Barbara, I had a routine chest x-ray at age 65 that showed nodules. I was then referred to a pulmonologist who suspected MAC, and since I wasn't symptomatic, we simply monitored for a while. After I had done some research, I mentioned that CF ran in my family. He then did a bronchoscopy and tested for CF. I was positive for MAC and was a gene carrier. My nodules pretty much came and went for a few years. Last year my Husband of 50 years passed, and I was told one of my nodules had gotten larger and I was referred to an Infectious Disease MD. He suggested the NJH study. I had more testing and a CT scan, which also showed my breast implants from a previous bi-lateral mastectomy, had ruptured. Good news is I was able to schedule the surgery until after my trips. I am now recovering from that surgery (5 days ago). Thankful for my friends and neighbors!!! I have been trying my best to live my life but still be cognizant of my MAC. It can be somewhat challenging but doable. I have traveled quite a bit this year: Boston cruise to Canada; Train from Quebec to Montreal and bus to Niagara Falls; Denver (Santana concert at Red Rocks; Wisconsin and Guatemala. Hope to start planning my next trip soon! Hang in there!! A can do and positive attitude helps! My Mom is still alive at 93 and most of my relatives lived a long life! Oldest was 104! We have a lot to do yet!