Heather's Profile

Hi! I'm 43 and have been dealing with medical issues for a majority of my life. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease (cancer) when I was 16 and received upper chest and lower abdominal radiation treatment: re-diagnosed 2.5 years later and had chemo. Even with the blocking of my heart from the radiation as much as they could, the doctors said that in about 20 years there's a chance for heart issues. Well, I made it 6 more years than they thought! :o) Last May 2019, I went into aFib and at my 6 month Ecko, they noticed a change in my mitral valve regurgitation, so surgery, here I come! As a teacher, it's difficult not knowing my exact return date from MVR/MAZE, but I'm hoping that being "young and healthy" will make the recovery process quicker.