knightfan26917

Saw this a few days ago ... and couldn't believe it. If this was supposed to be a promo for a new Caddy dealer, it'd make me run far, far away from it.... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree" __ Elvis Presley __ 'Blue Christmas'

Not particularly. If I could afford it, I'd buy a 2011 Dodge Charger. I wouldn't mind having a 1989 Caprice Classic, or a '75 Caprice Classic convertible ... or a coupe version of the '77-'79 CCs. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I don't know if there'll be snow" __ Burl Ives __ 'Have A Holly Jolly Christmas'

VERY cool ... congrats!!! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's the right time to rock the night away" __ Bobby Helms __ 'Jingle Bell Rock'

ocn ... CONGRATULATIONS on the new Jeep! Sure wish I could afford a new car...lol. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Somebody snitched on me" __ Barry Gordon __ 'Nuttin' For Christmas'

Ah, yes, forgot about those ... because I was thinking more along the lines of something the size of a Silverado or F-150 or RAM..... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's a pudding made of figs ... and bacon" __ Gonzo to Miss Piggy/John Denver and Muppets __ 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'

LOL! I could start some trouble.... Indeed, it does. I kinda wish EVERYONE had to go through some sort of surgery, but I certainly wouldn't even wish that on my worst enemy.... LOL! Nice ... I like that; may have to use that....! Thanks! Well, I like the picture ... love the Caprice Classic, but not too fond of those wheels....ha. * THANK YOU, all. It feels good to still be among the living; guess I'm here for a reason. Now, I just need more energy, sooner rather than later! Course, more energy means less "online" time.... It'd also be nice if I could find some COMFORTABLE sitting/sleeping positions.... DRIVING ... returns 12/12/2011...! Oh, how nice that'll be! FOLLOW-UPs My parents and I endured the Monday-morning-after-Thanksgiving rush hour traffic to go to my checkups at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 11/28/2011. The chest Xrays and EKG showed all well. I also met with Dr Russell's nurse practitioner, Amy, and my cardiologist, Dr. Mendelson. Both said that I looked good for all I've been through and that everything seems to be healing well. KUDOS As I mentioned, I don't think any quantity or quality of time is sufficient for me to express my appreciation for all the support through this latest OHS. But, a special thank you to 2 groups in particular. 1st Generation Monte Carlo Club... ...started an online card for me, which was shared w/other message boards: http://www.groupcard.com/s/CyMQyBizahW/ee&ec=lpEbc5Zit0I ...AND sent a care package, including a smiley face mug, 2 cookies & a few other candy treats! Hot Seat, formerly CarNuts... ...sent balloons for my PRE-SURGERY PARTY and a box of chocolates. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Steve had to call me the day of the party because the delivery was made in the morning, when the people that knew about the party were not at the restaurant! It all worked out...! UPDATES As in 2003, my sister kept people posted about the progress of my surgery. This time, she sent Emails AND posted updates to my Facebook wall. For me, it's surreal reading through some of them (noted times are central/Chicago).... 11/11/2011 SURGERY: 8:30a 1st update: they took Cort just a few minutes ago. He was in really good spirits (wanting to charge for his signature). Mom, Dad and I were in there when the surgical team was in there. The surgeon was very positive. We are heading to get a bite to eat. 9:45a 2nd update: They had a little trouble starting a line into an artery. Surgery began at 9:20. 11:35a 3rd update: Cort is now on the heart/lung machine and all is well. 2:08p 4th update: he wasn't completely on the heart/lung bypass until 12:15 - scar tissue slows down this process. The aortic valve is in place and they are grafting the aortic artery right now. I think the fact that they are grafting is indicative of them needing to connect the artery into the aortic arch, which prolongs the surgery. Things are going well. He will be in surgery for at least two more hours and that is probably when we will get the next update. 3:41p 5th update: he is off heart/lung bypass as of 3:15 and doing well - still a few more hours until they are done. At that time I think the surgeon himself will come talk to us (I hope). 