Thank you everyone for being interested in my journey the past few months.  Fortunately, this chapter in my life is nearing a happy conclusion. 

I am attending cardiac rehabilitation 3 days per week and will continue until early October after which I'll exercise on my own.  I'm in the best physical condition that I've been in for at least 5 years and have lost over 20 pounds since this all began.  Over the next couple of months I'll continue to add more weight training into the mix as my lifting limitations are reduced.  I still grimace a bit when I lift or twist the wrong way but that's to be expected. 

Over the past two weeks I visited with my Cardiologists in Boston and at Dartmouth.  Everyone is in agreement that the valve is functioning very well and that my prognosis is great.  The lasting impacts to my lifestyle are quite minimal... I need to manage my blood thinners and take antibiotics before seeing the dentist - that's it!  Both Cardiologists agree that I'm ready to resume most activities, including work - I'm returning this Thursday.  I have been out of the office for just over 10 weeks so it will take a bit of time to get caught up but I'm excited to get back to normal.

I want to thank all of my family and friends for helping me through this adventure.  Everyone played a role:  housesitter, lawn mower, trash hauler, chef, arborist, nursemaid, caterer, dog sitter, medical advocate, chauffeur, babysitter...the list goes on.  Finally, Amanda needs a special award for putting up with me through all of this.  Unlike most others, she had the distinct honor of helping me through the dark times and with all sorts of grotesque bodily fluids and functions.  I'm VERY lucky to have her in my life!

Casey