Shirlee Says Thanks and Updates Us

Dear Friends- 

I never in a million years would have thought I would be a candidate for a full blown heart attack. But last Sunday night I was hit in the chest with the most excruciating pain I'd ever experienced. The thought "when in doubt, call 911" prompted me to call and I'm so glad I did. 

 

The Coudersport ambulance crew arrived quickly and within minutes I was in the ER and told I was having a heart attack.  Doc Herman was in constant contact by phone with Dr.Orlando at Hamot Medical Center who guided them through what needed to be done to keep me alive. 

 

Flying by helicopter to Erie in the middle of the night wasn't my idea of fun but when I arrived Dr Orlando and his cardiology crew were waiting for me in the operating room where they found that two of my arteries in  my heart were 100 percent blocked and the other one 70 percent.  

 

I guess God was riding in that helicopter with me because here I am at home- after having three stents put in my heart- the constant love of my family and friends- and a gratefulness that is unending. When Anne brought me home the first place I wanted to go was to Sweden Valley Manor to see Tom. We cried together and after ten minutes Anne took me home.

 

I guess what I'm trying to convey is this- if you have a severe pain in your chest- don't wait- get help- and don't be afraid to ask for help afterward.  A nurse visits me daily and my good friend Kathy Kinard will be helping me until I"m back on my feet.  Thanks for all the flowers, prayers, cards and thoughtfulness toward Tom.  I miss him terribly but know he's where he needs to be right now. It's amazing how one's life can change so quickly.  Don't take life for granted. It's the only one you have.  God Bless.

 

Shirlee Leete