My mission now became resolving the cough, improving my breathing and my endurance and regaining some weight. I worked with Dr. Shukla to identify my problem with the cough and solved it. He concluded that the surgery had sensitized my bronchial tubes and that I had developed "reactive airway" syndrome. We tried medications that would eliminate the cough and I found Ventolin inhalers did the trick until I healed enough that I no longer needed them. In a month or so my coughing ceased.

I avoided crowds in order to minimize infections and colds. My immune system had been suppressed by the chemotherapy and radiation. I learned to be careful and to wash my hands often, especially before eating and I took possession of my "own" cordless phone, not to be used by other family members lest they give me a cold or flu. I took flu shots and obtained a pneumonia shot, all with the intention of reducing the risk of respiratory infections. I must admit this has worked extremely well and I continued it even after my immune system returned to normal. Precautions like these are essential to one-lunged patients who are at risk if they get sick. I have had only a handful of minor colds in the five years since my treatment by being careful.

I have changed my eating habits and although I eat too much (sorry to mention that) I have continued to take daily doses of vitamins and I make sure that I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. I have been able to indulge from time to time and enjoy deserts and sweets in moderation. In short, I have learned to eat well and to live in the expectation of being healthy. All of this has helped to keep me from getting sick. I have, however, had to learn how to live with pain.