That's a wrap!

At 4:30 pm last Friday, Director Bob Holden uttered the title of the blog entry after filming me and Dr. (Saint) Misbach for a Providence Hospital tv commercial. I thought it appropriate to use his quote because this past week was the busiest since being discharged from the hospital about four weeks ago.

Monday I started my 3-days-a-week cardiac rehabilitation sessions. Needless to say it was an emotional time because reality hit me that I have a loooog way to go before I can start running again. Losing 10 pounds of mostly muscle mass doesn't help either. At 56, I'm the youngest person in the session...I suspect most of the other dozen are in their late 60s and early 70s. For sure, there is a woman in her 80s. On the first day I was floored to see a person I know very well...Sister Loretta! I know Sister from her years at my church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She conducted Marian and my marriage preparation classes, was a house guest a few times, and just fell in love with Hannah. Currently she is at another parish and we've lost touch. Sister, who is in her late 70s, is a recent breast cancer survivor and most recently an open heart patient.

My sessions revolve around walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes (currently at a 3.5 mile pace, 3% grade), 10 minutes on the elliptical, and 30 minutes of very light (less than 5 pounds) weight work. I got in trouble Thursday when I was caught cranking up the treadmill to a running pace ... the session leader came running over and scolded me for doing that ... the others in the class now poke fun at me calling me a "trouble-maker." In addition to the workout, we do warm-up and cooling-down stretching exercises, and once a week we get a back massage...that's sweet! The great thing about my workouts is that I'm hooked up to a device that monitors and electronically sends my heart rate and EKG profile to the front desk and there a person continually reads the results (of all 12 of us).

Tuesday, Marian drove me to and attended my follow-up visit with my cardiac specialist Dr. Linda Ireland. Because Dr. Ireland gave me permission to start driving, Marian happily stated that she was free from being my chauffeur! Dr. Ireland has a great sense of humor and hearty laugh, which make my visits with her very relaxing and reassuring. Two things...I still have some fluids accumulating in the right side of my chest cavity and my resting heart beat of between 95 and 100 is too high. As a result, I'm still on medication (although on a lower dose) to reduce the fluid and I may have to start taking beta-blockers to reduce my heart rate. My visit with her next week will determine how to address the latter issue. Good news was that my blood chemistry is normal and my surgical incision is healing nicely.

The rest of the blog entry pertains to my call-back to be involved in the production of a tv commercial for Providence Hospital. I was asked to arrive at the ConocoPhillips Cancer Treatment Center in Providence hospital on Wednesday at noon (after completing my cardiac rehab session), and to dress in neutral colors. When I arrived, the production team hired by Bradley Reid to film the commercial was already filming the interview of a woman being treated for cancer. I was quickly ushered away from the set and taken to make-up...there I was powdered, eyebrows trimmed, goatee brushed, age-spots covered, and my hair hair sprayed. After that I was taken back to the set, introduced to some of the production crew, and invited to feast on the large spread of food they had laid out on several tables. I declined the food, as I had a full lunch before arriving...too bad. I sat quietly and intensely observed the interview being conducted with the cancer patient. I was struck with the respect the production crew gave the women...I could tell that they were moved by her story, even though they were concentrating on the production. The production crew consisted of about 20 people...cameramen, lighting crew, video footage crew, sound crew, make staff, and go-fors. Everything has focused on the woman, who sat in a sofa chair and was dressed in a green dress...her bald head was wrapped in a matching green scarf. John Tracy, a local ex-news anchorman and news director for a local tv station (NBC KTUU) and currently a Bradley Reid partner, asked the woman questions he had prepared from earlier interviews with her. Numerous times the woman was brought to tears, which stopped production and required the makeup person to do her thing. When her interview ended and after a 15 minute break, it was my turn. I was determined to not get emotional.

The scene of the production crew from the "hot seat" was very different than from behind the scenes...lots and lots of camera lenses staring at you and bright lights from both above, behind and from the side. However, comforting the scene was John Tracy sitting just outside of camera range...he reassured me that everything was going to go smoothly and that his job was to have a conversation with me and ask questions based on the interview I had with him the week before. Even before the first question was asked, the makeup lady had to come in and dry up the sweat already forming on my forehead. However, once John started asking me questions and the director started filming I calmed down. John often would have me repeat an answer if my reflection and/or tone wasn't right and the sound man recording my answers also had the same right to ask me to repeat a response. The director often had me repeating a response looking in different directions, like into the camera lens or looking at John Tracy or looking out the window, etc. Once they got the type of response they wanted, John would say "that was great" or "that was beautiful." After 35 minutes, John asked me a final question...he asked me if I ever wanted to run another marathon. Well, that one got me...I feft a lump form in my throat and I fought back my tears...unsuccessfully. Entering stage left and running came the makeup lady with her stuff and a tissue. Predictably, both I and the production crew started to laugh. After a few minutes, I was able to answer "Yes!" John Tracy said "That was great!" and the director said "That's a wrap!"

