Ground Control To Major Tom ... David Bowie

Ground control to Major Tom Ground control to Major Tom:
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground control to Major Tom: Commencing countdown engine's on
Check ignition and may God's love be with you

Wow…what a flight I’ve been on. All your support, well-wishes, and prayers have gotten my family and I this far; however, we still need them so I can make a safe splash landing back into a yet-to-be-defined “normal’ life. I thought I'd add a note to Marian's.

I’m finally feeling up to getting to more emails and wanted to let you all know that I'm getting better each day...my follow up visit with Dr. (Saint) Misbach is Tuesday so I hope I gain more "freedom" then. Today my buddy Neal took me to the University of Alaska Anchorage campus and we walked about mile through all its interconnected interior walkways. I felt great...thank God I was in shape before all this happened.

It was a beautiful sunny, 10 degree day today, highlighted with about 8 inches of fresh, overnight champagne snow. Afterwards we went out to lunch for some pizza and salad - - no beer - - yet!
The 2009 Alaska Heart Run is late April so (hopefully with my doctor's approval) my goal is to run/walk it (about 5K) with some local running friends and supporters.

How is this for a coincidence? Today I received mail from Medtronic, the primary sponsor of the last marathon I ran, the Twin Cities Marathon in October. I thought I would find inside a registration form for next year’s marathon. Nope! Inside was a card from them informing me that they were the supplier of the aortic heart valve that was installed during my operation, and that I must carry the card with me at all times. It was an emotional reality-check for me and thought it appropriate that it was “their” marathon I ran last. If you remember in an earlier blog entry, I recalled the very emotional Twin Cities presentation Alberto Salazar made about his comeback from heart disease…I'll treasure even more the photo of he and I at the Twin Cities Expo.

Thanks again for your friendship and heart-felt prayers…love.

New Heart New Life

I would venture to say that from this time on Wayne can divide his life into "before the new heart" and "since the new heart." He has also been made softer as I know his actual heart tissue and surrounding veins and aortic mass have been with their new construction. Emotionally, he is still overwhelmed by the whole thing and especially grateful to the medical staff and all our friends. I can see things and he shares some things that before he wouldn't or couldn't. I think anyone would have a deep scare by the event no matter how "routine" the surgery is. When it's your heart being cut open and laid bare, it doesn't matter how routine it is. Same with your toe or your broken arm. There is always that risk and it is the risk that slaps us in the face and points its finger at us and says, You are a mortal and you could die. That can change a person and make them have a new way of looking at the world. This is where I want to be the best wife I can be. I want to continue comforting him and letting him know how happy I am he is alive and well. God showed me that I don't want my life without him. If I ever took him for granted, I had the finger pointing at me and it said, you need him. So anyway, not to get morbid or too philosophical, some of you know my deep belief in God and God answers many prayers in many ways. God uses crises and allows them to happen so we can grow. This was his way of showing me how much I need my husband (yes I took him for granted) and a few other things. Now go kiss your spouse and do something nice for him/her.
Wayne walked the length of UAA and back with a friend today (indoors). He really needed to get out of the house. It snowed all day yesterday and he was so supportive while I did all the shoveling. He clapped and told me to get back out there. It was so sweet. He is more independent in all things. Yay for me. But I actually didn't mind helping him because he would have done the same for me. He is sleeping so so, could be better the last few nights. He is eating well and maintaining weight though the pants fit loosely due to not having a butt anymore. His swelling is gone in his right leg and I can see the buff muscular, marathon calves. His bruising is still there including the bruise from Jan 7 procedure. Anyway, Wayne said he will get on and blog and this will probably be my final one. It has been fun but this is his thing and he can redesign it and make new goals for its purpose since Europe marathons are on the shelf for now. Walking a half mile or more is the adventure of the day. Much love, Marian

Slow motion, do nothing Wayne

One thing about my husband pre broken heart, was that he never sat still and never let anything go that needed to be done. I was the envy of most women I know since he likes to clean house and make sure things are fixed, etc. So now, it is really weird to see him just hanging around the house watching TV and wondering if a local volcano is going to blow or not. But I think it is good for him in more ways than one. He is doing very well and today, just to make him feel useful I handed him a basket of laundry to fold if he wanted to. He actually did putter a little bit but he can't go out and play and he doesn't have the concentration to read. And he tires easily. But he has no pain which is amazing. I began working FT again yesterday but at home, so I do my share of running up and down the stairs to help him if someone isn't here visiting or helping out. Tomorrow and Friday I have to go into the office for several hours so I have people coming over. Oh, and today while he was getting dressed, we discovered that Wayne lost what small bottom he has. It is just gone. We can't find it anywhere. We laughed because his right leg and foot are still swollen (it looks funny) and bruised and he has all the marks on his chest and abdomen. What a sight. But he has a goatee now and looks great anyway. Butt or no butt. We aren't sure what that has to do with heart surgery but it sure seems to have disappeared since Jan 13. Maybe it has to do with losing some weight which we don't think he has. Oh well, hope if you are still looking at this thing you are well.

