Journal Entry 24: What a Difference a Year Makes

March 1–31, 2010

Monday, March 1st my friend Steve called me and told me he finally got a heart! He's been on the transplant list for almost a year. I stopped by the hospital in the morning to see Steve before he went to surgery. Afterwards, I went to Cardiac Rehab. That evening I had "Bunco" at my house and served El Pollo Loco chicken, potatoes, beans and salad for dinner — yummy. We had a house full of 12 screaming women playing Bunco. During Bunco, I received a call from Steve's wife that his surgery had gone really well. Monday sure was an awesome day!

Wednesday, March 3rd I met with the American Heart Association regarding this year's Heart Walk. It will be held on Sunday, September 19th at Balboa Park. They've asked me to be one of the Community Leaders for this year's Heart Walk.

Thursday, March 4th, I found out the results of my lab tests. Everything checked out okay. They also scheduled my "annual" biopsy for Tuesday, May 4th. I can't believe it's almost been a year since my transplant! Where has the time gone?

Friday evening, two of our cousins from Indiana came to visit us for the weekend. Our cousin Rick, is in the Reserves at March Air Force Base for two weeks.

Debbie hits a golf ball.

Saturday, Rick and his daughter Jackie and I went to the San Diego Zoo. We walked all over the Zoo instead of taking the tour bus. For me, that was a major accomplishment! We really enjoyed seeing the new Elephant Odyssey. Saturday night Larry, my Dad and I went to the Southwestern College Basketball Game at San Bernardino Valley College. This was the final game before the State Championship. Southwestern played their hearts out, but unfortunately lost by a few points.

Sunday, March 7th we had Larry's family over to visit Rick and Jackie. Rick has been able to see what a difference the heart transplant has made in my life and how much more I'm able to do. He was so happy for me and Larry.

March 9th I had my annual eye appointment. I was happy to find out that my vision had stayed the same. With all the medications I'm taking, I was hoping they hadn't affected my vision.

March 9th we had a roofer come by and give us an estimate on our roof. Of course our roof had to give us problems this year when we're having all this rain!! Looks like we'll have a new roof in about 5 weeks. Thursday evening we met with Larry's family from West Virginia. It was great seeing our nephews, Nathan and Philip, and our sister-in-law Pam. We had about 16 guests at our house. We didn't expect to see so many visitors this month — it's been fun!

Saturday, March 13th I helped my friend Allyne make sandwiches and cut up fruit for her granddaughter's "Tea Party." The tea party was so much fun and everyone enjoyed all the sandwiches, fruit, candy and homemade scones. That evening Larry and I left to meet Rick at March Air Force Base and spend the weekend with him. We had dinner that evening and woke up the next morning and played a game of golf (only 9 holes). It was the first time I had golfed in 15 years! I need a lot of practice...but I'm sure I'll be playing again real soon! That evening we met up with our daughter Nichole and her family for dinner at the Morongo Indian Casino. It was fun having Rick and Jackie visit us.

Thursday, March 18th I was at Costco waiting to get gas and a pickup truck backed up and crunched my front bumper! Most of my day was spent dealing with the insurance and car rental companies. Thank goodness my evening was much more exciting. Larry and I went to the Del Mar Marriott where the American Heart Association started their fundraising for the Start! San Diego Heart Walk. I was one of the speakers that evening and I even received a standing ovation! The American Heart Association raised over $200,000 that night and it felt great to "give back" to such a wonderful organization. I guess I better "crank up" the treadmill for the Heart Walk in September!

Friday, March 19th we went to the Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego to see my niece's high school performance of "Spring Sing."

Debbie and Larry play golf.

Saturday, March 20th my nephew, Nicholas was in the play "Willy Wonka" for the Young Actor's Theatre. The kids did a fantastic job. Their ages range from 7 years old to high school. The plays have all been very enjoyable.

Sunday, March 21st we celebrated my Papa Joe's birthday at our house. We had a delicious dinner and a wonderful evening with family.

Thursday, March 25th I noticed my ankles were swollen more than usual for the second time this month. I talked to Leslie the Transplant Coordinator a she wanted me to have some labs drawn.

Friday, Leslie called me back and told me my kidney function wasn't quite normal and Dr. Jaski wanted to have an Echo of my heart done.

March 27-29th we went to our friends, Bobbi and John's new home in Big Bear. Larry and John installed new flooring in the kitchen and Bobbi and I did some painting and cleaning around the house. Their new home has a spectacular view of the lake, mountains and ski resorts. Larry and John went snowboarding on Sunday and had a great time at the Bear Mountain Resort.

Wednesday, March 31st I had an Echo done at the hospital followed by labs. I should get my results back this week.

Whew, what a busy month! Just think...last year at this time I was sitting around, watching the time pass by and hoping for a heart. Now look at me — what a difference from last year! Follow more of Debbie's heart transplant journey.

For More Information
To learn more about the heart transplant program at Sharp Memorial Hospital, please contact the program directly by calling 858-939-3831, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm.

To learn more or to find a cardiologist affiliated with Sharp, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-824-4277) or go to Find a Doctor.