4:51p 6th update: they are closing him up now and Dr. Russell should be coming out to talk to us when they are done 6:43p 7th update (last): The surgeon just left us. He sat with us for a good 30 minutes talking to us about the surgery. Cort should be moved to ICU within the hour. They did not have to do anything with the aortic arch. the aneurism narrowed before the arch. the doctor used a maize (spelling?) to prevent future arrhythmia problems. his echo after the surgery looked good, and so do all of his numbers. They did not have to touch his pig's valve - everything looked good there. HIs lung function is also doing well, although there was a lot of scarring that adhered to the heart. The doctor used a cover over the conduit to make future heart surgeries a little easier to get in. he was in surgery for approximately 8 hours. he was on the heart/lung bypass for about 3 hours. the procedure of placing the valve and the artery took about 2 hours and 20 minutes. it was a very large aneurism. the artery now is, and will always be, at 3.6cm. They are going to wait until morning to wake him - they want him to be still through the night. around 4:30 tomorrow morning they will start to take him off the sedatives and they will try to get him off the ventilator as soon as possible. Eric and I will try to be back here at the hospital around 7:00 so that once he is awake he will see a familiar face (even if he won't remember). Mom and Dad will try to get here by around 10. They probably won't move him to a regular floor until Sunday or Monday. When this valve does need to be replaced, technology now allows them to replace it through a catheter. Apparently the valve being replaced can stay in place as the new one takes over. Thank you all for your prayers during this long day. RETURN TO OR, ~24 HOURS LATER: 11/12 @ 9:08p i tried posting earlier from the road, but it didn't take...Please Pray! around 5:30 this evening i left Cort. While he wasn't completely comfortable, he seemed ok. they had gotten him back into bed (after him sitting up a good portion of the day), and his nurse was watching his oxygen level closely because it was low. his platelet count was also low, even thought they had been giving him platelets since the the surgery. he was bleeding more than they wanted. his nurse was in contact with dr. russell. as we were leaving the city around 7 (after having dinner with family), i called to check in. Cort's nurse said that he was ok, but that his platelet level was really low, and that he was bleeding too much, and that he had been become unresponsive for a short time. directly afterwards he was alert and communicating again. However, they are taking him back into surgery to find out exactly what is wrong and to clear out the bleeding around the incision site. when i talked to the nurse, he was already intubated. Mom and Dad are already on their way back to the city, if not already there. The last they talked to Dr. Russell around 8 i think, and he assured them that what is going on is not life threatening. however, it is related to the fact that Cort has had so many surgeries, and that he has had so many blood transfusions. I came all the way home with Eric and JJ to get JJ into bed tonight. friends are taking me back to the city tonight so that i can stay all night. I am hoping that i can convince mom and dad to go home once Cort is back out of surgery to get some rest... Please pray for strength and healing for Cort... 11/12 @ 10:19p The surgery is over already. Cort's platelet count was really low and there was a lot of oozing blood around the incision site - they drained about 3-4 liters from the incision site. They are giving him a special kind of blood to get his numbers up where they should be. He will be on the ventilator overnight again. They will keep him in icu through tomorrow. The Dr said that while this is a setback, he will be OK. 11/13 @ 10:07a Dr Russell was in to see Cort about a half hour ago. The oozing blood was all from the incision and suture site. His heart and the valves look good. Dr said it is rare for a patient to have an uneventful 24 hours and then go back into surgery, but that Cort is doing Just fine now. They will continue to treat him aggressively for his low platelet count, but so far it appears that his bleeding is under control. Dr said that because of the amount of blood transfusions he has had over the years, his body has built antibodies that attack foreign blood, so it takes more to find blood that his body will accept. He should be coming off the vent in the next hour as long as he makes the effort to take deeper breaths. 11/13 @ 11:46a I am home now. Mom texted at 11 and said that Cort is off the ventilator. The do have him on an oxygen mask for the humidity to help loosen mucus. he is using a suction tube to help get mucus out. he is communicating well, and seems to be in better spirits. the last time Dr. Russell was in (just before i left), he said that they want to keep him resting in bed all day today. tomorrow they will work on getting him up in the chair. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I can't stay on your morphine, cause it's making me itch" __ Pink __ 'Just Like A Pill'

Good to see you back. That's quite a year. I'd certainly rather that than have had my 4th open heart surgery a few weeks ago...lol. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "May your days be merry and bright" __ Irving Berlin/Bing Crosby __ 'White Christmas'

blizzard Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's snowing in the pines" __ Alabama __ 'Christmas In Dixie'

OH wow ... how cool is that!!! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's coming on Christmas" __ Robert Downey Jr __ 'River'

Good grief. Now, I'm not sure I belong here ... since I haven't bought anything new since late 1999, and that was just a lowly 2000 Lumina coupe. Ugh. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "My world is changing" __ Faith Hill __ 'Where Are You Christmas?'

