Sunday

Very sore today. Over did it yesterday, but no problems. I just got a good workout. This past week has been a good one. More energy and strength. Spirits are high. Ready for summer. Thanks MomR for helping organize. Still alot to do but the big part is done. THANK YOU ALL!
Feeling ready to start playing/writing music with Johnny and Eddie. Maybe next week. (Drums/percussion=Great cardiovas. workout.)
There's been a growing trend in my circle of family n friends that involves a little more awareness to their health...especially the heart. Quite a few are getting stress tested and finding that are things they should be doing to stay healthier. Some are discovering they weren't as "in the clear" as they thought. Let me take this time to thanks everyone for sharing your questions and concerns with me. I don't want to preach but I know a few others I'd like to see just merely examined as prevention. Just a thought.
I'm gonna crash early today cuz I have another big day tomorrow.
Talk to you soon,
~R

TGIF

Exhausting day...Getting ready for the "big move". (No, not the transplant yet) but relocation.
Thank you John and LaDonna for all the help with the packing. And a very special thank you to Ian and K.K. for all the yard work and lifting they've been doing. (seriously, they're like, the best kids)
Aunt Dorcas and I really love you 2.
Gotta get some rest. Really worked today. And will tomorrow I'm sure.
Talk at you all later.
~R

Wednesday, April 21

Hello All,
Still sleeping good and feeling so much stronger everyday since the meds are adjusted.
Things are rolling along as planned.
I got an important call today from the transplant coordinator. I am officially on the list!
This is great news. I'm listed as a 1b. You can learn more about the transplant list here:

http://www.chfpatients.com/tx/txcall.htm

Thank You everyone for the constant prayers. I know a group of prayer warriors who will be pleased to hear the news.
I will keep you posted with any news or events as usual.
Looks like things are getting interesting.
Talk to you soon,
~R

Tuesday, April 20

Hi gang,
I'm feeling much better today. Stronger. I see the cardio rehab is working. I feel like going for a walk.
Also, I've been sleeping a lot better than I have in years. Anyone who knows me, knows that's been a problem for years. I don't know why I'm sleeping through the night I just am. Thanks everyone for their prayers.
Dorcas and I have been keeping pretty busy with the apartment and all. Again, Thanks to everyone helping us with everything from carpeting(Ed, Marjie n Jim) to electric (John and Ladonna) to plumbing( Lem N Dawn) to painting (Mike n Dee) to generally anything.(Dad, Gregg, Tom, the man, Sis, Bev) and so many more. Wow, I just realized how hard it is to thank everyone on a major project like a movie or album. There's so many! I'll have a hard time remembering them all when I give my OSCAR SPEECH. (wait, ...wha?)
As for now, We're looking for anyone willing to help move some furniture this weekend. You know how to get hold of us and we'll take good care of your bellies.
We'd appreciate it.
We plan on having a soiree to celebrate and catch up with everyone. Maybe a grilling thang.
We'll let you know. Just a day in the sun to appreciate all the work so many have done for us.

Thanks everyone,
~Richard and Dorcas

Sunday April 18

It's been a week since my last blog. There was really nothing new to report. Except My Right Cath. went well and the tests I took all look good. Just a few more formalities and I'll be on the list as a 1B. I should get a "Go Live"* date this month or beginning of May. (*official list date)
They want to look at my thyroid, then who knows what else, but I was reassured I was very close to the end of the evaluation..
I met with more of the transplant staff when I was there Last week. I have to be honest. There are times when we're discussing the actual transplant that can't believe I'm the recipient of the organ and about to have it "swapped" out for my "original part." (so to speak) That feeling doesn't usually last long, however, there have been nights (LONG ONES) when it's all I think about. I need some distractions so I'll ask you all to drop me lines or ask me questions about the procedure to keep the dome busy.
Having more good days than bad. The exercise helps.
AND I also want to thank Ed, Margie n Jim for installing the carpet at my place yesterday. (Sorry I didn't come to see you but I was crashed out from the previous day) D and I really appreciate it.
Well, that's all I can think of at the moment but I'll make effort to blog daily. If i start to get bored I'll improvise.
~R

