Rachelle's Profile

I’m a cancer survivor with radiation treatments for Hodgkins Lymphoma at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis TN back when I was 17. Apparently the radiation treatments I received have been hard on my heart! Went to the cardiologist back in September 2024 and discussed SOB when walking and he ordered some extra test. The results prompted them to want to do a cardiac Cath which was done in Feb 2025. I thought I would get a stent and be good to go but woke up after and they told me I needed open heart surgery. They stated I had 70% blockage in my left main artery and needed my aortic valve replaced. Needless to say at 54 I was not expecting that!! After the surgeon and cardiologist did not agree on what type of valve replacement I should get, I opted for a second opinion at St Louis with Dr Kaneko, Cheif of Surgery. He recommended the mechanical valve the On-x so that is the plan for now. I am very concerned about the fact I will hear myself tick!!!!! This is worrying me in the fact noises like that drive me crazy. Any help to relieve some of those fears would be greatly appreciated!! Just about 2 weeks before my surgery and I am not in the right head space!!!