Hmmm....how about a FWD pickup? Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "You can say there's no such thing as Santa" __ Elmo'N'Patsy __ 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer'

* WORD MATH: Not having enough energy + drugs = too much thinking time My energy level is starting to increase (as evidenced by a 3-day stretch where I had 2 days of "Nephew Time" and 1 day "out" at my Aunt/Uncle's house for the midday hours), so I can HOPEFULLY get a few things done soon, before I go to work in about a month. Which also means ... less "online" time. It's not good to wonder "what if" OR torture oneself with "if I only knew then what I know now" OR consider what you might do given a "do over" chance. Yet, sometimes the mind just wanders to those ... and it's hard to stop it, particularly when the drugs are doing most of the talking. I don't have any regrets, per se, though I could name things I'd do differently or just DO, for that matter, if given the opportunity. AND, it's NO secret that I'm unhappy with the financial strain my health issues have me in, perhaps for my entire life, but I do the best I can.... One of the more frustrating questions an interviewer asks is, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I've no idea. I'm not even where I'd thought I'd be when I envisioned my life 10 years down the road, back when I was in college, some 15 years ago now. Irony rocks! Even though my life isn't like I thought it'd be by this age, perhaps I'm where I'm supposed to be. But, that isn't much comfort when I look at the lives of my peers and see how much "farther" along they are, than I am. But, maybe we are all just as far along as each other ... just taking different paths. That sounds better, at least. I know (and have been "preaching") that LIFE IS TOO SHORT, but even I lose sight of that sometimes. I have so much on my list of WANT TO DOs, but not enough time OR energy OR money to actually DO all, let alone some, of that list ... a very frustrating situation. And, that doesn't include hopes and dreams.... Also ... now that my "big heart" is gone ... I'm not taking crap from companies OR people, especially companies. Flame wars? Life is too short, or is that not through your THICK SKULLS yet? Untruthful slogans? We have laws against false advertising, so why aren't slogans included? IGNORED technicalities and facts are NOT acceptable, either. And, yes, we DID start the fire.... Who knows what life will cook up next. I'll just keep moving along as best as possible, hopefully traveling the road less taken while laughing and having "too much fun" along the way. How about you? FEW MORE QUOTES: "You roll with the bad, you savor the good. It is the waiting that is the hardest part." "With so much stress and hurry in the world, smiles and kindnesses go a long way." "Happiness looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is." "We must slow down to a human tempo, and we’ll begin to have time to listen." "You begin to move mountains when you start carrying away small stones." "The best/most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched; they must be felt within the heart." "Don't spend so much time trying to choose the perfect opportunity, that you miss the right opportunity." "You will never get ahead if you spend all your time trying to get even." "Pressing harder on the remote when you know the battery is dead will not bring the battery back to life." "Cherished happy moments make a fine cushion for old age." "Everybody is nobody to somebody." "I'm not sure if I have a clear conscience or a bad memory, or maybe the drugs are talking...." "When something doesn't work out the way you thought/hoped, see it as something that went unexpectedly well, but for reasons that are not yet apparent." "Winning does not always mean coming in first; real victory is arriving at the finish line with no regrets because you know you’ve gone all out." "I'd bet, on any given Friday or Saturday night, more kisses begin with alcohol instead of Kay." Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Maybe next year I'll give it to someone special" __ WHAM! __ 'Last Christmas'

