The chemo did a real number on me. I was included in a study of a new drug and it literally almost killed me. Twice. For this reason I have left the study and have been put on a gentler and more normal regime of chemo. I have lost a lot of stamina (and strength and weight) but have recovered somewhat. I have returned to catch up on comments as best I can and apologize for not responding for so long.
If possible I will post something new but it will probably be a while before I feel up to doing so.
Thanks to everybody for their kind and supportive thoughts.
It’s SO good to hear from you, Richard! Chemotherapy can be a lot of fun, huh? I had some relatively mild chemotherapy in 2014 – 2015, and I think I’m only now starting to feel like myself. I hope your recovery is faster than mine was.
I’ll still keep you in my prayers – God bless you.
Jim –
Thanks. I hope so too. Not where I want to be or was but I am recovering slowly.
– Richard
I am so glad to see you back!! I pray you gain you strength back and feel better soon!
I was thinking about you as I research race correction for PFT’S. I am finishing my bachelor’s degree this spring and have decided to do a paper on this subject. I have been doing PFT’S for 30 years as an RPFT (have been in RT for 41 years). I would love to add a quote from you!!
Again, I am so glad to see a post from yiu, I have had you in my prayers!
Regards
Susan –
Thanks. Feel free to quote anything from me,
Regards, Richard
I believe a new name is order… Richard “The Phoenix” Johnston… Welcome back, such as it is…
Ralph –
Thanks, but not anywhere near where I want to be or was. Still, well enough to try to get back in the saddle.
Regards, Richard
Been there, done that. you’ll do it too. it’s a slow and frustrating process sometimes but you’ll do it. if I and others can do it then so can you!
after having to use a walker for several months, i can say i’m a better man for it, more compassionate with my patients.
A delight to see this come back! Wishing you the best as you work to regain strength.
Murray –
Thanks. As Ralph and Jim have said it’s going to be slow but hopefully I’m headed in the right direction.
Regards, Richard
Richard, you may think I’m making this up …I was thinking about you today and wondering how you are doing. Voilá! You appear! So glad to hear you are such a strong son of a gun. I think of your productive, nomadic life as such an inspiration. You’ve influenced and informed so many including myself. Perhaps we can have lunch again next time you are in Charlemont for repairs! Best wishes. Cory Heath
I’m glad to see you’re back. I hope you feel better soon. I’m relatively new to PFTs ( but not to being an RT). I have learned a lot. Thank you for your hard work & dedication.
Good to hear!
All the best from Norway
Good to see you having the belief that you want to do more. The blogs and articles are a shining light of respiratory physiology, informative and educational in the right way and a joy to read through, a great source of evidence base.
Be strong and get well luna
Richard,
welcome back. i hope your strength returns soon, will await with great anticipation your next posting. I have learned much from you.
So happy you hear from you again!
wishing you the very best..
It is great to hear from you Sir! Please give yourself all the time you need to feel better, we are just glad you are in a recovery mode!
God Bless Richard.
Hey Richard,
So glad to hear you’re still fighting the good fight. We all know what a good guy you are, but you’re also one of those people who’s stubborn enough to beat down the cancer !! Sometimes it comes in handy ! 😄😄
My prayers and wishes are with you 24/7.
Very Best,
Ira
Richard,
Very happy to hear from you. I pray you continue to make progress and gain strength.
Looking forward to the next post.
Best,
Joe H. from CT
Fabulous and welcome news!
Richard,
I so enjoy your blog, and am glad you’re back as much as you can be. Keep up the fight, and appreciate your updates!
So glad you are getting back to yourself! I visited the blog today to show one of my colleagues the wealth of information this blog holds when, lo and behold, there is March 2019!
Welcome back!
Hi Richard,
I though for a while we were loosing you. I realize you still have challenges ahead. Kathy and I hope in time you will again join us in Colorado for more adventures. I have a few thought I would like to publicly share with you. The PFT Blog represents more than the topics and efforts of one man… it represent all that is good and noble in an industry that is frot with inconsistency and inaccuracy. The people that come here to this blog are trying on an daily basis to provide better diagnostic information to aid in the care of their patients. I have though the PFT BLOG is the best idea that has happened to PFT testing since I started in the field.
There are several good books on PFT but they are static. The ATS/ERS guidelines are academic documents that are not well understood. The PFT BLOG represents a dynamic forum for the exchange of information that is informatively written, addresses the need for those that seek technology understanding and best practices written in plain language. You have developed a forum that shows that physics, technology and complex medical terminology can and should be master by all that practice in the field. From the first year PFT tech to the corporate product development teams all come to THE PFT BLOG for knowledge and understanding. Thank you Richard.
Couldn’t have put it better.