A Disappointing Day...

I received a phone call from Dr. Burt yesterday with very disappointing news. It seems that there is new damage to my heart that wasn't there at my initial visit back in March. The right ventricle of my heart is enlarged from the disease which is making it work harder. The transplant would stress my heart and ultimately put me into heart failure. I stressed to Dr. Burt that I would be willing to sign all waivers not holding anyone accountable, but he explained that ethically he could not proceed with the transplant and told Donna and I that if I were to go forth with the procedure I would definitely not survive it. I think it is extremely important at this time to consider my children and the precious time that I do have remaining.
Donna and I want to thank all of our friends, family members and neighbors for all of your support both emotionally and financially by donating to the transplant fund in my honor. The money that has been collected will be used to offset the expenses incurred while traveling to Chicago for these evaluations as well as all medications that have not been fully covered by my insurance.
What's next you ask? I am going to follow up with my rheumatology team here in New Jersey and possibly be evaluated for a lung transplant. I am not certain that i will be a candidate for this either but I am not going to give up. Winners never quit and quitters never win. I will be following up with future updates as soon as i see my New jersey Doctors. BE STRONG TO LIVE LONG!