Hi, everyone --
Sorry! I got the date wrong! Greg’s move is Thursday, July 2 (not Tuesday, June 30, as I reported last time).
Jeff will arrive with the van around 11:00 a.m. We’d be grateful if volunteer helpers would let us know in advance by sending me an e-mail message: patrickqueen@earthlink.net
Thanks!
--Patrick
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hi, everyone!
Not so much an update as a call for help:
Greg still hasn’t found a home outside the hospital to await his new heart. He and his mother are chasing a few leads (thanks to those of you who so graciously passed along suggestions and possibilities), but they have yet to find something affordable (or free!) near Westchester Medical Center.
(I keep thinking there must be someone with a big, empty house who would be only too delighted to have Greg as a guest for a few months. Problem is, how do we find them? And once they get to know him, how do we get them to let him go?)
In the meantime, other pressing concerns:
We have to get Greg’s belongings moved out of his East 64th Street apartment. His brother, Jeff is coming from Michigan with a van at the end of the month, and the move is currently slated for Tuesday, June 30.
CAN YOU HELP US MOVE GREG’S STUFF OUT OF HIS APARTMENT ON JUNE 30TH?
With enough of us together, the task won’t be too hard: it’s mostly clothing and small boxes. With a chain gang of friends passing things down the steps, it shouldn’t take long at all.
If you can possibly be there that day, please let me know. You can send e-mail to me at the address above -- or call me at 646-464-5658.
Thanks, everyone. Call me if you have questions!
--Patrick
Not so much an update as a call for help:
Greg still hasn’t found a home outside the hospital to await his new heart. He and his mother are chasing a few leads (thanks to those of you who so graciously passed along suggestions and possibilities), but they have yet to find something affordable (or free!) near Westchester Medical Center.
(I keep thinking there must be someone with a big, empty house who would be only too delighted to have Greg as a guest for a few months. Problem is, how do we find them? And once they get to know him, how do we get them to let him go?)
In the meantime, other pressing concerns:
We have to get Greg’s belongings moved out of his East 64th Street apartment. His brother, Jeff is coming from Michigan with a van at the end of the month, and the move is currently slated for Tuesday, June 30.
CAN YOU HELP US MOVE GREG’S STUFF OUT OF HIS APARTMENT ON JUNE 30TH?
With enough of us together, the task won’t be too hard: it’s mostly clothing and small boxes. With a chain gang of friends passing things down the steps, it shouldn’t take long at all.
If you can possibly be there that day, please let me know. You can send e-mail to me at the address above -- or call me at 646-464-5658.
Thanks, everyone. Call me if you have questions!
--Patrick
Friday, June 19, 2009
Here’s the latest update from Greg’s sister, Lori:
Greg has been moved up on the transplant list to #2 for the region and #1 in his hospital. He has been buoyed by his increased mobility, his visitors, and the well-wishes he's been receiving.
He loves all the books people have been bringing, but the doctors have asked that friends hold off from delivering any more for the time being since there is very limited storage in his room.
You probably never would have imagined Greg sporting an LL Bean fishing vest, but he is the picture of outdoor manliness. Rather than Hot ' Tots and Dipsy Divers, his pockets hold his spare batteries for the LVAD which are about the size of video tapes.
He is known at the cab stand in Hawthorne as "Da Transplant Guy." One cabdriver said, "Dat guy's got a lotta friends!"
We looked into having him come to Michigan to await his heart and fly back on an "Angel Flight" arranged through WMU School of Aviation, but his doctor feels it is too far. So....my mom continues to look for suitable housing in the area and is having no luck. If anyone has any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.
Greg has been moved up on the transplant list to #2 for the region and #1 in his hospital. He has been buoyed by his increased mobility, his visitors, and the well-wishes he's been receiving.
He loves all the books people have been bringing, but the doctors have asked that friends hold off from delivering any more for the time being since there is very limited storage in his room.
You probably never would have imagined Greg sporting an LL Bean fishing vest, but he is the picture of outdoor manliness. Rather than Hot ' Tots and Dipsy Divers, his pockets hold his spare batteries for the LVAD which are about the size of video tapes.
He is known at the cab stand in Hawthorne as "Da Transplant Guy." One cabdriver said, "Dat guy's got a lotta friends!"
We looked into having him come to Michigan to await his heart and fly back on an "Angel Flight" arranged through WMU School of Aviation, but his doctor feels it is too far. So....my mom continues to look for suitable housing in the area and is having no luck. If anyone has any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, June 15, 2009
From Patrick Queen
Greg’s sister, Lori, has been visiting from Kalamazoo. Here is her latest update on Greg:
On Saturday, Greg finally got to go outside for the first time in more than a month, and it gave him a whole new lease on life. He’s walking around, trying to get used to the batteries that power his LVAD, and informing the nurses that there are to be no procedures when “Judge Judy” is on.
