WNC, Naturally

08/20/2026

I just got off the phone with the home health care/rehab folks the VA want to work with me. I may begin treatments as soon as the weekend!

08/19/2026

Laurey-Faye took today off to take me to the VA Hospital in Asheville for my pulmonary follow up after my hospital stay. We met with the Pulmonolgist who scanned all my discharge/treatment records from the Haywood Regional Medical Center here in Waynesville into my VA record.

After reviewing the hospital paperwork he reviewed my meds, listened to my lungs and heart, then sent me for a chest X-Ray. I then went back to the Pulmonary Clinic and after the Dr had a chance to look at the X-Ray, he took us back to his office.

He concurred with the other Pulmonologists who had consulted while I was at Haywood Regional, Pneumonitis not Pneumonia! The masses are much reduced, even to my eye, although he said my current condition will continue for at least a few months. Lord, treating the cure is proving harder than working on the disease itself.

The VA is now working on setting up home healthcare and PT.

08/18/2026

Headed to the VA in the morning to meet with the Pulmonologist. Not looking forward to the trip but the next available appointment was in January.

08/13/2026

https://www.sierraclub.org/north-carolina/wnc/blog/2026/08/wnc-sierra-club-monthly-meeting-sept-2-birds-we-love

Join us Sept. 2 as we host Blue Ridge Audubon member Tom Tribble for a presentation about birds of western North Carolina.

08/10/2026

I am going home!

08/10/2026

I took all of my classes here. Learned this today!

08/09/2026

I’ve completed 35 radiation and five chemo sessions with one more chemo to go, Unfortunately the combined effects have led to a severe case of pneumonitis, an inflammation that occurs following radiation therapy used for lung or breast cancer, which can damage lung tissue. I collapsed in the bathroom last Monday. Laurey-Faye found me, helped me up and we went to the cancer center, collected my records and they sent us to ER at the Haywood Regional Medical Center. It was determined that my platelet count was 26 – with the normal minimum being 200. I’ve been here since Monday but will likely get to go home tomorrow.

I’m being treated with steroids, opioid cough syrups which do not provide much relief. The consulting Pulmonologist informs me that this is not unusual and that the irritation is not unusual and can last up to 4 – 6 months. Ugh.

He feels, that while not fun, I still have a good chance of coming out the other side.

08/06/2026

I am in a PCU. Not sick enough for an ICU but too sick for a general care unit. Will find out tomorrow if I go to a rehab facility for a week or so, or go home for rehab work there. Laurey- Faye visited ths morning.

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

Thirty three years ago today!