Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Day 545

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

Today is ALS Clinic in Glenview. This is the rescheduled visit from two weeks ago when I had a two-hour coughing fit caused by a liquid prescription that went down the wrong pipe.

We’re getting picked up by a van that allows me to stay in the power chair, so I’m hoping this ride will be fairly easy. The only complication will be using the restroom. They should all be ADA accessible, but I may need an assist. I’ve given up on privacy, good thing I’m not so modest. Still I’m hopeful that I don’t have any embarrassments during the day.

I don’t want to get ahead of the clinic assessment, but I also don’t want to pretend everything is steady and copacetic. There are serious issues that I’m facing:

• Breathing is shallow, tight, and rapid.
• Cough is weak to non-existent.
• Swallowing is very risky… I can’t sip more than a teaspoon of liquid without the risk of choking. There are others, but those are my top three—and they’re significant.

This isn’t a panic post. It’s just an honest one. Clinic days are for measuring, adjusting, and making a plan for what’s next. We’ll gather information and move forward the best way we know how.

No stories to lighten the mood today—just a few random photos to make you smile:

• Santa 5K run in Crystal Lake.
• 4th of July on Fence Lake.
• New York City.

Have a great Thursday. Love you guys! ❤️