While I was pushing him around in the wheelchair, he would quote “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and shriek “Stop hurting me!” in an elevator full of people.
Dear friend Peter Mintun commandeered the Westchester Medical Center lobby piano to perform a rousing medley of tunes like “Zing Went the Strings of My Battery-Operated Heart.”
Never has Greg looked more butch than in his Eddie Bauer fishing vest filled with batteries, hot ’n’ tots, dipsy-divers, and night crawlers. His surgeons are confident that once he is comfortable with his new apparatus he can leave the hospital to await his new heart.
Affectionately,
Lori
On Saturday, Greg finally got to go outside for the first time in more than a month, and it gave him a whole new lease on life. He’s walking around, trying to get used to the batteries that power his LVAD, and informing the nurses that there are to be no procedures when “Judge Judy” is on.
While I was pushing him around in the wheelchair, he would quote “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and shriek “Stop hurting me!” in an elevator full of people.
Dear friend Peter Mintun commandeered the Westchester Medical Center lobby piano to perform a rousing medley of tunes like “Zing Went the Strings of My Battery-Operated Heart.”
Never has Greg looked more butch than in his Eddie Bauer fishing vest filled with batteries, hot ’n’ tots, dipsy-divers, and night crawlers. His surgeons are confident that once he is comfortable with his new apparatus he can leave the hospital to await his new heart.
Affectionately,
Lori
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday Night Update
Hi, folks:
The latest missive from Lori:
"Today Greg got a combination pacemaker/defibrillator; the very same model that Dick Cheney has! Greg's response was, 'My heart is flawed enough.'
My mom said he beamed over his cards today. Keep 'em coming!"
The latest missive from Lori:
"Today Greg got a combination pacemaker/defibrillator; the very same model that Dick Cheney has! Greg's response was, 'My heart is flawed enough.'
My mom said he beamed over his cards today. Keep 'em coming!"
from 5/31
Another update from Lori:
“Today Greg devoured a plate of ziti and was able to drink out of a glass for the first time in over 2 weeks. He had 2 more tubes removed and was tormenting his nurse and asking her if she was really Helen Hunt. He slept really well last night.
“They are hoping to move him out of ICU in the next couple of days! My mom is staying till the 10th. I'll arrive the 12th. Once he is out of ICU he can have visitors.”
“Today Greg devoured a plate of ziti and was able to drink out of a glass for the first time in over 2 weeks. He had 2 more tubes removed and was tormenting his nurse and asking her if she was really Helen Hunt. He slept really well last night.
“They are hoping to move him out of ICU in the next couple of days! My mom is staying till the 10th. I'll arrive the 12th. Once he is out of ICU he can have visitors.”
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday Evening Update
Hi, everyone:
Just heard from Lori:
“They took the chest tube out today. So respirator gone and chest tube gone. He sat up for five hours today. He has moments of lucidity, and my mom said a flood of cards would be GREAT right now because he’s with it enough to appreciate them.
“They hope to have him out of ICU next week, which would mean visitors. My mom will give the green light when that happens, but in the meantime, CARDS PLEASE!”
Here’s the address again:
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Heart Center: CT03A
Westchester Medical Center
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Just heard from Lori:
“They took the chest tube out today. So respirator gone and chest tube gone. He sat up for five hours today. He has moments of lucidity, and my mom said a flood of cards would be GREAT right now because he’s with it enough to appreciate them.
“They hope to have him out of ICU next week, which would mean visitors. My mom will give the green light when that happens, but in the meantime, CARDS PLEASE!”
Here’s the address again:
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Heart Center: CT03A
Westchester Medical Center
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Great News
Hi, everyone:
Greg’s mother is back at the hospital. She phoned Lori with an update, and Lori just passed it along to me:
They have taken Greg off the respirator (!!!!!) and he now has an oxygen mask. He is aware that his mother is there and acknowledges her, but he can't speak because his throat is affected by the tubes that were removed. He's still sedated, just not as much. He may even get to have a little food and water tomorrow.
Though not up to visitors, he can receive mail. Here’s his address:
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Heart Center: CT03A
Westchester Medical Center
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Stay tuned! With any luck I’ll soon be passing along a message from the man himself.
Cheers,
--Patrick
Greg’s mother is back at the hospital. She phoned Lori with an update, and Lori just passed it along to me:
They have taken Greg off the respirator (!!!!!) and he now has an oxygen mask. He is aware that his mother is there and acknowledges her, but he can't speak because his throat is affected by the tubes that were removed. He's still sedated, just not as much. He may even get to have a little food and water tomorrow.
Though not up to visitors, he can receive mail. Here’s his address:
Mr. Gregory Moore
The Heart Center: CT03A
Westchester Medical Center
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Stay tuned! With any luck I’ll soon be passing along a message from the man himself.
Cheers,
--Patrick
Wednesday Morning Update
Hi, everyone --
The update this morning from Gregory's mother was brief but beautiful:
"Talked to Greg's nurse, and he is doing much better."
