Scott Tom Shares Diagnosis-Leaving Soon-But WILL Be Back-Reason Why

The time has come for me to share my health journey with you. A little over four years ago I noticed I was getting short of breath more frequently. My wife Adele insisted I go to the doctor where I was diagnosed with a condition called I.P.F., Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. We Googled the disease and at that moment I thought my life was over. There is no cure, life expectancy is 3-5 years. IPF slowly progresses and renders your lungs non functioning. Never jump to conclusions. My pulmonologist told Adele and I "Don't go on Google and scare yourselves." Ah, too late. He told us there were a couple of medications that can slow the progress. One is Offev, it's a capsule I take twice a day. The other is Tyvaso, that is a dry powder inhaler I take 4 times a day. That one is quite harsh and makes me cough. But I tell the docs what my dear old Aunt Ruby used to say....."You're the doctors, tell me what you want and I'll give it t ya!". (With a smile by the way)

After the initial shock of the diagnosis, Adele and I decided to deal with this privately for the time being. I was able to continue my job on the air, MC some events. But sadly, all of my side gigs, HOOPLA, Company parties like Reser's and charity auctions like Wildcat Ridge, all had to go away. I can no longer haul sound equipment and do these things on my own. But at the end of the day, I was able to live almost a normal life and enjoy life with my wife, my furbabies and the thing I love the most, being on the radio.

At this point I have to send out a huge thanks and lots of love to our iHeart Market President Marshal Burgess, my Program Director Michael LaCrosse and Marketing and Promotions Director Susan Reynolds for all of their support and encouragement through this journey we've been on. iHeart Media has been so wonderful in assisting Adele and I in navigating through insurance issues, and did you know there is an iHeart Transplant Coordinator? We are so blessed to have them all on our team. Many call us "Team Tom". Now that everyone knows, the whole iHeart staff has been great.

Two years into this, my lung function began to decline and my pulmonologist referred me to the University of Washington Medical Center and their Lung Transplant Unit. That is when the many trips north to Seattle began. They immediately put me on oxygen. I have a portable machine I take with me and my OTS5 machine at home. I nicknamed it Otis. lol. We met with doctors, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, support groups. We even met my transplant surgeon, Dr. Mulligan. Yep, Mulligan. Of course, there are no "Do Overs" here. We took transplant courses, we went through procedures, labs, function tests. Many needles, hoses, pokes and prods. Through it all, my wife Adele was with me every step of the way. There was a criteria that needed to be met to become a transplant candidate. One was I needed a BMI of 30. I was about 280lbs at the time, (although my peak was over 300lbs.) I needed to be 223lbs to qualify. A long road for sure. But, once again with Adele by my side, we quit alcohol a year ago, began eating right and as of three weeks ago I weighed in at 217lbs. Adele and I said "this is a no brainer, we choose life.

So, as of three weeks ago, I officially made the UofW Lung Transplant waiting list. It couldn't have happened at a better time. I am ready for sure. Now we wait for "The Call". When it comes, Adele and I will leave for Seattle immediately for surgery. I am expected to be in ICU for three weeks, then we need to rent a place for three months for my physical rehab close to the center. God willing, if all goes well, I can return to Portland, my job, our furbabies, you, and a new lease on life. Speaking of God, both Adele and I welcome your prayers. We are very lucky and I have always said, life is good and I have no complaints. Regardless of how things may turn out, it is in God's hands. So we enjoy each and every day of life.

Adele and I facing this head on with the support of all of our friends and family, our church, Immanuel Lutheran in Sellwood, our Facebook and social media family and now you all, my 106.7 The Eagle listeners. We are truly blessed and will keep you all up to date as our journey progresses. Thanks and God Bless you all! Scott and Adele Tom "Team Tom".