Dear friends,
A little more than two months ago a talented team at the Mazankowski heart institute, led by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Rod MacArthur, repaired an aneurysm and dissection in my descending aorta. As I mentioned in my Synod Scene note in September, I have a connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome (www.gadacanada.ca) which can cause aneurysms and other health complications. I’m so thankful for your prayers during the surgery and throughout my recovery. I’m told it takes an average three to four months for someone to recover from a thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAAA) repair, providing there are no complications. A section of my incision became infected, but with the help of an amazing device called a wound vac, it is nearly healed. I’m on track for a full recovery and, God willing, I’ll be able to return to my work with the Edmonton diocese early in the new year. My family and I are grateful for your well wishes and prayers and we hope you are keeping safe and well.