2023 November 25, 2023 Update. I did well for 5 years after receiving a heart transplant but unfortunately, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago. After having surgery, radiation and chemotherapy I was cancer free for a year and overall did well. I love to kayak in the ocean and was able to do so most days as well as work part-time. In June of this year I started having some health issues maybe related to the previous chemotherapy but the doctors don’t know for sure. It presented as liver dysfunction. Then in July 2023 COVID finally found me and it complicated the medical issues. I've spent a lot of time in the hospital I had a blood clot in the portal vein and the renal vein. Both clots were removed successfully but the pathology report showed pancreatic cancer cells so the cancer is back. I am not strong enough at this time for any cancer treatment. I am doing my best everyday to get stronger. Please keep me in your prayers.
2018 My heart journey started almost 6 years ago. All was fine and then one day while at work I blacked out. It had never happened before and I don’t know exactly what it was. A week or so later, a friend of mine looked at me and said my color was “as white as a ghost”. Immediately I went to the emergency department and was admitted to the local hospital. After a few days I was transferred via ambulance to Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. The cardiology team diagnosed cardiomyopathy. My heart function (ejection fraction) was low and most recently it is even lower. Several things were considered including LVAD (left ventricular assist device) and heart transplant. I made the decision to head West to California where my parents and sister live so I could have the necessary support for whatever medical direction was determined to be best for me. I was functioning but noticed I was constantly tired. On Sunday February 25 something just wasn’t right. I went to the Emergency Department and had an abnormal heart rhythm. I was admitted to St. Joseph Mission Hospital and a week later I was transferred via ambulance to Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. After thorough assessment it was decided that I am a good candidate for a heart transplant. The cardiology team is doing everything they can to get me the transplant so I can start healing.
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