Thanksgiving Message

Thanks

Thanks for your prayers and messages of hope. I'm feeling a lot better. Everything went well. The Doc wants me to rest for a while. 

We arrived in Mexico City with high hopes. The previous doctors had told me a bypass was inevitable, but we hoped to avoid that.

Aurora, as ever, was optimistic that everything would go well.

Lucy was there for backup.

The bus ride was long

But soon we were in Mexico City.

We were met by Tio Arturo, Aurora's uncle Arthur.

Everything in Mexico City is big and industrial

The famous "second floor of the periferico" extends for miles, blocking out the sun with its serpentine coils of concrete. It looks like something from a science fiction movie

Aurora's uncle delivered us to the Hospital 20 de November. The hospital is named for the day of Mexico's revolution which coincided with the day of our visit and Aurora's birthday.

The 20 de Noviembre Hospital is the most advanced, technologically in all of Mexico. The cardiologists told me that if I couldn't fix my heart here, I would have to go to the United States.

This is the conference room on the second floor of the hospital. The team of cardiologists meet here to discuss the different cases and how they will proceed. There's a battery of tests and analysis and a variety of procedures and operations offered as options.

Here's Aurora trying to look optimistic. The doctors told us they would give it their best shot.

After four hours of inspection, injection, dejection, rejection, and selection, the operation was a success. The doctors were able to open a second artery. They inserted 2 stents and improved my chances of living a long healthy life.

After consultation with the team, I'm supposed to take it easy for a while. But I'm feeling much better. No more chest pains.

Dr. Andres Figueroa, leader of the Cardiologist team that took care of me.

Special thanks to Dr. Andres Figueroa of 20 de November, Hospital. The Mexican people get a bad rap in the press from bigoted and racist fools, but a young and dedicated team of Mexican cardiologists and doctors saved my life. They were compassionate, caring, and very professional. It makes me happy to know that there are so many young people like Dr. Figueroa. He headed up the team of about 11 medical professionals who took on my case, not to mention all the nurses and staff who were at the ready. It gives me joy to be alive knowing that Mexico is such a young and vibrant country with plenty of talent, hopes and dreams. I'm inspired to be part of the educational system here, where I get the chance to work with students who plan to make a difference. I was at the Hospital 20 de November on the day of Mexico's Revolution, 20 of November which is also Aurora's birthday. So, Viva Mexico.

I'm taking it easy for a while. But thanks to everyone for their prayers and well-wishes.  God Bless all. Gaura Hari bol.