Libby asked me to write something for her blog about my recent health scare. Usually, I try not to talk about my health, but in this case I thought it necessary because I am so grateful, and I’ll do most anything for my sister, Libby.
November 25th stunned us all. After the Alabama/Auburn rivalry game, I fell asleep not feeling my best. I was awakened by choking sub-sternal chest pain and then extreme nausea. Paul drove us to the ER and within an hour I was in the cardiac catherization lab. Thankfully, all arteries were open except the left circumflex artery on the back side of my heart. The 100% blockage was the cause of my pain. The artery was too narrow for stent placement. I was sent home the next day. We all thought I would be “back to normal” and life would continue undisturbed. Two weeks later we were shocked to get the follow-up echocardiogram results. With a tentative diagnosis of Broken Heart Syndrome, we all stopped and I cried for the first time.
Well, of course my heart is broken for the suffering I have seen over the last year as we all have watched Libby deal with her rare T-cell lymphoma. But, Libby ultimately has done well, even thrived during this toughest of battles. Yes! She has shown us the definition of Warrior. Her battle cry,
“For the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2Timothy 1:7
Libby’s grit and determination is sure and steady-courageous and Fierce! She knows to whom she belongs and to God be all glory.
After our new news, Paul, my amazing, steadfast husband contacted cousin Ray Stainback, MD. Plans were made and we flew to Houston for a cardiac re-evaluation. Dr Sheila Heinle has suspended the broken heart diagnosis and we continue to seek answers. The heart wall damage in the area of my heart attack could perhaps also be related to long-term side effects from my radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1983) and/or chemotherapy for breast cancer (2000). Regardless of the cause, I am hopeful. I am filled with God’s peace knowing I am cared for, blessed beyond measure, and loved. God is a good good God! I’m Alive!
We, as a family, see trials as a time to scoot ever closer to those we love and those who love us back…. Friends, family, pets and church. I am so grateful for this love and fellowship and praise be to God!
Libby’s Life Notes 
Lisa, you give me hope and inspiration. Thank you for sharing this post and thanks especially that you shared with me yesterday that you painted your nails black because the name of the polish was “Never give up”. You make me smile and laugh and think about all good things! Silly is good. We are blessed!
LikeLike
Lisa, YOU are every bit as amazing as your sisters are. you take care of yourself and know that God will take care of you all…LOVE you more than I can tell you. Jan
LikeLike
Lisa I am so sorry that I have not reached out to you and sent prayers directly to you, but somehow I was misinformed and thought it was Libby that had the heart attack. After hearing from Libby and learning of the blog I just realized what happened. Of course your whole family has been in my thoughts and on my prayer list since all this started up with Libby!!! God bless you both and praying that you continue with your strength and faith for complete healing.I will be following along and would love to hear from you! Love ya”ll, Stephanie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa and Libby,
Thank you for sharing your hearts with us. Your messages, like you, are inspiring, hopeful and encouraging. Sending my love and prayers constantly!
LikeLike
Lisa,
Thanks for sharing. You, Libby, and family remain in our thoughts and prayers. We’re sending positive and encouraging thoughts!
Love and hugs to you and your family,
Jackie and family
LikeLike
Sending all of this right back to you!
LikeLike
LIBBY, I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU AND LISA EVERY SINCE YOUR MOTHER TOLD ME ABOUT ALL THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH. THE SIMS FAMILY HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE. I THANK GOD FOR YOUR DOING SO WELL AND FOR HIS COMPLETE HEALING. I HAVE NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING YOU BUT FEEL LIKE I KNOW ALL OF YOU GIRLS AS MY DAUGHTER, EUELANNE LIVINGSTON, HAS SPOKE OF AS SHE WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH YOU GIRLS. YOUR PARENTS HAVE BEEN A REAL BLESSING IN MY LIFE.AS WELL AS EACH OF YOU GIRLS. YOU HAVE OPENED MY EYES TO SEE WHAT A STRONG FAITH IN GOD CAN GET YOU THROUGH THE STORMS THAT COME OUR WAY AND THAT WE CAN FACE THEM WITH GODS PERFECT PEACE. KNOW THAT I AM WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU , AND YOUR FAMILY.
LikeLike