Thank you, Bette. You are much appreciated.
Received our itinerary and visitor's package for the trip and study. So, we are absolutely, officially going.
I also spoke w/ a local a.m. station, WPTL in Canton, NC, and they want to do a pre-trip interview and a follow-up after our return. More ears makes the disease more heard of.

The radio interview is set for 1/4/12, and I got notice from a rather well known writer w/ the Asheville paper that she wants to write an article about this, too. Man!! When it rains.....

Walter!
Proof that we both still exist. On page four of this biblical porportioned thread you were downloading thoughts on your medical funhouse experience and I shared my medical funhouse with you (I was Grannyflats at that time). So glad to see you still here and still HERE. Glad I am too.

So glad you're still w/ us, Moomy. It's always nice to know folks are reading, learning and caring. Most of all, caring.

Well, the time draws near. Saturday, we head to SC to drop our Yorkie off w/ Mom. Then, Sunday, we board the flight to Bethesda. I'm really lookin' 4ward 2 this trip. But, MAN!!, I hate packing.
I'll bring back info..

Oh, wonderful!! Smartsource (Humana) told me just what to do to get my Testosterone repl. gel covered and at a bettr price. They had, w/ no notice, just stoppd covrage of that drug aftr I've been on it since 2007. So, I calld 'em to get a refill w/ 5 tubes left in my supply. "We don't have that drug on file". I maild 'em the prescrip. 2 wks earlier, as instructed. Called my endo. doc & found a deep muscle injection type. I was already in2 w/drawal mode, though. Depression & fatigue were already marching in full-steam.
My point? This is a life sustaining drug 4 me. 2 give me NO notice aftr 4 1/2 yrs on the drug was just flat out irresponsible, in my eyes. I have 2 wait 'til I'm down to 5 or so tubes, or they can't legally refill it. Dang it! I did my part, & they risked my life not doing theirs. My screw-up? Being trusting old Walt, I sent it 1st class, not Registered. I trusted a billion $$ industry 2 to follow thru on their word. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!!
Well, regardless, come Nov. I'll b hunting another drug plan.
I am still smiling .

Okey-doke.
We have returned safely from MD. True to their word, I was exhausted. I underwent 2 PET scans, a CT scan of my abdomen and heart, a Sonogram of my heart, an MRI of my "brain" (apparently it's still up there), a Pulmonary Organ Test (Walk fast for 6 min.), a pulmonary intake test, a long bone X-ray, an ophthalmic exam, a dental exam, had more than 40 vials of blood taken, and that's all I can remember at the moment. They did find more disease in my right atrium & inferior lungs, as well as my arms. I talked w/ a physical therapist about my balance issues, and learned some exercises that will help. The lungs and heart are scary. That's where the disease kills if it goes unchecked. I know where I'll go if that happens, though ^. But, the head doctor said I am the healthiest ECD patient he's seen, so far.
We arrived home Sunday and took Monday off together.
My wife's B-day is today, and our 13th Anniversary is comin' up in March.
Looks like I'm gonna be a whipped pup by the time my B-day rolls ar'nd in May. #51
Thanks 4 caring, folks. You mean the world to me.

Hey Walt
Nice to hear from you and glad you are fighting this thing so well. My best wishes are always with you and your family.

As far as knowing where you'd be going...

Keep up the fight! You are an incredible survivor!

Warmest,
Casey

Received a wonderful honor this a.m.. Was having coffee w/ our Pastor, discussing NIH and some "issues" I've been having. In the midst of a wonderful conversation, he asked me if I would feel comfortable giving a message one Sunday on being grateful for the life God's given us, even thru the tough times.
I'm so excited, I'm giddy!! Lately, I've been feeling God's renewed my spirit!!

Casey,
As far as we're concerned, the only thing to do is refuse to give any ground. IF ECD winds up winning, years from now, it's gonna know it's been in a fight; black eye, cuts, bruises, etc..
Thanks, though. You're a great guy.