Mark's Update from FL - Waiting for a Heart Transplant

1 hour ago

Florida

I’ve been waiting to update with the hope that I could deliver some good news about my status with Tampa General.  It’s going to take a little longer to get that update.  I’ve been in Florida since November 16.  I had my first appointment on the 17th (thanks to Jami’s Uncle Ralph for being my Florida Family and spending the whole day at TGH).  And the appointments keep coming.  I have to admit a little frustration in the inability of the system to get me to the place that I can be considered for transplant with TGH more quickly.  I continue to be positive about my decision.  I’m more sure now that my chances are better to be transplanted faster here than in Minnesota, but not without a cost.  I really miss my family.  Thank God for FaceTime and a much needed family visit over Christmas break!  The way the days fall it looks like I won’t be able to presented to the review board until after New Year’s .  Pray there are no roadblocks.  Once accepted I’ll shift my time on the list to TGH.  So thankful I’m not starting over!

What keeps me positive and hopeful:   

All my friends and family that have reached out to me just to check in or arrange a visit. Thanks Tim and Katie for making me a side trip on your visits to the sunshine state. Thanks Tom for consistently checking in on me and being ready to jump on a plane if I need a visit. Thanks Father Rolf for your check-ins and prayers!  Thanks Mom and Dad for your faithfulness and encouragement.  Thanks to my girls for making me a part of everyday.  

Rico has been a blessing.  Don’t know what I’d do without my little buddy for companionship.

Florida!  I could be waiting in Cleveland or worse… how much worse does it get than Cleveland?  I see the sun almost everyday.  I enjoy walks by the water.  

My Health!  I feel great.  The VAD continues to do the job.  I know I feel so much better than last year at this time.  I was on borrowed time.  

…And if I ever need live entertainment I can drop by the Wal-mart late in the evening for a snapshot of life that can only be described as surreal.  

I covet your prayers.  I know that’s a daily habit for many of you, I pray for you too!  Keep in touch!

Mark

The Transformational Power of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  On this celebratory day off we make traditional food and gather with people who are important to us.  We reflect on what we are grateful for, what has brought the most meaning to our lives, what makes us happy.  Today, our definition of love and who makes our lives full, rich and purposeful are called to mind.

This Thanksgiving, our family is reflecting back on our most challenging year as Mark awaits a heart transplant.  His fragile heart is sustained by an impeller pump that takes on the infinite duty of distributing his blood around to his vessels and organs.  He has no heart beat but the whirl of a machine instead keeping him alive as we wait and desperately hope.  Life had never been so fleeting and precious.

What we celebrate today on Thanksgiving has transformed a dark, difficult time into a season of great blessing. At every Mass as part of the liturgy, said everyday of the year, our Priests remind us that 'we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks'.  We've heard it countless times but this year, as Mark has fought to remain with us, giving thanks has become a lifeline.  Deeply impacted by the research of Dr. Robert Emmons and his book Gratitude Works, we set out on a journey to be intentional about capturing the good in each day, despite enduring the precariousness of Mark's health in this marathon journey.  Our gratitude practice became the shield that protected us daily from anxiety and despair.  It was the sword that beat back fear and kept my mind in today rather than thoughts of a black, shadowy future where I'm a widow and single mom.  Gratitude brought me back to the reality of Mark still here - what a relief to steer my mind back to the present.  Pausing, taking in the now, wanting more of what is right here, right now - that is gratitude...lifesaving, life-giving gratitude.

Desperate for fresh air and the inspiration of nature, I'll never forget a winter walk I took last March as Mark was running out of time waiting for a heart, living in ICU indefinitely.  The sky matched the colorless gray of the snow-covered ground.  The trees were devoid of all color except for the craggy, dreary brown of the bark.  Brown and gray matched my floundering heart. Suddenly, a brilliant male cardinal flew across the trail, the red flash capturing my full attention popping against the dull, winter backdrop.   My anxious thoughts couldn't help but be averted, my mood immediately lightened just by seeing this bright, beautiful creature.  A few moments later, as if on cue, the female mate, more muted in color but still revelatory, flew across the trail.  Together, 20 years into this journey - in sickness and in health - color pops against the gray, light is present amidst the darkest times.  An intentional gratitude practice - chronicling the positive moments present in each day - has helped me be watchful, expectant, hopeful rather than despondent.  This is the transformational power of gratitude - it makes me want more of what I already have.  The now is good enough, wonderful, in fact, and I want to savor it, encircle it and be present to capture it.   Gratitude keeps the uncertainty of the future at bay.

