Update on my medical condition:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1036153011 for those who might not have seen my original post.

This week will see me undergoing two very important tests. The first one is tomorrow and the second is Wednesday.

The official name of tomorrow's test is: NM Myocardial Stress Pharmacologic Perfusion Spect.
It has two parts and they will both happen tomorrow.

I have really no idea what they will do with me during this time. My cardiologist thinks I'll do great and I so hope he's right.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. If I'm successful tomorrow, then I will most likely be able to have the surgery that will remove the cancer from my right lung. Of course I need to pass the second test too, but that's not as daunting.

The official name of Wednesday's test: Pulmonary Function Testing
Again, I'm not sure what they will do during this test, but this one looks easier.

If I should fail one or both of these, then I won't be able to have surgery to remove the cancer. Instead, I would undergo chemo and radiation to cure me. I really don't want to go this route, but of course, I will if I have to.

There's a lot riding on these tests. Please hold me in your thoughts as I pass through this time.

As before, I won't be able to respond to your responses. Once I've read what you wrote, I will give you a rec to let you know that I appreciate your good thoughts and comments.

Thanks to all of you!

[SheltieLover]

1. Healing vibes contimuing to flow to you, Dear Peggy!

[spooky3]

5. Adding mine too! +++++

[calimary]

133. And mine!

You’ll get through this.

[a kennedy]

2. 🙏🏻 ♥️ 🙏🏻 ♥️ 🙏🏻 ♥️ 🙏🏻

Good luck on both.

[malaise]

3. Thinking of you and sending good vibes my dear CaliforniaPeggy

[senseandsensibility]

4. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Good luck, CP! Here's to passing both of those tests and moving on to a successful surgery!

[BootinUp]

6. Don't worry.

It isn’t good for you.

[intrepidity]

7. The pulmonary function one is just breathing

But with monitors attached, to see how much air you can take in, and how much oxygen is getting absorbed in your blood. Stuff like that. The hardest part is when you have to keep exhaling even when you feel like there's no more air left, lol.

Fingers crossed Peggy!

[Javaman]

73. Took that test. It was...interesting lol

I knew I was full of hot air but not that much! LOL

[Solly Mack]

8. ...

[wordstroken]

9. Sending you love and hugs and good energy, dear CaliforniaPeggy.

As all your DU family, I’ll be thinking of you over the next week and will be with you in spirit during your tests.
💕❤️

🦋 wordstroken

[mcar]

10. Blessings on you. Best of luck this week

[Nevilledog]

11. All my healing thoughts headed your way, my dearest Peggy.

[anciano]

12. Sending positive vibes your way!

[MineralMan]

13. I'll be thinking of you during this time. Keep the faith.

[wendyb-NC]

14. May you pass your tests with ease

Sending healing energy and may you be surrounded by a healing white light. Peace and health.

[LoisB]

15. I have faith in your strength, Peggy. You WILL pass both tests and have the surgery. From

my keyboard to the ears of all the gods of The Universe.

[Marthe48]

16. I had a Pulmonary Function test

Last edited Mon Nov 10, 2025, 01:02 PM - Edit history (1)

and so did my husband. His was 30 years ago. Mine was 2 years ago. I was seated in a box and they put a hose/mouthpiece on, and positioned me a few different ways and told me how to breathe. It didn't take long.

My husband's experience was similar, but we were unfamiliar with the procedure. I sat outside the test room, while a tech tested him. I was surprised and amused when I heard a powerful female voice urging him on: "Harder! Deeper! Harder! Deeper! for several minutes. After we left the hospital, we laughed like fools. I haven't shared this much, but thought you'd get a smile to take your mind off the next few days.

I wish you well on all of your testing and upcoming surgery.

I edited to add the the box was clear plastic with a seat. Reminded me of a quiz show isolation box, but it wasn't sound proof or sealed in any way.

[mnhtnbb]

98. That's a great story.

Laughter is the best medicine.

[rubbersole]

17. All the best to you this week and always.

[canetoad]

18. Peggy, I had no idea

I missed your original post. Very, very best wishes dear Peggy, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

[Nigrum Cattus]

19. Multiple cancer survivor here -

I know it's hard to keep positive
but keeping positive really helps
keep driving the negative thoughts in your head out
trust that these procedures are what you need
+++ vibes
peace/love

[democratsruletheday]

20. I wish you the best of luck...

and will say a lil' prayer

[Grim Chieftain]

21. Sending hugs, good vibes and best wishes your way

You will certainly be in my thoughts, CaliforniaPeggy. Please keep us posted.

