Then we received the news. Tom, who is exceptionally healthy, without any family history, without any symptoms, was diagnosed with Thoracic Ascending Aorta Aneurysm AND Abdominal Aorta Di-section. Devastating news to get at any time in life, but especially hard when we were two weeks from retiring and traveling. But, maybe the timing was perfect...?
How it began.... A couple months ago when we were going to our last medical, dental and vision appointments before leaving, Tom's primary physician thought he heard a slight murmur. Just to be safe, he was referred to a cardiologist. The cardiologist said it was probably nothing and encouraged him to continue to train for the Bike Across Kansas and to continue working out but wanted him to have a couple additional tests just to rule out some things. After an ultra sound, CT scan and Electrocardiogram etc. we were told the news.
Once the Aorta bulges out and gets larger, the walls of the Aorta get thinner and weaker. If the Thoracic Ascending Aorta bursts, there is no survival. When you hear about people dying suddenly of a heart attach, this may be what happened. This is how actor Alan Thicke died earlier this year. Just a sudden heart attack with no symptoms, no heart problems, no family history, very healthy ... nothing.
Of course Tom was immediately told he had to stop doing everything. No lifting, no biking, no working out.... he couldn't push a grocery cart or pick up anything over 5 pounds.
Before meeting the surgeon, we were told the surgeon was the best around .... and we were told he is 82 years old! We vetted him thoroughly! After talking with friends in the medical field and many people in the health care field who had actually worked with him or took care of his patients, we were told over and over, that he is the best!! We immediately like him! He listened. He didn't pull any punches and was very clear about what was happening. He was personable and kind.
Tom had a heart cath prior to surgery and was told he had no heart disease, no blockages, nothing!!
Kathie went ahead and retired on May 31st! No big fanfare and no retirement celebration due to Tom's medical appointments. But, it was exciting and surreal to leave work for the last time, after working for 45 years and being a licensed social worker for 40 years. Lots of memories!
Two days later, Tom had open heart surgery. It's hard to explain what goes through your mind when your best friend is having open heart surgery. I tried hard not to think of exactly what they were doing to him. I hoped for steady hands and a clear mind for the surgeon. I reminded myself that Tom was in excellent health and still pretty young. Only once did I let myself think about the "what ifs" involved. I immediately pushed that thought aside.
Both daughters were here the night before. After being prepped for surgery, we said our good byes to Tom at 8:30am. We didn't see him again until 6:00pm. It was a very long long day. We couldn't have done it without the support of friends and family. It was nice to have a lot of people to text throughout the day as we got updates on Tom. It gave me something to do, something to take my mind off what was happening. Without our daughters there, it would have been so much harder. Thank you to so many people who text'd and inquired how Tom was doing. Tom's work friends were especially attentive and kind. In addition, Tom's sister and brother in-law sat with us all day, in the waiting area.
At 5:00pm the surgeon came out and let us know what he found and what was repaired. Tom's Thoracic Ascending Aorta was replaced with a synthetic graph. His heart valve was replaced with a prosthetic (mechanical) heart valve. The surgeon said the aorta was so large at the base (where it attaches to the valve) and the walls so thin, that it already had small holes in it. Meaning: it was ready to rupture. A very scary scenario knowing that he was 1 week away from riding his bike across Kansas!
The weeks that followed: How do people go through this kind of surgery without attentive friends and family? We are so blessed. Our daughters and son in-law were amazing. One of Tom's co-workers lives nearby and opened her home for Sasha, Ryan and Parker to stay when they came down. Karis was able to take off work for an entire week so she was here for 9 days! Kathie's childhood friend sent flowers from Washington. The IS division at Butler sent flowers and there were MANY cards wishing Tom a speedy recovery. Many visitors came by to see Tom, both in ICU and when he was moved to a regular room on the cardiac wing. It really helped Tom know that others cared about him and were in his corner! Thank you to all of you!!
And, we can't say enough about the ICU nurses (Luke, Cat and Traca) and all the staff at St. Francis Via Christi, Wichita Kansas!! The care Tom received was stellar! Tom was up and walking the very next morning after surgery!
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| The morning after surgery he went on his first walk! (With ICU nurse Luke and two crazy daughters behind him!) June 3, 2017 |
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| A very attentive daughter! Karis stayed 9 days so she could see her dad get settled at home! |
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| Welcome Home Tom! June 9, 2017 |
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| A welcome visit from the Kalis family. |
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| Our three cuties! |
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| Relaxing at home! June 18, 2017 |
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| Cardio Rehab at St. Francis June 21, 2017 |
