Family and friends of Dennis Huis are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.

April 10, 2019

Ok, I think I got this. Here's a long overdue update on my adventures through the end of ski season. I attempted to update earlier but was using a strange lap top and couldn't finish an update without accidentally hitting some key and losing everything. Gave up in frustration until I got onto the regular computer again.

Right after my last update I had a blip and ended up in the UC cicu for 2 days. Seems I had a "perfect storm" of my drugs going haywire and another sinus infection hit me all at once. During my little "visit" we straightened everything out and did my annual heart cath and biopsy. They went in and checked both the left and right side of my heart and checked the pressures and vessels. Then did the usual biopsy taking another bite or two out of the right ventricle (hope they don't eat it all). All came out with perfect scores, the heart is ticking away on all 4 cylinders! The rest of me is still playing catch up.

Went back to Telluride and worked a few more days then hit a patch of exhaustion. The sinus infection won't go away, did a second round of augmentin (twice in 5 weeks). I checked the infection last week after finishing the last course of antibiotics and had a CT scan, the infection is still raging away, actually worse than the last scan in Feb. So heading to my ENT for more treatment and a plan to fix this.

On a good note, I got in 50 days of skiing and thoroughly enjoyed the last day at Telluride. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day for the closing shenanigans on the mountain. Now back in Durango and looking forward to gaining weight back and strengthening up again (during my feb/mar adventure I dropped to 148 lbs!!, now eating every calorie bomb I can get in my mouth!).

Later, and thanks for checking for my updates. I will do better now that I'm feeling better.

February 6, 2019

Not much to enter on these past weeks. Telluride continues to get snow and I've remained fairly busy. Working 3 to 4 days per week. For the most part feeling good but there some down days where I'm pretty tired. It feels great to be physically tired!

My first annual checkup is in two weeks, we're excited to keep getting good news concerning my health. I'll keep updating as stuff happens.

January 21, 2019

Snow!! I'm happy to report I've been forced to ski 18" of fresh powder over the last weekend, life is tough. Successfully made it through all the snow and teaching some all day lessons, legs pretty tired however. The good thing is my motor smoothly turned over the whole time.

Last week was a happy and busy visit to Denver for my two month check up. No biopsy since I'll be getting one next month. Did have a echocardiogram and a blood test for a serious virus noted as CMV. The tests were all positive, there was no CMV present and the echo was great. So I'm off prednisone and the expensive antiviral drug.

On an even a happier event, we heard from our Donor family. They were expremely pleased to hear from me and look forward to hearing all the things I'm now doing. My donors name was Jordan, it's really great and comforting to know the persons name. I'm working on an answer and to review the things my new heart and I are doing.

January 12, 2019

Well I did do the 11 straight days but I then did 3 more days on top of that. I'm laying low for 2 days, not doing much except catching up with things like this page. It's been snowing here for two days, and we're getting more snow than predicted, no such thing as too much snow! Can't wait to ski a bit tomorrow in some fresh powder.

On another note, Joanna and I had some exciting news from my coordinator. They've received a letter from the family of my donor! I wrote to them about 6 weeks ago, so we're super anxious to read the note. We'll pick it up this week when I go for another biopsy.

January 6, 2019

survived! I successfully worked 11 straight 1/2 day ski lessons yesterday. Pretty tired, but was actually gaining strength at the halfway mark. Feeling great and looking forward to continuing getting stronger. I posted some pictures from work, and yes one is of one of my finest moments in uniform, having fallen in 4 feet of fluffy snow. The fun will continue as the snow keeps falling.

Have a great year everyone!

December 25, 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thanks to all the love, support and friendship over this past year.

Christmas has gifted us with snow and more on the way. I start my season working rush tomorrow, 11 half day lessons in a row! Saving my strength and planning a nap every afternoon.

Finally may God Bless and comfort my donor's family, this first Christmas without their loved one.

December 16, 2018

Time for another belated update. We've been getting snow here in Telluride as I posted in my last update. I've been busy skiing and fulfilling my early season training requirements. Currently breaking n new boots and skis from K2, whom I'm a pro rep for. If your a skier in need of boots, check out the new rincon line, the lightest boot on piste boot currently available.

We've been getting fair snow and now it looks like a week or so of beautiful sunny weather. We're getting closer to the Christmas busy time here, I start actually working this coming Thursday! Then things really wind up over the holidays, hope I survive!!

December 5, 2018

BAck for an update. Man what a whirlwind the last couple of weeks has been. Spend Turkey Day with my sister and all the nieces and nephews in California. Talk about a whirlwind, the grand nieces and nephews stayed over while we were there. Three kids from 8 months, 3 years and 6 year olds! I spent the whole time trying to keep there cute but germy fingers off my food and face. I thought I was fairly successful, but sure enough when we got back to Tride I spent 3 days visiting the emergency room and getting tests to find out I had a Sinus infection. One of the most expensive cold diagnosis I've ever had. A little antibiotics however and I'm back on my feet feeling great. Just have to get adjusted to the quickness a cold or flu can come on.

All is well that ends well and I went out for my first ski of the season and 1st since the surgery. WHAT A BLAST! They even opened up some new terrain and I got to enjoy some Powder! I'm currently in heaven.

November 15, 2018

I can't believe I haven't posted since mid Oct., what a slacker! the start of Nov. has been busy with a minivacation and another biopsy.

Joanna the dogs and I headed out to visit family and friends the first two weeks of November. 1st stop was Beloit WI to see Michele an old friend from here, Beloit's nothing like the mountains! Had lunch in madison which is a beautiful college town, go Badgers. Then on to Munster to visit Joanna's mom, and her sister's family. always a great time catching up. Then 3 days in Kalamazoo where my sister and brother met us to spent time with our aunt Sue. Of course we had to get some beers at Bell's Brewery and a Coney island hot dog. Joanna and I were able to catch up with my old friend as well.

My Nov. biopsy was again zero!! I now look forward to ski season and getting back on the slopes.

Have a Great Turkey Day and go Lions!

October 11, 2018

Snow-Snow-Snow! Raining here in Durango for the last 4 days straight, means the mountains are getting SNOW! Areas have been getting 2' so far, enough for Wolf Creek to open. Things are really looking up so far for a great winter. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Spent last weekend in Telluride, took the camper up and stayed in town park. Our good friend Andre put on a dance show along with fellow instructor Claire with a flute performance. Incredibly talented people in our ski school and not just as skiers. While up there I did my first trail hike with Joanna and the dogs and our great friends Olivia and Cal. They were great sports hanging with me during the hike. The jud webbe trail is 2.7 miles with 1200' vertical, I did it slow but steady and was totally spent at the end. Felt good though. I've posted a few pics from the day.

