Tuesday, September 01, 2009

What happens next........

First off, thanks for all of the fabulous feedback via comments and emails that were sent to me about the visual support idea that we are implementing for Ethan. I always hope that when I share a piece of our private lives, that someone may see themselves or someone they love in what I have written. This blog serves both as a vehicle to document our lives for later and to share in hopes that it will help someone else that is having a similar issue or experience.

OK, now on to what happens next with Marc....

Tomorrow, Marc will be having what is called a Cardiac Catheterization and if you would like to learn more about what this lovely little procedure entails you can read about it here. Marc's mom is coming over tonight since she does not have to take care of Marc's dad, who is presently in a rehab center, recuperating from a fall where he fractured his pelvis...yup, it's all fun and games around here these days. If everything goes as planned, then we will be home by the evening.

We are then flying to Atlanta in a couple of weeks to meet with the heart surgeon that we are hoping will be operating on Marc. By all accounts, Marc is a very good candidate for the type of surgery that he needs, which is a Heart Mitral Valve Repair done robotically. The benefit to carrying out the surgery this way versus the old school way (cracking open the chest) is that it is minimally invasive. There are just four (very small) incisions will have to be made to do the repair. Marc's heart will have to be stopped, just like in any open heart surgery and he will be placed on a heart lung machine while they operate on him. The obvious benefit to doing it robotically, is that there is so much less trauma to the body and thus pain and healing times are brought down significantly. We have consulted with a couple of doctor's already but the one in Atlanta is probably one of the more experienced in the country, so we are hoping that he is the one that will handle Marc's care. The doctors that we have consulted with us thus far have also told us that Marc's condition is very severe and his heart is quite enlarged due to the strain from the leaky valve.

Of course, as I write all of the details in such a matter of fact kinda way, it does not take into account that my own heart is racing most of the time and the butterflies in my stomach never seem to go to sleep. I will not be able to make my mind stop racing and ultimately ending up in dark places until this is behind us and thank goodness that tomorrow is the first step towards that end. Marc is steadfast and positive. He is my rock and I want to keep him in that position for many years to come.

One last thing...there has been such an outpouring of care and concern, both locally and through the larger online community that we are a part of. Marc's Disc Jockey Association - The American Disc Jockey Association of South Florida is holding an event called "A Night at the Races" on October 4th, to benefit Marc and our family. The money raised will assist us with the massive medical and associated costs that will not be covered by our health insurance. There are several ways to be a part of this event whether you can attend or not. If you would like to help, you can contact the Association for more details at:

Helpthebeat@gmail.com

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

Lori, Marc, the Big's and the Little's :)

11 comments:

Love Letters To China said...

I really am amazed with the strength you have to carry on through all that has been happening in your life. You are a wonderful wife and loving mother. Your family and friends are truly blessed to have you in their lives.

I send you prayers and well wishes...

Hugs

Wanda said...

I will be praying tomorrow and for a while till your man is like brand new again.

I know a little about husband's heart issues and it is scary. You've certainly shown great courage through this and I wish more of the same for you.

All the best,
Wanda (At Last...)

Mary McG in TN said...

Bless you all! I know that this is VERY scarey! The heart cath is not bad (I had one last month). This will give the doctors a total image of what he needs fixed. I am glad that you are going to Atlanta, is it Emory? I know that you have consulted and researched the doctors and have the best! I am praying that all will be well and that God's will be done.

Gail said...

Thanks for the update Lori...Marc will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow(and you will be too). Hoping things are uneventful and go well...

big hugs SFAM!

Gail

Candy said...

Thinking of you and your family tomorrow and in the months ahead.

We're here if you need us.

Tammie said...

You guys are the absolute & true example of grace under stress. Please know that you will be in our prayers tomorrow. I'm so happy to know that Marc has a great team of drs willing to work through this situation.

Hugs!

JoAnn in NJ said...

Will send up lots of prayers tomorrow for Marc. We went through that with Mom in March.

Marc is young :) and strong and will get through all this "stuff" just fine...after all he has an amazing family waiting for him!

Love!
JoAnn

M3 said...

Yowza, that procedure would give me butterflies too. Sending huge hugs and can't wait to hear the update that everything went wonderfully tomorrow.

Vivian M said...

We are sending you both hugs and positive thoughts. I am here if you need me!

Unknown said...

We're praying for Marc.

Mary McG in TN said...

Ok, it has been more than a week - what did they find with the heart cath? We are waiting ... hope things were not too bad!