I was asked to return to Providence Hospital on Friday afternoon so that they could film me working out at the Cardiac Rehab Center...no interviews (thank God) just workout footage. I was really excited about doing that mainly because Dr. Misbach, my surgeon, was also invited to show up and be filmed with me. When I arrived I was surprised to see that the workout room was packed with production equipment...I foolishly thought this would be less of an effort. I brought several different sets of workout clothes because I didn't know what was appropriate...the director selected the plainest things I had...a navy blue long sleeve shirt and my black running pants...boring! However, I did have my new pair of Asics. Because the director wanted to film using the bright sunshine coming into the room, we had to work fast. I was first filmed from many different directions walking on the treadmill. Once Dr. Misbach arrived, I was filmed on another aerobic machine while Dr. Misbach was directed to interact with me. That was funny because we were directed to have make-believe conversations, move our heads closer together, put hands on each other's shoulder, tilt our heads, move our arms into different positions, etc. Dr. Misbach said this stuff was harder than doing surgery. After the filming, Dr. Misbach and I were photographed together and separately for some publication stills and other Providence PR stuff. I had some time before I left to chat with Dr. Misbach...to my surprise I learned that he is a hell of a good snowboarder and he may run another marathon (his first was in the mid-1990s at St. George Utah) but will use the Galloway run/walk method instead. After saying our good-byes, we all headed our separate ways after a very busy week for all of us...that's a wrap!

The latest from Lake Wobegon

Things have settled into somewhat of a routine around here, which usually equates to boring stuff (e.g. getting Hannah ready for school, Marian working at home and me staying out of her way, and Wayne puttering around the house). However, a few cool things happened and will be about to happen. I had my longest walk to date; I estimate about 2 miles. My friend Jim Robinson braved a cold north wind with me and walked Bailey around the neighborhood. The up-hills made me have to stop now and then to catch my breath. I finally got out for lunch with some ex-coworkers from the Minerals Management Service - - we went to the hottest lunch place in town, the Moose's Tooth - great pizza, salads, and beer (my first full glass since the operation). I also met some friends (Neal, Jon, and Marko) at a local pub to watch the US men's soccer team beat Mexico in a World Cup qualifying round (2-0)...I drank a few calories there also. It also looks like I will be in a locally produced TV commercial for Providence Hospital. Bradley Reid (an ad-agency) interviewed me last week about my "story". I can tell they were genuinely interested in what I had to say and also tossed out the idea that Marian and Hannah might be in the commercial as well...that would be cool because I mentioned how well the Providence staff took care of Marian and Hannah. From my interview they'll develop a script which I'll read this week and then later in the week they'll film footage. Approximately 10 folks were selected for the commercial, which will also be used to produce published brochures and fliers. The producers want to start airing the commercials on March 2 so things are on a fast-track. I suppose there is a chance that my footage could wind up on the editor's floor - - so be it; it'll be fun anyway.

I went to Providence's Cardiac Rehab orientation this past week and was overwhelmed with their program. For an hour and a half I filled out paperwork, had all my vital signs measured, other body measurements made, established rehab goals, and toured the facility. The program involves, lectures, weight-work, aerobic exercises (treadmill, bike riding, etc.) and stretching exercises. My goals include gaining my 10 pounds back (as muscle mass), being able to run a 10K on the treadmill, improving my diet, and building confidence to continue exercising outside a control/monitored environment. My sessions start this week and are M, W, Th from 9:30 am to 11:15 am...insurance will cover 12 weeks but God willing, I hope to reach my goals sooner than that. I'll also meet with my cardiac specialist, Dr. Linda Ireland, this week for an exam ... hopefully I'll get the OK to start driving and will get off the meds I take to control the fluid build up in my chest cavity.

Nothing more to add other than I really appreciated the cards and calls I received this week...they really pick me up and I thank you. Be sure to eat your Powdermilk biscuts and remember, Anchorage ain't Lake Wobegon but like Russia, you can see it from here! Enjoy a cup of coffee on me ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agusq6xfefI&feature=related

Much ado about nothing....

This last week I had an opportunity to provide Providence Hospital written and verbal feedback about my stay and I took advantage of it. The 5-page form had the types of questions you’d expect about the food, accommodations, care, atmosphere, etc. However, I was most excited about giving feedback about the hospital’s staff. The staff and their attitude meant everything to me, as THEY provided 24/7 optimism and went way beyond what they needed to do to make me comfortable - - especially when I was alone and feeling depressed. You know, I can now understand how folks can “hero-worship” individuals who do outstanding things. Just look at the kudos the US Airways flight crew received as a result of the safe landing in the Hudson River. Although not as dramatic, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses Missi, Joe and Drew’s tender care was heroic to me. Joe and Drew tag-teamed my care most of the time. Joe (seen here with me when he made me walk from ICU to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU)) was a crack-up and thoroughly kept me entertained with his humor and conversations. Marian and many of my visitors had an opportunity to see him in action and would have to agree with me. Drew (the night ICU) was equally compassionate and funny, but he also had a philosophical side that brought me comfort. One night I remember being afraid to go to sleep because I was afraid I would not wake up, but Drew reassured me with his words right before he provided me a sleep aid. Drew is a crazy, wild BIG Pittsburgh Steeler fan so he was entertaining to watch as Pittsburgh made it through the playoffs. I can only imagine how crazy he went over the Super Bowl game. Yvonne, in PCU, was a real character as well. She wasn’t one to mess with but she had a warm personality and would not let me feel down and out. She wants me to send her a finish line photo of myself when I complete my first post-surgery marathon - - but that’s another story.