Next biopsy is mid November.

October 1, 2018

Not much to report. Things are still clicking along, continue to train and get ready for ski season. Planning on going back 3 days a week to start and go from there. We have been getting snow in the mtns around Telluride, fall colors are passing quickly. Bring on winter!

September 17, 2018

whirlwind past couple of weeks. Eye doctor appt has revealed a cataract in my left eye, (already figured that since I can't see crap out of it). So, my new philosophy is if something breaks on me, just replace it! I believe it's been sped up due to the Prednisone (amazingly important drug, with amazingly varied and weird side effects), so I'm getting it taken care of in October. Last week was my 11th biopsy and it came back a big 0, first time I've looked forward to being a big 0! So my biopsies drop to bimonthly and if all continues to go well, I'll go on a biannual testing schedule.

Blues and Brews this past weekend, a fabulous blues festival for 3 days and a grand tasting of over 60 microbrews (3 hours of free beer, nuff said).

Cindy and Jim along with deb & Karl, Karen and Tuck and Jeanie (from Park City), we all had a great time and listened to some excellent blues artists, Robert Plant, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Booker T, JJ Grey & Mofro, Andres Osborne among many other great names. Weather was sunny and warm so Telluride could show off it's fall colors. For those who love music and the mountains, this is a bucket lister!

September 4, 2018

Sept. already. It's snowed in Telluride this past week, only a dusting but it's a good reminder to start really preparing for ski season!

Had another great visit by longtime friends and skiers, Mike and Kim from Charlotte, NC. It was great to see them, they had wanted to help mansit with me in Denver but I cut out early. I thought that was a pretty good excuse however. We've certainly had our fair share of visitors this summer, it was great and thanks to everyone who stopped by.

I continue to progress in gaining strength and stamina, settling in to biking and weights almost every day. Met with a personnel trainer and was set up with a good all around weight and strength routine. One thing that has shown up is an accelerated worsening of a cataract in my right eye, for which I'll have surgery for this Oct. What the hell, if I can replace my heart why not the lens in my eye? Another biopsy coming up next week.

August 24, 2018

Got back from my California visit with my sister and brother My sisters daughter, husband and 3 kids were there for a couple of days before moving into their new house. I had to keep my distance from the kids, they were 6 to 8 months old so I was careful about germs. Had a great time visiting with them though. I saw my mom twice, she remembered I was someone important in here life, just not my name. It was great, we can only visit for 15 minutes or so before she gets antsy and agitated. It's always great to see her even though her mind is visiting somewhere else.

Some great walks with my sister and her dog, Rocky, among the steep but luckily fairly short hills every morning. So I didn't skip my exercise! Had a surprise 1 nite visit from an old friend from Kalamazoo who was just passing through, very nice surprise indeed.

August 16, 2018

Today marks my 6 month Heartiversary! My life changed for the better when I was introduced to Harry on that thursday in February. It's been a great ride so far and I look forward to making it a "hell of a ride" for the next however many years.

My biopsy this week was once again zero, so I continue to titrate off the Prednisone!! Still getting in a lot of exercise to get into the best shape possible for skiing this winter. Our good friends Deb and Karl came for a lighting visit this past weekend, it was as always a blast! It's inevitable that fun will be had when the Happy Brothers get together. Looking forward to my trip to see my sister in California next week and will also get to see Mom, she won't remember me, but I still need to visit whenever possible. You never know when it will be the last time.

August 9, 2018

Man o Man, time passes quickly when everything is humming along. Harry continues to fire on all 4 cylinders (4 chambers of the heart), and forces me to work out almost every day. 12 mile bike today in under an hour. Planning something sort of spectacular to do on my 6 month heartiversary, maybe climb a nearby peak or something.

My next biopsy is scheduled for next week as well, I'll be in Denver for tuesday appointment.

August 1, 2018

whew! After a week of visitors, from San Francisco, Paonea and our nephew moving here from Indiana. I'm finally catching up on posting. Our good friend Hayden was here for 10 days and as I posted earlier took me on some bike rides, including the inaugural one. Then Michelle and Scott for 3 days and Nelson from indians for the rest of the summer. We had to break out the guest room (our popup camper to accomodate everyone. Once they all left we had good friend Carol from Minnesota stop by on her travels for 3 days and Candace (a fellow hiking guide) for a night. It's been fun and we love to have company, so stop by if your in the area.

Things still pumping along, Harry and I have hit it off like old friends. He and I are planning quite a few adventures over the next years. (Harry is my new heart, if you hadn't guessed)

July 24, 2018

Results of the monthly biopsy were zero yet again! Still feeling like a new person and keeping up on my rehab to rebuild lost muscle mass. Did another bike ride with friends this past weekend, 15.5 miles in about 1.5 hours, whooo hooo! Continue to reduce meds, especially prednisone.

July 16, 2018

Very eventful weekend. I did my first bile ride since the transplant, 14 miles in just over an hour. I am so stoked and motivated to do more this summer. Leaving for Denver today for the monthly biopsy, and also a neuropsych test. This should prove I'm as crazy as ever!

July 13, 2018

Holy Smokes! I can't believe I haven't posted anything for this long. I'm sorry to all you who are following this, I will try to do better.

The 416 fire has finally been tamed, the firefighting crews did a truly heroic job of saving structures. Not one structure was lost in the 54,000 acres of fire. Thank goodness for some rain that FINALLY moved into the area.

On my front all continues to progress magnificently! I cannot thank the donor, and the staff at UC health. Rehab is almost over, and I've been cleared to ride my bike outside as well as get in some golf, pretty much cleared to do what I'm able to. Went for am overnite camp at Camp Hale in Leadville, CO, can't wait to get in some more.

Our lives here have finally slowed a little with Joanna catching up on her work and Brian needing me less and less for irrigation help. Joanna was able to guide a trip on the Colorado Trail over the 4th (hence my trip to Leadville) and is attending a festival in Telluride this weekend. We caught up with some good friends from Wisc. and several friends are coming to visit this next couple of weeks. I can't wait to show off the new and improved me!

June 17, 2018

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there. A very special heart felt thank you to the father or my donor heart. May God bless you and yours!

Finally a good old fashion soaking rain! The firefighters can now get a good handle on the monster that's the 416 fire here in Durango. Bless all of them.

