So, to begin at the beginning let's go back to when I was first diagnosed with the throat Cancer, for a bit of background. OK, I'm not really going to go all that into the Cancer story (should you be interested that more or less starts here>>> Ron's Cancer Blog) but there is one significant point to be made.  During the initial diagnosis process back in 2008, and following a thorough set of chest x-rays and a CAT scan, I was told that while there is no sign of any Cancer cells in the chest or abdomen area, I did have considerabke "scaring of the lungs."  Something they felt they would "watch" but nothing to be overly concerned about!

Well some how or other - that now seems to be the PULMONARY FIBROSIS. But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Back in December of last year, while having a stay-over with Amanda & Kelly at the Maui Lani house, I was out one morning pulling weeds only to discover unexpectedly finding myself a little short of breath, without all that much exertion.  But of course I didn't think much of it...  but at the same time I was aware that it was more and more noticeable as time went by.  Well, my feeble brain determined that the problem was I that I was just out of shape, and needed to kick up the exercise routine.  For the record, my concept of "exercise" was walking into town (to and from the Yacht Club) 3 or 4 times a week, and a swim at the Pool every now and then...  Well doggone if I didn't start noticing that I seemed to be coming up short of breath sooner and sooner until I could hardly make it over the Kahoma Stream Bridge 

(small bridge only 3 blocks away) without having to actually stop and catch my breath.

And so it was, near the end of March that I broke down and made an appointment with my Kaiser primary care physician, Dr. Darcel Gilbert. It's worth noting here (gotta give credit where credit is due) that except for a short, unpleasant stretch with HMSA, I've been with Kaiser for over thirty years, since we moved to Hawaii.  One interesting tid-bit from all that is that Dr. Gilbert was my original doctor at HMSA.  Any way, I'm a big fan of Kaiser - one of our first "big" experiences with Kaiser was Kelly getting the 17" rod fused to her spine back in the 80's, Amanda was born into the Kaiser system, they've "fixed" Carl up countless times, and they totally worked wonders with my Cancer program, so yes, the Folks at Kaiser are quite near and dear to me.

So, back to my visit to Dr. Gilbert...  which ultimately didn't reveal much.  After a few questions, a tap here and there, a couple of goes with the stethoscope she said, "I think we'll send you to the other side for a Chest x-Ray and some blood work. And, we'll see about getting you in to see the Pulmonoligist."  Reminder here - Maui is still a small Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - our Pulmonoligist only comes to Maui (from Oahu) every other week, so scheduling is nothing real immediate.    And neither is this tale... so I'll end for now, and continue with the initial chronology next time.  Be good Y'all!