September 15, 2021

I need another surgery. Next week. I’m fine. They are calling it “urgent.” Yes, it is necessary. It‘s kind of a no-brainer. As you know, since my stroke over three years ago, they have been monitoring my carotid arteries. The MRIs show that the right side is still clear. That’s the side that they fixed after the stroke. The LEFT side is ugly. Hence, the fix.

I share this info for the public knowledge database. So many of you will experience stuff like this in your families.

I am otherwise, in very good health. Surviving the surgery is a safe bet. SO, my dear friends, get and stay as healthy as possible. Frankly, at my age, if I wasn’t in such good shape they may have put a stent in place and hoped for the best. This operation is a more thorough fix.

It involves opening up your neck, and slitting open the carotid artery and scraping out a half-century of plaque buildup.

The danger is to my voice. The nerve controlling the voice box runs right along the carotid. If you’re so inclined, a little shout out in prayer would be deeply appreciated. One of the great joys of my life is singing for you.

God willing, I will reach out to you after this adventure with an update.