June 15, 2018

Well the fire in Durango is still going strong, no structures lost yet. This defense of homes has been from a heroic effort of the level 1 fire crew and all the pilots fighting it. we were on pre evacuation but fire appears to be headed west now. Up to 38000 acres.

On a more upbeat note, my June biopsy has once again come back 0! I'm feeling great and now able to get outside on the bike. Unfortunately can't go out in the morning due to very heavy smoke in our valley.

I've posted a few pictures from a visit to the arsenal sanctuary and some from the fire.

June 10, 2018

The fire continues to grow. It's now at 16000 acres and over 1000 houses have been evacuated and another 600 on pre evacuation. We have not been put on pre evac yet but are preparing for it, the evac is only 1/2 miles from us. So I've got appt's and another biopsy this wednesday so we'll be in Denver for a couple of days. We're essentially evacuating before we leave so there's nothing to worry about while we're gone. Worry being relative in this case. For pictures and information on our fire go to the Durango Herald website.

Other than the fire excitement, I'm doing fine physically and mentally. Continue to rehab, help with the irrigation business and working a little for the ranch with bookings. So I seem to be keeping busy!

June 4, 2018

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog. Sorry, things have been ticking right along, with another biopsy next week. I have no problem scoring zeros!

Visited my Aunt in Kalamazoo last week along with my sister and brother. It was a very nice visit and Aunt Sue was very happy! We also got to visit with our old neighborhood gang that we grew up with. It really brought back some memories. I also got in a visit with good friends Van and Joanie, and of course a visit to Bell's brewery and Coney Island hot dog stand.

Returned home to a large forest fire just to the north of us. So sad and reminiscent of the big 2000 fire that almost burned out new house. So far it's still far enough away but moving our way. Here's to the fire fighters staying safe and stopping the blaze.

May 22, 2018

Not much to add, things continue to progress. I'm getting stronger and actually developing some muscle definition, I'll actually have legs again, not sticks! Heading to Kalamazoo next week to visit with aunt Sue, my sister and brother will be there as well. It will be great, but short, I'll get in a quick visit with old friends from college and the old neighborhood. Should be fun.

May 17, 2018

Just got back from my May biopsy, things continue to go well. The biopsy came back as 0 rejection again! They are continuing to reduce my Prednisone, thank goodness! I've continued to walk and do my rehab, it's going well and I feel stronger and better everyday. The transplant team are very happy about my progress and how good I feel, they love to see successful outcomes to all their work.

I'll continue to rehab, can't wait to get out on a real bike on real roads. Soon! I've posted some pictures from my visit to Estes park and Denver. The new family's are out and about.

May 2, 2018

Since things are slowly becoming somewhat normalized, I going to add aditions to this posting once a week. If you would like to chat on a more one on one basis, please write us at: [email protected].

I would love to fill you in or just chat.

I've got another biopsy coming up mid May. So it will be back to Denver for a couple of days. Here's hoping that it still comes back with a 0 rejection. Still feeling great and like nothing different has happened. I am in the process of changing my habits when preping food and just living Immunocompromised. Things like rinsing all fruit before peeling or preparing (like bananas and clementines) and removing our shoes at the door. Lot's to remember, but it's important to change some habits. It seems like I'm living on disinfecting gel.

April 30, 2018

Life is great back in Durango. The weather is very dry and fire season is starting earlier than ever. However it's still home and I enjoy sunny weather.

I've been busy visiting friends and have even gone back to doing some irrigation work helping Brian out with his new (my old) business. I just have to be very careful to not get in the dirt, no problem for me as I never liked the shoveling part anyway. I'm arranging cardio rehab at the local hospital and have joined the recreation center so I can get in some stationary cycling.

We're pulling the camper out to get ready to hit the back roads whenever time allows.

April 25, 2018

The weather has been beautiful here, sunny and 70's. The only downside is it's too dry, no rain in weeks, fire warnings are already happening. With snowpack so low, it's very troubling.

I'm doing great, actually working with the new owner of my business. So I've been out there doing the simpler irrigation work, trouble shooting, etc.. Love it as it keeps me busy and engaged mentally. Still recovery very well, joined the local rec center to begin some indoor bike training and will start cardio rehab here soon.

April 24, 2018

Home, no place like it! Man it's good to be back in Durango. Sunday's drive was a beautiful trip through sunny Colorado. Spending time visiting friends and just taking in the area again. It's a whole different look now that I'm feeling so good!

Joined the local rec center and will be able to ride the stationary bikes to get back into cycling shape. Can't ride on the rode until July, still letting the sternum heal up.

April 21, 2018

So extra good news, my biopsy was again zero. That means I've been released to move back home to Durango! Joanna and I are so happy. I can't wait to be in more familiar surroundings and spend time with friends. Joanna leaves tomorrow (Sat.) and I will follow Sunday. I've got some work to finish up here. I have felt so good I rustled up some irrigation work, nothing hard just valves and a new clock.

April 18, 2018

Had a busy morning running from one side of the hospital to the other. Felt like I was constantly changing airline terminals. But I completed all my appts. Possible good news tomorrow, pending results of the biopsy.

April 15, 2018

As usual I'm failing at keeping up with this post. Things have gotten rather routine, only seeing the doctors every other week, so nothing new to report on that front. Still feeling great and enjoying the cardio rehab workouts. Joanna and I are heading out with the dogs to the reservoir to get in a nice walk, weather is beautiful today. Starting to get antsy and really want to get back home to Durango.

April 10, 2018

Contueing to go to cardiac rehab 3 days a week. Nothing much happening this week, except I do have a final follow up with the surgeon who did the transplant tomorrow. I've a few questions to ask and I don't expect anything to happen in the meeting. He just wants to check out the surgery site now that it's about 7 weeks out from surgery.

Otherwise, Joanna and I are just cruising along, planning on visiting some friends in Boulder this weekend and vget in visits with other friends who are here. Our very good friends Dave and Karen are coming in tomorrow to visit for a couple of nights. It will be fun!

April 7, 2018

Wow, time slipped by, sorry for not posting sooner. A lot has happened in the last couple of days. Joanna finally got here for a 2 week stay. So good to see her and give her hugs.

During all my appts last week was another biopsy that once again came out with a 0 sign of rejection. I also got the clearance to drive! No more sitting in the backseat while we drove around. Then I started Cardiac Rehabilitation, first session was friday, they pushed me and I'm a little sore today. But, it felt great! I'll be doing three days of rehab per week, can't wait to get strong and crush the machines.

