know it's difficult for him because with me and my problems, he doesn't want to 'put me out'. I normally don't need O2 when I'm out and about, but I do know I might have a problem on a plane; and I need to have a concentrator when I sleep. My husband wouldn't be able to go with us because we need the $$$ from his job in order to take care of things here. But, I will continue reading all the stuff you guys have suggested and get back to reading about Dr. Anderson. I read so much online today that my eyes were blurring!!! But again guys, thank you for your help in this. Now I have to go to sleep cuz I have to get up at 6 tomorrow for his two appointments in the morning and the (hopefully), one in the afternoon to tap the abdomen. Honest to God---I tell him he looks 11 months pregnant from the front, and 15 months from each side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a good thing that I can make him laugh.

[hlichten]

...I will continue reading all the stuff you guys have suggested and get back to reading about Dr. Anderson....

There is NO Dr. Anderson.
It is MD Anderson Cancer Center, and it is part of the University of Texas system in downtown Houston. It is in the hospital district, surrounded by dozens of different hospitals and specialty hospitals.
Read at:
http://www.mdanderson.org/

From what you are describing, it is sounding less and less likely that he could make any kind of trip anywhere or tolerate any type of procedure.

I am, of course, very sorry.

[Mysty119]

My fault----I know there was no DR Anderson......my sick sense of humor got the best of me. I had been reading and reading and reading. And---I keep forgetting that people can't "hear" voice inflection in my written correspondence. Silly me. ;)
Any way----I will still be looking into all of this and really do appreciate the input you've given me.

[hlichten]

My fault----I know there was no DR Anderson......my sick sense of humor got the best of me. I had been reading and reading and reading. And---I keep forgetting that people can't "hear" voice inflection in my written correspondence. Silly me. ;)
Any way----I will still be looking into all of this and really do appreciate the input you've given me.

No problem.
Let us know if anything changes.

[Regine]

HI: Regine here reporting for Ward. Apologies for the lateness. It's now been 3 months and 18 days. I keep remembering the doctor saying to him when we were in Mexico that it would take two months to a year so we are going with the flow. But boy has Ward had his ups and downs. Some days he can barely breathe and sometimes he's better. I was sick with a virus for several weeks and he caught it so back on prednisone. So far he's not been willing to try going without but thanx Jeanine for advice for mucinex and Afrin. Will try. Over all we think there is improvement in that he is not getting worse which it seemed like he was before stem cell treatment. Also his numbers with 2.5 liter of oxy are usually 98 & 99. He can go without oxygen if he is sitting and number stays around 92 but yesterday when he walked up to get the paper (a bit of a trip), without oxygen he went into low 80's. He takes shower with 2.5 liters with no problem and hasn't had trouble tying shoes like before cells. We are able to do things like go to movies and out to lunch and dinner. Thursday we're driving to Ashland Oregon for a 5 day seminar so just the fact that he can continue on like this is great. Right now he is out doing his volunteer work of cleaning the bottles that testers use to test the Yuba River (which is an integral part of our landscape), for cleanliness. By the way today is his 76th birthday. Thanx to all for keeping up to date.

[Jeannine]

Regine

Thanks for the update on Ward's condition.

Happy Birthday Ward:D:D

Ward seems to be doing quite well considering he's been ill and it's only been a little over 3 months since he received treatment.

Isn't it nice to have an improved quality of life?

I still find myself improving. For example, on Saturday my husband and I went out to brunch, visited two hospitals (dual family crisis) and went out to dinner. I was out from 12 to 9 and probably used oxygen for no more than 20 minutes the entire day and most of that was to walk about 1000 feet from one end of the hospital to the other and I didn't even get short of breath.

Sunday found me out to brunch again, shopping at WalMart and Target without any SOB. I did use the O2 set to 1.5 while shopping and my Sats stayed at 95.

[barbara]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WARD!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to add that not getting worse can be counted as an improvement because COPD is a progressive disease. I truly think we need to rebuild our immune systems and get ourselves healthy again to see the optimal improvement in the stem cell therapy. I hate to preach, but good diet, using the PowerLung and taking the supplements including the GenF20 product are ways to do this. Jeannine and I are both busy all the time trying to work on the nutrition aspect of our recovery. She is advising 1/2 cup onions any way you like them, 3 cups of green tea and 1 unpeeled apple a day be added to your diet to improve lung function. I think Quinoa is an excellent addition also. It is virtually tasteless so you could add it to soups, burritos, casseroles, etc. None of the improvements come overnight, but at 9 months we are starting to see some real pay offs for taking better care of ourselves. I am still not convinced that a booster will not be needed to get me off O2 completely, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it after my one year point. The best thing is to feel good again and not be short of breath constantly. I also am very aware that I can now catch a bug and it doesn't mean tons of meds and lying on the couch in agony for two months to get rid of it. I had some kind of crud for a little over two weeks that left me short of breath again. I have not been that way since May and I was very upset that I felt that way. I am now back to my old self and did not have to go to the doctor even. I felt fine except for the SOB and that was a mystery. It was like I should have been getting all the severe symptoms of a respiratory problem, but they never manifested themselves into anything other than the SOB which is now gone. Very strange, but I am so grateful to be back on the mend so easily. Again, I can't stress enough to keep a daily log of how one feels if only to look back on it and see how bad you really used to be. I read mine and wonder how I even functioned. I hope you will bake Ward a nice big tofu cake. I know he will love it! HA

[Mysty119]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WARD!!!!!!
And a congrats on the improvement. May each breath of every day be better than the one before it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)

[rosech44]

Ward, Glad To Hear You Are Improving, Yes You've Been Sick, But You Survived It--that's What I Just Did, Sirvied A Cold/bug, Didn't Have To Call Dr. Go To Hospital Or Take Antibiotics, This Would Not Have Happened Before Stem Cells-- I Was Very Upset As I Felt I Had Gone Backwards, But Am Now Back To Where I Was Before Fetting Sick.

Happy Birthday Ward----

[Biz]

Colds and coughs, Hi new here but wanted to say I used both aireborne and zicam and they worked for me, taken every 4 hours, lots of water and juices, for the cough ~ Robotussin gel caps....worked for me also. Humidifier if needed, I run on 24/7.

:D Biz


Dry Hacking Cough, No Mucus From The Lungs---my Surgeon Friend Was By To See Me Today--right Now, I'm Not Worried Just Very Uncomfortable---:( The Coughing Is Realy Getting To Me, But It Is Not In The Lungs So I Am Happy About That--right Now, I'm Losing My Voice----that Should Make Norm Happy!!!

Using Green Tea And Honey---lots Of Water---robitussin Dm--tylenol--lemonade--- Coldeze Cough Lozenges---xtra Vit C

Thanks For All The Suggestions---