Hi Arlo, the prospect of the 3 antibiotics scared most of us. I discussed it at length with my primary because the pulmonologist was not approachable. We decided that the severity of my cough and fatigue plus the many nodules in my lungs, and having asthma as well as bronchiectasis tipped the scales toward treatment. IF we had known then about 7% saline, and IF my lung CT was not so bad, we might have elected to wait and see. For the record, while the Big 3 were tough, I made it through with no effect on hearing or vision.
Have you read the latest recommendations from the Lung Assn and NJH on when to treat? Have you asked your pulmonologist why they are recommending treatment now? What did they see in the bronchoscopy and CT that say "treat now" vs "watch and wait"? Once an infection progresses to cavitary status, the treatment is less likely to be successful, the possibility of needing surgery increases and life expectancy decreases.
Please don't let fear of possible side effects drive your decision.
Sue