April 4, 2018

Dave and Jodi left today as Cindy and I headed out early for a round of appts including another biopsy. Yesterday was a lost day as I had to get an echocardiogram. The only part was it was from the inside, I had to swallow a transponder to take pictures from the back of my heart. Sore throat today! On the more positive side, I've been cleared to drive, one step closer to going home. PT starts tomorrow.

Another round of appts tomorrow, then none for two weeks. Plan on being back to Durango by late May, I hope so.

April 2, 2018

David and Jodie have been running me ragged! They are fellow hiking guides and strong athletes, so they've been inspiring me to do more. Yesterday we went out and I walked my 2 miles in one chunk. I had been getting some 2 milers in but they were a mile here and a mile there. Then again today, I walked the dogs a mile in the morning, then we went out to the arsenal and walked another mile. I'm turning into an animal!!

The two of them will leave me wednesday morning and my sister Cindy comes in tuesday to take over until Joanna can get out here on the 6th. Looking forward to seeing Joanna now that I'm out of the hospital and feeling stronger. Going in this week for my semi weekly biopsy, an echo and another infusion, along with Dr's appts. I'm going to start bugging them about lifting the driving restrictions, I'm tired of sitting in the back seat of our truck! I also start my heart PT this thursday, another reason I'm walking a lot, I want to crush the initial tests.

March 31, 2018

Sorry I've been so remiss in posting my activities. They are becoming routine, walking miles and miles a day (well, yards and yards maybe), but I am up to a few things.

Jake was a great mansitter, patiently driving me around and putting up with some last minute appts. I had planned on taking him all around but with the appts wasn't able to. However, friday we were able to get out for a exploration of the area. We had breakfast at (you guessed it) sam's #3, then headed north to the pawnee national grasslands.

It was quite the trip, it's a 1.5 hour trip up there, and a large chunk of it is thru grassland area's., So by the time we got there, it seemed like we had driven thru it already for an hour or more. after cutting through, we headed for the mountains to visit Estes Park. It was a beautiful day and the twisting mountain road was a new experience for Jake. Then the scenery around the town is a sight to behold, especially for someone from Indiana.

Long day of driving, but that's what adventures are, some parts not so great, some parts great. From my spot in the back of the truck, I did spot a immature golden eagle and a rough legged hawk dive on some prey.

Jodie and Dave arrived from Durango to become my next mansitting team.

March 28, 2018

Yesterday we picked up Jake, my next mansitter. He's the 18 year old son of my sister in law. Of course, like any teen, he came in dehydrated, over excited, and altitude. He was here about 5 hours, then had a small amount of a strong stout my brother opened, wasn't long that he got sick and didn't feel good. Uh oh, I can't be around anyone sick, especially for the next 6 months. We put him to bed, wiped everything down with chlorine wipes and let him sleep. The next morning he woke up feeling better, eating and his temp was 98.1. Whew, tragedy averted.

yesterday morning I was luckily allowed to spend 1.5 hours in a MRI tube. It was a cardiac MRI, requires me to hold my breath for each scan, so I couldn't try and nap or relax. Lucky I'm not claustrophobic, Joanna Would have needed a straight jacket.

March 27, 2018

What's better than being able to have a small amount of beer. We visited a specialty beer store today and had lunch. Don't worry, the Dr's said I could have a small amount of alcohol. The lunch was something else, good but I think I can skip it in the future. Se ate at Denver biscuit co., everything is served using biscuits, and the other specialty is buttermilk fried chicken. Diane and I split a biscuit sandwich with fried chicken and to balance that we split a salad. Like I said, good but man, HEAVY.

dropped Diane off at airport, now pick up my nephew Jake tomorrow morning right after my MRI.

March 25, 2018

yesterday was a great long day, got in the most steps since the transplant (9600) and another visit to a microbrewery.

Started with John and I taking Diane to the reservoir so she could get her 12 mile run in. (Diane is training for Boston). John and I took the dogs for a walk, altogether I got in about a 2 mile walk! After lunch went downtown, Diane and I stopped at REI then met John at the Great Divide Brewery for a small taster.

Then spent evening watching a great Loyola game and then a more tense Michigan game. I'm now so sorry for Loyola as there streak will end next week.

Today we head to Boulder for the day.

March 23, 2018

My brother John came in to replace Jim, I immediately made him wait for me to get a 3 hour infusion at the hospital. He's a trooper and I promised to stop at a beer store to get some microbrew beer for watching basketball. We then watched Loyola beat houston and Michigan take texas A&M down.

great evening.

Today we picked up Diane, John's wife. From the airport we drove the hour to Greeley to attend a a anniversery release from Weldworks brewery. Just voted the best brewery in America in the USA bracket poll. Good beer and I had one taster of a lower alcohol IPA. Very good, and a nice sunny 70 degree day.

March 22, 2018

So yesterday went as planned, big breakfast at Sam's #3 (that's the only king they serve), then home to let that settle and pick up the dogs for a trip through the Arsenal. Not a lot around, windy, but Jim did get a good look at two immature bald eagles cruising fairly low and close.

Today was a hospital day, early for blood tests, then a Dr visit, then a biopsy. The biopsy is my last weekly one, now we switch to bi-weekly. During the Dr. visit werenived the remaining staples and stitches. One step closer to recovering. Also still dropping drug doses which is a good sign,

Jim leaves tomorrow morning and my brother john and his wife come in for about a week. Looking forward to it.

March 19, 2018

Jimmy is here and settled into the mansitter role. We went out to the reservoir here in Aurora just to walk around the dam. They have a 9 mile paved loop around the lake and a lot of waterfowl. Plus the dogs love to get lots of sniffs in.

I feel so good, like I did 10 years ago, it's wild to feel so normal again. Had a good walk and I'm definitely getting stronger. Can't wait to get started on PT. My next and last weekly biopsy is this wednesday, so I hope the positive results continue.

We're having breakfast at a Denver legend tomorrow, Sam's #3, then out to the arsenal to see what spring birds are passing through.

March 18, 2018

Brother happy is sadly leaving today, but will be replaced by my brother in law Jim. He'll be just as much fun and I'm looking forward to spending time with him. Joanna is back in Telluride finishing out the season with clients and will be able to come back in early April.

On my part, things are still going smoothly, almost scarily so. My biopsy came back 0 again, so no signs of rejection. I've got one more next week then we'll go to twice a month while I'm here. Every day I seem to get stronger and can do more physically, the last two days have been great, but today I feel like things have caught up to me. So it'll be a rest day!

