Pulmonary Function Tests

I had a set of pulmonary function tests and good results today! These tests needed to be very positive because the cancerous lymph nodes are wrapped around my pulmonary artery which is the only blood supply to my right lung where the tumor is, and if the lymph nodes cannot be separated (to be removed) from the artery, it will be necessary to cap off that artery and remove my entire right lung. In that case, I will need to be able to function with one lung...and the results of my tests show that I currently have 100% pulmonary function (yes, I kept trying until I hit 100%), so this should not be a problem. They said "No Marathons" and no "Downhill skiiing in Denver"...obviously no problem.

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Well, here is the first entry in our blog. I will make the first entry and as many of them as I can. Most of you are already aware but here is little history for those who may not know...I have always had a nagging cough each fall with the change of seasons but this year, it didn't want to go away. I was treated for pneumonia which produced no positive effect on the cough. While waiting 3 weeks for an appointment with the pulmonologist, my Sweet Potato Queen friend Nurse Tammy Mary sent my butt to get a chest x-ray on December 1st. The call came a few minutes later and the next days and next weeks were full of PET scans, CT scans, MRI's, blood tests, biopsies, EKG's, stress tests...and more of the above. All to confirm I had lung cancer. It was difficult to believe that I had such a large tumor because, besides the nagging little cough, I was asymptomatic. I have yet one more test to evaluate my pulmonary functions for after the surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery will take place on January 5th at Froedtert. I am able to enjoy a blessed Christmas with my children, sisters, cousins and all their children. Keep the prayers and miracles coming. Lynn