With deep gratitude, we want to thank all of you who have encouraged us this year, reached out to us with expressions of love, checked in on our status.  For those who braved the roads to visit us in the depths of winter in Minnesota.  For meals, cards of encouragement, Facebook messages and comments, calls, gifts sent in the mail.  Prayers - so many offered up on our behalf and we believe will be answered in some mysterious way.  We are humbled and thankful for you standing with us. Our gratefulness for you has fueled our faith, courage, resilience and hope.  Gratitude has the power to transform our lives - may everyday be Thanksgiving!

Roller Coaster Ride Waiting for a Heart - 1A Time Expires

Its been a whirlwind month as Mark has been on the 1A top priority heart transplant list with Abbott Northwestern/Minneapolis Heart Institute.  Thankfully, life was busy and full to keep our minds and hearts occupied while we waited for the phone to ring.  Our teenage daughters were in the throws of their tennis season, our work needed tending to and a glorious autumn in MN allowed us to sail often.

Chanhassen Girls Tennis - A Great Distraction

As the days ticked by with no call, an alternative plan took root thanks to several chance meetings with fellow heart transplant patients who chose to move to other cities in order to better their chances. We also had several dear friends with medical expertise who spoke into this decision with us and provided valuable wisdom and guidance - so grateful to Sue Strobel, Dr. Kathy Waller and Tom Rath. A plan began to develop for Mark to move down to our condo in Florida and associate with Tampa General Hospital if his 1A time here in MN was unsuccessful.

Come to FL - Visitors Welcome! 

With only 4 days left on 1A, we received THE call last Monday that we'd yearned and longed for everyday....a heart was available and Mark was in the running to receive it.  For me, a volcano of emotions erupted with long-suppressed hope finally having a reason to emerge.  I'd spent so much emotional effort trying to stay in the moment and savor each day. We haven't had the ability to plan or think about the future these last 9 months because of the uncertainty and futility of it - better to make today count. The thought of him being restored through this life-giving rescue of a new heart opened the floodgates of hope for the future.  I couldn't hold it back even though we were told there were 2 other people ahead of Mark on the list.  He packed his bag, we waited for the call to head down (or not) and prayed that this would be his perfect match.

So determined and brave!  

It was a strange few hours - a middle place like nothing we'd experienced in this time of waiting.  I couldn't help but think of the donor and their family, their grief and sadness, wondering what happened.  Brave enough to press forward in donating their loved one's organs in the midst of their overwhelming loss. A stark contrast with my own building excitement and ultimate hope, tasting a bit of the gratitude and relief we'd all feel if this was it.  We were also mindful of the other 2 candidates and their families feeling our same inner pleading as we all waited to know who was to be selected. My mind and heart left the station thinking of all this could ultimately mean for our lives...possibilities opening up again, dreams pursued, freedom to travel again, health, relief, fears subsiding, walking the girls down the aisle, growing old together.  I didn't hold it back and when the call came that the heart went to one of the others, it was a long, hard fall back to reality.  It stung and I'm struggling to claw my way back to equilibrium.

In my disappointment and sadness, it has helped to pray for the person who did receive the heart a week ago today.  I think of him/her everyday, letting my feelings of happiness, relief and joy for them do battle against my despair.  Though anonymously, we join their ranks of support and love offered up for recovery, restoration, no rejection and the 2nd chance at life.  Please let this be us someday!

Mark's resilience and resolve truly set the pace for our family - enough crying already!  Onward!

http://jmarkpogue.tumblr.com/post/99339938501/plan-b

He booked a one-way ticket today for FL and he and Rico will head down on November 4th.  If you need a winter getaway, go down and hang out as he waits - free lodging and the beach!  Thank you to all who have been on this journey with us - your love and encouragement sure helps! As my best friend moves away, I'd love time with you!

Everyday is Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!  We are especially celebratory on this Father's Day since Mark has been granted more time and remains with us.  We almost lost him this winter so won't let this day, or any other day for that matter, slip by without soaking up our life in his presence.  I've heard stories from many people who've engaged with me or intersected my path on this journey who have already crossed over to the grief and loss side of a similar fight.  I come away from these conversations more determined than ever to make the most of our time, whatever it looks like, amidst great challenges.  This is an especially glorious Father's Day!  Despite Mark's battle to survive congestive heart failure, endure life with an LVAD and hopefully receive a new heart eventually, we are grateful that he's still here with us and will make it count.

