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