Waiting for a new beat: Distance....

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Distance....

Hello from Middle America. Approximately 890 miles from where my father sits now with an awesome multidimensional fanny pack. I know how terrible it must be to carry that thing around all day, but at least he can tuck his wallet, cell phone, and heart pager in there. It is hard to believe that dad is probably 30-60 days from the inevitable....a new life, a new beginning, a new challenge. Not many people get a second chance at life, but if there was ever a person who deserves one it is my dad. That sounds cliche but I honestly feel that man has been through so much that it is about time for him to relive his early 30's.... believe it or not; that is the last time he was healthy. You would never guess he was living with half the heart function as you and I.

Being so far away has proven to be very difficult during times like these. Not being able to drive to the house and hang out with my dad when he is down is tough. I know my Mom, Sandi, and Chris have everything under control, but like everything else we are a unstoppable team when all together. I guess I have come to the realization that there is a pretty good chance I will not be able to get to Philly in time for the surgery....really it all depends on what time the call comes, and what state I happen to be in at the time....Amongst the excitement for my dads new life, comes the excitement for us all to be together again. I can only believe the eagerness for dad to see his grandchildren will ease and speed the recovery period for him. As I write this Gabby is lying on top of the couch like a dog watching TV, and James is running around the living room acting like a ghost jumping on Gabby and Nikki.....how can anyone not laugh at these 2 crazies?

Hi Poppa!

Kisses...

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Thank you for your kind words for our dad. The love and support from family and friends means the world to us.

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This is a blog dedicated to our amazing father. He is a man who never asks "why." Our dad has suffered from congestive heart failure for 19 years. We have seen many ups and downs with dad's health. There were many months dad lived in the hospital while doctors tried to figure out the best solution for dad and his future. Finally, November 2010, the doctors told us the news we have all wanted to hear for so long. Dad is now on the heart transplant list. It is dad's turn, he is going to receive his "gift." We are all scared about the journey that lies ahead, but we know that it is dad's time to live the life he has always dreamed, with a new heart. May 18, 2011- Dad is moved to a 1a status, top priority. Dad has to live in the hospital until his organs come. His right heart cath numbers were not good. Dad is on higher dosage of his IV meds and in the CICU.

November 9, 2010- Dad received the phone call. He is on the heart transplant list. November 11, 2010- Dad receives a special call. It is his mentor, a man who received a heart in 2009. January 2011- The start of a new year. We are all excited to see what the year has in store for dad's health. January 17, 2011- Dad touches base with his mentor. He receives some good advice to prepare for his new heart. January 25, 2011- Dad is told he is back in heart failure due to fluid. February 24, 2011- Dad has a right heart cath and the numbers are bad. Moved to a status 1b on the list. He will receive his heart very soon. February 24th-March 4th- Dad was in the hospital and received his IV pump medication to go home on while he waits for his heart. March 3, 2011- Dad found out his liver enzymes are high. Placed on "hold" on the transplant list until all is checked out. Dad is scheduled for a liver biopsy and we all have high hopes he will be back on the list very soon. Dad is still in great spirits!! March 28, 2011- Dad got the results of the liver biopsy. Serious signs of liver damage. Doctors decide dad also needs a liver transplant. We are all shocked and trying to accept this news. Dad will have tests and evaluations done and be on the list for both organs in two weeks. April 8, 2011- Dad gets the call that he is back on the transplant list for both organs. Dad is number 7 in the region and has a great blood type. This will happen quick. We are relieved to have dad back on the list. Dad is ready and so are we. April 10, 2011- Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser. It was a great success and we had an awesome turnout. We were all blown away with all the support that was given for dad and our family. May 9,2011- Dad is #5 in the region and #1 at the University of Penn for his transplants. Dad will get his right heart cath again next week and based on the results his status may change to a 1A, which is the top rank for a transplant. We are getting closer! May 24, 2011- Dad receives his 2nd chance at life! Dad got his heart and liver transplant! He is doing great and recovering with each day.