Wearing His Heart On His Sleeve
I called my dad a little while ago to see how he was doing and he told me he is staying in the hospital for another week.
"So, will they let you leave to come to the wedding and then go back in?"
"No. I, uh, need open heart surgery."
"What??"
And then I started bawling.
He and my stepmother explained that it's preventative because he'd keep having mini-heart attacks until he kicks the bucket (as my dad worded it).
So, on Monday, he'll be going in to have some of his veins stripped from his legs and place all around his heart to make up for the veins that are weakened. There are now 3 stents in his heart and those veins will all collapse someday, but instead of having a HA as a result, the new veins will make up for them and his heart will keep on ticking.
"Are you scared, Dad?"
"Nope. I'm not scared."
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
"So, will they let you leave to come to the wedding and then go back in?"
"No. I, uh, need open heart surgery."
"What??"
And then I started bawling.
He and my stepmother explained that it's preventative because he'd keep having mini-heart attacks until he kicks the bucket (as my dad worded it).
So, on Monday, he'll be going in to have some of his veins stripped from his legs and place all around his heart to make up for the veins that are weakened. There are now 3 stents in his heart and those veins will all collapse someday, but instead of having a HA as a result, the new veins will make up for them and his heart will keep on ticking.
"Are you scared, Dad?"
"Nope. I'm not scared."
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
posted by Shannon at
2:43 PM
17 Comments:
I'll be thinking of your family Shannon. Best wishes to him on Monday for his surgery and that he's back on his feet in no time.
By
Jamie, at 6/20/2008 3:15 PM
My grandpa had this surgery a long time ago, he's now 80 and still kicking. I'm sure your dad's surgery will be just as successful. Thinking of your family and wishing your dad a speedy recovery.
By
Jillian, at 6/20/2008 3:34 PM
Shannon -
This surgery is going to work. Your dad is going to recover and like a good marine, he's going to kick-ass.
My uncle had similar surgery and so did his wife, both are close to 80 and as cantakerous (sp) as ever!
Thinking about u big time and sending prayers and positive vibes your way.
k2
By
k2, at 6/20/2008 3:39 PM
I hope everything goes well, Shannon.
By
Penny Ratzlaff, at 6/20/2008 4:55 PM
I will be thinking of you and your family!! Keep us posted on how he is!!
By
Jenn, at 6/20/2008 5:27 PM
I'll be thinking of you - hoping for a quick recovery!
By
Life As I Know It, at 6/20/2008 5:36 PM
I'll keep all of you in my prayers and good thoughts.
By
meanderings, at 6/20/2008 6:03 PM
No more HA's sound good to me! I am glad this is something they can schedule and its not an emergency.
Take it easy Shannon, I'll be thinking about you.
By
George, at 6/20/2008 6:30 PM
My dad had a quadruple bypass fifteen years ago this month. Despite all his questionable health habits, to boot!
Thinking about you and your family.
By
If not a mother..., at 6/20/2008 6:41 PM
Well, sis......an ounce of prevention......
The surgery will no doubt add to the years and the quality of his life. I know it's tough to see your parents in a vulnerable place.
I wish your dad a rapid return to better health.
By
Minnesota Nice, at 6/20/2008 8:31 PM
This surgery will make a major difference in his life. You (and he) will be amazed at how quickly he'll be up and around, mostly because he'll feel so much better. Perhaps you can talk to the nurses or doctors about a follow up exercise plan as part of his recovery. Hopefully your stepmother will exercise along with him!
By
Naomi, at 6/21/2008 7:19 AM
much love and thoughts to you and your family shannon!
By
Anonymous, at 6/22/2008 2:05 PM
Shannon,
I wish your dad a successful surgery and recovery. It's too bad he won't make the wedding. You guys will be on my mind tomorrow.
By
Lea, at 6/22/2008 7:23 PM
We're thinking of you, Shannon. I hope you guys are okay. Let me know if you need ANYTHING.
By
Kerri., at 6/23/2008 11:35 AM
I'm thinking of you and your family, Shannon. Here's hoping he's up and about in no time.
By
Major Bedhead, at 6/24/2008 9:21 AM
How did it go Shannon??
Thinking of you ...
By
Jamie, at 6/24/2008 2:55 PM
Hi Shannon. Just read on facebook that your dad is on the mend... then followed back to here to read what is going on in your life (I've been a little out of touch lately). Anyway, glad to hear it was a success... now wishing a speedy recovery.
By
C.L.W., at 6/25/2008 2:29 AM
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