A bit soggy on the inside

So today we had the follow up visit to the ER visit of the other night. All weekend Wayne wore the bandage from the ER and protected his side and hoped there would be no spillage (yuk). I let him get away with murder this weekend spoiling his little hiney but now things are going to be different. The doctor said he has more fluid but not enough to drain. He has other water retention as a result of the surgical trauma to the body so he now has to take a diuretic and eat two bananas a day. He also has to take a steroid for inflammation. Soon the water buildup will dissipate and this includes the side by his lung. The doctor said yes to walk a lot and breathe very deeply. No more fear of hurting himself. So once he takes his nap, he will be up and at 'em. (Funny thing today, the doctor mentioned after seeing Wayne's name that he went to Creighton University as did I. Turns out we both lived in the same dorm during the school year 81-82). Wayne has had many calls, visits, cards and other well wishes and we can't even begin thank you but if any of you ever get sick or have surgery we will be on your doorstep to try and pay back all that has been given to us. It makes us both cry to think about how much "family" we both have up here and around the country supporting us. Don't spoil him too much more or he will begin to think this is reality. Will post again in a few days. Marian

Up and down

And what I mean by that is that Wayne was upstairs and then he went downstairs twice during the day. Second time wearied him. But he got some exercise in by doing it. He's slow and cautious still but had a good day. Very much himself but still very much in recovery mode. Some company today which was nice and some folks are coming tomorrow to keep him occupied while Hannah and I go to church. No new leakage, so that is a success.

Quiet day

Wayne is resting well and so far so good with the issue of last night. He is breathing shallowly until he gets through tonight and can gain more confidence. He is fiercely protecting his torso/chest area and is still quite limited with movement as a result. Only minimal walking. Good eating, some laughs, a couple visitors and phone calls. We watched a movie tonight and fortunately it was funny for me and unfortunately it was funny for him too and it hurt to laugh. Bad too.

Two steps forward, one step back

Yesterday Wayne had a great first day of recovery at home. He took some calls, had a couple visitors, got a shower, did some walking, ate well, went through his mail, read all his cards and organized all his prescriptions. Just like any retired man, right? Well, I thought it would be safe for me to go out with some friends of mine last night for dinner so I got a "sitter" to hang out with Wayne and said I would be back soon. And then I forgot my cell phone. When I arrived home I found out Wayne was in the ER at Providence. At 7 pm while sitting at the table after eating dinner, some rust colored ooze (more medical jargon) started coming out of his side incision and dobbing it didn't help so he made a call to another friend who lives nearby to take him to the ER. The 'sitter' then became a sitter for Hannah and for that we are so grateful since I was unreachable. They spent a little over 4 hours there. If you remember he had a second surgery. At that surgery they had to drain some fluids from the right lung or cavity by the lung which created another incision site and stitches. It was from that hole that things oozed. No stitches came undone but the fluid came through the little hole anyway. While at the ER the doctors there said Dr Misbach was in the hospital so he came right away. He said the fluid had to be drained so they got a radiologist to complete those procedures which included a catheter and a new entry site in the back. He also has fluid buildup on the other side but are leaving alone for now for the "body to absorb". There is some minor infection at the original site for which I have to get a prescription today and he has to have a chest xray on Monday while keeping bandages on his side for the time until then. He was in pain most of the night and I couldn't do anything to help it other than give him Percocet which I did when it was legal. I let him squeeze my arm or leg but ended up giving him the heart dog. That dog has had many roles. And here, we thought his big chest wound would be painful and it hasn't been. He was free from pain all day yesterday which when you think about it, is amazing. For now there are some breathing problems but we'll work on that. Please keep him in your prayers, Marian

Good to be home

Lots of wrap up at the hospital and final "tests" to make sure all was in working order. Misbach seemed more relaxed with us than ever, probably because Wayne was a "finished product" now and no longer at risk of anything. No pneumonia or infection. Heart beating like a baby, peeing and pooping in good order so we got shipped off late afternoon. Dressed Wayne, drove him home (took a route with too many bumps) and got him in the house and up the stairs and we just threw him in a chair and food was presented to him immediately. I got to experience the pure joy of having someone at the house who finished some chores and made dinner for us. Wow, it's awesome.
So now it's rest, go easy, hug the chest pillows and grounded for 7 days. Lots of mail to read, movies to watch and friends to visit to help out while I work or otherwise. Thanks again for the support and anyone who wants to come over, just call and let us know. But we don't get mad if you don't call. :-) I will be back at work full time next week but work mostly from home so that will be good.
We have been truly blessed through this experience and I have great faith Wayne will be very healthy and back to his old self soon. Thank you again for the support in all its forms, the contacts, cards, etc. I can't name it all. Stay in touch and if anything worth reporting happens I will certainly do so.

Love, Marian

Coming to an end...

Wayne walked a lot today, breathed pretty well and did that other thing you are supposed to do. Everybody talks about it pretty openly but I am still modest about such things. At least publicly. He saw himself in the mirror for the first time and went "aaaahhhh, oh my, oh geez...aaaaahhhh" or something like that. He is looking pretty rough but is pretending he is on a camping or hunting trip so that works. Dr Misbach came in and did his check up and said Wayne could be coming home tomorrow!!! So that is good news, we have some preparation to do but if it will be done, it will be done. If a few things don't remain stable on their own then he will stay until Thursday. So another night tonight, some more walking and breathing and he will be that much better tomorrow, ready to camp on the couch and get some TLC. Not much more to report. I am tired and overwhelmed but it's all good. God Bless you all for the love you have extended our way. It will never be forgotten. Always grateful, Marian

