small news on Englander's tissue sample

[Englander]

Hi all. Its been a while since i posted. I have been thinking of you all and have not forgotten what great help you have been. Nish's Surgeon faxed me a pathology report on the Aotic Valve ( from the 2nd Op). Tjos is what it states:
Macroscopic
Valve cusp Tissue measuring 20 x 10 xup to 2mm. There is no significant nodularity or scarring.

Microscopic
The valve cusps and underlying musculr tissue of the cusp insertion area show ares of loose cellular myxoid stroma. The features are consistent with a tissue aetiopathology and further investigations will be pursued; particularly the genotyping.

Diagnosis
Aotic valve: Myxoid Cellular Expansion and slight Distortion further discussion to follow

Genotyping of this sort of case is not routinely available. Testing is confined to few specialist centres.

I do not understand what Myxoid Cellular expansion means.
Can anyone help as i am still looking for answers. Its very painfull not knowing.
I know you all understand and will help me out as much as possible.
Bess

 

[tobagotwo]

Hi, Bess. I'll do the best I can for you.

Myxomatous or myxoid tissue is tissue that is soft, possibly even to the point of being gelatinous in nature. In some cases, it may also take on fibrous characteristics.

By stroma, they are referring to the matrix tissue of the valve and root, its general substance and structure.

Basically, this is describing a degeneration over time of the structure of the valve tissue and surrounding tissue into a different, soft type of tissue that is not a strong or resilient enough to function as a valve. Unfortunately, it was apparently no longer substantial enough to hold the needed stitches for his new valve, as well.

The doctor is also referring to the fact that he wants to see what its genetic origins are, if possible, which is why he wants to send it to specific labs. It does occur in more extreme forms of bicuspid aortic valve syndromes. Other possible causes for tissue degeneration can be disease (such as rheumatic fever) or excessive exposure to radiation (usually from the type of radiation treatments given decades ago). Likely, these would appear differently on close examination.

I'm so sorry to be telling you this, Bess. I know you want to know, but I also feel like it makes you go through it all over again somehow. I wish you peace with this, and you and your daughter happy days together.

Very best wishes,

 

[Englander]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks Bob, I have understood it alot better now. I knew you would be one of the first to anwer my questions. Time doesnt wait. Our daughter is now one(25/11/04). What a year. Thanks for your support and help. will keep logging on to see you all
Lots of love to you and all members
Bess

 

[surfsparky]

Bess,
Thanks for posting. I think many of us often think of you and Nish (Englander), as you touched many hearts here. I can't believe that your daughter is now one...I'm sure she's beautiful. I hope that all of this new information from Nish's surgeon provides the answers that you are searching for...although it must be so hard.
Lots of love, thoughts and prayers,
Yolanda (Chris' wife)

 

[Englander]

little Shya's pic

little Shya's pic

I want to attach a pic of shya for all of you to see. how can i do that.

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Bess -

There are a lot of us here that were touched by what you (and Englander) went through. We haven't forgotten. And we wish the best for you and your daughter. It's nice to hear from you again, so please continue to keep in touch when you can.

 

[tobagotwo]

We would love to see a picture of Shya!

Hopefully, you've already scanned the picture, or copied it from a CD into your PC.

There's a size limit of 585 KB for pictures, so right-click on the picture, then click on "properties" to see how many KB it is.

If it's too big, you should copy it to another name, and work with the second copy, so the original is safe. You can then crop the second copy or reduce the size of it for uploading to VR.com.

You can use MS Photo Editor, or Picture It!, or any similar picture software which you may own to do it. In MS Photo Editor, those choices are under "Image." Ross knows a site where you can use their software, but I don't remember it.

Then, once the picture's ready...

- If you click on "Reply" to the thread, you get your reply box.

- If you move the screen down from it (page down, slide down, arrow down - whatever you like to call it), there's a second page labeled "Additional Options"

- On that page, there's a click-box labeled "Manage Attachments"

- When you click on it, it will pop up a box which will let you browse through your PC to where the picture is.

- Then you click on the picture you want to upload (to select it).

- Click on "Open," in the lower, right corner of the popup screen.

- The screen goes back to the popup page. Click on upload.

- When it's done uploading, click on "Close this window."

