CF

By Wilbur Shapiro

Nancy Henderson was afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Her ingenious mind enabled her to relate to the world and the life of a CF person. She did it through newspaper syndication, book author, CF Magazine, and CF motion picture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grovehouse Press Llc
• Release date: Dec 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957776484

Book preview

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This book is dedicated to the memory of Barbara Greenberg.

Barbara was a grandniece of mine and she was born with Cystic Fibrosis. I saw her as a little child, and she was very active and energetic. Although brief, our relationship was very friendly. Her parents were dedicated to Barbara’s survival and wellbeing. The parents were both noted Microbiologists and did research and teaching at a university. I knew Barbara when the parents were at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The parents mindful of the need for nearby medical facilities for their daughter moved to The University of Iowa and then to the University of Washington in Seattle Washington. We were out of contact for some 30 to 40 years as we separated to pursue our own opportunities. It was just recently that I made contact with Barbara again through Facebook. Barbara was now a grown woman who survived a lung transplant and prospered in her daily life. I was chagrined to learn that Barbara fell off her exercise bike and suffered a broken cervical bone. She was recuperating nicely, when she complained of headaches. She rested, but a brain attack did her in and the diagnosis was death by brain cancer. The lord giveth and taketh away. Although she lived more than most CF patients, the death was still very hurtful and was what led me to write this book.

Wilbur Shapiro

CF

Cystic Fibrosis

By

Wilbur Shapiro

Introduction

Cystic Fibrosis is an incurable disease. It is caused by the presence of gene mutations in both the male and female parent. Procreation results in a 1 in 4 chance of the child having Cystic Fibrosis. Over time Cystic Fibrosis can damage the lungs with CF tissue, so badly, that the lung no longer works. Lung function usually worsens gradually, and it eventually can become life threatening. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death.

Although cystic fibrosis is progressive and requires daily care, people with CF are usually able to attend school and work. They often have a better quality of life than people with CF had in previous decades. Improvements in screening and treatments mean that people with CF now may live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, and some are living into their 50s.

The Couple

Julian Henderson and Marie Skinner were high school sweethearts. They both matriculated at Columbia University in New York City. Julian became a top stockbroker and Marie is a noted fashion designer. After many years going together the expected marriage was announced. The marriage was consummated at the Waldorf Astoria with many bigwigs and some famous people in attendance. A honeymoon in Paris finished off their memorable adventure. Since both worked in New York city, they purchased a condo in the city to reduce the commute to their respective businesses. They often dined out and hired maid service for dinner at home. Life was good for both, and it wasn’t long before they were going to extend the family. Marie was pregnant. They had extra room in the condo, and they discussed the baby furnishings. Marie planned to take time off from work as she looked forward to motherhood. Julian heartily agreed as he commented that mothers should be with their child at least through the formative years. Through Ultrasound, they found out the baby was a girl. What should her name be? Marie liked Nancy, so Nancy it was.

The time had come, and the delivery by Doctor Rodgers was smooth. Newborns are routinely screened for CF. In one screening test, a blood sample is checked for higher-than-normal levels of a chemical called immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), which is released by the pancreas. A newborn's IRT levels may be high because of premature birth or a stressful delivery. For that reason, other tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Rodgers also conducted a sweat