Major Strides

Finally!! Big things today. Wayne walked around the unit this morning with a walker, a nurse, an IV pole, a few other devices on wheels, a wife and a friend. It was an adventure to get to see the whole unit. Wayne really enjoyed it. He went around once and then part way and back. Then he was pretty exhausted. Shortly after, Dr Misbach came in and reviewed his progress and Wayne asked to get the catheter out of his you know what (he seemed to just discover it today) and Misbach said yep and then we were extra thrilled when he said it was time to move to his new room in a couple hours. So the move began without me because Joe the nurse didn't call to let me know the catheter was out and the migration began. Wayne walked all the way and I met him with some friends in his room right when he sat down. He is trying to get his system back in working order so he is having gut pain etc, I will forego the details. :-) We got him settled and for the first time in a week I went home at 4:30 and that felt great. Hannah and I went back this evening to check on him. He walked around that unit--still has to go with a nurse and he was expected to walk once more tonight but he didn't want to. The nurse said, too bad, he had to anyway. The unit is the PCU (Progressive Care Unit) which is 75% heart/thoracic patients and a bunch of miscellaneous other stuff--pretty high acuity and never an empty bed. Four patients to one nurse but still, I was impressed by the attention he got both times I was there. He will be home by Friday. If you call, it is 907-212-3024 room 295. He may or may not be able to talk but he won't answer if he can't. The "rules" of his stay are to walk, breathe (in his device) and poop. If he does all 3 of these things on a regular basis he will get out one day. Relieved and going to bed, Marian

Apartment 203 at the ICU

So room 203 was a like a college dorm today. I sat in Wayne's chair and did my best to read the Sunday paper while Joe, the nurse and Wayne watched and talked football and Joe encouraged Wayne to do lots of burping and farting. Early on, Wayne was in that chair and had put his glasses on and was quite himself. We visited with some visitors and then Dr Misbach came in and took out several chest tubes (I left). This changed the whole atmosphere because now Wayne was in pain he could feel. Suddenly football took a back seat to pain but nevertheless, the sound of it and something to look at helped. Next he had to be moved to the bed so the monster line (whose real name is Swan Ganz Catheter) and its companions could be removed from his neck (it was all the way in his heart and I saw it after it came out--wow). I did not want to watch but I needed to hold Wayne's hand as it was highly uncomfortable and he was in more and more pain. Afterwards he received much percocet, more morphine and finally he got pumped up on valium to put him back in lala land. He sweat a lot, visited with one or two more visitors for just a few minutes before we ended that for the day. (Wayne has asked that visits last only 5 minutes as they leave him pretty tired so if I end it, it is not personal.) Now he is unleashed from about 60% of his hook ups and the rest are consolidated onto one portable thingy you see people walk with. ("Thingy" is a technical term just like the other one I taught Joe when I moved his "nursey" stuff.) Joe wanted to walk him once around the unit but we realized Wayne was not ready at all for that. So maybe tomorrow. I left Wayne while he was eating something and he was soon to be put to bed for the night. Wayne is going through a lot physically and emotionally and we ask you to continue praying for his recovery. With a grateful heart, Marian

Slow and Steady

Wayne's progress continues. He was put in a chair that was turned 180 degrees so he could look out the window all day at the Chugach mountains on a sunny, blue sky day. And not a minute too soon as he had a much flatter affect today than yesterday. Some slight depression seems to be kicking in (normal!) but in the afternoon he seemed better. Hannah was allowed to visit since the ICU status continues. She was pretty overwhelmed despite the preparation as to what the room would look like and what he would be like. They gave her stuff to make a poster. When we left so I could take her to a friend's she cried because she said it didn't seem like him. One episode of exercise was going from the chair to the bed--his first "shuffle" of about 10 steps and all the while moving about 6 machines and 40 lines all over the place to accommodate it. The nurse, Joe, was wonderful. Once he was moved back to the bed after the shuffle, it took another 20 minutes for Joe to untangle the lines. No word on when leaving ICU so for now we are just content to be receiving such excellent care. Wayne is clearer and more conversant. Tomorrow he is planning to put his glasses on and watch some football. The chair/bed is aimed toward the TV now. So that will be different. He spoke to his mom and wants to speak Michael and Laura who have been patiently waiting--so will try and do that tomorrow. Please call first if you plan to stop by as we are still greatly limiting visitors. We prefer to know if someone is coming and sometimes it just can't happen but I can come out and talk and you might have to settle for that as many have. The cards are opened but he won't be reading the personal messages until he gets home and can enjoy them. For now I am reading the jokes and he likes them. The support is touching and accepted with much gratitude. Marian

