Guestbook of Kath Duggan

My Guestbook

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

48 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Hope my 2 mass general students, kathy in wareham and robert in maine weathered the storm and are both doing well with their heart valves. My snow and husky ...Read more

Hope my 2 mass general students, kathy in wareham and robert in maine weathered the storm and are both doing well with their heart valves. My snow and husky pictures are no doubt an everyday occurrence to robert in snow country with his 2 siberians. Kathy, missed not seeing you and husband. at last summers car show in wareham. It was becoming an annual reunion i looked forward too. Maybe this year if they have it. I just turned 84 this month so get me before i turn into a mitral valve vegetable. Our car club founder and d.j. Johnny angel passed away in december. Ironically in a car accident having an a fib incident. He will be missed as a great guy and veterans advocate. I appear to be a dying breed but i still say “ usa, all the way.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

276 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Missed you at the car show today. Hopefully all is well. It was well attended. But hot.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

721 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

I agree with your doctor about fighting in our medical system. I would go one step further and include the rest of life. Getting the most out of the short ...Read more

I agree with your doctor about fighting in our medical system. I would go one step further and include the rest of life. Getting the most out of the short time we have on earth is a battle. I have never been one to sit back and take it as it comes. I have no complaints. My urologist today is about to see a side of his patient he has not seen up to now. I have printed out a list of questions and comments. I even printed out a biography of the specialist at dana farber i want to see. Lucky him.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

851 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

I hope you are feeling better and ready to enjoy the holidays with your newly repaired mitral valve. Everyone heals at different rates but its the finish line ...Read more

I hope you are feeling better and ready to enjoy the holidays with your newly repaired mitral valve. Everyone heals at different rates but its the finish line that counts.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

858 days ago

Grace Mason posted a note for Kath that says:

Kath,
Thinking of you. Sending well wishes that your AFib resolves and the low BP, as well, with some time for heart healing❤️‍🩹❤️

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

869 days ago

Sharon Behl posted a note for Kath that says:

Thinking of you today and wishing you an easeful recovery

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

869 days ago

Kath Duggan reacted to this

Grace Mason posted a note for Kath that says:

Thinking of you Kath and sending prayers for you, your family and your team today in your surgery and for a smooth recovery 🙏🏼❤️‍🩹

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

869 days ago

Kath Duggan reacted to this

Laurent G posted a note for Kath that says:

Best of luck for your surgery and recovery !

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

869 days ago

Kath Duggan reacted to this

Donna Casaletto posted a note for Kath that says:

Wishing you all the best for your surgery tomorrow 😘🙏

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

869 days ago

Kath Duggan reacted to this

Kathy Ozio posted a note for Kath that says:

Thinking of you and your surgery tomorrow.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

870 days ago

Kath Duggan reacted to this

Susan Lynn posted a note for Kath that says:

Kath - It's almost show time and you're ready! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!
Go get 'em!

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

870 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Kath that says:

Hi Kath ,
Wishing you good luck for your surgery tomorrow .

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

874 days ago

J Alexander Lassally posted a note for Kath that says:

Looks like we are in parallel universe with Monday repair! Best of luck

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

874 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Hard to believe irs only a week. It’ll be great and you will be feeling like a new person soon. Hang in there.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

878 days ago

Trygve Harris posted a note for Kath that says:

Thanks for your note, Kath. I really appreciate it. This is my third cancer....Braca. But it was quite something having both at once. And still navigating... Read more

Thanks for your note, Kath. I really appreciate it. This is my third cancer....Braca. But it was quite something having both at once. And still navigating how to get back without undue drama. Your procedure is coming up soon, I think? I want to wish you the best of luck and quick healing and the best possible outcome. Sending you healing vibes and strength.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

892 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

I almost forgot about you this month being d day for you. You are in good hands up there at mgh. TheyWill treat you right and you will be ready to celebrate ...Read more

I almost forgot about you this month being d day for you. You are in good hands up there at mgh. TheyWill treat you right and you will be ready to celebrate xmas with a repaired heart.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

931 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

To answer your question: we all 3 worked very hard. Now after a month break so my eye can recover we begin training for community canine good citizens ...Read more

To answer your question: we all 3 worked very hard. Now after a month break so my eye can recover we begin training for community canine good citizens exam next spring. They get tougher. He needs to mature a little bit but he has the ability to pass it for certain. He could pass it now if he wanted to. He can be a wild and crazy guy at times. We had a visitor over the weekend and he went insane trying to greet her. Thankfully i had him on his leash because i know my dog. No one needs to be assaulted by an over friendly 60 pound whirlwind. Thats his biggest fault.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

992 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

The elks car show on 2855 cranberry hiway ( route 6) in east wareham is still looking good weather wise, for this coming Sunday the 27th. 10am-2pm. If it stays ...Read more

The elks car show on 2855 cranberry hiway ( route 6) in east wareham is still looking good weather wise, for this coming Sunday the 27th. 10am-2pm. If it stays no rain i plan to attend in my gold car. If you are in the neighborhood, i would love to meet you. I think a few old guys from my downshifters car club plan to attend plus johnny angel will be playing his music. I have never met anyone from adams site. Especially a fellow mitral valve, mass general, same doctors person. Say that 10 times real fast. No shadow, not allowed on my classic seats. If it rains i won’t go. No rain shall touch my paint.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

995 days ago

Dave Woloszyk posted a note for Kath that says:

Thanks Kath, I'm in WI, so I can't recommend someone for you. :)

Good luck, !

