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Update about my condition.

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  • Member since
    July 2014
Update about my condition.
Posted by modelcrazy on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 9:50 AM

As some of you may know, I have “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis”, a lung disease of which they have no clue how it's contracted, non-curable, often hereditary and always deadly. If you read the prognosis on it they say you have 3-5 years from diagnosis to death, excluding a full lung transplant, which has a 75% survival rate for the first year and goes down to 50% after 5 years. Lung transplants rarely last more than 10 years before the body rejects them and death is the result. Well I was diagnosed in 2010 and my lung function has been declining slowly since (My mother had it as well and has since passed). The symptoms are shortness of breath because of lessened oxygen transfer due to scaring and coughing.......a lot of coughing. No medication can stop the coughing, I'm so tired of it. Eventually the heart just quits because it gets tired of trying to push blood through the lungs to no avail.
Well jump to yesterday. I went in for my bi annual breathing test and a little chat with the Pulmonologist to see where I am now. A year ago I was at 53% lung function, 6 mo. ago I was at 52%, and yesterday I was at 42%, a huge decline. The doc said there is a new drug that slows the progression of the scaring.....but is very expensive. He is checking on whether my insurance will cover it, but even after that I would be looking at a huge expense, and it would just delay the inevitable. Eventually, after I am on oxygen (which I am not at this time) I will be looking at a full lung transplant, sounds like fun. This is one of the reasons I am building my stash, so I can have kits to work on when I can't afford them anymore.
Anyway, I'm just a little bummed right now (but will pull out of it like I always do) and needed to cry on someone’s shoulder. Thanks for reading

 

Steve......54 and too young for this crap.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 9:56 AM

You are way too young, and you have my thoughts and prayers. I think you should live your life to the fullest now, and spend what time you have left as wisely and completely as possible. And heck, you may be around for a while still.

 

Good luck and hang in there.

 

Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 10:38 AM

Steve - sorry to hear about your condition... I hope you can make the best of it - I imagine it's hard, very hard... My best wishes for you

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 11:30 AM

Steve

Medicine is constantly making leaps in tretaments. I will have you in my prayers and hope for your condition to get better.  I know it's hard to stay and think positive my friend, but things may change for the better. 

Ernie

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 11:44 AM

If I may offer my prayers for you, too, Steve, and I'd like to say, don't give up on hope of a transplant.  I have a friend who had a similar condition, and was able to get a double transplant.  Don't give up, hang on!

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • From: Streetsboro, Ohio
Posted by Toshi on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 1:17 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this, I just met you!  I'm in tears now but will pray and give hope to you.  Just by our conversations, I feel your a very strong person.  This I hope will help you overcome this terrible disease.

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

 

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world.  Mrs. Toshi

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2014
Posted by rooster513 on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 2:39 PM

So sorry to hear that Steve. I'll be praying for you.

-Andy

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 2:45 PM

Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Hang in there.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 2:55 PM
Really sorry to hear that Steve. You have been a great member of the forum since you joined, its hard to believe its only been a year. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by jibber on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 3:49 PM

Steve OMG, so sorry to hear the latest news. You're such a great addition to the site, lets all hope they find something that'll work and get you some relief. Stay strong my friend, good things happen to good people. 

Terry

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Nampa, Idaho
Posted by jelliott523 on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 5:20 PM

Steve, man, I'm so sorry to hear this. You've been a tremendous help to me here and in person. Hopefully the insurance will be able to help you out, you might also look into whether or not the drug company has a discout program that could help. I know that for some of my medications I was taking that was an option.

If you need anything, I'm close by and would be willing to help out whenever/however I can.

On the Bench:  Lots of unfinished projects!  Smile

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • From: Denver, Colorado
Posted by waynec on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 5:26 PM

you've only been here a year? WOW your posts made me think differently.

this is sad news. you are in my prayers.

Никто не Забыт    (No one is Forgotten)
Ничто не Забыто  (Nothing is Forgotten)

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 6:47 PM

Dude, Steve, my man, my brother, I had no idea. My prayers are most certainly with you. Like others have said, they are making great progress on many fronts, don't dispair and never give up.

If you need anything at all, ask, I'll always be here to help. I'll PM you my info.

With regard to kits and something to build, brother I got your back. You will NEVER run out of something to build. I'll personally hand deliver kits to you so you always have something to work on. It would honor me to do so.

Hang in there brother.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Draper, Utah
Posted by bushman32 on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 6:52 PM
Steve, you are too young for this crap. I am sorry to hear about your condition. I go in tomorrow for CT scan on my chest. They found spots on x-rays that could be related to mining. Ron W.

Ron Wilkinson

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 7:24 PM
Steve, I'm very sorry to hear this. I'll be adding my own thoughts and prayers to everyone else's, hoping that the insurance company will help you out and that you can beat any odds.

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 1:29 AM

I'm so sorry to read this Steve. All I can say is live life to the fullest. Medical science has indeed made tremendous gains over the years, so you never know. I hope your insurance will cover that drug. My prayers are with you.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7:29 AM

That blows Steve. I too will be praying for you, the doctors, etc. If there is anything I can help you with don't hesistate to ask. 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 11:12 AM

GM, Pawel, PJ, The Baron, Toshi, Rooster, Black Sheep, Bish, Jibber, Jelliott, Waynec, BrandonK, Bushman, Silentbob, tigerman, Gamera and Mustang.

