I had my right middle lobe removed in January 2024 due to advanced bronchiectasis in that area. Now my pulmonary function is better than it's been since I first was diagnosed with NTM 2 years ago and I feel great. I've gained back all the weight I lost and no more fatigue. Unfortunately, the MAC is back after being off meds since June. My ID doc says the bacterial load is almost undetectable so I'm hoping I can overcome it with good airway clearance.

I will switch to arikayce this month. If cavity does not shrink or close, i probably will do surgery.

I have bronchiectasis, MAC, but also TBM with >90% collapse Right mainstem bronchus & Right lower lung lobe is diseased. No cavity, but Dr. Pamela McShane in Tyler, Texas, after viewing my multiple CT scans, told me I need to get the diseased portion surgically removed. I've been on the Big 3 since May 2024, & now am on week 2 of Arikayce nebulized treatment. I see chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UTSW hospital in Dallas again in June. He would prefer I have the infection gone before doing the surgery, less complications that way. He would prefer to do robotic surgery. But due to location of the diseased area, I unfortunately may need whole Right lung removed & that would require open chest surgery. I feel better on the meds, and have weaned off of oxygen, but this will be a HUGE decision for me to have the surgery if I'm feeling better. I can still do pretty much everything but with a lot of fatigue. I have anxiety about all of this; but am seeing a mental health nurse practitioner & that helps.