Thanks, Dave! * IRONY ROCKS If it weren't for my open heart surgery, I would've driven all of my cars THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. Talk about GORGEOUS NOVEMBER WEATHER.... I could've driven over 1,000 miles on EACH of my MCs for the 3rd straight year.... SPRING HEALTH Because I had to put 'em all away sooner than usual, at least 2 have issues that will need attention as soon as I get them out.... 1972 ...The last day I drove them, the '72's brake light came on. The brake pedal felt a LITTLE light, but it stopped with no problem. Oddly, the master cylinder had been replaced spring 2011.... 1987 ...A couple weeks prior to the last drive, the '87's engine developed a ticking noise. When I first heard it, I thought I had left the 1981 running, because the '81 has had the same ticking noise for the last 90,000 miles. So, I believe the '87 has developed the same lifter issue, but we'll see. NEPHEW + CAR TIME 2 additional pics from 11/05/2011, when my sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew (NOW 3 YEARS OLD!) out to see all of my cars outside for the 1st time. ...My nephew in the backseat of my 1979 MC: ...My nephew attempting to drive "his" 1987 MC: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Life is like a circle slowly turning on itself" __ Clay Davidson __ 'Unconditional'

Of the ones posted, these are the 2 that I wish had been made..... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Will I be merry or will I be blue?" __ Deborah Allen __ 'Rockin' Little Christmas'

Ahhhh....nice to see someone else with a silky-haired terrier. We had one, named Fibber, for a number of years. My parents bought him as a pup, and we had to put him to sleep, December 1997 at the age of 17, iirc. Very sorry for your loss ... thoughts/prayers en route.... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "For a moment you can hardly breathe" __ John Mayer __ 'Dreaming With A Broken Heart'

oceanliner Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "He came to town on a cold dark night" __ Collin Raye __ 'What If Jesus Came Back Like That?'