Tubes and lines all over the place

One reason it takes so much to move him is because of the sheer number of tubes and lines coming out of his body. The floor around his chair is all kinds of stuff I am forever trying not to step on or kick. With the 2nd surgery more were added as he has more incisions than we ever thought or were told he would get. The night nurse told me they would see if they could remove this one monster line coming out of his neck. This line has bothered me from day one because it looks so evil (I know it's actually a life line). However, Wayne doesn't even know it's there and it's just as well. So when I called this morning it was with disappointment that I heard it was not removed. This is the line that when removed, will allow more freedom of movement because attached to it are many others. It monitors all systems and also delivers medication. Until his "numbers" are just so, he won't move. And of course that means into another room. I was just told not to get my hopes up he will leave the ICU today but that there is still a slim chance. So I will get my hopes up!!! Yes, I will. Not that I want them to rush it but because I will stay hopeful. I have asked Wayne if I can take a picture of him for Hannah (not the blog though I wish!) because she is desperate to see him. He won't let me. He actually looks very good. I wash his face each day and comb his hair and he looks great. But he is being modest and I understand. He doesn't want a mirror either. I spoke to him on the phone this morning and he asked about the house and I told him I would check it carefully in the day light to assess any damage. For those of you out east and in the midwest you received our Arctic air we suffered through for weeks so that air has been breathed by us already. Hope you get through it. I would rather have that than what we got this week. We Alaskans don't really like the temps above 30 degrees. Keep on praying and I hope I have great news tonight reporting leaps of progress. Marian

Marathon Chair Sitting

Wayne has accomplished another marathon and a first. He sat in a chair for 12 straight hours and was so calm about it. Also very sweet and patient. (I will be buying a case of morphine to bring home.) Imagine Wayne being sweet and patient sitting in a chair and doing nothing. Yet for him today, he did wonders. He had his first food since Monday's dinner. He can eat normal food and did so at 3 meals. Not a lot but certainly he had an appetite and he liked it. I fed him and he didn't mind. Tomorrow he can feed himself. He stood up twice. Both times it took 2 people and 5 minutes to get him from sitting to standing. Once he stood he had to catch his breath and just wait. Then he had to lift each foot back and forth and march in place. After doing that he was very taxed. Taking bites made him tired. Visiting made him tired so I had to cut off visitors and turn people away and for this we are sorry. We will not have visitors tomorrow either per Wayne. We need a whole day of him getting stronger without worrying about who is coming and making that decision. We certainly appreciate it and tomorrow may be a big day if we move to the "regular" room. He does like cards so please send cards if you want. Anyway, he did his breathing exercises much better today and now can do them all at once. He has to keep telling himself to inhale instead of exhale to get the device to work. He also still has his strange voice due to the damaged vocal cords but this will heal. He got to speak to his sister Carol on the phone tonight too for a few.

Dr Misbach said he is doing great and told him to move his feet as much as possible. He has much better memory today though he doesn't remember yesterday at all. He just remembered what was going on today. I asked him if he remembered his first words yesterday and he said no. So I reminded him and he said, I said that? and then I told him some other things he said and he laughed. Then I told him I put it in the blog and he said, "oh geez". Even his mother knows now. So overall, big strides. I left before they put him back in the bed. That is a 3 person, 15 minute adventure and they only have to move him 1 foot from the chair to the bed. The high winds continue to blow and branches and debris are everywhere with the ice that continues to slow us all down. Thank you to all for the prayers. They are being answered and you know, God will do things His way and He is showing me many things about myself and about processes. I thank Him for the technology that is keeping Wayne alive and well. I pray Wayne will let go and allow sleep tonight. He is nervous about it due to some dreams he is having. He promised he would try and do it tonight. Also, I could not be happier with the hospital and the services he is getting. This will be the best quarter (or so) million our insurance will spend in a long time. With fondess and complete gratefulness to all of you for your support, Marian

Ground Hog's Day (Friday morning)

One of the funniest movies is Groundhog Day and I get to live it today. Wayne will likely stay in the ICU until tomorrow and I was disappointed but of course I don't want him moved a minute too soon. When I called the hospital this morning they said he was already sitting up. So I feel rushed to get there yet there are other things...School is cancelled yet again for a 3rd day in this town. Good for Hannah though she will be so upset not to see her dad again. Wayne did not sleep last night well...Before I left he said he didn't want to sleep but the nurse and I assured him all was well and his body needed it. I hope he dozes much today. There will be a few visitors to help give him something new to say or do as he just sits there and looks at his room. I am guessing they will push the broth on him but he was afraid to do that too. I ended abruptly yesterday and just wanted to express my gratitude to all of you who have been so supportive in this process. I can't tell you how meaningful all your prayers are. And believe me if you live in town your day will come and I will need you. We have weeks and weeks ahead of us. A few of you have asked about sending flowers and Wayne and I discussed this possibility and he has asked that if you want to send flowers to do so at our home next week or send a card because he can hold that and put them up. I think Wayne would love to get a card because he won't be on the computer for awhile to check email. Yesterday Hannah made something for him and he held it for some time. Thanks so much and talk soon...

Joining the Living

Wayne woke up today at 9 am after 50 hours of drug induced slumber. I arrived right at that time and he was trying to open his lids and I sensed a real fight in there to come out. Over the next couple hours he managed to squeeze fingers, respond to questions, open and close his eyes and try to take in the environment. I talked my head off to him because it's not often I have such a captive audience. He nodded or shook his head to yes/no questions and said he remembered everyone who stopped in briefly yesterday which just delighted me. Then he kept trying to move his hands and his mouth. I told him to keep his hands still or they would tie them down. He listened. He wanted to talk but couldn't. I left the room while they took out the thing from his throat. His first words for the wonderful nurses were "What the f---" but not angry just shocked at the pain. His first word for me was not much better so I asked him to please say nicer words. He then said "this sucks". We all agreed that he could say that all he wants and he did. Lots of raspberries today too--which was his way of saying, this is crazy weird. So we visited and held hands and I watched him make lots of facial expressions and try to smile and he even chuckled a few times. He looks good. I left and went to work for a bit and came back and he was in a chair and stayed in it for 6 hours. He spoke in full sentences and asked questions but since he only has short term memory everything was new to him every hour. It was funny to me but he had no idea. (morphine and anesthesia) I helped him with his breathing device but he can't quite inhale enough to do well yet but I think tomorrow he will. He really wants to and is mad that he can't do it. After I helped the nurses get him back to bed he was very tired and I told him I would be back in the morning. Hopefully the good news tomorrow is that they will take out about 40 of the tubes coming off of him and let him out of ICU. Still not eating, is very hungry and tomorrow is a new day. He's like my own Benjamin Button, every day he will get younger and more himself.