March 15, 2018

Another big day in the life and times of Dennis. I had my third biopsy (results tomorrow) and some of the staples removed. Also starting to cut back on some of my meds and the blood tests are still very good.

One symptom I'm having shaking in my hands. So I was all excited about getting out to see some birds. Well, try holding a pair 10X42 binoculars on ducks 150 yards away. Man they move quick, up and down, side to side. A slight problem but I'll persevere.

Joanna is leaving friday and Karl will be here thru the weekend.

March 13, 2018

Well it's been a couple of days since getting sprung. I've got another biopsy scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Made my first trip to the arsenal to check out what birds have started to move in from spring migration. It was a great sunny warm day. a little slow for hawks and eagles, but waterfowl was plentiful. Due to the steroids and one of the immunosuppressors, I've got the shakes. It makes it interesting to identify birds with my hands shaking the binoculars.

But all in all, things are really good, walking and puttering around the condo. I couldn't ask for anything more.

March 10, 2018

THE second big day arrived yesterday, I was released on my own recognizance. I've posted some pictures from that day, two are of the bell ceremony, all transplant patients ring the bell once, twice, then three times. Various nurses and staff who took care of me were there as well. It was to say the least emotional.

Then it was out the door. Man was it great walking out on my own into the sunshine and wind. While waiting for Joanna to get the car, I looked at the entrance which I used to get the transplant, and tried to remember the feelings. We stopped for a lunch then headed back to the condo to greet the dogs. They were great in welcoming me back!

Now it's a three month stay to get my required PT in, more biopsy's to track any rejection and adjustment of my immunosuppression regime.

I can't drive for two months so I need people to stay with me when Joanna's back in Telluride to finish the season. We've have family and friends and family filling in.

I can't wait to get back out to the Armory to catch up on the birds coming in on migration. The action will heat up the next few weeks.

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and expressions of love sent Joanna and my way. I can't say enough about it.

Dennis

March 9, 2018

3/9

Wow! I keep wondering how the days can get better because we have had so many good ones, but they DO keep getting better!!

Yesterday Dennis had the 2 remaining tubes removed which gave him so much more freedom. He was a bit sore, but so happy to be free from getting tangled up all the time and walking around with tubes hanging out of his body.

He had several baseline tests done so his progress can be monitored. He was taken off all the medicine that he won't be on once he is out of the hospital. He had a heart biopsy Wed. for 2 different areas for them to test. Both of them came out as "0" on a scale of 0-4, 0 being the best result you can ask for. Another piece of good news!

He had his 2 chest x-rays (he has them daily) and they showed the air that had been building up in his chest has greatly diminished. His bloodwork is still great and his medicine will be adjusted for the rest of his life based on his bloodwork and heart biopsies.

The best news of all is Dennis is getting released today! He will be moving back to the condo in Denver and going to many appointments back at the hospital weekly. It will be great for both of us to have him"home" and lead our new "normal" life.

Thanks again for the support!

Joanna

March 7, 2018

3/7

A very positive day for Dennis. Though he didn't get out of the hospital as planned because he still has a tube in to expel the subcutaneous air in his collar bone area things are going well. The infectious disease person who monitors any infections or things that could possibly make him ill came in. She said things are excellent. He had a somewhat high white blood cell count and that has gone down. She said she hopes she "never has to see him again" which is the best thing that could possibly happen. That means no infections and he is doing well!

He finally got the blood pressure cuff and the oxygen senors off too which gives him more freedom of movement. He is "officially" on floor status, whatever that means....because he has been walking around quite a bit for the past week. He also got all his IV tubes removed and just has a pick line in his arm which will be there for blood draws and administering meds he may need for the next 3 months.

He is currently getting his second post-op heart biopsy to see if there is any rejection. Last time he got a 0 out of four which is the best result you can get. We will find out tomorrow if it is still the same. He will be getting biopsies weekly for the next several months, then monthly for the next year. He also had the last of 3 tubes removed this morning that had been left in post surgery for drainage. He has one more tube to go and he will be a free man!

Dennis had a visit from a fellow instructor Maribeth and her brother David. David is receiving some outpatient treatment at the same hospital Dennis is in so it was so kind of them to stop in and visit. It is always nice when someone comes to visit!

Dennis's road to recovery is going well. It will be nice when he can be at home (Denver for the next 3 months) to recuperate. He will have many doctor appts. and cardiac therapy, but it is all well worth it!

Until tomorrow,

Joanna

March 5, 2018

I am back on line to rescue Dennis from having to write his own update.

Yesterday Dennis had a minor surgery to have a tube inserted to get rid of the air in his chest. They are leaving the tube in there for a day or two to release the pressure and make sure all is well. It is uncomfortable for Dennis so he hasn't moved around much today. Hopefully by the time I get back from Denver tomorrow the tube will be gone.

A pretty uneventful day overall. It is snowing here in Telluride so I hope the roads are good tomorrow morning when I leave. Otherwise it could be another 8+ hour drive.

It will begood to see Dennis again!

March 3, 2018

Okay, I'm on my death bed but I'm doing the update for Joanna, who is on her way back to Telluride to take care of some things.

Yesterday was up and down, not from my recovery but I've developed subcutaneous air in my chest. This is not serious but is uncomfortable. On the high side the results of my first biopsy, they were perfect. They scale rejection from 0 - 4, with 4 being the worst, I scored a 0!

Otherwise things are better than I could have ever imagine, and they're cutting me loose way sooner than I could have imagined.

So all is going well, Joanna will be back for my release.

Thanks to all!+

March 2, 2018

Another epic day!

Dennis hung out in the room this morning. When I got here he got up and he had some visitors.

An medical assistant for the doctors came in today and said they were cutting back on his IV meds even more, hoping to get him off completely soon. The best and most surprising news is that they will probably discharge Dennis from the hospital on Monday! We were so suprised because the normal stay is 3 weeks, but Dennis will be out in less than 2! He will be back here quite a bit for all sorts of appointments many times during the weeks he will be living in Denver, so he may feel like he never really left....

We met with a person from the infectious disease unit and they are still not positive, but erring on the side of caution that there may have possibly been a bacteria in the blood of the donor that could compromise the heart, so he will be treated for that for a few more weeks to be safe. We think that is a great idea!!

Dennis had a visit from out friends Cara & Dick. He really enjoyed the visit (I wasn't there at the time). They are in Denver and have been an appreciated support for Dennis during his stay here. We can't thank them enough.