* HELLO AGAIN, EVERYBODY! I'm not sure any quantity or quality of words or time will ever be able to express my appreciation for ALL of your well wishes, thoughts/prayers. I'm well, mostly. My 4th open heart surgery (11/11/2011) was successful (my "big heart" is no more)! However, I was taken in for another surgery (evening, 11/12/2011), after I became unresponsive for a time due to internal bleeding around the surgery site. I still hurt/ache and am cold at times, but I'm coping and TRYING to follow "doctors orders" as MUCH as possible. The pain is more "annoying" than anything. Recovery is going VERY SLOWLY (it seems, since I haven't had energy to DO much), but better to be slow'n'steady than fast'n'crash.... I went outside a few times to walk, late morning/early afternoon, Friday, 11/25/2011. It was nice to get outside in the GORGEOUS NOVEMBER WEATHER, but it also made me jealous of anyone who could drive ... because it would've been an AWESOME day to drive my cars.... POST-SURGERY PARTY A few people asked if I am doing something special after surgery. Not sure; if so, I'll post details later. OHS LOG #1 = 11/1977 ... original pig valve installed (replace pulmonary valve I was born without) @ Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital #2 = 03/1987 ... replaced original pig valve (growing out of it) @ Chicago's CMH #3 = 01/06/2003 ... replaced 2nd pig valve (calcified) & original pacemaker installed @ Chicago's CMH, done by Drs Backer & Mavroudis #4 = 11/11/2011 & 11/12/2011 ... 11/11/2011 edition replaced my "too big" aorta/aortic valve @ Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, done by Dr. Russell ... it was 5.6 at middle; 5.3 at root. It is now 3.6. 11/12/2011 edition was to reopen me to remove/repair bleeding that had caused me to momentarily become unresponsive that evening. DRIVING ABILITIES Return in about a month; when they do, only my daily driver 1979 Caprice Classic will come out of storage. My MCs have to wait until spring to be cleaned...and have needed repairs...despite the "driving friendly" weather we've had this November....IRONY ROCKS! WORK RETURN Set for 01/06/2012, the 9-year anniversary of my 2003 OHS. RECOVERY PROJECTS I haven't done much yet, but I hope to... ...plan my 2012 ROAD TRIP (GA/FL, along east coast & into northern MI) & perhaps a short trip to STL along parts of Route 66. http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917 ...WRMN's request from a few weeks ago to host part of their CHRISTMAS EVE RADIO BROADCAST. We'll see if I can get it in the budget in a few weeks.... http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html ...finish putting my room back together (new carpeting & major re-arranging) ...read new books, etc. ...Nephew Time https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc ...my route 66 story...NO new chapter YET.... http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ ...organize a few things a bit better ...visit the groups/message boards, as possible ...misc. BEST REASONS TO HAVE OHS * Stay alive * Unfailing support of family and friends I doubt I will ever be able to personally thank each of you, or respond to every Email, call, post, PM, etc. Maybe if I had another 100 years.... * Caring healthcare workers Without the surgeon and a very quick-acting (hot) nurse after I became unresponsive Saturday (11/12/2011) evening, things may be different right now. Luckily, I came to on my own, but without the nurse, who knows. * 7a and 8a TNT showings of "Charmed" Why ELSE would you get awake at 4a? * 3:30p local showing of "Jeopardy!" & 6:30p local showing of "Wheel of Fortune" Perhaps inspiration for another of my "Jeopardy!" contests; it's been a while. It's nice to see some things don't change. * Hot female nurses No joke. If I thought for a second I had a shot with any one of them...oh my goodness...I'd go back to the hospital in a heartbeat. Pun intended. * Drugs * Vacation time Sarcastically added since MOST employers tend to see needed surgery as a way for an employee to take an extended vacation. Thus, they force you to use vacation/sick days before disability benefits kick in. For me, that meant using 5 of my newly-minted 15 vacation days for the October 2011 - September 2012 time period. Oh, fun. WORST REASONS TO HAVE OHS * Cheerful early wake up calls Unless you enjoy being pried from a deep sleep at 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a or 5a (or combo) by an overenthusiastic nurse, with a huge smile on her face, telling you that she needs to take blood and/or give you more drugs. Actually, that doesn't sound all that bad. * Hospital food They TELL you that you HAVE to eat in order to be stronger, yet MOST of the food they serve prepares you for the world of dieting. I don't think I finished ANY meal, except for the hot chocolate, which I had MULTIPLE cups of at every meal ... because it was Nestle's Rich Chocolate version. I was surprised they had a brand name. I thought I was on drugs. Oh, wait, I was. But, I have proof; I brought a few packets home. ONE EXCEPTION ... Chicago's soon-to-be-former Children's Memorial Hospital has the BEST food. I ate every meal in its entirety, as I recall, after my 2003 OHS. * Drugs Yes, I listed this as one of the "BEST REASONS", but it is a double-edged sword. It's nice to feel loopy instead of in so much pain, but when that loopiness makes you think things happened that didn't or think things didn't happen that did, it isn't so rosy. * Visits from strangers I know this is a bit odd coming from me (given my love of road trips and meeting people), but to be fair, my road trips are to meet people I WANT to see and converse with, not doctors, nurse practitioners, mental/social care workers, therapists (physical and occupational) that really do NOT know me and insist on going over details that I ALREADY KNOW FROM PREVIOUS SURGERIES. I had the unlucky happening Thursday (11/17/2011) of reading about the death of a long-time friend from montecarloss.com, David Denn ... right before the social worker stopped by to check on how I was feeling. David's death was NOT a surprise. He had been fighting cancer and the last I had heard, it wouldn't be much longer. But, stumbling across MCSS to see the banner across the top of the page saying "RIP David Denn" just killed me. I will so miss his ALWAYS and OH-SO-POSITIVE reports/posts, no matter how bad the news was at the time; people tell me I have an upbeat outlook to life, but not as much as David's. I had hoped to meet him in person June 2011 when I was in PA, but his health worsened some that weekend and we were not able to meet. LIFE IS TOO SHORT, PEOPLES. Get that through your THICK skulls. * Financial issues No matter what people tell you, this is no "get rich quick" scheme. In fact, it is the opposite. My lack of a "newer" car to drive daily and a place of my own testify to this. I am VERY good at handling and budgeting money. However, I can't afford to NOT expect medical expenses. I haven't wanted to look at my bills or checkbook since I got home, but I will need to do that soon, to pay bills.... I'll stop there. * TV selections This Chicago hospital didn't even have the digital versions of 2 of Chicago's very own stations (9.2 and 26.2, 26.3, 26.4), which have awesome daytime (Classic primetime) programming day in day out. And, whatever station is showing "Golden Girls" (I think, Hallmark?) was not part of the cable package. Bah humbug. * Male nurses Unless you are a female who likes to look at hot males all day. But, THIS male prefers to see female nurses. Male nurses just irritate me. I'm NOT trying to be harsh, but remember, my "big heart" is no more.... * A repeat performance ~24 hours later My OHS went well, 11/11/2011. But, Saturday evening, I was unresponsive for a time and had to be whisked into the OR again. Came out of that OK, but when the doctors and nurses are standing around telling you that everything will be fine, even though they have to open you up again, you wonder. Luckily, I didn't see my life flash before my eyes, but I kept saying, "oh no. Oh No! OH NO!" After the anesthesiologist, I believe, said, "You'll be fine. You have the best team available right now", I remember thinking: 'Uh oh. I know how this goes. I watch TV. The hated/loved character survives a surgery of epic proportion only to relapse 24 hours later, and the so-called best team is somehow not able to reverse it. The hated/loved character dies, setting off a firestorm of reaction, in more ways than one. And, the network has gotten rid of a popular character and saved money. Wonderful...JUST MY LUCK!' Or, maybe I just write too much. SSsssooooo ... what've I missed? Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" __ Thurl Ravenscroft __ 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'

