Ah!  Finally things are coming together and a plan has been formed.  On Monday I will undergo several tests including:  CT Scan, MRI, and dental x-rays (don't want loose teeth or fillings end up in the lung!)  On Tuesday morning I will see Dr. Svenson, Tuesday afternoon I will be admitted.  I'll meet a cardioligst and a heart cath will be performed on Wednesday.  The cath gives info about the aneurysm, but also if any by-pass surgery is needed - they do it all at one time.  Then on Friday, the big event takes place.  My chest is split down the sternum, I'm placed on the heart lung by-pass (at this point that machine keeps you alive as your lungs no longer work and your heart no longer beats.)  Post-op I will be an in-patient about 10 days as they regulate the PT/INR.
So we spend this week with family and tour Cleveland, today was spent at a very large Mall.  We really enjoy each others company. Joani is a real trooper!!

02/04/2012: Getting ready

I have a forboding as we prepare to leave tomorrow.  I don't have any fear, but as I pack and secure things for the journey to Clevland I sense that I am doing and seeing things for the last time.  It makes me sad, but not afraid.  Does that make sense?
My sisters called and they, along with my niece will be leaving from their home in Texas tomorrow as well.  God love them it seems not long ago they were battling for thir lives against cancer.  Life is so fragile and we don't always think about that.  Things can change in a single beat of the heart.
There is so much to get ready so will make this blog brief.  Will write more later.  God love you all and may He keep you safe.

Clevand Clinic - What customer service? 02/03/12

Wow.  Cleveland clinic is telling me it may be another week.  I could go somewhere else I guess, but the wait could very well be the same.  I guess I will place my life in God's hands and the plan he has for me.  One doctor tells you your living on borrowed time, another tells you to wait another week or so.  When your as famous as the Cleveland Clinic you just don't give a shit about individual feelings I guess.

02/02/2012

Well nothing new today, except I saw my shadow!  Or was that the groundhogs'??  Anyway another day slips by with no new news.  Well, not exactly true; I did get an OK on my short term disability and the paperwork to start my FMLA.  I really wish I could have stayed working this week, but understand that would not have been good.  I am praying my doctor was right when he said the Cleveland Clinic has about a 48 hour turn around.  If that holds true, tomorrow should bring us some information and hopefully a date to be admitted.
I am completely in awe the amount of support I am getting from family, friends near, friends far, and friends I have yet to meet.  I feel the love and the energy.  Thank you all!!

02/01/12: No News...

Staff at Cleveland Clinic tell me they have all the faxed medical records and they are waiting for the CD with my CT on it before making a final determination of when my appointment will be.  So now I am waiting for the U.S. Snail Mail to deliver the disk.  I hope I'll hear something by Friday.  The wait is really getting to be a drag. 
Went to lunch today with a good friend, Mike McNutt.  Enjoyed some Chic Fillet!  The whole day was overcast and kind of gloomy - but the rain is better than the snow we could (should) be getting!  So not much to add today...

Feb 1!!

WoW, February 1st today!  The beta blockers are working.  My pulse is hanging around 56-60.  This is good as it helps decrease the pressure exerted against the aorta.  But it makes me so very tired!  Which is good 2 I guess - otherwise I might be tempted to do more than I should.  Cooked a great pot roast yesterday, home grown beef is sooo... yum!!
Very much hoping today will bring an appointment at the Cleveland clinic.  They have contacted my doctor here and asked for my records...  it's a start!  Will try a short walk around the 'hood today.  Thank God for NetFlix!!  lol!  Did I mention I did a load of wash??  Trying to be a Mr. Mom!  Would truly prefer spreading manure with my tractor!!  Joani may have hid the keys to it and the 4 wheeler!!

01/31/2012 My Surgeon

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff_directory/staff_display.aspx?doctorid=4359

Looks like pretty good credentials!!  There is a video of open heart surgery, which proximates what I will be having perfomed.  I should know in about 48 hours when we'll start the trip up north to Cleveland Ohio.  I admit, I am a little apprehensive, however, the love and prayers that have been pouring in give me great strength!