Thursday morning

Just a quick update before I go tangle with the windstorm and the big mess in my yard. (This is where I miss Wayne :-)) School cancelled again today due to continued ice and warming. While Alaska is melting the rest of the country is freezing so I hear. Anyway, Dr Misbach called me last night to report that all Wayne's systems look good. Fluid buildup, urine output, kidneys, heart rate, blood pressure and other vitals. He said that if all goes well in the night and he likes the lab results then he will begin waking Wayne up this morning. Carol Crayton and I each called the nurses this morning and they report a very satisfactory night. Dr Misbach mentioned that with the problems of the day and night before "we are about 24 hours behind schedule" with recovery. I will have a fun post tonight I think if he gets to wake up. I can hardly wait to hear his word and what he might ask. One of Wayne's co workers contacted me and I called her back and she gave me great info as to what W might be experiencing in this state. She said she heard much and remembered all. So, WOW if that is true for him!! Though if I know him he is trying to claw his way out because he wants to be part of things. How ironic that this man who I cannot get to rest on his couch is in this condition. I feel sorry for Misbach once W is back to normal because he is going to ask questions like no one's business. I'm off. I will return calls and emails and do not feel you are bothering me. This is my job right now and I am happy to do it.

Late Wednesday

It is with caution that I report that it appears Wayne is stabilizing. I wish I could say for sure but I don't get a lot of thorough communication about details from the medical staff as they are so focused on working on him. They are very generous with letting me come in but I don't stay long. Wayne's color is much better today than yesterday. I saw his chest today with the bandages and it looks fine from what I can tell. He is still sleeping though the nurse said they think he might be trying to wake up as he is breathing "above the ventilator" meaning he isn't in the deep end where they want him and his BP rose once when I went in there. (It wouldn't be the first time I raised his blood pressure.) Thus, he might be hearing so therefore I have been talking to him. Telling him about the ice, wind, school closures and other mundane details. Most importantly, I am telling him that he looks good and he is doing exactly what he should be doing. Since Wayne follows directions very well (not from me) I want him to know that right now he is following directions just doing what is doing. Three friends stopped by to visit briefly with him and did the same thing. But generally, visitation shouldn't pick up quite yet. He is receiving a morphine drip because they suspect even at his level of consciousness, he could be feeling the pain. I don't have any real details about the fluid problem he had though his hands and fingers are quite swollen. Whatever bleeding occurred last night has been corrected. I can't wait until he wakes up so I can see what he is like and how he might respond to where he is. He will be very clueless. If tonight and tomorrow go well he will move into a Progressive Care by Friday. He will not be home over the weekend as we once thought he might.

Thank you for all the prayers, support, calls, emails and messages. The support is tremendous and is much appreciated. Sorry if this is disjointed but it's all I can do for the moment. I hope to learn so much more tomorrow and we really begin the healing process with him being awake. Take care and God Bless.

More news...

Shortly after posting I received a call from Dr Misbach at 7pm and he said he needed to get Wayne back into surgery as there was too much bleeding and not enough clotting. He told me many other technical things he would do but basically it was stuff to normalize the blood flow and stop whatever leaking was occuring. Three long hours later (he told me to stay home and he would call me) he called and reported that he had to tighten up some sutures where some leaking was coming from and he said working with his aorta was difficult and attributed the difficulty (toughness) of all the heart tissue to the effects of the radiation from so long ago. Now at 5:30 a.m. I called the nurse in ICU and she said Wayne had an "up and down night"--apparently he had too much build up of fluid and they have been working to stabilize him for much of the night. She said they won't be letting him wake up all day today. He is nowhere ready to breathe on his own or be okay without the supports he is connected to. I will still be at the hospital this morning but I just won't rush there.

Update about Wayne

Hi, this is Marian with an update about Wayne....Surgery took over 8 hours instead of the predicted 4-5. So the afternoon got long. Turns out he did have to have his aortic valve replaced (by a pig valve) because his had a lot of calcium built up and there was some calcification on areas beneath the heart that had to be cleared away. Also, his heart and the aorta and other arteries near the heart were "tougher" than normal so it made for a longer surgery. The doctor looked more fresh than I did which was humbling. Unbelievable how calm and fresh he looked and he hadn't eaten for 9 hours. Anyway, there was a need for outside blood which was also not anticipated but of course they were prepared. I went in at 5pm to see him and though they prepared me I was still shocked and it was all I could do not to just bawl. But I know he is in good hands. I cried last night when he shaved off his mustache because I have never seen him without one but now I am glad he did because of how he is taped up to hold all the tubes in place. Dr Misbach will not let him come out of his sleep until tomorrow morning and he discourages visitors until he is out of ICU possibly on Thursday. I will be going back in the morning and they have my numbers in case they need to call. Thank you to all who have called, emailed and left messages at home. Your support is paramount and I apologize if I don't get back to all of you quickly. Hope this post helps. I am off to go get Hannah and just sit back tonight. God is good and He is in control.

