Back from Cleveland

January 22, 2011


Dear Friends and Family,

We arrived home yesterday from the Cleveland Clinic. Although Jaime was originally scheduled for only one day of examinations and testing, he was held over a couple of days for some additional tests. Unfortunately, we did not get the answers we were hoping for. According to Dr. Bruce Lytle, Chairman of the Heart and Vascular Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, the only viable solution to Jaime’s heart problems is open-heart surgery. The hoped-for minimally-invasive valve replacement procedure is not an option since Jaime apparently does not meet the FDA criteria necessary to be accepted in a “trial”. Dr. Lytle met with us for a considerable amount of time and explained that the open-heart procedure would be of minimal risk and that Jaime’s life would be prolonged considerably. Jaime, however, has refused to consider any kind of invasive procedure. I have been with Jaime through his many medical conditions and surgeries and certainly understand why he does not want to subject his body to any further invasive treatments, but I am fervently hoping that he will change his mind or that some new non-invasive treatment will become available in the near future.

Anyway, that is how things stand as of today. Jaime was given a prescription for a medication that will supposedly improve the function of his heart (plus, he will continue with the Lipitor, aspirin and Plavix), and he will continue to see his local cardiologist. Basically, we will be living life one day at a time – and enjoying each one of them to the fullest. We are thankful for the caring and support that we’ve received from all of you, and we will stay in touch.

Love, Jane

New Year's Eve, 2010

As we did last year, Jaime and I spent New Year's Eve at one of our favorite places: Fernandina Beach, Florida! This year, friends Brenda and Phil accompanied us. We enjoyed a steak and shrimp dinner at The Surf, followed by dancing and celeb rating at Slider's Seaside Restaurant. We didn't stay until midnight this year, but we might as well have - there was some serious partying going on at our motel, so we didn't get to sleep until about 4 am!

Update on Jaime's Situation

Hi, all!

Well, it looks like we'll be leaving home on Saturday, January 15 in order to be at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday morning the 17th. After finally getting through to someone at the clinic to discuss the procedure that had been scheduled for February 10, Jaime discovered that the surgery was to be of the open-heart variety, and since Jaime cannot tolerate any further o-h procedures, the clinic has set up an appointment for Jaime on the 17th for the purpose of exploring other alternatives.

Since we'll be driving, we are hoping for a heat wave to melt all the snow that has recently blanketed the North!

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2011 will bring you peace, prosperity and - above all - good HEALTH!!

Love, Jane