Cathleen's Photos

The fastest route to happiness is through acceptance ❤️. Once you do that then you can turn your fear into curiosity 🤓. I personally think it's pretty cool to have some of the greatest minds in medicine (cardiac surgeons) touching my heart. I always think about my surgeon (Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars Sinai) growing up in Italy like he did and what made him decide to become a doctor and move to America to save so many lives. I'm humbled by that ❤️. Changing your mindset to one of curiosity changes your perspective and creates such a bigger picture and new meaning to what is happening. It's so much bigger than any of us. Someone is watching you right now to see how you handle this and get through it. You can become the bravest person they know. 

1000% it's the reason I've shared my story....3 open heart surgeries and a TAVR....but I promise you that you could do it too if you had to. Everything you need already exists inside of you...just dig deep. 

Inside the lab at Edwards LifeSciences in Irvine, CA where the leaflets are sewn onto the bioprosthetic valves!  We are all so lucky to be heart patients in this time of advanced technology! 

Edwards LifeSciences Campus in Irvine, CA this year  Such an overwhelming experience  Two days of this! I cried plenty of times! Gabe and I were even invited to speak in front of a group of employees/patients about my heart valve story. I feel very blessed to have been invited to take part in this experience. 

I love creating healthy comfort food for the heart . The more colorful your meal the more likely it is to be healthy
I hope you all like food posts! I created this long ago and I make it all the time! I had it today for breakfast!

AVO SMASH EGG TOAST (each layer):
Sourdough toast, dry (you can use any type bread)
Avocado smash (1/2 an avocado, smash with fork onto toast)
A sprinkling of baco bits (soy)
Chopped fresh spinach
Egg whites with lowfat cheddar
Chipotle flakes (smoked chili flakes)
Sliced sunburst tomatoes
Cracked black pepper
Himalayan sea salt

TIP: I make the egg whites in the micro so it's super quick. Just spray a bowl with olive oil and pour egg whites in and heat for about four minutes while you prep the toast and everything else. Fluff the eggs and add cheese (if you want it) and they are delicious and ready to go. 

Takes maybe 5 to 7 minutes to prepare and it's so delicious, hearty, and healthy!
Bon Appetit!

Reminder: Life goes on after heart surgery!! I'm 52 and I've had my aortic valve replaced 4 times since 1991. You can absolutely do this and come back stronger than ever!! Dig deep and find all your courage! I haven't been on here in what seems like forever!! I've been beyond busy but I'm happy I checked in because I love seeing all the smiling faces :).
I know a lot of you who are new to this are struggling right now..and you know what? That's normal!! It really is! So embrace it, all of it, because acceptance is the fastest route to happiness. You'll learn so much about yourself through all of this. Your courage will surprise you! Took this photo yesterday :) This is a life long journey. You've got this! You'll feel strong again. It's a process so let it happen. Get into cardiac rehab after your surgery. It will help so much!
Best wishes to everyone facing surgery next week or soon <3.xo