Don,
I've been through the same thing that you're going through. My father had a triple bypass a long time ago (in 1988). I didn't know about it until he went into hospital (it was also the day after he found out, so I wasn't too upset on that count!) It was a very hard day (+ some) to be at work and know that he was "under the knife". The hardest bit was to see him tied up to the machines and breathing via them.
Another mate had a long decline until he discovered a heart defect that required similiar treatment (4x) at the age of 52 (in 1996). He's more than going strong, he's gone into a new career as a security guard (he's also a mad %4$#_&%@) but I'd guess you'd figure that. Mind you, he refuses to carry a gun...reckon he figures that he's already been there!
My old man got over his op and lived well. After a few years, it certainly hadn't slowed him down any. He still managed to grow those tasteless, but huge Zucchinis and small but very tasty tomatoes (the latter on a vine that grew throughout the house). The big difference was his change in diet and attitude (except for gardening - he always liked that). Once he'd recovered from the op., he regained a sense of humour and a life - a damn good thing. It was great to see. Eventually, the big "C" got him in the end.
Hope your dad gets as much from it (apart from the last bit)!
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