About Me (In My Own Words)
I survived Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma twenty-six years prior following chemo and radiation therapy. Little did I realize at the time that the radiation therapy would have a delayed effect of damaging my aortic valve, my sternum, and other mediastinal structures. Following up on an unanticipated observation from an echocardiogram, my heart valves were followed for one year by a cardiologist as my aortic valve condition degenerated quickly. I could feel the decline in my energy level and knew that something had to be done soon. I selected the best heart surgeon I could find, Dr. Miles Guber, and scheduled the surgery as soon as he could fit it into his schedule. The aortic valve replacement went well with a porcine prosthetic installed, but there were complications in closure due to my radiation damaged sternum. Subsequent surgery nine days later was required to stabilize my sternum. My recovery was hard due to the back-to-back surgeries opening my chest. Today I feel much better, still a bit short of breath, but continuing to improve day-by-day. Twice I have stood at the edge of life and been privileged to return to live another day.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Denver, Colorado
