Sue’s welcome is the voice of this forum…you are well connected now to persons like yourself…and yes “wearing down” is a theme repeated here…however, sounds like you are a fighter…and have a positive attitude…very necessary.
Be your strongest advocate, in plain language, you direct your plan of healing, your path to best quality of life…with the help of professionals. Find the best “specialist “ you can afford and access. Appears you have a relationship with a pulmonologist; have him include an “infectious disease doctor” with experience in PD(pulmonary disease). Don’t wait, it is your days, months, years, transpiring. You most definitely need the sputum results for an accurate diagnosis…Sue can give you the specifics on what to insist on(counts/sensitivity/etc).
There is a variety of treatment modes that can help in the meantime…push your doctors to offer them (airway clearance, nebulizing saline, devices). Educate yourself on best practices for self care…exercise, diet, sleep.
And again, recruit the BEST TEAM of experts you can find…because you are the one who has well-being at risk here and time vanishes.
You have found a community of caring individuals who can understand and commiserate your pain….ask questions.

Stay strong.
Regina