HA! You know I will be ready to roar! Ahhhh....thanks, Z! * Holy cow AND irony rocks! I appreciate all of the support, well wishes, thoughts/prayers. THANK YOU! THIS...should...be my last post before surgery.... The catheterization (Monday, 11/07/2011) went fine, though I was in a lot of pain Monday afternoon/evening. My surgery has been postponed until Friday (11/11/2011) due to an emergency heart transplant. Disappointed I am not. Frustrated...maybe, but not any more than I already am...in more ways than one. The postponement gives me a chance to recover/relax a bit more from the cath & accomplish a few more things prior to surgery, perhaps even some of my "recovery projects" list I noted in my original post.... I PLAN to visit the groups/message boards & "catch up" with personal Emails & notes received, etc.; HOWEVER, I cannot promise I'll get to everything...! PRE-SURGERY PARTY pictures! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636895683885.2152619.1300282613&type=1&l=7f835748ff NEPHEW & CAR TIME...TOGETHER! My sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew to see my cars outside, 11/05/2011. The 11 pictures I took are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc ALSO: I know it can be confusing to "navigate" my Route 66 story in BLOG format, so here is a list of the chapters in order... ...1-4: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/29/_thats-the-highway_/ ...5-8: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/31/_thats-the-highway_-2/ ...9, The Drive & A Revelation: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/03/_thats-the-highway_-3/ ...10, Stall Tactic: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/06/_thats-the-highway_-4/ ...11-12: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/19/_thats-the-highway_-5/ ...13, Road Trip Rush: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-7/ ...14, Late Night & A Whistle: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-8/ ...15, Awakening: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-9/ ...16, Train & Memories: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-10/ ...17, Shopkeeper: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/06/21/_thats-the-highway_-6/ ...18-19: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/08/11/_thats-the-highway_-12/ ...20, The Picture: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ ...21, Shaping History: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/31/_thats-the-highway_-13/ Once again ... SO LONG, EVERYBODY! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve| 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We can take anything that comes our way" __ BJ Thomas __ 'As Long As We Got Each Other (Growing Pains)'