[Walleye]

22. All I can say is good luck, I've been there, medicine has advanced quite a bit with these things, so have faith

[hamsterjill]

23. Peggy, it is my practice to pray in these types of situations.

I will be praying for you - both that the tests are easy for you, and that you ace them (which I fully expect).

All the very best!

[2naSalit]

24. Sending!!

Along with all those good vibes I have left over from my request a few weeks back!

[sinkingfeeling]

25. Wishing you the best.

[wolfie001]

26. I'm so glad you're getting fantastic care!

Best of luck CP!!!

[Diamond_Dog]

27. Sending you love and good vibes Peggy.

And I know it’s easy to say, Don’t be nervous about it. If your cardiologist thinks you’ll do fine, then you probably will. Think of all the positive energy coming your way from us here at DU!

[awesomerwb1]

28. Sending you good vibes

Positive thoughts and energy to you. We're all rooting for you!!

[pandr32]

29. Hugs to you!

It is understandable that you are nervous. The pulmonary function tests are probably the same I had with my lung issues. It isn't bad--you have to clamp your nose and blow out hard and long as possible several times (into a machine) and then they average the results.
My wish is for you to get this all behind you as soon as possible and that we all get our wish for the holidays--the protection of ACA subsidies and everyone eats.

[Scrivener7]

30. So stressful for you. You're in my thoughts. Let us know as soon as you finish tomorrow.

[gademocrat7]

31. Sending healing hugs

Wishing you all the best tomorrow, Peggy.
Take care. We are with you on this journey.💙

[lamp_shade]

32. Yes... I definitely will hold you in my thoughts.

[Bo Zarts]

33. I'l be thinking about you Peggy, and holding you in the light!

I have a pulmonary function test, and others, on December 23 (Merry Christmas, eh?).

[niyad]

83. Vibes for best possible outcome for you, as well.

[surfered]

34. Best hopes and wishes coming your way🙏❤️

[mvd]

35. So sorry to hear about your medical trouble, Peggy

Sending good vibes and prayers that your tests will go well.

[1WorldHope]

36. Peggy, I have witnessed both of those tests.

The first one, if I'm on track, will test you heart under stress by introducing a drug that speeds up your heart. They do that for people who can't safely do a treadmill. They will look at you before with a radiologist camera that goes back and forth over your chest. Then they will do it again after they give you the isotope in an IV. That medicine will make you feel like you are peeing yourself and like you have been running. Some people I know panicked because you feel some chest pressure too. But the feeling doesn't last very long. But you will have to do a lot of waiting between parts of the test.
The pulmonary test is quite the trip. I hope you have a funny tech because there is a lot of difficult instructions involved with how to breathe and when. You are in this funny glass enclosure doing it. Nothing painful and you will get a wealth of information from the tests. Good luck and bring a book to the first test. Good luck lovely one.

[Beartracks]

37. I'm siding with your doctor. You have a big heart, and I think it will not fail you.

I will keep you in my prayers for health and good outcomes.

============

[karynnj]

38. Best wishes that everything goes as well as they can

[JMCKUSICK]

39. Thank you for-the illuminating update CaliforniaPeggy

You are right, the pulmonary function test is much easier. They are both relatively easy from your perspective in that not much will be required from you. As a matter of fact, the pulmonary function test is more work intensive for you lol. If you fail the stress test, before any decisions are made, they may recommend a heart cath. They did both of your procedures to me and they were quite painless and gotten through with ease.
I pray you will find my words reassuring, comforting, and most of all true CaliforniaPeggy. God Speed and please know we’ll be with you in spirit and prayer.
Love, John

[twodogsbarking]

40. Thoughts are with you my love.

[TBF]

41. Sending healing vibes!!

nt

[biophile]

42. It's ok to have concern for the results, but the tests are not hard

As mentioned the PFT is just measuring forceful breathing. The NM stress test is mostly boring! I had one - the pharmacologic stress medication might make you feel weird for a minute- some people feel nothing and others think they’re having a heart attack for a few seconds. Symptoms, if any , don’t last long. The nuclear medicine that creates the image doesn’t have any side effects. The worst part is the mandatory waiting times between the injections and the imaging.
So best of luck for good results! We’re pulling for you!