 If this isn't too personal, I would ask for the wisdom, insight and guidance from those who have suffered the loss of their dad....what would you do today if your dad was still here?  How would you celebrate and mark the day?  Help us make more of this day, and everyday, as we contemplate the alternative, knowing each interaction is an opportunity to be present and savor time that is fleeting with these loved ones.  Teach us to treat everyday as Father's Day - we would do so in honor of the one you lost.  Thank you all for your continued prayers, friendship, and encouragement; for being on this long road with us!  

Mark Shares His Thoughts: "Thankful to Be Here"

It’s been six weeks since my surgery to implant the VAD (ventricular assist device).  From Jami’s last blog post you can get a sense of the urgency associated with the surgery.  I’m just so thankful that there was a plan B when my heart decided it was not going to hold out until donor heart became available.  I’ve heard that almost 50% of heart transplants are a transition from a VAD to a new heart.
I was out of the hospital and back home in 7 days… really fast for a surgery this invasive.
The surgery was on March 21.  Since then I’ve had two unscheduled stays in the hospital as we try to get my coumadin (blood thinner) dosage right.  The pump can clog if the blood is too thick… that would be bad.  I’m told that the unscheduled short stays happen to everyone…   Jami can attest that being readmitted are some of my saddest times.  I’d say I’m most focused on one goal right now… staying out of the hospital as I recuperate.  I believe I’ll be picking up my activity bit by bit as I gain strength and have less pain (the pump is not a welcome guest in my chest and some nerves inside my ribcage really take issue with the unwanted visitor bumping around in there).
Bright spots include celebrating Paige’s prom last week.  I got be the official photographer for a pre-prom event at Jami’s parent’s house.


…and today I had the privilege of celebrating with Reilly as she passed her driver test on her 16th birthday!!!


I’m so thankful to be getting back my stamina and feeling healthy.  My appetite is returning and I’m slowing gaining back weight which I desperately need to prepare for the heart transplant.  I’ve got some time.  It’s typically 6 months to heal from the surgery then I’ll go back on the list and wait. Having my mobility and being able to wait at home is a blessing but it will take time for a new heart to become available.  I’ve heard all kinds of estimates, conservatively I’m looking at 9-18 months.
But life is sweet and I’m thankful for every day!

On the Road to Recovery - LVAD Working!

9 IV Meds before surgery

Dr. Louis B Louis IV

Waves of relief continue to build and wash over us!  Unable to wait until Tuesday, Mark had the Heartware LVAD surgically implanted last Friday.  The LVAD, Dr. Louis Louis and his team and the Lord saved his life!  He is no longer dying...he's living again!

His recovery has begun in true Mark fashion!  Already up walking, no more IV's, tubes removed and he's requesting Famous Dave's for his first real meal post-surgery!  His sheer determination, resilience and drive kicked in immediately and he is attacking getting well like he's pursued other challenging opportunities throughout his life.

We are very proud of him - his calm resolve going into surgery carried the girls and I through a very difficult morning as he was wheeled away.  Your prayers and ours were answered in these moments as the Holy Spirit was present.... comforting, strengthening and protecting us beyond what our humanness could handle.  Mark's nurse, Tammy, during those critical days leading up to his surgery, ministered to all of us beyond any nursing training or expertise.  Dr. Peter Zimbwa circled up my sobbing daughters as Mark was wheeled away and in the most simple, kind way, infusing humor even, he calmed and comforted them...then made the sign of the cross.  Everyday heroes that stand in the gap for families and save the lives of their patients.

Mark has a long recovery ahead but thankfully so - please keep praying for him! We will continue to live one day at a time. We'll also be looking for opportunities to live differently as a result of this ordeal - seizing wonderful, ordinary days and making them extraordinary.  We feel compelled to pay all this forward that we've received from you!  I will advocate for organ donation and am thinking about becoming a living kidney donor once we get through this.  Mark will go back on the 1B heart transplant list once he recovers from open heart surgery in 6 months.  Our adventure continues...not an easy journey but we have our Lord to 'give us this day, our daily bread'.  Your love and prayers inspire and sustain us!