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On October 28, about mid-morning, Jim received “The Call” that will forever change his life. After 101 days as a heart transplant candidate, Jim received his perfectly matched heart.

The call came while Jim was admitted at Saint Luke’s Heart Institute CICU due to a decreasingly functional heart and edema. The call alerted Jim to the fact that they had a probable heart, which was estimated to be a viable within the next 12 hours. While this created a long expectant ...

Jim is in KC today for his weekly biopsy and this check up will have an electrocardiogram as well. Jim reports that he is doing “Great!” and his EF is not up to 70 (normal is 55-60).

He continues to amaze us. This Thanksgiving holiday is truly a great thanks for the giving.

November 19, 2012

Jim’s surgery was two weeks ago today! …

Jim says …Just completed 1st of several in-clinic check ups. Received a glowing report card from Dr Stevens. So awsome for 2 weeks post transplant. Walked up 2 flights of stairs. Amazing.

November 12, 2012

Saw Jim at his home today and it is nothing short of miraculous. He is feeling great, of great humor and mending quickly. He will go to KC weekly for a month for check ups and progress reports, heart biopsy and more. From the results, his meds will be adjusted for optimum success.

Donna is doing her usual wonderful job of being a true partner in Jim’s healing and all other ways. It was great to see them both so happy ...

Biopsy results should be received about noon and if all is good we will be out of here early afternoon. These 2 weeks have actually passed fairly quickly. Many thanks to Boots, Bill & Cody for keeping things going at the casa. Our terrific son of course has been here and there and in the process kept so many balls in the air with his own work and Lindsey’s family. He also has done his best to prepare for someone ...

Jim reports having the heart biopsy earlier today, followed by an echo-cardiogram. All added lines of support have been removed with the exception of one IV (with nothing attached!).

News tonight confirms that Jim will be released tomorrow, just 8 days after surgery. He’s very excited to be going home. We are all ecstatic for him to be going home to complete ...

Today’s update is directly from Jim …
“Great day. Walking one lap an hour. No pain, no drugs.”

We continue to be amazed by Jim’s progress and healing. Simply amazing!

November 3, 2012

Early this afternoon, I called Donna to check on Jim. To my surprise, she asked if I wanted to talk with him …. Of Course!!!! Then this strong, youthful voice answered the phone. In an instant, my mind registered the same voice about 20-30 years ago. It sounded like the youthful, easy-going (ok, somewhat), Jim of long ago. I could barely carry an intelligent conversation I was smiling so broadly and was so very thrilled.

He reports that today is his ...

Today is a better day. Last 2 days good with chest but horrible belly cramps and pain. Enema was not an option cause they do not want to take the chance of introducing any new bacteria into the body. But today things have swung the other direction… Jim feels really good if it were not for the bathroom issue. Said his body FEELS so different. What an amazing gift. Today we will learn all about his “tackle box” full of ...

Update … Jim continues his recovery with his new heart continuing to work very well. A few curves in the road the last couple of days which are typical of issues following anesthesia, however these too will pass!

November 1, 2012