52 now.. Almost 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Non Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis one Valentine’s day, almost a year after showing symptoms of pneumonia, COPD and emphysema. What followed was a rash of more and serious auto immune disorders, VATS surgery, knee replacement, and hospitalization for pneumonia at least once a year. I was put on Hospice and given 18 months to live. We lost our entire life savings, and one of our daughters (the younger, more fragile one), turned her award winning pastry chef career, trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London, into a drug habit that took 8 years to kick. Now we live just on my disability as my husband had to quit his job to care for me, and our autistic grandson.

I was turned down for a lung transplant because I’m petite and have a teenager sized ribcage. Rightfully so, should a pair of lungs become available, they would never come to a 52 y/o.

Earlier this Spring, my pulmo Dr said that he thought my ‘honeymoon’ period was over. He was right, I just came out of the hospital after failing 3 doses of antibiotics at home. I had 3 antibiotics inpatient, and had to have a PICC line. Next week I get a neck ultrasound for a central port. That’s how serious my health is getting. I don’t believe I’ll see 55. I wanted to see my grandson graduate in 2020, but that is looking grim.

So….. that’s me… Caroline