hi farrah,

maybe this will help motivate you. June, my sister-in-law, has just been placed on a list for dual lung transplant. she is in her early 60's, a long time smoker. June has Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is not caused by smoking. she is on oxygen and mostly uses a wheelchair. when she walks, her finger nails turn blue from lack of oxygen. the blood level gets down to 50%.

3000 folks per year need lungs in the US. 1000 get them.

i didn't know that lung transplants were possible and think it is almost magic that docs can do that. June is lucky in that she still has treatment options... i don't know if lung transplants are available for cancer folks. no one that i've known with lung cancer has been offered a transplant.

i think it's great that you are trying to quit smoking and wish you my best wishes. i know it is a very difficult thing to do. be strong and do your best.

cu,
larryb


'01 diagnosis.. jaw hing and base of tongue. surgery not possible. JHU used radiation and chemo to seemingly rid me of the beast. peg for about 19 months. 100 cases of 24 cans of liquid food. 9 months eating therapy. 3x esophagus stretches. non-smoker. previously a social drinker.