I’ve read similar studies about the efficacy of 7% saline. I discussed with my pulmonologist whether the saline would at least keep my infection stable. He used an analogy that the saline is like brushing your teeth; it can keep new problems from arising and perhaps current ones from getting worse. But don’t count on it alone to eradicate existing problems. I thought that was a reasonable way to look at it. I do worry that I am taking a risk by dropping all the meds if I still have an active infection. My doctor suggested trying that for six months and see what the next CT looks like. He indicated that if there was “progression“, it would likely be minimal and we could reassess at that point. I don’t really see that I have a good alternative because at best the meds are keeping me stable, and I guess that’s the big question… To what extent is that the case. But I can’t stay on these meds indefinitely if they’re not clearing the infection. So it seems like I have to try a different approach, hope for the best, and hope that in the longer term we have some new options like phage that will actually make a difference.