Let the games begin!

Twenty-four hours from now I'll likely not know what the hell hit me, and probably not really care either. Based on today's visit to Providence Hospital for pre-op orientation, I'm not likely to know what's up or down for a few days! Marian and Hannah are holding up great although tomorrow will test their mettle, as we have to arrive at the hospital at 6 am. The operation is scheduled for 7:30 am and is expected to last 4-to-5 hours.

The last few days have been very busy because I wanted to get things done that I knew I wouldn't have a chance to do for weeks. So, I shoveled snow off the roof, did car maintenance, stored away yard sale stuff, and cleaned up the garage.
I wanted to go for one last "jog" but knew better not to do that. Funny thing, when entering the Providence Heart Center today, the first thing that caught my eye was a pile of Runner's World magazines on a table. I stopped my subscription over a year ago so I was hungry to grab the pile for future reading...the issue on top was the January 2009 issue highlighting the 2009 marathon guide. Do you think there was a message for me there?

Not much more to add, just a final thought best described in the following quote:

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden

I actually found this quote a few months ago in my church's Sunday bulletin. How appropriate and timely in so many ways.

Take care one and all and we thank you for all your support. I hope to chat with you when I get home sometime next weekend!

Retirement Week 1: What a hell of a week...

This week went by with light speed and the dust is beginning to settle. Your well wishes and prayers (as well as your humorous emails) are really helping so keep them coming.

Friday was a big day because we finally had a chance to meet my surgeon, Dr. Misbach. I knew I would be in good hands, as I quickly learned that he was very athletic and had many years of heart surgery experience. In fact, we had trouble staying on-task (i.e. talking about the surgery). We talked about him having run the St. George Marathon, his pair of spikey Asics running shoes and my new pair, his almost taking a staff position at my Alma mater University of Arizona, and his singing with the Anchorage Concert Choir. My cardiac specialist, Dr. Linda Ireland, told me earlier that he was also into ice climbing and skiing. When we finally got around talking about the surgery it was focused and very informative. Should I require a valve replacement I chose the organic type (a pig heart valve) rather than the inorganic type, as it'll last as long, I won't have to worry about blood clots forming, and I won't be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. Check out Dr. Misbach's bio at the end of the blog...it's pretty impressive.

The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30 am (Alaska Time), and should last about 4 hours (or longer if additional scarring is discovered). I'm told I'll be brought out of general anesthesia over a period of "hours" while in intensive care, and stay in intensive care for a few days. I won't be able to have visitors until I'm moved out of intensive care...even Hurricane Hannah can't come see me while I'm in the intensive care unit. Hopefully I'll be able to go home after 4-to-5 days.

Many of you have offered lots of help...it's much appreciated and the support is overwhelming. Folks have offered: companionship for Marian and I while in the hospital and at home; to provide meals; play dates and over-nights for Hannah; rides to and from the hospital; to shovel snow when needed; to do our food shopping; and, to do chores around the house. Maybe I should have surgery more often...NOT! We're not sure where to go with all the offers to help, but we'll sort that out and let you know via this blog site and phone calls. Marian will have co-authorship privileges for this blog and intends to use it as the primary means to communicate with you about the surgery and its aftermath. She'll also monitor her email (mlilley@gci.net) and take calls at home (907-345-7315) and on her cell phone (907-230-2248).

I have a lot to do before Tuesday's surgery...some of it is my stuff and some is on Marian's honey-do list. Warmer temperatures in the teens will be here soon (by Monday) so I hope to get some outside time before going stir crazy next week in the hospital.





Gregory A. Misbach, M.D

http://www.denaliheart.com/drmisbach.asp

It's unusual to be an expert in both adult and children's heart care, but that is one of the special gifts Dr. Misbach offers to the rich diversity of the Denali Cardiac & Thoracic team. Recognizing the complex and different problems of children's smaller and more intricate hearts, Dr. Misbach specializes in pediatric and adult congenital and acquired heart disease "Cardiac surgery offers enormous challenges and tremendous rewards. I am grateful to have found a career where I can take pride in developing my skills while gaining satisfaction from helping others."

Dr. Misbach graduated from UCLA Medical School in 1973. He completed general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery residencies, as well as a research fellowship in cardiovascular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco from 1973 to 1982. From 1982 through 1990, Dr. Misbach served as Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery and tenured Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington. He also practiced pediatric cardiac surgery at Children's Hospital, and adult cardiac surgery at University Hospital in Seattle.

Since 1990, Dr. Misbach has continued his practice in acquired and congenital heart disease with Inland Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates in San Bernardino, California and now with Denali Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Group in Anchorage, Alaska. He has experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques for congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, and coronary artery disease.