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1000 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

I am going to do a dry run in the coming days to try and find the elks lodge on cranberry hiway in east wareham for the upcoming car show on july 30 th. Weather ...Read more

I am going to do a dry run in the coming days to try and find the elks lodge on cranberry hiway in east wareham for the upcoming car show on july 30 th. Weather permitting of course. My favorite dj, johnny angel will be spinning his music and the food is usually good. I like to know exactly how to get someplace upfront to relieve the stress of getting lost on game day. Maybe you can attend? Bunch of old people of course. I have a general idea where it is.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1001 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Might be doing a car show at elks lodge , cranberry hiway, east wareham, 7-30-23. Music, nice car, maybe me. Not if it rains. Will advise as things get closer. ...Read more

Might be doing a car show at elks lodge , cranberry hiway, east wareham, 7-30-23. Music, nice car, maybe me. Not if it rains. Will advise as things get closer.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1010 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

You must be very proud of your military son. I met about 50 or more young men and women at the car show and they all impressed. Some came as spectators, some ...Read more

You must be very proud of your military son. I met about 50 or more young men and women at the car show and they all impressed. Some came as spectators, some as security and some worked the show. They were all polite and respectful of the show participants. Not that i expected anything else. They all appeared to have their acts together. A breath of fresh air after reading the news every day. Not looking to be called sir but so much nicer than dude or bro.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1042 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Wishing you the best as your appt gets closer. A few thoughts for your meeting: minimally invasive is his specialty, not sure if you have a fib but if you do ...Read more

Wishing you the best as your appt gets closer. A few thoughts for your meeting: minimally invasive is his specialty, not sure if you have a fib but if you do maze procedure, clipping arterial appendage if they do maze ( wish i had asked that one), repair not replace. One thing i told him and due to covid it was only on the phone and by the way, i tell every repair person the same thing even car mechanics, if you see something else while in there fix it. It paid off as he found detached chords inside. He might have done it anyway but pays to say it. I had a guy rebuild a boat engine years ago to the tune of 12 grand. He put the old hose clamps back on and one leaked and almost re blew the engine. I recall saying why did you not call me up and ask. 20 bucks worth of parts. Talk about penny wise pound foolish. Thats not an option when you are in la la land. Of course they could always wake you up to ask.

Kath Duggan Thanks for the advice, I am very nervous. My local cardiologist told me that cardiac surgeons are a d ... Read more

Kath Duggan Thanks for the advice, I am very nervous. My local cardiologist told me that cardiac surgeons are a different type than him …he’s very outgoing and detailed. Did you ever meet this doctor in person? Will this be the only time I see him? I still harbor a hope that he will say I don’t need surgery now….I will be sure to tell him to fix anything he may see ….

Susan Lynn Kath - My cardiologist also warned me about heart surgeons, but I can honestly say, I spoke with t... Read more

Susan Lynn Kath - My cardiologist also warned me about heart surgeons, but I can honestly say, I spoke with three before making my final decision and they were all fantastic. Very patient-oriented, communicative, and extremely knowledgeable. I would have been confident entrusting my care to any one of them. Their time is pretty precious, so collect your thoughts, write down your questions in advance, and make good use of your appointment.
I think most surgeons appreciate when patients have done their homework going in, so they don't have to start with the elementary stuff.
You'll be more comfortable with your procedure when you find the surgeon that's right for you. Please know: You're going through the most difficult part now - waiting. You're going to be just fine!

Richard Munson My situation was a little different being right in the teeth of covid so i was not able to face the s ... Read more

Richard Munson My situation was a little different being right in the teeth of covid so i was not able to face the surgeon till after the surgery during my 5 days in the hospital. We spent an easy 45 minutes on phone prior to. In the middle of our phone call he had an emergency and said he would call me back. Lo and behold, he did. Once i got home, i spoke to him again on the phone. My main reason for using him was that he was friends with dr. Dal bianco who you met at mgh and he was a minimally invasive guru and he stressed repair not replace as his priority. I had no intensions of traveling to another state and mgh was highly rated for heart surgery. now, if i needed aortic valve surgery maybe not him. Maybe not dr. Dal bianco. But mitral valve was their specialty. You go armed with the facts but also your gut. I had more gut than facts but it worked out ok i feel. You already know more than i did going in. I cannot tell you what or where to go the ultimate decision is up to you. I already felt i was in good capable hands with dr. Dal bianco so i never questioned his judgement when it came to a surgeon. I liked that they worked at the same hospital as well. I’m rambling so i’ll shut up for now. You could always call me at 5089965594 if you want to ask anything privately.