[mwmisses4289]

43. 😯

[LudwigPastorius]

44. You're going to come through it with flying colors.

How do I know?

Everybody here at DU knows you've got a GOOD HEART, my dear CP.

[Easterncedar]

45. My heart and best wishes are with you, Peggy.

[SheilaAnn]

46. The very best to you Peggy. I'm sure you will do just fine. you are in my thoughts. n/t

[fierywoman]

47. I surround you with light and love and peace and good health!

[DownriverDem]

48. NM Myocardial Stress Pharmacologic Perfusion Spect.

I had it twice. You pretty much lay there while they watch on a screen. Best of luck.

[highplainsdem]

49. Hugs and healing vibes for you, Peggy.

[Lonestarblue]

50. Best of luck with all your tests.

Sending good vibes your way.

[Buddyzbuddy]

51. Sending you positive thoughts for negative results.

[Alice Kramden]

52. Continued good vibes to you, dear California Peggy

[Katinfl]

53. Nothing but the best thoughts for you.

[True Dough]

54. Peggy, you have the positive vibes of hundreds of DUers behind you

It's your force field!

Looking forward to good news.

Take care.

[Mz Pip]

55. Sending good thoughts your way.

May you pass the tests with scores like no one has ever seen before. The doctors will be amazed! !Bigly!

[Deuxcents]

56. Positive energy and tons of love and support from me and all of us, my Dear Miss Peggy. See you soon 🥰

[oldtime dfl_er]

57. Sending good thoughts

I hope your doctors are correct and you will sail thru these tests, and then on to the big one!

[sueh]

58. Praying for the wanted result, my dear Peggy.❤️🙏

[FakeNoose]

59. Keep thinking positive CaliforniaPeggy, and things will go your way

Let us know, we'll be hoping and praying.

[democrank]

60. Imagine a gargantuan hug coming your way, CaliforniaPeggy.

We’re here for you. Take good care~

[livetohike]

61. Thank you for the update CalPeggy. My thoughts

will be with you, your husband, family and care team this week. Holding positive thoughts for the best outcomes on each test. Hoping this will all be taken care of quickly and painlessly .

[riverbendviewgal]

62. Peggy. Good luck on your tests

I am getting the pulmonary one in a couple weeks. I had a heart attack in 2017. It is one of a few tests I get to check my heart . This one I had a few years ago.

I will have you in my thoughts. I do enjoy seeing your beautiful photos you take. ❤️

[Rebl2]

63. Keeping

you in my thoughts 🙏🏻

[PCIntern]

64. My Dear CaliforniaPeggy:

My spidey sense tells me that you’re going to do just fine on these tests, and we are looking forward to hearing the good news soon!!!

Keep the faith and keep calm. We are all thinking of you!!!

Best,

PC

[riversedge]

65. Sending Peaceful thoughts.

[ColoringFool]

66. I Have Had You In My Thoughts...

For years, reading your posts and viewing your photographs.

I will now add you to my prayers for your good health, that each test result leads to continued improvement.

🙏

[NNadir]

67. We all will be thinking of you and hope for the best possible outcome.

You are a DU favorite, much admired.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

[Wicked Blue]

68. Absolutely!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((best DU vibes for California Peggy)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[virgdem]

69. Thinking of you and hoping the tests go well for you

and you can get your surgery. Hang in there. ❤️

[70sEraVet]

70. Adding my 'Best Wishes' as well!!!

[sellitman]

71. Hoping your tests work out

The best of luck. Hugs

[Trueblue Texan]

72. Sending healing vibes and love, our dear California Peggy. nt

[tavernier]

74. ...

🍰

I hope this came through as a piece of cake since I used iPhone emojis.

All will be well, dear heart

[Warpy]

75. jPeggy, if you need anyone to translate Medicalese for you, I'm here

PM me any time for translations or commiseration.

Getting older sucks even worse than our folks told us it did.