"And, now, for something completely different.” Monty Python's Flying Circus

You know the familiar saying folks use when things aren’t going so well, “When it rains, it pours.” In Alaska we say, “When it gets cold, it gets bitter cold.” I’m referencing these sayings for two reasons. First, the cold snap continues with temperatures dropping to -18º last night and no good news about when our high temperatures will approach or even rise above zero. Second, well let me use another saying, “The best laid plans of men often go astray.” The medical tests I had this week to help determine the cause of my marathon training difficulties (i.e. shortness of breath and some dizziness) revealed some anomalies in my heart’s arteries which require immediate medical attention; therefore, my A Trampathon Abroad is called off…for now (emphasis added).

The short story is that next Tuesday, January 13, I'm having triple (yep, I said triple) coronary artery bypass surgery and possibly a heart valve replacement. Wild news isn’t it! The good news is that the medical tests revealed that I haven’t any coronary heart disease…so why all the fuss? To answer that question I have to go allllll the waaaaay baaaack to when at 19 years old (and attending the University of Arizona) I was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s Disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Because the cancer was found both above and below my diaphragm, I received radiation treatments in both areas…chemotherapy was not needed (actually, back then it wasn’t even considered an option). Here’s the tie-in, medical research has found that exposing the heart to radiation can cause scarring in the heart’s arteries and valves…this is likely my case.

Now for the longer story. On Monday (January 5) I had my scheduled cardiac stress test, which involved running on a treadmill and having pre-and-post running scans of my heart using a radioisotope (lithium) that was injected into my blood stream. I had the same test done in 2006 and similarly, the scanning results indicated that my heart was healthy and getting plenty of blood. However, my EKG (which runs continuously before, during, and after the run) showed dangerous anomalies which coincided with one of my shortness-of-breath and lightheadedness episodes. The tending nurse, seeing me strain and go pale, stopped the test immediately after 13 minutes of running and before I could reach my target heart rate of 152 bpm. They freaked and gave me some nitroglycerin spray (tasted like crap) thinking I was having a heart attack…I wasn’t. After completing the test, I dressed and was told to see Dr. Linda Ireland, a cardiac specialist, the next morning (January 6).

An aside: Because my heartbeat was not climbing as fast as they wanted it to, they started talking politics and about Sarah Palin hoping that would get me going. Well it worked…my heartbeats increased and climbed to 126 bpm before the test abruptly ended.

Dr. Ireland, I find out, is a fellow New Jerseyite who grew up in the Atlantic City area. She was very familiar with my neck of the woods in North Jersey…Wayne (the town I grew up in was named after Mad Anthony Wayne who was a general in the Revolutionary War) and Paterson (which use to be the national silk capital back in the 1870s). Dr. Ireland was pleased with the 2006 and 2009 heart scan results but spent most of time explaining her concern over the EKG results. It was very obvious, even to an untrained eye, that the EKG footage of when I was having my “spell” was screwed up...screwed up bad. She recommended that I have a cardiac catheterization and angiogram (Google the topics for more info) on Wednesday (January 7) to check things out…and luckily I did. The nursing staff was fantastic...Susan and Bunny were hilarious. Dr. Ireland performed the procedure and interpreted the results with Dr. Thomas Kramer…the procedure revealed two narrowings (NOTE: Here’s your human anatomy lesson and there will be a test). One 70% blockage was found in the left main coronary artery which divides into two branches (the circumflex coronary artery which supplies blood to the back, left side, and bottom of the heart; and, the left anterior descending coronary artery which supplies blood to the front and left side of the heart) and one 90% blockage was found in the right coronary artery which supplies blood to the right side and bottom of the heart. Because of their location, neither blockage can be repaired with angioplasting and stenting (Google this stuff too); therefore, the need to have bypass surgery…bummer. On Friday (January 9), I have an appointment with my heart surgeon, Dr. Gregory Misbach, to discuss my upcoming operation on Tuesday, January 13. I was told I’d be in the hospital for about a week and then have many weeks of physical therapy…sounds like lots of fun, NOT!

I’m also told that because of my good health and young age (56 is young!), I should recovery quickly…but not quick enough to make my Trampathon Abroad. My buddy Bob Bowker (formerly known as my European travelling companion “Harris”) and I are already talking about our respective circumstances (my heart surgery and his being treated for prostate cancer) and are vowing to overcome these “inconveniences” and run our comeback marathon later in the year…maybe Humpy’s Marathon in August. Crazy thought…maybe so!

You know it isn't impossible. I certainly am motivated by the accomplishments of past runners in similar circumstances. I can't help but remember Alberto Salizar's moving presentation, at last year's Twin Cities Marathon expo, about his conquering heart problems and running again (albeit a lot less intensely). I'll use this photo of Salizar and I to help keep me thinking positively. I pray all goes well.

I thought about closing this blog site but was talked into keeping it open and updating it as often as I can while going through all this crap. Eventually, I’ll be back on the road training hard and running far. Hell, I’ll now have 14 months to prepare for the 2010 edition of A Trampathon Abroad and even have more time to learn some Italian and French!!

Please keep my family and I in your prayers.

Arrivederci, Aurevoir

Baby it’s COLD outside….

The bitter cold continues in Alaska, which is making things totally miserable for those of us who love to be in the great outdoors. What makes things worse is that we are having beautiful sunny, clear days. This morning it was -15° outside…it eventually got up to -5°…lucky us. However, it won’t stop the family from celebrating tonight’s 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood …lots of activities scheduled downtown including the largest fireworks display in state history. I just love my state and its state song...it gives me the chills every time I hear it. (AK State Song link) Afterwards we’re going to head over to my friend Neal’s home for a HUGE bonfire…lots of wood to burn!

