Mel’s Heart Journey

Hey everybody, I just had my 6-month follow-up since being hospitalized in October. It was a busy week with appointments and traveling, but overall a productive week. I had two physical tests done, a CPET* and a PFT*.  Both I believe I excelled on (still waiting on results), but I was able to manage both tests without getting too winded or faint.  We had a few days in between appointments, so to Marblehead we went! It was nice, especially since it was a 70-degree day in March.....   I did meet with the Neurologist, but honestly didn't find help with that. This is why you always advocate for yourself. I definitely will be getting a second opinion because having headaches every day is not normal.  Finally, we met with Dr. Mastoris again, and he was impressed by the improvement that we have shown. The procedure I had while in the hospital has really helped overall. Plus, some new meds and weight loss have helped tremendously as well. I'm not retaining as much fluid as I...

Hey there! Just wanted to share a little update on life since I've been MIA. The holidays were good—I’m super grateful for the time spent with family. I jumped into a relationship at the start of the year, but it didn't last long. I've realized that if I’m not being respected or supported, it’s just not worth it. Life’s too short for toxic people. (Literally) On the bright side, it gave me the boost I needed to get back out there and put myself out in the “dating” scene again. (We will see how long that lasts 🤣) Honestly, if I can make even one person’s day a little better, that’s a win for me, even if it’s just for a bit. On a sad note, I had to say goodbye to my nephew as he’s heading out west for a cowboy adventure without me. I’ll join him in May, so that’s something to look forward to! 🐴🤠 As for my health, I’m feeling pretty good, especially these last couple of weeks. I can finally breathe properly again, and the sun’s been shining more. I did make a trip to Bos...

Feb 5th, 2026 I truly don’t have the words to express how grateful I am to live in such a caring community, and to have coworkers and friends who care enough to support me and organize fundraisers on my behalf. The financial stress that comes with needing new organs is overwhelming at times, and working isn’t an option for me right now—something I never thought I’d have to say, especially because I miss it more than I can explain. To everyone who has supported me in any way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness means more to me than I could ever put into words, and I am so deeply grateful to be surrounded by such compassionate people. For more information on these events or items, please follow the link below.    Melinda's Heart Heeler Fundraiser Kellys Landing  3 Rockwood Road Greenville Junction, ME  207.695.4438                                       ...

There is many things in life that nobody prepares you for, dying, living on borrowed time, and death. Because honestly that’s what it feels like, dying a slow death. Yes transplant is a second chance but the reality and likelihood are also stacked up in odds. So for now when friends, family, acquaintances and strangers all ask me how I am doing, well there really isn’t an answer for that either.  I just say fine and smile and nod.. but in reality I’m so fucking lost. Somewhere along the way the only choices I’ve had were to “be tough”, “stay strong” and “don’t give up”. Yet somehow I feel so numb to it all. Which in my mind, isn’t strong or tough. It’s disassociation. The one thing I can do, and so well. So please forgive me if you catch me off guard in lala land or just not with it because this shit is fucking tough. This is the only way I have learned to cope… yes it’s not healthy but it’s what I can do for the time being, because protecting my brain is all my body ...

  Pink skies, hitting the homeland, man, everything feels so surreal now. Almost like some sort of movie. I am Home.  Thank you all for continuing to support me through this life changing time, words cant descrie how loved I feel, how I have impacted just a moment of someones life, you never really know how special you are till those moments come.  Now, the medical news, as of right now, I am deemed "too healthy" for a double transplant. This might sound confusing to you, but to me and my family, it's a huge relief. All I had asked for was some more time with my old heart before the unknown had begun.  The time I get to spend with my loved ones, friends, and even the nice strangers who helped me along the way. Time. What an interesting concept when it comes down to it, really.  But man, am I joyed to have just a little more of it.  This doesn't mean transplant isn't forseen in the near future, but for now, my stubborn ass isn't going anywhere. My doctors an...

Where do I begin.... October 8th- Now that the immediate family and friends have been notified. I am being admitted to Mass General Hospital on Friday to continue transplant evaluations and treatments at this time. I don’t have a timeline for how long I’ll be or what the plan is next, but I should be learning of that soon. I haven’t had time to write any blog posts due to scrambling to get things together in such a short time, but I promise to update everyone when I know what’s going on myself. Please keep sending positive vibes and thoughts as I start the next leg of the transplant journey. October 14th- Heading in for a Cardiac Catheterization this morning around 10:00am, hopefully we get some answers and a game plan after! Wish me luck! October 17th- Little update, I’ve made it a week so far, lots of needles, blood work, testing, CT scans, X-rays, the whole shebang. As for today, heading back in for another cardiac cath to see if putting a stent in will help my oxygen levels rise a...