Well, after smoking for 37 years and hoping to cheat the hangman, not looking good...

I'll let you good folks know when I do.

Prayers & happy thoughts headed your way.....

Prayers sent.... and post this where more folks can read it, please?

Thanks to you Dan and Kattleyn. I'll know more in about a week. Just want to make sure I post accurate info.

Y'all ever heard the song by Tom Petty - "The Waiting Is The Hardest Part" ?

Thanks again to all for the prayers and support. I just got the results from the cardiologist.

I've been diagnosed with something called "Old Granulomatous Disease."

In a nutshell, it's scaring and calcification of parts of the lung. It's not as bad as emphysema but it does reduce lung capacity.

After smoking 37 years I can see why the Doctor said I've been given a second chance. The leakage of my heart valves is minimal and the are just going to monitor it.

For all you young folks that read this, Now is the time to stop.

Thanks again,

Mike

Mike -

Glad to hear that the diagnosis is not as dire as it could have been, and that the prognosis is better than it could have been.

N.O.P.E. - Not One Puff Ever (except in my dreams - about once a month... but they remind me of my resolve)

Young 'uns - take heed...... don't subject your bodies to the 37 years of abuse like Mike did - or the 47 years like I did.

And Fleetwood Mac keeps me going with:

"Don't stop thinking about tomorrow....."

God Bless You, Mike......

You Da Man DanDaBald!