Richard Munson I just saw your harboring a hope you don’t need it. Dr. Dal bianco must have indicated whether he f ... Read more

Richard Munson I just saw your harboring a hope you don’t need it. Dr. Dal bianco must have indicated whether he felt you did or not. I have no idea how critical your situation is or even how old you are. I was 79 and had no symptoms but by not getting the surgery i felt i was kicking the can down the road. Plus current thinking is not to wait till you are on deaths door. I was in great condition health wise so i felt better equipped to handle heart surgery. Yes, i was petrified. We all are.

Susan Lynn I agree with Richard. I was 57 when I had mitral valve and chords repaired. I may have been able ... Read more

Susan Lynn I agree with Richard. I was 57 when I had mitral valve and chords repaired. I may have been able to wait awhile, but my heart was already enlarging from being overworked. There was one certainty that helped me make my decision - my heart was never going to get better on its own. There was only one path - forward. I scheduled surgery a few weeks before Christmas in 2017 and was happy to go into the new year without that albatross!

You'll choose the timing that's right for you. You have to be ready to put it behind you. Best of luck!

Richard Munson I agree with susan more than nancy. Scary. My chamber was also enlarged to compensate for the leak. I ... Read more

Richard Munson I agree with susan more than nancy. Scary. My chamber was also enlarged to compensate for the leak. It has since shrunk after the repair. I also agree about your heart will not repair itself. I actually asked. They probably thought, who is this moron but they answered no. I repeat, you will be scared. I won’t repeat how i tried to back out while on the table.

Donna Casaletto Kath how did you make out with your appointment?

Kath Duggan I have been a bit overwhelmed since my appointment. I liked my surgeon right away, but I felt like al ... Read more

Kath Duggan I have been a bit overwhelmed since my appointment. I liked my surgeon right away, but I felt like all the information was like a tidal wave. I thought I had clarity about my valve but I only had part of the story. It is more “complicated “ and I hate the unexpected.

Donna Casaletto Are you able to have the minimal invasive surgery? What does the more complicated statement mean?

Kath Duggan That is part of my problem….I don’t know if it will be minimally invasive or a sternotomy repair ... Read more

Kath Duggan That is part of my problem….I don’t know if it will be minimally invasive or a sternotomy repair or a replacement. I was told it was severe but now there seems to be damage to my left side of my heart due to th leaflets not closing at all. The leaflets each have developed different problems ( I couldn’t have a clip) and the cords have stretched out and need work. He also saw some evidence of MAC . The opening would need work . I may know more after he gets a better look at the CT….but tha won’t be until November. I have a lot of time to think. I am on a roller coaster of emotions about this.

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1068 days ago

Donna Casaletto, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Yea, finally had a kool kone fried clam lunch with coffee frappe. Yes, i put salt on the clams. My dreams have come true.

Kath Duggan I would like some clams right now with salt….I am trying not to stress eat😬

Kath Duggangot a new guestbook post

1075 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

Richard Munson posted a note for Kath that says:

Saturday just might be a kool kone day. Unless they lie about the weather. Which they often do.

Grace Mason Speaking of treats, I bought myself some mini m&m's the other day and thought of you, Richard. Those... Read more

Grace Mason Speaking of treats, I bought myself some mini m&m's the other day and thought of you, Richard. Those things are addictive. I had to put them in a drawer out of sight

Grace Mason 👋hi Kath

Richard Munson Ha, you’ll find that drawer believe me. Out of sight but not out of mind. What reminds me of the yo ... Read more

Richard Munson Ha, you’ll find that drawer believe me. Out of sight but not out of mind. What reminds me of the young man that went to spain on a vacation and has been absent since an early posting. Hope he is ok.

Kath Duggan I see the sun is out this morning so it may be a perfect day for Kool Kone! Hi Grace…I think we cou ... Read more

Kath Duggan I see the sun is out this morning so it may be a perfect day for Kool Kone! Hi Grace…I think we could make mini M&M fan club ….I have a secret stash that is getting very low 😋

Richard Munson What a huge disappointment finding it closed. Second time now for me. Are they getting a bit independ ... Read more

Richard Munson What a huge disappointment finding it closed. Second time now for me. Are they getting a bit independent ? Had 2 grandkids along who were all primed for clams. Top down anyway. Got to burn a bunch of gas before we all start driving solar panels and windmills. Lol. We ended up going to the deli at plum corner in rochester and getting sandwiches instead but when your heart is set on something, it loses its flavor in the end.

Grace Mason Kool Kone sounds like a place for ice cream, but now I'm thinking I'm wrong about that, reading clam... Read more

Grace Mason Kool Kone sounds like a place for ice cream, but now I'm thinking I'm wrong about that, reading clams and deli sandwiches

Richard Munson Also ice cream. It was a great ride today around 70 degrees with the top down. I think my 2 thirteen ... Read more

Richard Munson Also ice cream. It was a great ride today around 70 degrees with the top down. I think my 2 thirteen year olders had a good time. My other 3 have outgrown grandpa except for special occasions.

Grace Mason Sounds like a wonderful day