Dennis had his first post op heart biopsy today. It went well. He was able to watch it (we love that kind of stuff. I was jealous). During that time they removed the intravenous tubes that were in his neck. That makes him much more comfortable! He also got off of IV meds so he doesn't have to lug around his tower of meds any more.

I mentioned earlier that Dennis and I are into medical procedures, some people are not. This morning before I got here the surgeon came in to talk to Dennis and Dennis asked the doctor if he had any pictures from the surgery. After confirming that Dennis REALLY wanted to see one the doctor showed him a picture of his chest without the heart in it. Dennis thought that was pretty cool. Later in the day when the assistant came in she showed us a picture of the amyloid (protein that caused his heart condition) on his heart. There was so much and it was so think she wondered how he functioned as well as he did before his surgery. Such interesting stuff!

That is enough for now. We are going to bask in the happiness!

Until tomorrow.....

Joanna

March 1, 2018

2/28 Evening

I am amazed how things get so much better so fast!

I got to the hospital later than usual today and Dennis had already been waking around the unit and ate breakfast and lunch. The doctor came in and is cutting back in the meds even more which is an incredibly good sign. The PT came in to do a baseline on Dennis to see where he is so when a program is set up for him post hospital they will know where to start. I just laughed because Dennis was walking so fast the nurse had a hard time keeping up with those long legs. He walked past the room a number of times and I felt as if I was watching a tennis match with my head swiveling back and forth!

When he had surgery he had an external pacemaker put in place. That is standard procedure for anyone with a heart transplant. He has been disconnected for the last 3 or 4 days, but still had the wires attached to the heart. He had those removed today and had the bandage over his stitches taken off. He got to see the wound site for the first time. It looks so clean and neat. He only has one tube left in which is draining excess fluid from the heart that will probably stay in for a few more days.

We took a walk after dinner, but this one was at a slower pace. I am going to bring his Fitbit to him tomorrow so he can start tracking how much he actually walks. It is a good motivator!

We are so happy with his progress. At shift change the nurses told us they have to remember when he got his transplant because he is progressing so well! I love it!!

Joanna

February 28, 2018

2/28 morning

The days keep getting better and better. The goals for Dennis yesterday were to walk more, start taking all his pills orally (except for 2 that need to be IV at this time), eat solid foods and one I don't need to put in writing.

He achieved all those goals and is considered a mobile patient because he can get around on his own though he has to still drag around his "tower of medicine and vitals". It is a significant leap for him to get out of the hospital.

He has some friends from Estes Park, Joanie and Dan visit last night and he was very happy for the company. Anyone who wants to visit can do so. Just call him on his cell first (yes he can take phone calls).

He has begun meeting some of the people who he will have to see regularly for 3 months after his discharge. The main one so far is the Cardiac Rehab folks who will be pushing him to move as much as possible so he can regain his strength and fitness.

Thursday he will get his first heart biopsy to see if his body is accepting his heart. Doing this will also help the doctors adjust his immunosuppressant medicines.He will get a number of these over the next 3 months and then periodically throughout the year as well as once a year for the rest of his life due to the condition that caused him to need a transplant in the first place and to check for rejection.

I is good to see Dennis smiling and not in pain. His chest doesn't even hurt from being cut open. AMAZING!!!

Joanna

February 27, 2018

2/26

What a great day! When I got to the hospital Dennis was sitting in a chair and in good spirits. He had been nauseous during the night, but no vomiting so this morning they FINALLY put him on some anti nausea meds. That helped so much.

They got him up to walk and he booked around the ICU unit. I don't think the nurses were used to keeping up with someone that fast!

In the early afternoon he had his first visit from the Physical Therapist to get a baseline on some of the exercises he needs to do and he did quite well. It did tire him out since he had not been feeling well the past several days, had walked earlier and is still not on solid foods.

It wasn't time to rest though.....Dennis was doing so well that they decided to kick him off the unit and send him to the Cardiac Care Unit where he will stay until his discharge. Once he got there and they got him all settled in he needed to rest. I left late afternoon so he could rest and be ready for whatever comes his way tomorrow.

Such positive progress. He still gives the nurses the Dennis humor treatment which is quite entertaining!

We are on the right track and plan on keeping the momentum going!!

Joanna

February 26, 2018

2/25

Greetings!!

Today was a day for tough times and good news!

The tough time is Dennis is still having problems with vomiting and not being able to eat. The doctor thinks it MAY possibly related to the protein that his liver had been sending to the heart. When they operated some of the protein may have gone to the intestines and is causing some issues.

By mid day Dennis was finally able to relax his body and get some sleep. I hope that continues through the night. He needs to take one important medication orally and he has not been able to hold it down for over a day. Maybe tonight.

The good news is his heart is responding very well to everything. All his numbers are good and they took 2 more tubes out of him today and unhooked a bunch of wires. Dennis looked like the bionic man with all the stuff attached and in is body! They have also cut back on much of his medications (some he will have to stay on for life) which is a fantastic sign of progress!

I could also tell he was starting to feel better because he was starting to be his 'ol sassy self. He was busting on his nurse, but she was great and was giving it right back to him. Good stuff on this end!

Hoping to stay on an upswing and get him out of the CTICU soon. We don't want to rush things because we don't want any relapses, but progress is so good:)

Stay well everyone.

Joanna

February 25, 2018

2/24/18

Today was a tough day for Dennis, After such a good day yesterday this one was a tough one for him to go through. He was nauseous and vomiting most of the morning and off and on in the afternoon. We were told that the last place the anesthesia leaves the body is the intestines. Because of this he was very backed up and had stomach pains. His stomach was full of bile so he had to have a tube put back in to drain the bile from his stomach. The tube really bothered him, but he handled it like a trooper and over a liter if bile was excreted from his stomach which helped ease some of the pain. He was also assisted with the blockage of his bowels and by early evening began to feel a bit better.

On a good note one of his 3 drainage tubes coming out of his chest was removed today because it no longer had anything to drain. Quite an interesting procedure!

By 8:00 pm Dennis was able to hold down water and take some Tylenol for pain and the whopping headache he had. By 8:30 his body was able to relax so he could sleep. When I left him he was much better and it looked like his tired body could get some much needed sleep.

Hope tomorrow he is on an upswing. We will have days of ups and downs. We expect that and know to roll with it.