[iluvtennis]

76. Sending positive vibes for the test @CaliforniaPeggy. n/t

[JustinBulletin]

77. Wishing you well!

These tests are more time consuming than painful. I've had the pulmonary test since I was a former 2 pack a day smoker.
I had cancer surgery a couple of years ago and am doing ok so far. I hope everything goes well for you. You do so much to brighten our days with your lovely photos.

[Clouds Passing]

78. Good wishes, CP 💖💚

[angrychair]

79. Wishing you the very best my dear friend

I hope the tests go well and they get that damn cancer out of you and have a full recovery.
In my thoughts for the very best possible outcome.

[MerryBlooms]

80. My 82 year old sister had to jump through many tests for heart valve replacement

Her main cardiologist fought us, because of her onset dementia. He wanted a dementia test. They more than 6mths out! Nope! Went over his head. Long story short, my sis had textbook surgery, and doing beautiful. Dementia test clinic still doesn't have an opening, but the cardiologist asked after her 6mth follow up. Cripes, what difference does it make? Lol
Best of luck to you, Peggy
You're gonna be golden 🥰

[niyad]

81. My dear Ms Peggy, just know that all love and vibes for best possible

outcome continue being sent to you. You know that your whole DU family is here for you.

[spanone]

82. Love to you my Dear CaliforniaPeggy

Healing vibes to you♥️

[Danmel]

84. Sending our best wishes for a positive outcome

And a complete recovery.

[WheelWalker]

85. I have had both the pulmonary function test and the pharmacologic stress test, as well as chemo and radiation.

I survived them all and so will you if that's what's called for. Your tests, I take it, are to screen for suitability for pretty invasive surgery. My pulmonary test diagnosed my COPD. The cardiac stress test was post myocardial infarction. Most interesting part of the cardiac test was the drug induced stress. They use a very fast acting, and short acting drug that is very effective in making you feel like you're near the top of Mount Everest and running uphill for about a minute or so. The worst of all was the radiation on my neck for a tumor at the base of my tongue. That was preceded by a surgical biopsy that took a month to heal, and Surgical insertion of a gastrostomy tube. radiation and chemo were concurrent. The chemo was the best of all procedures, I really enjoyed it. They give you a cocktail of drugs along with the anti-tumor agents and I was feeling no pain during chemo plus the nursing is most excellent. The radiation, on the other hand- that was downright medieval. 6 months after the conclusion of treatment I am still in oral function therapy for swallowing and lymphedema. I am trusting your outcomes throughout the coming year are going to be the best that they can be. May your path forward be blessed and a blessing.

[Totally Tunsie]

86. We're all holding you in our hearts.

Only the best to you with hopeful wishes, CaliforniaPeggy.

[BaronChocula]

87. Go get 'em Trooper!

You'll get your steps in AND a medical test tomorrow all at the same time.

[cliffside]

88. Positive thoughts for good outcomes tomorrow and Wednesday! :)

[Wild blueberry]

89. May all be well

We love you.

[Raine]

90. Sending you many prayers 🙏 loving thoughts 💞💕

and healing vibes.

[Maru Kitteh]

91. Just stopped by to send you some love and hugs.

[Fla Dem]

92. Peggy, my hopeful thoughts, prayers and good wishes are for you to have a good, healthy and long lasting life.

All the best that each step you have to take to battle your situation are positive and healing.

A hug from me, and definitely a group hug has come your way from all your DU friends.

[mountain grammy]

93. Hugs to you Peggy.

[Exp]

94. Stay positive! We're hoping / praying for the best. nt

[JohnnyLib2]

95. Wishing you all the best. As usual, you are educating the rest of us in a graceful way. Be well!

[Bayard]

96. Good vibes coming your way, dear Peggy

[MLAA]

97. Sending 💕 to you, dear CalPeg!

[mnhtnbb]

99. Holding good thoughts for you, Peggy

while you undergo these tests, and for a positive outcome.

[KS Toronado]

100. Thinking of you and sending good vibes your way Peggy

[choie]

101. Sending you good vibes

and hoping all goes well, Peggy!

[HeartsCanHope]

102. Healing vibes to you, California Peggy.

You will be in my thoughts.

