Michelle's Posts

Tomorrow my daughter will be graduating from Texas A&M University. I am so proud of her accomplishments and the fact that she never gave up on her dream of becoming an Aggie! Last year when I was diagnosed with severe Mitral Valve Prolapse I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to see my child walk that stage but I knew that I had to do whatever it took to get where I am today. I am so thankful that my surgery was successful and that I will watch my girl cross the stage tomorrow to get her diploma. To all of you facing open heart surgery all I can say is to stay strong, focus on those goals that you still want to achieve and never give up. Whoop!

l haven't posted in my journal in over a month so I thought it was time. This weekend marks the anniversary of the worst year I ever had. Last Labor Day my journey began with a large pleural effusion in my right lung. I had no idea what that was, I only knew I couldn't breathe and when I tried to breathe I experienced the most intense stabbing pain on my right side. Thus began the rounds of doctor visits, hospitalizations and surgery. We were so scared that I had lung cancer but tests showed that I somehow contracted a viral infection like pneumonia. I had no symptoms of pneumonia but was grateful I didn't have cancer. But the 1500 cc of fluid that was drained from my lung returned a short week later. Then came the Pleurodesis surgery which included a biopsy, talc placed into my lung cavity to seal my lung to the walls of the cavity plus insertion of an 18" long tube to drain out the fluid for the next 16 days. During this process I accidentally discovered (by reading results of my CT scan) that I had an aneurysm on my Aortic arch. I promptly called my Cardiologist to ask if he was aware of this and was shocked to learn not only was he aware of it, he had been monitoring it for the last several years unbeknownst to me. He told me he did not think it was an aneurysm but scar tissue as a result from the heart repair I had when I was younger. Well, I wanted to clarify just what it was. I didn't want to think I had a ticking time bomb in my chest. I went in for an echo cardiogram to check the "aneurysm" and to my relief the doctor said again he didn't think that's what it was. However, my Mitral Valve Prolapse that I knew I had for 20+ years had become severe. So severe in fact, that I needed surgery to repair it or I wouldn't in his approximation live more than five more years. Needless to say, my husband and I went into shock. We were taken by surprise and had just survived the scare of possible lung cancer. Fast forward past many other tests and procedures to March 20th. The day that I was going to have surgery to either repair or replace my Mitral Valve. Fortunately I was able to have a successful repair and also a chance at a much longer life. Thus began my recovery and decision to "retire" early from a 21 year career in education. I miss my co-workers who had become dear friends and my support system through all of this, but I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to choose to do something different. For now, I haven't decided exactly what lies ahead but am grateful that I am still here to watch over my children and have many more happy years with my husband. I'm looking forward to my daughter's graduation in December from Texas A&M, my son's new house he is building and hopefully weddings and grandchildren to follow. While this past year was really rough on us all, it gave us a new perspective on what it means to live each day to its fullest and appreciate your loved ones even more. I thank my fellow heart patients for understanding what I was going through and your endless support and encouragement at a time when I so desperately needed it. Hugs to you all, Michelle

I just returned from a week long trip to Hawaii. My husband, two children and their significant others traveled to the Big Island. We stayed in a wonderful house on be coastline in Hilo. During our stay I celebrated my 4 month anniversary since my surgery. We swam (snorkeled) with Manta Rays, flew over water falls and the volcano in a helicopter and hiked 4 miles down and back up from the crater floor. I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up with my family but to my surprise I did fairly well. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times during the hikes, but other than that I was amazed at how well I felt. Those of you just in the weeks after surgery hang in there, it does get better. Get out and exercise, go to cardiac rehab and talk to your loved ones when you feel down. Take care, Michelle