Sunday, April 11

hey all,
It's been a few days. I must have needed them because I have been feeling a lot better. I got my appetite back. (More or less) and little to no nausea. I have been extremely weak and short of breath but it feels like I'm turning a corner in my recovery. The rehab is going well. My spirits are up. I'm ready for summer.
I go back into AGH Wed. to get a right catch and hopefully some test results and place ment on the transplant list.
This is when and where I need your prayers people. I have to get strong to get on this list. The sooner I'm on the sooner I can return to my normal life. (HA! My life never was normal, but I know you all know what I mean)
I'll get A LOT of my independence back. And be able to do all the simple things I've not been able to recently.
But as always, I have to stay focused on the here and now, and that's strength and recovery.
I appreciate all every one's doing during this time.
THANKS FOR THE GRUB YESTERDAY, BEV!!!!! It clinched my appetite so I had everything.
I'll keep posting as I get news. Wed. should be a big day.
Talk to you soon,
~R

Day of tests

Hey all,
It's Wed night and I got home from the 'burgh a little while ago. I saw many doctors and took a few tests. (blood tests, CT Scans, Pulmonary tests, etc.) All needed to see where I stand on placement on the "List". I spent a lot of my discussions with the doctors focusing on my extreme nausea and lack of appetite. Obviously my weight loss and lack of energy cannot be helping me let alone getting me strong enough for a transplant. So a main focus getting me to eat.
It's so touch and go. I'll have a great day and a half...then four or five days of severe nausea and sickness.
Why try to pad the situation, eh? You wanna know what's really going on. and I don't see a need to sugar coat or omit anything.
I did start to feel better on the way home from the hospital today, probably because I wasn't getting admitted for anything. And I want to be home when I'm ill.

Hello to Rosie, My Pic lady, and thanks for the great advice. You made today a better one after I saw ya. You put a smile on my face when I see ya.
I have to go back in to AGH (where I was today) to get an R Cath (a catheter to check out the right side of my heart, and who knows what else they'll have planned that day. But as always, I'll let you know when I know.
Thanks all,
Take Care,
~R

Tuesday, April 6th

Hey All,
Sorry I haven't blogged for a few days, but I've been down again. more nausea. What a rollercoaster! It seems when I have one good day, the next 4-5 are rough ones. Well, I'm breaking that pattern some how!!!!! I'm going to Pittsburgh tomorrow to meet with the Transplant Team. While there I plan to get some answers about the nausea and extreme sickness I've been having. Also, I started Cardio-Rehab yesterday and despite how I felt it went well. I felt pretty good afterward. I'll go 3 times a week.
Thank you everyone who's been praying for me. Also, Thank you Bev for all the food!
I need to catch up with everybody so give me a call on my cell. I usually have it on if I'm able to take calls. I promise to try and get back if you leave a message. I just need to hear from the outside world.....dig?
If I can I'll blog about tomorrow's visit. (I don't plan on being admitted but I'll be ready in case.)
You'll hear from me soon.
Take Care Evryone and enjoy the day,
~R

Friday

I had some energy to work on the building project this morning! I took it easy but it was great to get moving and accomplish something. I spent the rest of the day hanging out w/ my Brother Gregg. We had a blast. He and I connect on a musical level like Eddie and I. (A never exhausted topic.) We take our music very seriously. Well, deeply. Serious isn't a word I wouldn't always use when Gregg, Eddie and I get together. We gad a lot of laughs. (And that really IS great medicine.) I'm glad I'm closer in proximity to him and my family. At this time, I need it to heal.
Thanks again to all the help, Prayers and support I've been getting from a lot of you. It may take a while but I will get to each one of you. (OH NO!) oh yes.
Going to head to bed. Big day tomorrow.
Take Care,
~R

Thursday

Hey all
Got up early and feeling great so far. High energy level. I'm going to head outside and get into something. Try and get out to enjoy the day as well. Play with your dog or walk your kids. (reverse that)
Will post later,
~R