Update

Not sure why the folks at Marriott deemed this necessary 'decor' in their guest rooms.

Probably, I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate modern art?

Hi there!

So, up until late yesterday we still had no answers from UAB.  Naturally, I was in a funk: Couldn't book the girl's groomer, their vet appt., my hair cut (etc.) for fear we'd get The Call saying "come back tomorrow."  Picture, if you will, a duckling swimming furiously round-and-round ….. going no-where fast.

Spoiler alert:

Sweet lady phoned to ask if Tom's available Feb. 10 for another cardio cath and TEE.

(I don't know where HR finds these people, but on a customer-service scale from 1-10, I'm giving her an 11.)

* * *

Overwhelming.

You know the story of the country rube who goes to New York City?  I didn't stand on the corner with my mouth agape, but the enormity of UAB's footprint felt that way.

  

Live and learn!

While our hotel sat directly across from the hospital, it was a good hike to Tom's appointments at Kirklin -- via a maze of elevated, enclosed walkways.  Naturally, the 'dear man' refused a wheelchair and was pretty winded by the time we arrived.

Oh man!  I suspect they do everything there, save major surgery.  Signs read like a smorgasbord: Plastic surgery to the left of me, liver transplants to the right. (Seriously!)

Couldn't escape this crazy feeling I was in an episode of Grey's Anatomy … complete with a cast of young, energetic, good-looking doctors and nurses. 

After more tests, we met with the CHF cardiologist. He wasn't particularly optimistic; his accent hard to understand. But still I liked his straightforward approach.

The two surgeons we met with were more reassuring.  Unlike Dr. Asaad, they believe Tom's stenosis is more moderate v. severe.  But due to internal scarring (radiation) they're reluctant to go forward with the TAVR right away.  They were to meet with the CHF doc and promised to call in a few days.

Exhausted.

We hiked back to our hotel and wound up ordering take-out from the Chinese place across the street.  I don't remember Mongolian beef ever tasting SO good!  Except. It must have been loaded with MSG, because a little later I became really thirsty; I couldn't quench my thirst.  Yep, the next morning my face and fingers were all puffy-ugly.  (Was it worth it? You betcha!)

Best part of waking up is Folger's crystals in my cup!

So now y'all know what we know.  Just wish I could call my momma.  But it feels really good to be able to share my impressions -- even my anxieties -- here.

Thanks to Victor, I now have a new 'feel-good' song in my heart.  Want to hear it?

I double-dare you not to do a jitterbug in your chair!

Have a great Saturday, OK?  Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra