Hello my family and friends!! I'm hoping that you are staying healthy and enjoying the precious time that you have with your families. I wanted to update many of you on my recent health news. To make a long story shortish - here it goes... About 8 years ago I found out I had a heart defect (a bicuspid aortic valve) and after many, many tests and procedures they also discovered an aneurysm. Since then, I have been getting tests done regularly, a few times a year to keep an eye on things and watch for any changes. The usual response is "your doing great, nothing has changed, we will see you in 6 months." Well...on 5/5/20 I had my usual echo done (which took longer than I remember any of them taking) and found out the news from my cardiologist that my valve stenosis and regurgitation where at levels that were concerning and doubled since last year via a Zoom conference. I was told to get ahold of my surgeon in Orlando and it was about "that time." I then had a heart catheterization a few weeks later and just met with my surgeon Dr. Accola this past Monday 6/15/20. I will be getting surgery on July 3 (in 2 weeks!!!). My surgeon (with his awesome Texas accent!!) will be replacing my stenotic valve with a new Bessy the Bovine cow valve and graphing the aneurysm. I will have my incredible support group update as info of my recovery is in motion. I will need your thoughts and prayers coming my way during this crazy adventure. Thank you so much to my support group for taking over the reigns and making this process smoother and much more enjoyable. Until next time, -Tik-Tok- -jen