The year is off to an odd start to say the least. I learned several years ago that life is fragile and precious as my heart disease began the snowball's roll down the hill, gathering size and momentum as it went. Although I was sick, I remained (and still do remain) upbeat about my prognosis. I have been blessed to have exceptional doctors taking care of me. I'm even more blessed to have so many family members, friends, acquaintances and strangers praying for me daily. Without a hint of a doubt, I would not be here without them.
One of my college friends had a heart attack on January 1 after taking his dogs to the park. He died two days later. Earlier this week a high school friend was diagnosed with cancer in his kidney. Further tests showed it had spread beyond there, but had not made it into his bones or his brain. His prognosis is not good, but he is a surgery candidate, and we will hope and pray like crazy that medicine and technology will catch up to his disease.
I recently read a book called "Heart" written by former Vice President Dick Cheney and his cardiologist Jonathan Reiner. One of the points Cheney reiterates throughout the book is how lucky he is that new technology became available for him at just the right time to keep him alive. In this book, Cheney chronicles his 35 year battle with heart disease that led him through five heart attacks to receiving an ICD/pacemaker to receiving and LVAD just before he would likely have died, and ultimately to receiving a heart transplant. It was a fascinating read as I could identify with so much of his journey. I had a heart attack (although mine was a result of hereditary factors, not blockage). I had an ICD/pacemaker implanted. I have an LVAD and I'm awaiting a heart transplant.
Reading this book is also part of one half of my resolutions for the new year. I intend to read at least 16 books in 2016. I tend to read in spurts, but with this goal, I hope to become more consistent. I received several great books for Christmas, so I have a few to get me started, but if any of you have recommendations, please pass them along!
1. Seabiscuit - Laura Hillenbrand
2. Heart - Dick Cheney & Dr. Jonathan Reiner
3. The Real McCoy - Hal McCoy (I'm working on this one now.)
Next up will probably be The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto - Mitch Albom. I always enjoy his books.
I also resolved to help keep myself in better physical shape for transplant by biking 2,016 miles on our recumbent bike in 2016. That breaks down to an average of 5.5 miles per day. I did not get off to a very good start to the year and it took me until today to actually reach the pace I needed to reach the goal. It took many days of riding 10-12 miles in a day (roughly an hour) to make up for days I didn't get on the bike at all.
This has me feeling much better physically. I am back to feeling about the way I did at this time last year before I began the nearly year-long battle with atrial fibrillation. The Tikosyn prescription that I was put on in November has been effective in keeping me out of A Fib thus far. It is a pricey medicine, but it is helping me to keep my strength and energy up for the time at which I am called for a new heart.
Please continue your prayers for Amy and I as we continue to await "the call." Please also pray for my future donor and his or her family who will have a terrible tragedy to deal with at that time. And also please add the family of my friend Tom who passed away and for my friend Kevin and his family as they prepare to battle cancer.