[KitFox]

103. Oh, dear Peggy, the strongest of the strong positive energy heading into those critical tests! Please please please let

you pass both with flying colors!!!! Rooting for 2 “A” pluses so surgery can happen. You have a whirlwind of support from all of us! We care so much! Hope you can get some rest tonight. Love and hugs dear heart!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[MustLoveBeagles]

104. Good luck 👍

[58Sunliner]

105. Good luck and best wishes. I think you will pass with flying colors!

[applegrove]

106. I worked at a cancer center. They had a room full physicists

planning the radiation. Physicists!!!!

[Old Crank]

107. Best wishes

For the procedures and results.

[Hope22]

108. My best to you for good results on your testing and surgery!

May all results be favorable. You got this! Love to you!💗💗💐🙏🏼

[Grumpy Old Guy]

109. Keep us posted dear Peggy!

[area51]

110. Keeping you in my thoughts & wishing you the best.

[summer_in_TX]

111. Sending love and my prayers for the best of outcomes.

[GoneOffShore]

112. Best of luck!

[IzzaNuDay]

113. Wishing you the best outcome

And a healing recovery! 😊

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

114. Hi Peggy... crossing my fingers that your tests go the right way

[mgardener]

115. Good Luck!

[oasis]

116. Sending well wishes to you California Peggy.

Stay strong.

[onethatcares]

117. you are being held in my thoughts

and I hope the angels hold you in their wings

[Rhiannon12866]

118. Best of luck with your tests, Peggy! You have to know that thousands of powerful DU vibes are coming your way!

[SWBTATTReg]

119. You'll go through the tests and / or evaluations like a champ, like you always do, in your remarks/responses to fellow

DUers on our posts!

[NNadir]

120. I looked up the first test in google scholar. It appears to use...

...a radiotracer, probably ^99mTc, to image blood flow in your heart's myocardium, during mild stress, like a treadmill. This is my best understanding based on a preview of a few papers in the literature.

I believe I may have had a similar test some years back owing to some unusual features of my EKG, which it turns out are permanent because of scar tissue in my chest. (I always warn techs, nurses and new doctor's that it's there and I am not having a heart attack.)

The test itself seems to me to be low risk, and is designed to measure the risks of major surgery.

Good luck. We all admire you and we wish you the best outcome in this frightening episode. Come through well and bring us many more years of reports from Manhattan Beach.

[bluescribbler]

121. You will sail through with flying colors

[FemDemERA]

122. Wishing you peaceful and stress free thoughts

As you go through the process and for positive results. Healing vibes to you Peggy…

[cate94]

123. Good luck with your tests.

Thinking of you and saying a prayer for the best results.

[quaint]

124. You are loved here and all are putting our best thoughts for your success.

💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

[samplegirl]

125. Peggy

sending you hugs I'll be praying for you.

[irisblue]

126. Best vibes and prayers for you & your SO Peggy

[viva la]

127. Best of luck that the results are helpful!

... and you get the "yes" for surgery and are soon on the way to recovery!

[marble falls]

128. That Nuclear heart test is a mamalama. Thankfully is isn't a long procedure. You got what it takes, expect you ...

... to bounce right back!

[Bluejeans]

129. I've had the stress test twice. Interesting but no big deal

I’ve had that nuclear stress test twice. They’ll put some meds in you, hook you up to record data and then start the test. You’ll sit on an exam table. Part way through the first phase you’ll feel hot the a minute or so later the first phase is done. They’ll have you rest for a few minutes maybe have a soda and some snack like peanut butter crackers then they repeat the test with no meds. You’re done about five minutes later

[malthaussen]

130. I had a stress test once -- maybe not the one you're doing.

They wanted me to walk a treadmill until my pulse reached a certain level, but got frustrated when it refused to get as high as they wanted. If your test is walking a treadmill, you should ace it like DJT does his cognitive tests.

-- Mal

[mjvpi]

131. My heart is with you, no pun intended. You are very brave.

I’m scared shitless over having my knees replaced. The first happening in a couple of weeks.

[bif]

132. You're a fighter!

You've got this! Positive vibes heading your way!

[popsdenver]

134. Hey CP

There are tons of people pulling for you, from all across the nation.....Our thoughts are with you, as you face this.......

My wife has been battling Stage Four Cancer for over ten years this month......There are many new medical things that are helping, one of which is everyone thinking about her and caring.....................and you have all of us thinking and caring about you at this time.......