Update on my Mom

Originally posted 05/11/09

As you may or may not be aware, my mother, Linda, has been going through some serious health issues recently. It started becoming worse back in October when she had bronchitis that just wouldn’t get better no matter what meds they gave her. She was finally sent to a specialist at Mayo Clinic and they were able to determine that she has a condition known as Pulmonary Fibrosis. What they didn’t know was the degree of the disease. There are several types to be considered, some of which can be treated using medications and some can heal themselves over time with the proper therapy. The worst of these called UIP and requires a lung transplant.

She was sent last week to have a biopsy to determine which type of Pulmonary Fibrosis she has. Her surgeon called this morning to let her know that it is indeed UIP or Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis. It’s a progressive disease that will continue to worsen at a relatively steady pace. There is no known cause and no cure. Currently, the only treatment option is a lung transplant. We do not know at this time what the progression rate of this disease is since it tends to vary by patient.

She is due to meet with the transplant specialists next week. We will find out more details about what will be happening in the next few weeks/months after we meet with them. The doctors have recommended that she be placed on the donor list as soon as possible. I know there will be a few requirements she will need to meet before she can be placed on the list, however; so exactly when that will happen is still an unknown. She is still a bit sore from the biopsy but overall she is doing very well. She’s in good spirits and is very hopeful that everything will work out. Our family is amazing in our ability to pull together when we’re faced with a situation like this. She has help around the clock from one of us.

Please remember my mother in your prayers. My family and I appreciate it more than you know.