The way I’m managing is by not focusing on the details. Back in April, with the help of my doctors from Stanford, I decided to schedule my surgery to get a Gore Tambe to address my lower thoracic aortic aneurysm. At the beginning of 2025, I couldn’t tell you the difference between the upper and lower aortas. I’m quite aware of my lower thoracic aorta now and I’m anxiously waiting for June 26. That’s the day my lower thoracic aorta is taken out of service and I no longer have a 10% chance of rupture every year.
When I think about the actual Tambe endoprosthetic, I still get anxious. I’m going to be living the rest of my life with a complex, multi-branch stint inside my aorta. Instead, I focus my thoughts on the positives:
- I was lucky enough to find this early. It’s currently 5.7 cm in diameter
- I’m luckier than my dad. There’s now an endovascular solution for my issue called the Tambe. Back in 2016 my dad wasn’t as lucky
- There’s a 95%+ chance the procedure will go smoothly and I’ll be living my life without restriction again in 30 days
- I found the best care in California for my issue – Stanford Medical
- My insurance is covering me
This is an unfamiliar waiting time for me. I’ve never had a procedure this significant before, and I just turned 50. But I have a great family and support system to get me through this, anchored by my wife Jaclyn.
Tambelifer Chris
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