Hi Robert and the Saturday, 4:30 PM, Choir members,
I tried very hard to resume singing in the choir this month, but my ongoing lung condition is making it very difficult. While singing during Mass these past two weeks, I experienced a pronounced shortness of breath and the inability to appropriately support my voice...especially in the tenor range. It also causes considerable lung discomfort for several days after attempting to sing. I am being seen by a pulmonologist and he is starting treatment for me. However, at this early stage, he has not been able to definitively determine the cause. The initial diagnosis is potentially Interstitial Lung Disease. However, this is just a term for a whole group of lung diseases and they need to determine exactly what I have. I have had x-rays, CT Scans, and am being scheduled for other treatments, but as of today they have not been able to define a specific cause. My apologies for such a long winded note, but I wanted to let my dear choir member friends know why I can't be there for a while. Please keep me in your prayers and I will return as soon as I am healthy enough to sing again.
Bob,
Still hoping for the best. Please do not try and stretch it. We miss your voice and need your love.
Bill
Hello everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to update everyone on my condition and to especially thank you all for your prayers. I also want to thank Robert for adding me to the Resurrection Prayer List in the bulletin and for the SI at Mass a few weeks ago.
I completed my lung function testing yesterday (Sept 1st) and saw my pulmonologist doctor. There is both good news and bad news. The BAD NEWS is that I have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This disease is not curable and will slowly progress over time. The GOOD NEWS is that it is in the very early stages so I am still able to sing and continue with other aspects of my life...within limits. My pulmonologist actually encouraged me to continue to sing as one way of monitoring the progression of the disease. He just emphasized that I do not stress my lungs too much.
So, the long and short of it, is that, other than mild lung discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath/dizziness, I am okay for the time being. I plan to resume singing in the choir...if Robert will have me...lol. I highly doubt that I can continue as a tenor, but I plan to write myself a "Baritone" part or sing melody.
Again, my apologies for writing another "Novel", but I wanted to let everyone know that I am okay and can keep singing for awhile and to thank you for your prayers.
Bob
Will pray that, through God, your doctors will diagnose the problem and provide the treatment necessary to bring your lungs back to perfect health. Our prayers are with you.
So sorry Bob! Prayers coming your way! Let us know how you’re doing.
So sorry to hear that . But don’t worry, we have a prayer brigade to be by your side. Praying for you and the medical personnel who will be given the wise and good decisions for you by our loving GOD! 😇
I'm praying that you get better soon, brother!!!
Bob,
I am sorry for your discomfort and may your Doctor correct the problem.
We have all been together for so long.
Bill (Grief)
I’ll pray for u and the rest of our choir members for good health , voice and heart. Take care. May be, when ur we’ll, consider singing less stressful pitch. No more tenor. God bless always.