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@terri,@merry,@teresa My causation for Bronchiectasis is Agent Orange-related according to VA testing results for 30 plus years. My left lower lobe was removed in 1975 for Bronchiectasis after being shot in Vietnam in 1969. My right lower lobe was removed in 1980 due to Bronchiectasis. My right middle lobe was removed in 2014 for lung cancer. My left upper and right upper lobes have advanced Bronchiectasis. with chronic Atelectasis which is where I am currently. I have consulted Hospice care but have not activated them yet. The Hill-Rom therapies are allowing me to breathe while in bed and motionless. The key here is that as long as my pulse remains under 72, I am okay but any higher than that I have much difficulty as I cannot breathe fast enough to catch my pulse rate and then my syncope kicks in causing unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen. As long as I remain in bed motionless I am okay. I am a Marine and will continue to fight this battle for air. My doctors have explained my prognosis which is bleak. Unfortunately, I have no family, so am on my own basically. I am going to request a transplant and see if it is possible at my age (70). Until that happens, I will continue to fight to breathe and make the most of my situation. Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes.
Replies to "@Terri,@Merry,@teresa My causation for Bronchiectasis is Agent Orange-related according to VA testing results for 30 plus..."
Thank you for writing. You will find support here even if you have no family. I am in the same boat a far as no family left. It can get lonely, but I think of this group and the lung Cancer group as "family." Hope you can do the same. There is lots of support here and people who have great knowledge from personal experience. Just had my lower right lung lobe removed due to cancer. Am recovering, but stay in awe of people like you and others who have been through so much. I encourage you to fight for the lung transplants and to continue with you hope and faith. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us informed about your situation. God bless you.
@usmccam Hello again. It does sound like a lung transplant might be the answer for you. I know that the Mayo clinic will do them up to age 70, a little older if a person is fit. They have also been known to do them when they are a person's last bastian of hope. May I ask what part of the country you are in?
@usmccam I just zoomed in on your photo and see the breathing apparatus you are on. That is some serious stuff there, but thank God for modern technology. If you were to have a lung transplant, would the VA do it? Or would you be sent somewhere that specializes in that? Just want you to know that I am here and can keep you company since you are immobile at this time. I will keep you in my prayers.
@usmccam you are truly amazing! Keep up the fight! Thank you for your service sir! You are in my prayers every day!
@usmccam Thank you for your service. You have been through a lot. My dad was in the Naval Reserve, and he wrote the most beautiful letters to my mom before and after they were married from aboard ship. It let me see a fun silly side of my dad that I hadn't known. Several of my relatives have been in the military too. Remember that you're not alone, and you are welcome here.
@usmccam, I was tagged to this conversation because of my liver/kidney transplant. Your doctor will be the one who is qualified to talk to you about transplant possibilities. It is a very complex and intricate process.
I thank you and I honor you for your service to this beautiful country. Last year, while in Mesa Verde National Park, I was on my hands and knees to photograph this little flower that I spotted blooming in the vast desert environment. I marveled at its beauty, and i was humbled by its strength and determination to survive against all odds. I share it with you because it reminds me of your own strength in the midst of your current struggle against so many obstacles. I want it to brighten your day.
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I appreciate your sharing more of your health history and life experience. We have had many Members on Connect who have shared about their health problems related to Agent Orange.
As you mentioned that you were looking at the possibility of a lung transplant, I would like to invite @rosemarya to this conversation. She has had two transplants and would be happy to share with you.