This started as a response to Bex, but I decided to make it into a post.

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Thanks everyone! I appreciate your comments and support so much.

Bex, you slay me - you are most wonderful with your care and concern for others. You are the best! (You all are the best!) I'm reminded that many of my friends like you might not have a comprehensive understanding of my challenge. Heck, I barely do.

The clinical trial I'm in has no placeboes - It's why I've known all along that I'm one generation from the lab rats - virtually a human test tube - a trial that is all about efficacy.

It's true that I've responded well in the trial, but with no placeboes there's lots of gray area. Am I willing my good health with my good attitude? Or am I responding to the drug?

I have only one more infusion and will not qualify for the next phase, which will include placeboes and make it a much stronger trial. This is good news. It means the pharmaceutical company has seen good data. The monetary investment is huge so they must see hope (or dollar signs) in the drug.

If my health declines after my last infusion, my doctors will apply for an extension. In the meantime, my doctors will offer me other clinical trials related to IPF. This September five new trials are starting at Vanderbilt. This is so indicative of the crucial enormity of my disease. More and more people are being diagnosed... and the doctors have yet to determine a cause never mind a cure. *sigh*

I have a new soundbite: Walk with me. Walk with gratitude.