I want to also share with you a funny story about my visit to Providence Hospital’s ER the day after I came home - - remember, I sprung a leak when built-up body cavity fluids leaked out of a stitched-up tube hole. My friend Craig Ely (a fellow biologist) took me to the ER and was very attentive. Upon reaching the ER they began processing me immediately when Craig told me to show them my leak, which by now had completely soaked through all bandaging and into my pants. They whisked us to an ER room and soon thereafter both Craig and I thought we were in an NBC production of “ER”! Why did we feel this way? Well, everyone who tended to me looked like they were straight out of NBC/”ER” casting. The doctor I saw was a tall, beautiful, brunette woman with a strong, confident aura. Her aid was equally beautiful and competent. The phlebotomist was a 20-something blonde with a real bubbly personality. Central to casting the ER episode was when my heart surgeon (who happen to be in the hospital at the time) Dr. (Saint) Misbach entered the scene to “save” the day. By now, Craig and I were looking at each other every time someone would enter the “set”…we didn’t have to speak, as we both knew what each other was thinking. The ER episode continued throughout the evening; especially when it was time get my chest drained. Appearing out of nowhere came a doctor who looked like he came out of GQ Magazine and he directed the procedure. Craig and I began to feel uncomfortable because of our grubby, old biologist appearance and being surrounded by the cast of ER, but we got over it because each ER episode relies on folks like us to make the cast look that much better. Craig and I actually had a blast with the entire 4-hour adventure and all the way home talked about the surreal experience.

One last thing, my running mentor/friend Ellyn Brown dropped off a DVD movie for me to watch for inspiration. “The Dipsea Demon” is about a 96-year-old man (Jack Kirk) who runs the 2nd oldest footrace in America, the grueling Dipsea race, for a world record 68 consecutive times. The movie also won Best Documentary-Biography at the 2004 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. You have to watch it…his quote tells it all, “You don’t stop running cause you get old, you get old if you stop running!”

Take care my friends and God Bless!

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

The rope is being lengthened...hooray!

Yesterday's visit with Saint Misbach went very well...so much so that he doesn't need to see me anymore. I think I am going through separation anxiety as a result. He was pleased with the surgical incision's healing; he took out the stitches from the sites where tubes were used to drain my chest; my blood pressure was good; my heart sounded good; however, the chest x-ray still revealed a build up of fluids so I'm still on meds for a few more weeks to deal with that. Unfortunately those are the meds that dry me out so the endless cycle of drinking lots of fluids continue. My weight is down from 156 to about 145 (which is my marathon running weight) so he wants me to begin drinking calories more than water. I suspect drinking a six-pack a night would help that!

I've also been cleared to begin my cardiac rehab program next week at Providence Hospital. I've heard it's a great program and it will give me the confidence I need to move forward. Funny thing, Saint Misbach told me that my heart is now in better shape than my body and that I really am not in a position to be able to tax my heart to an extreme. The rehab program will have the technology available to monitor my heart as I try to catch up to its level of fitness. I'm hoping to begin driving in a few more weeks which will make it easier to attend the rehab sessions. Meanwhile, friends are picking me up to walk around town and with the weather about to warm up from sub-zero to the mid-20s, I should be able to take long walks from the house.

I survived Super Bowl Sunday in a house full of Arizona Cardinal fans, as I was the only Pittsburg Steeler fan (eventhough I went to college at the U of AZ and AZ State). My buddy Mike Salyer and his wife Laurie came by with lots of goodies (I should have been able to gain 10 pounds that day) and experienced the powerful enthusiasm (understatement) of Marian and Hannah. My dog Bailey (a Welsh Springer Spaniel) didn't know what to make of it all. A family friend Evelyn and her daughter Piper came by also, but mainly to see the Boss perform at halftime...one hell of a show.

My immediate goal is to get in shape enough to participate in our annual winter festival, the Fur Rendezvous at the end of February/early March. This is especially important because my sister- and brother-in-law (Karen Lilley and David Hansen) from Minneapolis, MN are coming to visit at the same time. My buddy Neal was trying to get me to participate in the "2009 Running with the Reindeer" (the Alaska version of the Running with the Bulls) but I'm going to pass; although, running it last year's inaugural event was a blast. Last year Neal, his son Evan and I dressed up as Chefs with reindeer sausage necklaces et al.; check it out....
















I suspect Marian and I may not be posting much over the next few days, as things really are falling into place and each day I get stronger. My first post-surgery visit with Dr. Ireland (cardiac specialist) isn't until 2/17 so no more medical news until then. Friends continue to provide support on a daily basis with phone calls, visits, meals, etc. which is greatly appreciated. Marian and Hannah are both Wonder Women and somehow get through the day doing what they need to do and still have smiles on their faces. I have a great deal to learn from them.

Thanks again for your well wishes and prayers...they continue to mean a great deal!

Wayne