Hope I said that right. Ross is likely to be grading me on this...

Best wishes,

 

[Englander]

grading

grading

Sir Ross will definately give you an A++. Lets try this now.OOps i have learnt it really well but the file is too big. i shall try to minimise it and send it.Thanks alot. You will se the picture soon. Once again Bob, you've tought me something new
Love,
Bess

 

[Mary]

Bess,
If you have trouble resizing, download www.irfanview
That is a site that Ross told me about six months ago, and I find it very easy to use. It's a free download, so you shouldn't have any trouble.
Mary

 

[tobagotwo]

Ross knows a site where you can use their software, but I don't remember it.

Yup! That's the one!

Thanks, Mary!

 

[Englander]

little Shya's pic again

little Shya's pic again

i have managed to aatche a picture of Shya. She looks alot like Nish. It will be 6 months at Xmass since i Lost him and it still feels fresh. Some times i feel like blaming him for leaving us but then i know that he wanted to be with us too. Grieving is very selfish. Right now i feel like i am just plodding along with what comes my way. Then i look at Shya and it makes a world of difference. hope you all like the picture.
Bess

 

[Karlynn]

Such a beautiful little girl!!!!!!

Grief has stages and it's not always a forward progression. Anger is one of the stages. The most common order I've seen is 1. Denial 2. Anger 3.Barganing 4. Depression 5. Acceptance

People can flucuate back and forth between some stages for a while, or even skip a stage. Eventually most people arrive at Acceptance. There is no time frame for grieving. 6 months is not a long time Bess. Be kind to yourself and give yourself more time to heal.

 

[Christina]

Hello Bess,

So sorry for your loss. Your little girl is darling and you are fortunate to have her. She will remind you of your husband the rest of your life and when you look at her you will remember him.
I of all people know how it feels to lose a husband. I was 26 when I lost my husband to a drunk driver. He was hit head-on and died 30 minutes later. I had a 20 month old little girl and was pregnant with my second child. It was very difficult at first but I had to carry on for the sake of the children. They kept me busy but I also kept busy myself. Weekends were especially difficult, but when I didn't want to be alone I invited friends over for dinner. I did not wait to be invited because that doesn't always happen. People are busy and life does go on.
Like Karlynn said, grief goes in stages and it is different for everyone. Give yourself time to grieve, it is okay. Over time it does get better and you will heal.
I wish you all the best and take care.

Hugs,

 

[Susan BAV]

Bess, Shya's just beautiful! What does her name mean? Hoping your pain lessens each day,

 

[Mary]

Bess,
Shya is beautiful! She looks like she is full of love and laughter. I am so glad you were able to post her picture.
My thoughts are with you both at this time.
Mary

 

[tobagotwo]

Thank you for sharing Shya's picture with us, Bess. She's beautiful. Nish would have been so proud of her. You must be, too.

It's a lot of work, raising a little one, as beautiful as they are. It takes a tremendous amount of strength and forbearance, and seemingly every waking moment of every day. I know how difficult it must be. But I also know that you can do it.

Give her a hug for me.

Very best wishes,

 

[Phyllis]

So glad you were able to post Shya's picture- she's beautiful! I know how difficult this holiday season must be for you and I hope that you can take solace in your beautiful daughter and all the future holds for both of you.

 

[gijanet]

Shya is a doll!

Shya is a doll!

What an adorable smile - that has got to keep you going even in the worst of times. I'm still so sorry for your loss - I know the holidays will be rough. You take care of yourself, give that little doll a hug, and thanks so much for posting that picture. Hugs.

 

[Englander]

to you all good people,

to you all good people,

You all are so very good. I will give a hugBob, and also tell her how helpful you all have been. the season is getting busy and bits of people are popping inb to see us. I am still living with my in laws and it is going to be difficult. i have planned a short trip to brussels with shya. we will visit my brother during Xmass. Just want to get away. You are right Karlynn, i will give myself more time. Some times i feel i just have to be strong for everyone around me. sometimes i am and sometimes not. will chat to you all agin soon.

Thanks once again
Bess

 

[Glenda]

What a beautiful baby! Such a pretty smile! You must be so proud. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time. Hugs are coming your way!