Pulmonologist

Once again I find myself sitting in another specialist's office when the symptoms that I intermittently experience are not present. I have a wonderful in depth conversation with a fellow/intern who explores all of my cancer journey and the medications I have taken over the last 8 years. He asks many questions, jotting down notes here and there, then disappears to consult with the head honcho. Carbon copy of my visit with the neurologist, except looking at lungs.

These tests are easier. I am asked to exhale into a machine, to walk up and down the hall for ten minutes rapidly while hooked to an oxygen level monitor, then to repeat the exhale tests into another machine. Once again the amazing report that I am healthy as an ox lung-wise and nothing to worry about.

They are quite concerned about the amount of toxic chemicals I have ingested. They comment a number of times that its important to continue monitoring for lung damage because if they can catch something like that early, it will be easier to treat. To be on the safe side, they decide to do an in-home monitor of oxygen levels to see if they can replicate the issue that the sleep doctor mentioned, but otherwise, not to worry. Great!

I am beginning to think I have the A-Bomb Disease. I recently read a book about the survivors of Hiroshima. Seems there is a section of the brain that is affected by the massive doses of radiation that makes them think they are continually susceptible to bodily degradation due to being in the blast. Many people actually die of what they think are organ issues when in fact, their hearts or lungs or livers are perfectly healthy despite their traumatic exposure to radiation. Really what the radiation caused other than hair and teeth falling out was cancer, especially leukemia.

So there you have it. I have seen every conceivable specialist, and there is nothing to be concerned about. They will continue to monitor because the possibility of damage is real, but seems I have some kind of internal protection so far. Thank God! Now if I can just get the fatigue under better control, I should be hunky-dory.