About Me (In My Own Words)
This is my husband, Pete's story. He is the survivor, and I am the communicator in the family :-)
We started the Rock from the Heart charity after his surgery to educate, raise awareness, and bring hope to those diagnosed with aortic disease.
His story:
Our journey began in March 2015 when Pete's doctor heard a heart murmur. A subsequent echo cardiogram showed a 5 cm aortic aneurysm and aortic stenosis (due to a deteriorating bicuspid valve). And so it began ... the long two + years of watch and wait, with check ups every six months to monitor growth of the aneurysm and deterioration of the valve.
Every six months when the appointment loomed before us, we'd wonder, "Is it surgery time yet?" It was incredibly stressful, but we found a way to cope.. music. From seeing Rush at the Xcel Energy Center to driving to Toledo, OH to see Cheap Trick, and funnest of all, attending Brian Setzer appearances across the Midwest. We did everything we could to keep our minds off of the imminent surgery that we knew we'd have to face soon.
Pete is a very talented musician, and when he wasn't playing gigs, we'd find musical adventures to go on. Those adventures helped keep our minds off of the scary diagnosis and focused on each other and all the good things we had going. It wasn't always easy, but we did our best to stay positive.
It is hard to explain how it feels to have a life or death surgery looming ahead. I was afraid to plan for the future out of fear. How do you plan an event eight months out if you don't know if and when the heart surgery will be..It was tough, and I was on an emotional roller coaster that entire two years.
Then came the appointment in the spring of 2017 when the cardiologist said, "It's time to go in and get this taken care of." Pete agreed, "I guess it's time for me to man-up and have the surgery."
Surgery was July 12, 2017. The days leading up to it were scary. I was terrified that there would be complications. I didn't want to be a widow. I could not imagine my life without Pete in it.
Pete had an incredible team of doctors who took great care of him, so we were confident he'd be okay... but there is always that "What if" feeling lurking in the background.
The surgery was a success and after 8 days in the hospital, Pete came home. He followed doctors orders and his recovery went well. Pete drummed his first gig eight weeks after the surgery.
Fast forward to July, 2019. Pete had the honor to drum at Moondance Jam in front of thousands of classic rock fans. I sat there watching him...it was 82 degrees, sunny, hot and humid. And there he was , playing his heart out, not missing a beat. My eyes welled up with tears. And I said to myself, "this moment...brought to you by life saving heart surgery." I am so grateful.
Before Pete went in for surgery, he told me, "If I make it to the other side of this, I want to do something to help others." And that is how Rock from the Heart was born. What started as an idea for a concert to raise awareness, turned into a two day education, awareness, and music event in Minneapolis.
We call these days our "Bonus Time". I appreciate every precious moment we have together.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Delano, MN
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My surgery date is:
July 12, 2017
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Pacemaker Implant
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Judah Askew
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