Owner of a Lonely Heart

June 22, 2019 – Six months ago I was lying in a hospital bed wondering, “What the hell happened?”

Honestly, I knew what had happened – I had a heart attack! Actually, I had several heart attacks – myocardial infarctions – over a twenty-four hour period. It was surreal. I wasn’t supposed to have heart problems. I have plenty of issues with Stage IV cancer, so no one – myself included – was focused on my heart.

My doctors monitored my cholesterol numbers – good, but not great – and my liver values (also pretty good and stable). My heart? That was something obese people or older people worried about. Not me.

So my melanoma journey diverged to become a health journey. I not only had metastatic melanoma and any recurring skin cancers to worry about; now, I had heart problems to keep me up at night.

Once again, I was fortunate. There was no damage to my heart from the 100% blockage of my right coronary artery (RCA). My new cardiologist put a stent in my RCA and, less than 24 hours later, I went home. My release from the hospital gave new meaning to I’ll Be Home for Christmas.

Note – Here’s the link to the original post about my heart attack: All I Want for Christmas Is…

Christmas and New Years came and went. By mid-January, I was slowly adjusting to my new daily pill regimen. The meds did their job and my cholesterol significantly decreased.

At the end of January, a thirty-six session cardio rehab stint began (see Heart Update at the bottom of Status Quo). Three times a week I spent an hour riding exercise bikes, walking on treadmills, and getting my heart rhythms monitored. Rehab grudgingly became a good routine. After almost three solid months of consistent exercise, I was feeling pretty good and looking okay. (Still need to lose another 5 – 10 pounds.)

Rehab ended in early May and my heart grew lonely (hence the title of this post). Not really. But I did miss the routine and the normalcy of rehab. The steady exercise was good for my heart and, surprisingly, my soul. During that period, I realized that I still have it in me to change. That’s the key – to want it. I have to continue to motivate myself to stay healthy.

The rest of May was hectic for us. A couple of trips along with time at the beach. My cardio routine was broken and it’s taken awhile to get it back. Sometimes good beer and good food will do that.

So, I’m now the owner of a lonely heart. It’s mine and it’s up to me to keep it beating. Like the lyrics of the original Yes song: You’ve got to want to succeed.

Miss Susan grows some beautiful irises.

Melanoma Update – In early June I had my six-month CT scan and blood work. Everything was virtually the same as last November. No new tumors and my existing tumors remain stable and unchanged. Great news! My dermatologist took an additional margin on my back (Ouch!) which turned out to be benign. Also, great news! (See Wake-Up Call for details.)

Heart Update – Nothing new to report (other than what you read above). I’ve been having some issues with excessive heat and humidity. Who doesn’t? I see my cardiologist at the end of July. Hope he has some answers.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Writer’s Note – I’ll continue to update my blog on a periodic basis.  No set schedule.  So, I want to thank everyone who continues to stop by and check out my blog. Please leave a comment or message; I’d love to hear from you.

Status Quo

March 30, 2019 – I learned earlier this week that my life is simply “status quo.” Actually my life is not status quo, but my current health condition – details below – is currently status quo. It’s a term used in a variety of situations, but I’m not sure that status quo applies to all situations. Here’s the definition courtesy of Google’s online dictionary:

Status quo (noun) the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues

Status quo is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social or political issues. In the sociological sense, it generally applies to maintain or change existing social structure and values. … To maintain the status quo is to keep the things the way they presently are. (Wikipedia)


I guess that’s a good way to look at it: keep things the way they are.

That’s the way my family would certainly like my health to be. Just keep Ken and his present condition(s) the way they are – if not, perhaps, improving them somewhat. Of course I understand that sentiment, but I continue to get irked by neighbors, friends, even extended family who act as though “no news if good news” means that everything in my world is okay.

Unfortunately, everything is never simply “okay.” I have good days and bad days – currently more good days – and I constantly worry about everything (and I mean everything). I’m not talking about my cancer or my heart. I’m talking about my family – including Emily’s health – my father’s health, my relatives, and just life in general.

That’s the rub – as I’ve stated many times before. Life moves on. Not much you can do about that.

So, I’ll take my current situation and move forward.

Or better yet, just maintain the status quo.

A heart-healthy meal.

Melanoma Update – As previously noted, my last CT scan and oncologist visit was late November. Tumors remain small and stable (meaning they have not grown or significantly changed). There are no new tumors, either. I remain on Gleevec and I now see my oncologist every six (6) months – instead of every three months. All around, good news to report.

Heart Update – I continue my cardio rehab through Methodist Health Systems at my cardiologist’s practice (Sutherland Cardiology). It’s been a good process to go through and I will finish “rehab” in early May. I have lost a little weight and continue to keep it off. In addition, I am eating much healthier (see pic of sample meal) and I’m learning to try and like new, healthier food options. (Quinoa anyone?)

Note:  If you want to leave a comment, just choose “Anonymous” from the Profile Selection drop down bar right below the Comment box. (It’s the very last choice.)  Sorry for any confusion.


Also, please make sure you leave your name or sign-in somewhere in your comment.  Thanks.

Writer’s Note – I’ll continue to update my blog on a periodic basis.  No set schedule.  So, I want to thank everyone who continues to stop by and check out my blog. Please leave a comment or message; I’d love to hear from you.