* Did your vehicle(s) see any milestones in 2011? Some of my cars reached "important milestones" this year: 1979 CC ... 150,000 miles 1976 MC ... 63,000 miles & over 20,000 miles since I bought it 1979 MC ... 146,000 miles & over 40,000 miles since I bought it 1981 MC ... 194,000 miles AND, FINALLY ... my "Car Time" & "Nephew Time" happened TOGETHER, the last day of my "car season", 11/05/2011, when my sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew to see my cars outside, Saturday morning! My "Car Time" was shorter this year, partly because of health issues & my ROAD TRIP in the middle of the summer...: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011 However, I went to a number of CRUISE NIGHTS, more than I have ever attended & the most since ~2002/2003...: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights More statistics & pictures.... 1979 CAPRICE CLASSIC SEDAN, "WINTER WARRIOR", 350 V8 w/TBI MILEAGE 12/15/2009 ... 134,505 11/28/2010 ... 143,853 11/05/2011 ... 152,976 MILES DRIVEN 12/15/09 - 11/28/10 = 9,348 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 9,123 since I purchased (2009) = 18,471 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 195.1 miles driven @ 12.379 gallons to fill up = 15.76 mpg 09/07/2011 ... 196.8 miles driven @ 12.125 gallons to fill up = 16.23 mpg 11/06/2011 ... 218.6 miles driven @ 14.289 gallons to fill up = 15.29 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "The window needs to go down, Uncle Cort" 1972 MONTE CARLO, "BROWNY", 350 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 144,986 11/22/2009 ... 146,054 11/28/2010 ... 147,123 11/05/2011 ... 147,891 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 563 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 497 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 489 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 957 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,068 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,069 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 768 since I purchased (2002) = 11,899 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 196.8 miles @ 12.505 gallons = 15.74 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 210.6 miles @ 13.268 gallons = 15.87 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 226.6 miles @ 14.158 gallons = 16.00 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "The window needs to go up, Uncle Cort" 1976 MONTE CARLO LANDAU, "ELVIRA", 305 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 60,140 11/22/2009 ... 61,215 11/28/2010 ... 62,260 11/05/2011 ... 63,007 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 624 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 527 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 506 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 930 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,075 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,045 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 747 since I purchased (1998) = 20,505 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 192.7 miles @ 11.376 gallons = 16.94 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 205.9 miles @ 11.775 gallons = 17.49 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 221.5 miles @ 13.374 gallons = 16.56 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "I need keys, Uncle Cort" 1979 MONTE CARLO LANDAU, "SWEET PEA", 350 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 143,261 11/22/2009 ... 144,333 11/28/2010 ... 145,383 11/05/2011 ... 146,133 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 586 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 500 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 483 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 959 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,072 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,050 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 750 since I purchased (1992) = 40,071 (30,815 on the engine installed September 1996) GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 193.5 miles @ 10.287 gallons = 18.81 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 207.1 miles @ 10.408 gallons = 19.89 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 222.6 miles @ 12.505 gallons = 17.80 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Checking out the radio! 1981 MONTE CARLO SC, "SWEET TEA", 3.8 V6 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 191,486 11/22/2009 ... 192,574 11/28/2010 ... 193,637 11/05/2011 ... 194,392 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 645 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 476 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 482 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 944 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,088 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,063 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 755 since I purchased (1999) = 11,579 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 194.8 miles @ 9.268 gallons = 21.02 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 208.3 miles @ 9.496 gallons = 21.94 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 224.1 miles @ 11.259 gallons = 19.90 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Driving with Mom, while Dad watches: 1987 MONTE CARLO LS/CL, "BABY BLUE", 305 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 163,980 11/22/2009 ... 172,900 11/28/2010 ... 174,124 11/05/2011 ... 174,708 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 8,739 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 8,831 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 9,510 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 9,780 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 8,920 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,224 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 584 since I purchased (2003) = 68,988 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 162.2 miles @ 9.050 gallons = 17.92 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 146.0 miles @ 7.597 gallons = 19.22 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 181.1 miles @ 10.574 gallons = 17.13 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Staking his claim to "Baby Blue", probably counting the days until he can drive it, or steal it! ALL 11 PICTURES OF MY NEPHEW w/MY CARS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Changed everything about this crazy world" __ Steven Tyler __ 'Feels So Good'

Hmmm... Caprice Classic Monte Carlo, 1970-1988 (sad that I have to specify that) d'oh...lol! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Nothing could be finer" __ Girls Next Door __ 'Slow Boat To China'

Open Heart Surgery was postponed from today until Friday due to an emergency heart transplant. Someone asked if I was pissed about the change. My reply? "Pissed is knowing that Ch#$r%*et is still in business lying to people. Pissed is also having last weekend's plans for some, uh, "fun", prior to surgery canceled. Having my surgery postponed is a highly minor inconvenience." *shrugs* Not much I can do about it; besides, I can recover from the catheterization a bit more and do a few things, too. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "You were history with the slamming of the door" __ Celine Dion __ 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now'

nachos Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's coming down to nothing more than apathy" __ The Fray __ 'Over My Head'

