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Hi, Red Top and everyone else: I went to the pulmonologist today, and you asked that I let you know what happened.

Well, I did not learn a lot. (DH went with me.) When I asked him questions (such as is my pnuemonia viral or bacterial, could I be contagious, etc) all he would say is "That's a good question." So I asked him how we would find the answers to these questions.

I will have another CT scan on my lungs next week, then on Monday, March 28 he will do a bronchoscopy. He will remove a tissue sample and also inject a saline solution and then withdraw it to see if they can "culture" bacteria in the lab.

I told him that when I was in the emergency room and in the hospital two doctors asked if I had ever had a bronchoscope, so I think that let him know I was aware that one was needed. My husband and I had vowed that if he did not schedule one, I would ask him to schedule one and if he said "no", then it would be on to Mayo's.

He said based on past x-rays and CT scans he doesn't think I have lung cancer or tuberculosis, but he can't say that with 100% certainty. He explained what he would do during a bronchoscopy and also explained that there are risks associated with doing it, as there are risks with anything.

So, another two to three weeks before we find out. I am trying to stay away from people in case I am able to give it to other people, and am getting tired of not being able to see friends or do anything with friends, but they all have either compromised immune systems themselves, or have elderly parents not in good health, so I don't want to jeopardize their health and cause a illness from which they cannot recover.

So, needless to say, I am getting cabin fever (even though today we had some windows open because it was so nice outside today), but I've always been told that patience is a virtue, so just call me Ms. Patience.

Thanks for asking and your concern.