Mary Jane's Journal

My 5-month anniversary of aortic valve replacement is today and this month I'm finally feeling great, like surgery truly is in the rear-view (though I'm still on the post-surgery heart meds.) I've always been very active and think I underestimated how long recovery would take. I'm so grateful to be alive and well and be on the other side of this. I feel like my one year anniversary will be significant and I'd really like to do something physically momentous to mark the milestone, like an iconic hike or cycle trip or something. Anybody have ideas for "destination" hikes/rides in the US or beyond? I'd love to hear what you've done to mark your heart surgery anniversaries.

I reported to the Johns Hopkins Med Center at 5am this morning for my aortic valve replacement and was prepped, IVed, and ready to roll into the OR when I was bumped for an emergency double lung transplant. Now I know how all those Southwest airlines passengers felt in December. At least I still have my luggage with me. A little crazy, but I admit part of me was relieved to have a pause on this emotional roller coaster, and humbled by forces that are out of my control. The guy getting two new lungs is certainly more needy than I am right now and I can only imagine his gratitude that his number was called. Just as I was settling into the idea of having "bonus" time with my husband and kids who have come home from college to be here for me through surgery, I got a call that they've rescheduled me for tomorrow morning! So, the roller coaster is back on track. I'll be joining Gary Dupuis and Miriam Poretto with a new heart day of March 29. Praying for good success for all of us tomorrow.