I had a successful 10K run at the Dome today, which was particularly busy. The University of Alaska’s cross-country and track teams were training and they flew around the track.

The huge infield hosted the Colony High School Marching Band (Palmer, AK) who was practicing for their trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the President's Inauguration parade. Earlier in the week, the nation’s second fastest high school runner, Trevor Dunbar (Kodiak High School, Kodiak, AK - Trevor Dunbar link) showed up with his equally fast father, Marcus Dunbar (who won the national indoor mile championship in 1994)…it was a treat and a thing of beauty watching both of them lap the hell out of me. I have another 10K scheduled for tomorrow…pray it goes as well as today’s.

Running into 2009…way behind, time to catch up!

On this first day of 2009, I can now relax and reflect on the reality of my plans and what has occurred since “birthing” this blog back in November. But first, let me explain the blog’s title. My tempter-friend Bill Parady, who has his own blog chronicling his Ironman training adventures, suggested I model my blog after a book written by Mark Twain: A Tramp Abroad . The book was published in 1880 and details a journey by the author, with his friend Harris (a character created for the book), through central and southern Europe. While the stated goal of the journey is to walk most of the way, the men find themselves using other forms of transport as they traverse the continent. As the two men make their way through Germany, the Alps, and Italy, they encounter situations made all the more humorous by their reactions to them. The narrator (Twain) plays the part of the American tourist of the time, believing that he understands all that he sees but in reality understanding none of it.

I was sold on Bill’s idea and after downing a cold Guinness, modified the book title to reflect what I had in store for “Harris” and myself. But then, who would be my sidekick…who would be “Harris”? This is when I now became the tempter. Being a fisherman, I threw out some bait and tried setting the hook in a number of individuals. I got a few curious nibbles but nothing that I could set the hook in and net. Then it happened, my buddy and running mentor Bob Bowker (known as the Silver Fox because of his flashy full head of silver hair) took the hook and ran with it. As I reeled him in I became more excited because I knew this would be a keeper…but my excitement was short-lived. Because of a recently diagnosed medical condition (more on that some other time), Bob had to decline the role of “Harris.” I’ve put my fishing pole away for now but may throw a hook out there later and see what I can catch.

So how did I get this wild idea of running some of the great European marathons? The idea came to mind in 2008 after reading an article in Runners World about must-run marathons of the world. The top 10 list was packed with familiar venues, Boston, New York, Berlin, London, Rome, Paris, Chicago, etc. I was thrilled to see that some I have already run were on the list (New York, Boston, Chicago) but what really caught my eye were the dates of the London, Rome, and Paris marathons…in 2008, they were scheduled to be all 2 weeks apart. So, my mind started to work…why not combine a 2009 trip to Europe with running the London, Rome, and Paris marathons? I had already fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting some of the ancient ruins of Greece in 2002 (to celebrate my 50th birthday) and combining it with running the Athens Marathon, so I figured I’d also fulfill another lifelong dream of visiting some of the great cities of Europe and throw in a marathon or two or, in this case, three. Because in 2009 London was not scheduled close enough to Rome and Paris, I chose to add Vienna instead. Vienna will be very cool because I love the Great Masters’ classical music and often listen to it during my training runs. I’ll have to run London and Berlin some other time…it will happen! The timing of this Trampathon is perfect because tomorrow I’ll be retiring after ~32 years of federal civil service. Actually, my federal career is sort-of like a Trampathon…after growing up in Wayne, NJ and attending college in AZ (UofA and ASU), I took my first federal job in San Diego, CA, then took federal jobs in Spearfish, SD, East Lansing, MI, and then since 1982, I’ve been in Anchorage, AK.

TRAINING

It’s –10 degrees out and we are in the middle of a cold snap with no end in sight. Conditions like this make marathon training very challenging. However, thank God we now have in Anchorage an unbelievable indoor training facility…The Dome (check it out via the link I provided). I hate treadmill running so having an indoor 400-meter track is a lifesaver. After running the Twin Cities Marathon the first week in October and taking the rest of the month off, I started running at the Dome in November. I worked my way back up to 10-milers before being thrown on my back around Thanksgiving with a sinus infection, which also aggravated my exercise-induced asthma…real bummer (understatement). Attempts to continue running under this condition were met with exhaustion and total frustration. One training day, I couldn’t even run one lap without feeling dizzy. Currently, I’m off meds (hooray) and working on longer runs while under my doctor’s watchful eye. (NOTE: My doctor wants my knees when I die because recent tests - that’s another story - revealed I have the knees of an 18 year old). I had some blood work done last week and this next week I have a cardiac stress test scheduled…stay tuned. Bottomline: I’m not totally off schedule, but will be if I’m not regularly running 8+ miles by January 11. Luckily, I’m not training for a PR…just training to finish the marathons and have fun along the way.

TRIP PLANNING

Too much to report in this blog entry…I’ll save it for the next one. However, here are some key words to satisfy your curiosity: Sorrento, Munich, a new “Harris”, flights from/to Paris, my sister Carol, Holy Week, Rick Steves’ Europe through the Backdoor, and Keen shoes.

Have a great, healthy, and happy 2009!

Remember, Train hard...run far!