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Take Another Little Piece of My Heart
Take Another Little Piece of My Heart
Today was heart cath number five. Or maybe six. I’m starting to lose count. At this point, I feel like I should have a punch card. Something like “Buy ten, get one free.” I’ve had so many heart caths and biopsies that I half expect them to greet me with, “Welcome back, Mr. Hueston. Your usual table?”
This one stood out a bit. The doctor was unusually chatty. Not in an annoying way. Actually, it was kind of nice. He explained everything he was doing, step by step. It felt more like a guided tour than a medical procedure.
“Now I’m going to thread this little catheter through your neck,” he said. “Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing. Okay, now I’m in your heart. Here’s the right ventricle, and… there we go, biopsy time.”
I almost expected him to break out a laser pointer and give a lecture. If I had a notepad, I probably would have taken notes.
The best part? As I walked into the cath lab, the speakers were playing Janis Joplin’s “Take Another Little Piece of My Heart.” I had to laugh. It couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. They were literally about to do just that—take a little piece of my heart. I said something about it to the nurse. She smiled politely, but I don’t think she saw the irony.
Everything went smoothly, and now I’m just waiting on the results. No signs of trouble so far. The doctors seem happy with how things are going, and I’m still up and walking, so that counts as a win in my book.
I know there will be plenty more of these in the future. It’s part of the routine now. But if the music stays interesting and the doctors keep teaching as they go, I think I can handle it.
One more piece taken, but the heart’s still going strong.
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You just gave me goosebumps. What a delightful story and a wonderful way to be alive, not just living! Keep sharing the laughter and the beauty in your journey! I’m just in the transplant evaluation phase, but am writing a book of vignettes to journal the humor, the fear, the wonder, the sorrow. Thank you - I start my evaluation on Monday, such wonderful timing to hear this. The Spirit always provides.
Kelly
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1 Reactionthank you. it was quite a journey. I also have written and published a book on the wait.
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3 ReactionsHi,
I think that's great that things are going well for you and your procedures! I am old enough to remember Janis Joplin. She was great! I loved her music! That was amusing that they were playing her song, "Take a little piece of my heart" when you went for your appointment!
Your book sounds very interesting. What is the title of it or do you have one yet? I'd like to get it when you finish it.
I wish you the best and will say a prayer that things continue to be good for you.
PML
It’s called my heart journey waiting
On a heart. Send me a private message and I’ll tell you more
Hello,
I am a backup caregiver for my best friend's sister who needs a heart transplant. I live in Dallas she lives in Houston. I plan on going down there most weekends to help her husband because he is an Episcopal priest and needs to give the mass on sundays. What is it that I need to know as a caregiver I sure wish there was a thick book to tell me all the details. I am an RN registered nurse but I am a pediatric nurse so I know nothing about transplants especially heart transplant. Thank you so much for all your help.
I thought about writing on book on my journey what is the name of it? It sounds interesting my journey was only 7 months of pure hell but I had no clue what to expect. People that have to go through any major medical procedure should have the most knowledge what it’s going to be like.