And so we begin...

 Hello to all of Roland's (aka: dad, Peppie, Rollie, Uncle Roland, etc.) support team,

This is Becky, Roland's 2nd born (favorite hee hee hee) daughter. I, being the furthest from home but still wanting to help take something off dad's plate, will be the information distributor for dad's healthy heart Journey. 

I am currently compiling a list of everyone's email addresses, if you know of someone who would like to be added to this list please let me know so they can join in the fun. I am new to the whole blogging thing so bear with me. I just figured this would be a better option so people could comment without overloading everyone with emails.

As you probably all know, Dad will be having a triple by pass surgery on Friday, August 21st. He has a few pre-op appointments before then. 

Yesterday, Aug. 7th, he had a Carotid Duplex Scan, they checked his Carotid arteries and made sure they were clear and not in need of (in his words) roto-rootering before doing the surgery. Fortunately, no roto-rootering will be needed. They also did a lower limb vein mapping to find out where they could take a section of vein from to use for the bypass. Apparently, that all went well also, he's got some good looking veins in his legs.

Next Tuesday, Aug. 11th, he will be going in for PSE cardiac surgery, not actual surgery at this time, this is basically a pre-op thing where they ask him a bunch of questions and make sure everything is set for the surgery. They said he can drive himself in for this one as there are no actual procedures being done. Toby and Marion will be calling in to listen to what the doctor has to say so there are extra ears on the conversation. Hopefully, they will give us a print out of the appointment as well for future referencing.

Friday, Aug. 21st will be the actual surgery. I am attaching dad's notes regarding the surgery day. Toby will be bringing him in that morning.

Aug 21 2026

Upcoming Procedures

3 procedures scheduled for this visit:

Jennifer Walker, MD

UMass Memorial Medical Center

- University Campus Operating Room 55

  Lake Ave North

  Worcester MA 01655

- Triple Bi-pass Procedure Scheduled for August 21, 2026

- Arrive at 5:00am

- Procedure will last about 3½hrs remainder of day is for recuperation. 

- Hospital stay 4-7days. Then I can go home with an attendee for assistance. no need for overnight

- Down time is 6 weeks with nothing heavier than 10#, no counter height & no overhead

- No restrictive diet, no weight loss meds

- Walking is recommended, stairs are fine

- No repetitive motion, i.e. sewing

- No driving for 6 weeks and only riding in the rear seat (caution with air bags)

- Lifting, rowing after 12 weeks

- Travel, flying after 6 weeks

- Follow-up at 2,4,and 6 weeks at UMass, then with Dr Tumolo, Southbridge Cardiologist

- Expectations: more energy, willingness to do things, less fatigue, no brain fog, no shortness of breath.

Marion is currently scheduled to fly out to CT to hang out with dad from Aug. 25 - Sept. 8th. I believe Amy may also go down around Labor Day weekend. However, as you can see, dad is NOT allowed to drive for 6 weeks after surgery. Those of you who know Dad, know that this will NOT be easy for him. So feel free to stop by for a visit whenever you've got some free time. 

I think that is all I have for now. Please let me know if anyone needs to be added to this info list, the more the merrier!

Thank you all for being on Dad's cheerleading team!

Becky