Our friend Sarah who came up here with me has been a godsend. She is taking care of our dogs, doing grocery shopping, keeping things organized here and most of all being my sounding board, support and comforting friend. I don't know what I would do without her here. She is amazing!!

Thank you for all the kinds words and support.

Till tomorrow.....

Joanna

February 24, 2018

What a day! Dennis had his breathing tube taken out this morning, got out of bed and had a liquid lunch sitting in a chair and can have regular food starting tonight! He chatted with me all day and did not take any naps. Incredible! I knew he would do well, but I didn't think it would be this good this quick. I will take it! All the doctors that came in today said Dennis is doing excellent and progressing extremely well.

We are both so happy about his progress and how he feels. They are cutting back on some of his meds already, but it sounds like he will be on quite the cocktail of meds for the rest of his life. It will be totally worth it so he can live a normal, active and healthy life!

We are so appreciative of all the messages, calls & emails of love and support that we are getting from everyone. It really help boost our already high spirits because we know this will be a long road. We also are glad that you are coming to this site for updates so we can streamline our communication to all of you.

We will both relax tonight and fill you in on more progress tomorrow.

February 23, 2018

Dennis got "the call" on Wednesday night that a heart was available for him. My friend Sarah and I drove through heavy snow except for the last 20 miles. The snow is good for the state, but not for a full nights drive!

Dennis went into the operating room about 6 am and was out at 2:30 pm. Unfortunately I did not get there to see Dennis, but through his nurses and friends I received messages from him. Such a comfort!

Dennis had a great team to operate on him and now for follow up care. I don't know how he can sleep (not counting all the sedatives and other drugs he is getting) because the doctors and nurses are constantly doing things in his room and tending to him I am so comfortable with his care.

Thank you for all the kind words we have gotten from SO many people! We are so touched and humbled by the support and love we are receiving. It helps us get through now and the healing times ahead.

February 20, 2018

cold and snowy here in Denver. Since I'm not able to ski, I would prefer to stay with the warmer weather. Oh well, I'll just stay in and finish correspondence and some other paper work that needs doing.

Still waiting for THE call.

February 19, 2018

snowing here in denver today, and Telluride looks like they'll end up with 12" or more of snow. We are having winter in fits and starts. It was 65 here yesterday.

Joanna is coming into town for a most welcome visit this friday the 23rd. Can't wait to see her.

February 17, 2018

after a couple days of cold and snowy weather, it's back to warm and sunny. I believe there is no such thing as too much snow here in the mountains, but being that I'm missing the ski season, I'll take the warm sun.

Deb and Karl, (brother happy) are visiting this weekend with their dogs. we are all having a great time. Karl and I did breakfast at the original Sam's #3 diner. There is nothing like a good diner breakfast!!

February 14, 2018

A nice warm 65 on this Valentine's Day. Someone told me it was also organ donor day. Let's hope that means something!

Thanks for the warm thoughts Bebo and Dennis. Since I'm pretty much sitting around, perhaps we could meet for lunch next week, Joanna may be out to visit around the 23rd. Ron and Patsy, thanks for your thoughts, I do tell that story off and on. Funny how we never seem to learn our lessons!

Spent the day at the arsenal watching a ton of eagles soaring around. I just love watching the harriers cruising over the fields searching for lunch. Over at the reservoir there were 3 curious prong horns, I thought were going to walk over and say hello to me and the dogs.

February 12, 2018

Gray cold day today. Staying in watching Olympics and writing letters. Also working on closing the business books as I finalize the sale of my portion.

February 11, 2018

Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I bet you all thought I was called to surgery, fraid not. Still waiting and still tops on the list. Good things come to those who wait.

It's been beautiful here, warm and sunny. Snow yesterday, about 5 inches and now this morning bright and sunny.

I'll get off my rear and shake off the funk of waiting and post more. I need too!

February 2, 2018

I had some guest's in for a couple of days. MB, a fellow instructor from Telluride was staying here with her brother. Unfortunately not for a good reason. He's been diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer and was at the UC hospital being evaluated for treatment.

I hope all goes well with him, looks like we'll be brother's in arm's this winter.

At the arsenal today, it looked like it was going to be a quiet visit. Nothing out and about at the water. Farther into the area the hawks and eagles were active, Then I came upon two bucks having a bit of a row. Must be spring.

January 31, 2018

Overcast day today so I stayed in most of day. Did take the dogs out to Aurora Reservoir. Usual group of suspects as far as waterfowl goes. No hawks at all??

tomorrow I'll take Mary Pat out to the arsenal and then have a restorative yoga session with her. Also in town is a good friend from Telluride. She's unfortunately here with her brother visiting the UC cancer treatment facility. Here's to the best of outcomes to her brother! Prayer and much Love.

January 29, 2018

Joanna is back in Telluride, so the dogs and I are on our own. Yesterday we went out and explored another area to watch birds. The Aurora reservoir is mostly free of ice now and the geese and ducks are "flocking " to the water. 1st hawk we saw was a prairie falcon hunting over a field. Then watch three bufflehead ducks trying to impress a lone female, aahh spring is in the air. We're off today to the arsenal to have a look around, I hear there are some summer birds trickling in.

January 27, 2018

I haven't updated this in a couple of days, Joanna was in town for a quick visit. It was her first since I moved to Denver. She also brought the dogs with her, so it was a great family get together.

I took her to all my favorite spots (took all of one day). Did get some real close looks at bald eagles sitting on power poles. We then met an old friend in Boulder and after a great lunch at "the Sink" we visited NCAR.

This is the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The facility has an incredible museum education area showing weather phenomenon and research results in climate change. Very eye opening and educational at the same time. I only wish it was fake science!

Sadly I saw Joanna off this morning, but she did leave me with Danny and Zoe for company.

January 24, 2018

Well, I had to clean the place up today. No more bachelor pad mess. Joanna and the dogs arrived this afternoon. It was sooo good to see them! The dogs actually remembered who I was and were very excited.

January 22, 2018

Yikes! I went to bird the sanctuary this morning and lo and behold it was closed! I knew the shutdown would affect the place, just didn't think about it until I pulled up to the closed gate. Oh well, I was bringing a friend out there to show the place off and couldn't. Instead we did a restorative yoga session so Mary Pat could practice her yoga teaching. I was totally restored. I needed something like that as I was feeling a little depressed playing this waiting game. I just have to realize I'm waiting for the best heart for me. Good things sometimes takes a while.

I'll go birding tomorrow, as it looks like there is at least ANOTHER short term spending bill.