* I'll be "out" for my 4th Open Heart Surgery (OHS), Tuesday, 11/08/2011, at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, performed by Dr. Russell. The catheterization is the day prior. Until I'm feeling up to being on the computer & online again, my sister will post UPDATES (which MAY be SHARED on the groups/boards) to my Facebook Wall: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300282613 My previous 3 OHSs (at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital) replaced the pulmonary valve that I was born without. The 1st, November 1977, was when the original pig valve was installed. The 2nd & 3rd OHSs (March 1987 & January 6, 2003, respectively) replaced the pig valve installed in the previous surgery. This 4th OHS is to replace my aorta/aortic valve with a cow valve. My ascending aorta is "too large"; it is 5.6 at the middle, 5.3 at the root. Too bad my "big heart" has finally won me a date with a surgeon, instead of a cool female.... If all goes well, the "projected" return of my driving abilities is mid December & return to work is January 6, 2012 (the 9-year anniversary of my 3rd OHS). I'm "ready" as I'll be. I'm not scared, just still dreading & "hating" the entire process, including the financial strain ... & still feeling a tad bit alone & out-of-place. On a positive note, the PRE-SURGERY PARTY was great; many thanks to those that joined us that evening!!! My MCs are ready for winter; just need to drive them one last time & snug them into the garage the weekend before surgery. I never did get them, or my Caprice Classic, cleaned; maybe while I'm recovering or next spring...! Speaking of recovery, my "projects" (other than the obvious) for the next 2 months or so, include... ...write more of my ROUTE 66 STORY: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ ...plan my 2012 ROAD TRIP (return to Georgia/Florida, along the east coast & into northern Michigan) & perhaps a short trip to St Louis along parts of Route 66.... Previous road trips (& other) pictures: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917 ...consider WRMN's request to host part of their CHRISTMAS EVE RADIO BROADCAST. My contact there called me a couple weeks ago to find out if I would.... Previous radio show playlists: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html ...finish putting my room back together (after new carpeting & major re-arranging) ...read some new books ...Nephew Time ...misc stuff ...AND return to the groups/boards.... I appreciate all of the well wishes, thoughts & prayers, including those in my "Open Heart Surgery, party & more..." post/thread. LIFE IS TOO SHORT! So long, everybody! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Time is a valuable thing" __ Linkin Park __ 'In The End'

* No, I still haven't written anything new for Motor Gnomes, but Don posted a Route 66-related entry the same day I added more to my ROUTE 66 STORY. This past Summer 2011, Don road tripped to St Louis MO & walked across the Mississippi River along the Old Chain Of Rocks Bridge. He blogged about it, including some great pictures: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/10/a-walk-across-the-mississippi-river/ I've added 1 more section to my ROUTE 66 STORY, prior to surgery. Chapter 21 (Shaping History), written 10/30/2011, is here: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/31/_thats-the-highway_-13/ Previous chapters... ...1-4: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/29/_thats-the-highway_/ ...5-8: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/31/_thats-the-highway_-2/ ...9, The Drive & A Revelation: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/03/_thats-the-highway_-3/ ...10, Stall Tactic: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/06/_thats-the-highway_-4/ ...11-12: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/19/_thats-the-highway_-5/ ...13, Road Trip Rush: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-7/ ...14, Late Night & A Whistle: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-8/ ...15, Awakening: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-9/ ...16, Train & Memories: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-10/ ...17, Shopkeeper: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/06/21/_thats-the-highway_-6/ ...18-19: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/08/11/_thats-the-highway_-12/ ...20, The Picture: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ ...& the ENTIRE story here: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "When we stand together, it's our finest hour" __ The Judds __ 'Love Can Build A Bridge'

Ya'll can keep that snow, for now, please and thank you. *shudders* WAY TOO EARLY. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I know you can hear me, but I'm not sure you're listening" __ Martina McBride __ 'Whatever You Say'