The author recounts the journey through open-heart surgery, grappling with the need for the procedure against personal and familial concerns. After experiencing severe cardiac symptoms which culminated in an asthma attack, they realized that surgery was inevitable. The emotional turmoil of facing a major health intervention reflects deep worries about family dynamics and responsibilities. Despite recognizing the risks and her busy life as a 43-year-old business owner and caregiver, the author ultimately resolves to proceed with the surgery for her health and future well-being.
A few weeks earlier, I'd checked into this same building to undergo the surgery I had studiously avoided. There was no definitive sign or test to say it was time, but the worsening symptoms made my ailing heart impossible to ignore.
This is not a conference. This is an organ. I worried about my husband. How would he manage? What about our kids? Would they be traumatized watching me go through this?
Still, like the good girl that I am, I picked a surgery date.
At 43, there would be no good time to take 12 weeks off. There was a demanding small business and my aging parents.
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