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Four more years

I was reading an article in the most recent AARP magazine about Bill Clinton and his decision to become a vegan. Clinton traces that decision back to [angina] pain he was experiencing one morning in 2010 (6 years after quadruple bypass surgery), which resulted in him requiring a stent because one of [the grafted] veins "had given out".

I did some additional research (on the internet) and discovered the vein hadn't actually given out, as reported in the AARP article, but rather it had become clogged. Further research revealed
Cardiac experts say that the blockage of grafted heart vessels is not unusual in bypass patients. Depending on whether the grafts are veins or arteries — the former being smaller and less flexible than the latter — blockage could occur as soon as five years or as late as 10 years following the initial surgery. Schwartz said the bypass graft that was blocked in Clinton's case has about a 10% to 20% failure rate at five to six years.

Maybe I'll be luckier than Bill. Since I only had double bypass surgery, I'm hoping the one vein they did use, in my case, was bigger and more flexible, and it won't become clogged as quick. Plus a "10% to 20% failure rate" isn't such terrible odds.

To think only a short 11 years ago, I thought MCL would be my only concern. At the time, a few knowledgeable people told me I was more likely to die of something other than my lymphoma. I didn't believe them then, but now I'm quickly becoming a believer.

Maybe it's time I start thinking about becoming a vegan myself. At least I won't have to give up  my wine.

BIG SIGH :(

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Comments

Gina said…
Just wanted to say hi and that I am glad you are posting. I found you just this afternoon after following a link from another site. I am an MCl survivor. Diagnosed 1/2022, 4 rounds hyper-cvad-R, BEAM, Auto SCT, Now Rituxan. I am in heart failure because of the Adriamycin. Medication is keeping me feeling perfectly normal. I'm a wife and mom. I am a social worker and educator. Just wanted you to know finding you helped me today........ So, thanks. My best to you and yours,


Gina Blakeslee
2:58 AM
Marc said…
Thanks for the comment Gina, and glad to hear you're doing well despite the side effects of Adrimycin.

The only thing, somehow I don't think you were diagnosed in 2022. :)

Best wishes for the future.
3:09 AM
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