January 21, 2018

SNOW, finally! Telluride received another dump last night and it's snowing here in Denver. The mountains really need it. Both for skiing and for this summer.

January 20, 2018

just stopped by the sanctuary for a quick waterfowl visit and was rewarded with a greater whitefronted goose. There was also the immature bald eagle that decided to join the gaggle of geese on the ice. Pretty funny watching it mingle with the geese, much bigger so it stood out!

Had dinner at Dick and Cara's last nite in Denver. Good friends from the old days in Telluride. Great dinner and of course good conversations.

January 19, 2018

Very nice visit to the sanctuary today. Waterfowl is sparse due to freeze over of the ponds. Hawks though were out in force. Northern Harrier feeding on a small mouse, ferruginous hawk preening itself, sharpshinned hunting. Quite the day, warm and sunny.

January 18, 2018

My sister's visit came to and end yesterday when I dropped her off at the airport. Great visit, thanks Cindy.

Last nite visited with Mary Pat and David who now live here in Denver. Both were instructors at Telluride, Mary Pat still comes back to us during the busy times.

Had a great lasagna dinner and got in some dog love as well.

January 17, 2018

After the little bit of snow we received it's been cloudless and warm. Supposed to get up to 60 today and maybe 65 tomorrow. That should open up some water for the ducks and geese. It's been pretty quiet at the sanctuary the last couple of days.

My sister and I visited the Denver Nature and Science museum Monday since it was snowy and cold. The museum is not large but well done, especially with it's display's of the mining geology and dinosaurs. Both are important here in Colorado. Well worth the visit.

January 15, 2018

Finally getting some snow here in Denver. Picked up my sister yesterday, she's here for a short but nice visit. She has never seen a Bald Eagle in the wild so I took her over to the arsenal for a look. We saw the immature eagle soaring around the sanctuary, then a full grown adult when we were leaving the area.

We've got to go back to take a picture of bison poop for her 5 year old granddaughter Mia, kids and their interests.

Heading to the natural history museum later today, I've been wanting to check that out.

Thanks for the thoughts, Bebo and Dennis, and yes I can't wait to see you guys when back. Hopefully you'll have to visit me at The UC hospital!

January 14, 2018

Morning broke bright and sunny today. A great day as my sister Cindy is coming in for a visit from S. California.

It should be a great visit, maybe get up to Pawnee National Grasslands while she's here.

January 14, 2018

Wow, I was feeling rather down yesterday as I was pretty fatigued from not sleeping well. But thanks to everyone's outpouring of prayers and encouragement I was lifted out of that!

Thanks so much for all the response's from our truly large family of friends. Joanna and I have been confident about this adventure we're embarking on and the love and encouragement only help us even more.

Thanks everyone!

January 12, 2018

Went birding with a old friend from Estes Park, in Rocky Mtn Arsenal. This is becoming my go to spot here in Denver, always something different. It was a day for hawks and eagles. Ferruginous hawks, red tails (of course) Rough Legged, Harrier, Bald eagles including the immature that loves to sit in trees by the road.

Did a nice after birding dinner at Ted's in towndown Denver, great buffalo meat loaf!

Wax is a good idea Luigi, I'll start adding some to my morning tea, yumm.

January 11, 2018

Well, it continues to be warm and sunny here in Denver, we did get a little moisture last night, sun back out today.

The time I spend in Rocky Mtn Arsenal seems to produce a new sighting each time. There is one open water area that yields quite a variety of waterfowl. The common western ones and some uncommon one's. Yesterday there was a Hooded Merganser male there, very impressive. Northern shoverlers, canvasbacks, lesser scaup, GW Teal, Goldeneyes, and of course canada and cackling geese. Always interesting on the prairie.

January 10, 2018

So I've been in Denver now for about a week and a half, Joanna is of course remaining in Telluride to continue to teach. That's most likely a good thing for us, as she doesn't have to keep me entertained which will certainly save our marriage or at least our sanity.

Since I don't know but one or two people in this area I've been on my own to fill in the time while waiting (even I can't spend that much time in Cabela's). Waiting is certainly the name of the game at this point, as it's anybody's guess on when a heart will come available for me. So I am making sure my cell phone is always charged and I actually keep it with me all the time. Those who know me, know that I tend to forget my cell phone at home or don't recharge it every day.

One on the things I have wanted to get back into is my birding. I really used to be a serious birder (gear and lingo included, again, those who know me, know I like lingo!) and have traveled all over North America looking for that next new listing on my life list. I've discovered that there's a large National Wildlife Sanctuary within 20 minutes of me. It's the Rocky Mountain Arsenal site, decommissioned from munitions and rehabilitated back to the short grass prairie it was before we settled this area. I visit that site once or twice a week to check up on what feathered friend has dropped in. Hence I'll keep you informed as well.

January 9, 2018

To all who visit this site,

Thanks for taking the time to look in on me and me progress (or lack there of) of this adventure I've embarked on. The love and support I've gotten since letting people in on my journey has been incredible. I just can't get over the kindness and caring of the people I've met and interacted with over he years. I hope to be able to thank each and every one of you for that kindness, and will strive to carry on the goodwill you've shown me to others in need of a caring hand.

I hope to use this site as a way to update all of you on what is going on during this process. While I've never been much of a writer and never a journal keeper, I will attempt to keep this site updated with my thoughts and progress as the days and weeks go by. We all need to change some parts of our personal behavior, so this will be one of mine, and I promise not to get bogged down in mundane details as I don't particularly like to read that stuff myself.

So, again, thanks so much for even reading these paragraphs, and God bless you for your support and caring.

December 28, 2017

DENNIS NEEDS PRAYERS AND SUPPORT

Dennis has led an adventurous life and is currently facing his biggest one yet. Having dealt with atrial fibrillation issues for the past 10 years, he has now been diagnosed with a rare form of Amyloidosis causing congestive heart failure. Unfortunately the only cure is a heart transplant, since there’s no artificial means to keep him alive with his condition.

Dennis had worked as a process engineer and manager in the paper industry for 18 years. Then, for the last 20 years, as a ski instructor at Telluride Ski Resort in the winter, and in the summer a backcountry guide and small business owner in Durango CO. He’s anxious to get back to being able to ski, teach and show the people the beauty of the backcountry.

The expenses associated with the transplant include living in Denver for 4+ months waiting for and recovering from surgery. There are also the copays, pricey drugs and continued monitoring by the transplant staff required for the rest of his life. This is a daunting undertaking for the Huis’s to handle on their own.