Thank you so much for your thoughts, best wishes and prayers, in fact, if this disease halts, it will be because of prayer. I will be contacting the "Caring Voice Coalition" who offers financial help, along with one’s insurance, to offset the cost of expensive medications for rare diseases.

You are all my friends and this touches me very deeply. As some of you may know I am a stubborn man and won't let this take me down easily. I will continue with life and do what I enjoy regardless of any upcoming limitations. Who knows, like was said, medicine has and is coming a long way, they may find a way to grow lungs from stem cells before I need a transplant.
I’m not down yet, no annual Modelcrazy Memorial GB’s yet.

Brandon and Joe, I PM'ed you back. Ron, I pray that everything will turn out all right for you as well.

 

Steve

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Posted by mustang1989 on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 1:31 PM

It's all you dude.Yes

                   

 Forum | Modelers Social Club Forum (proboards.com) 

  • Member since
    April 2015
Posted by Mopar Madness on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 10:48 PM

 

Gosh man, I’m adding you to our evening prayer list for sure.  In my 42 years on this earth I’ve seen a friend or two stop fighting the good fight and succumb to whatever illness or affliction they were struggling with.  Most recently, it was a family member.  But, I’ve also seen friends who adamantly refused to let their affliction influence their outlook of their life and they overcame their affliction.  Two very distinct types of character.  As I reflect on it now, the differences in the two are truly day and night.  By reading your initial post, and also some of the replies you’ve made to my various posts, you my friend do not seem like one whose fate is inevitable as a result of lack of trying.  It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you need to do to help resolve the problem while enjoying the many moments given to you daily.  Keep up the good fight!

 

Chad

God, Family, Models...

At the plate: 1/48 Airfix Bf109 & 1/35 Tamiya Famo

On deck: Who knows!

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Brunswick, Ohio
Posted by Buckeye on Thursday, October 22, 2015 11:17 AM

Yes, you are way too young for this crap!  Hang in there and stay positive.  Will be sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.

Mike

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Thursday, October 22, 2015 8:29 PM
Steve. Keep up the fight. You definitely are too young for this. But you can and most definitely seem to have the will to fight. Good luck. My thoughts and prayers are with you. John

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: AandF in the Badger State
Posted by checkmateking02 on Friday, October 23, 2015 5:14 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about this diagnosis for you, Steve. Hopefully the advances being made constantly in medications will provide you with some more options in the future. Keep up your optimism and hope. And I will be praying for you, too, along with everyone else who's posted.

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Posted by moose421 on Friday, October 23, 2015 8:53 PM

SadDang! Sorry to hear about your medical condition.  Like has said before. Live life to the fullest.  Any day for any of us could be our last. 

You have my family's prayers for a long life and a good one as well.

Prayers and best wishes

 

Kim

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Vancouver, the "wet coast"
Posted by castelnuovo on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 12:39 AM

This suks big time and you are way too young for this sh... Never give up as there is always hope. My dad had it some 35 yrs ago, lost 1/3 of his lungs. He was in a hospital coughing like crazy for 2 or 3 months. I don't know what the docs did but the whole thing just stopped. He is still around, age 85. We are thinking of you...Yes

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Yorkville, IL
Posted by wolfhammer1 on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 5:57 AM

Steve, you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Good luck, and God speed.

John

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 8:26 AM

Damned Steve;

 I think we all should stand back and be thankful for what we have , and what we have experienced .

 Remember there are advances being made every day . Maybe , just Maybe .

 Don't give up hope . I didn't . I have a heart condition that snuck up on me . Hereditary too . But I've made it to 72 . Diagnoses Twenty five years ago .Now have a Defibrillator/Pacemaker . Hasn't gone off since the implant date .Two years ago !

    My prayers and thoughts will always be with you and we will enjoy your presence .Gees man ! Get mean LOL.( mean folks seem to live longer , right ? ) LOL LOL    Tanker - Builder      P.S. Besides you're too young ain't ya ? Besides , You need a shoulder or two ? We all have big ones , man ,  feel free .

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 3:15 PM

 

A very heart felt thank you. My Pulmonologist called yesterday regarding the drug "Pirfenidone". Since it is stage 3 trials insurance won’t cover it and the doc said it costs $95,000 a year and would probably delay a lung transplant for 1 year. There are avenues that we and are looking into to see if there is financial help available, however I am starting to think I should wait to see what the next 6 months bring. The "quality of life" thing has been bantered about but if I'm paying more than I can afford just to delay for 1 year, that's not helping the quality of life either. Right now, I am breathing OK and am still working, but have trouble walking any kind of distance, breath heavily and cough if I take the stairs and it takes a few hours to recoup after mowing our small yard (good thing that's over for the year).
Thank you for the encouragement, thoughts and prayers. One thing I won't stop is modeling. That is something I can do if or when disability comes.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W
Posted by scottrc on Thursday, October 29, 2015 11:07 AM

Hi Steve,I wish you the best and am influenced by your wonderful attitude.  Hope there is a way to overcome the financial burden,  you don't need that stress.

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Friday, October 30, 2015 6:54 AM
Sorry to hear this Steve. We hear about people getting sick all the time but sometimes it hits home. I won't say I know what you are going through yourself but I've seen what it dose first hand. That took the brother of my best friend and I saw the process from beginning to end. As has been said, fight the good fight and hang in there. You truly never know what may happen down the road. And remember... you've got friend here.

Marc  

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