Cheers,
--Patrick
The update this morning from Gregory's mother was brief but beautiful:
"Talked to Greg's nurse, and he is doing much better."
Cheers,
--Patrick
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Helping the Moores
Hi, everyone:
Diane Camilleri, Gregory’s cousin, has suggested a way to help the Moores defray some of their travel costs. Northwest Airlines is running a promotion: If you transfer 5,000 miles into Mrs. Moore’s Northwest account by May 31, she’ll receive 10,000 miles (although the transfer incurs a fee of $75). Also, any points from Marriott and/or LaQuinta programs would be helpful.
If you have any questions — or would like assistance with a transfer — Diane can be reached at dicam112955@yahoo.com.
--Patrick
Diane Camilleri, Gregory’s cousin, has suggested a way to help the Moores defray some of their travel costs. Northwest Airlines is running a promotion: If you transfer 5,000 miles into Mrs. Moore’s Northwest account by May 31, she’ll receive 10,000 miles (although the transfer incurs a fee of $75). Also, any points from Marriott and/or LaQuinta programs would be helpful.
If you have any questions — or would like assistance with a transfer — Diane can be reached at dicam112955@yahoo.com.
--Patrick
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.
This just in from Greg's mother:
Talked to his nurse at 6 P.M. Greg is less sedated. The nurse said they think "HE HAS TURNED THE CORNER!"
Talked to his nurse at 6 P.M. Greg is less sedated. The nurse said they think "HE HAS TURNED THE CORNER!"
Joan Moore's update from Monday, May 25:
"Spoke with Gregory's nurse at 8:30 A.M. Gregory had a good night. They are trying to see if he can breathe on his own for short periods. If all goes well, the surgeon "might" remove the tube in his throat in a few days."
Jeff Moore's update from Sunday, May 24
“Greg had an episode last night that required defibrilation. Since that time he is doing okay. The LVAD has replaced the tandem heart device that was attached to his leg. The tandem heart can be used only only for a short duration as opposed to the LVAD, which may remain in place indefinitely. The transplant coordinator mentioned that Greg has received a new generation of LVAD, which is more compact than the previous generation. So currently he has the LVAD, a temporary pacemaker, and is on a respirator. He apparently had a problem with one of the anti-arrhythmia drugs, which has now been discontinued. Hopefully the coming week will bring continued improvement.”
Greg is still unable to receive visitors, but we will let you know when that changes. Also, in an effort to cut down on the number of calls to the hospital, Greg’s mother has been named the designated contact. She and Jeff will continue to provide daily updates, which I will pass along in these e-mail messages and here on the blog.
"Spoke with Gregory's nurse at 8:30 A.M. Gregory had a good night. They are trying to see if he can breathe on his own for short periods. If all goes well, the surgeon "might" remove the tube in his throat in a few days."
Jeff Moore's update from Sunday, May 24
“Greg had an episode last night that required defibrilation. Since that time he is doing okay. The LVAD has replaced the tandem heart device that was attached to his leg. The tandem heart can be used only only for a short duration as opposed to the LVAD, which may remain in place indefinitely. The transplant coordinator mentioned that Greg has received a new generation of LVAD, which is more compact than the previous generation. So currently he has the LVAD, a temporary pacemaker, and is on a respirator. He apparently had a problem with one of the anti-arrhythmia drugs, which has now been discontinued. Hopefully the coming week will bring continued improvement.”
Greg is still unable to receive visitors, but we will let you know when that changes. Also, in an effort to cut down on the number of calls to the hospital, Greg’s mother has been named the designated contact. She and Jeff will continue to provide daily updates, which I will pass along in these e-mail messages and here on the blog.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday Morning Update: Good News
A message from Greg's brother, Jeff:
We went early to see Greg today, and both Mom and I noticed right away that he clearly looked better today. While still sedated, he seems to be resting comfortably and has good color (especially the hair!). The nurse said that he has not had any cardiac events in the past 36 hours, which is a very good sign. I would expect that he will remain sedated through the holiday weekend and into next week. At some point I should think that the doctors will again try to lighten the sedation depending on his status. Anyhow, Greg looks the best I have yet seen since being admitted to the hospital, so the prayers must be working. Please pass along our gratitude to all for the prayers and support.
Best Regards
Jeff
We went early to see Greg today, and both Mom and I noticed right away that he clearly looked better today. While still sedated, he seems to be resting comfortably and has good color (especially the hair!). The nurse said that he has not had any cardiac events in the past 36 hours, which is a very good sign. I would expect that he will remain sedated through the holiday weekend and into next week. At some point I should think that the doctors will again try to lighten the sedation depending on his status. Anyhow, Greg looks the best I have yet seen since being admitted to the hospital, so the prayers must be working. Please pass along our gratitude to all for the prayers and support.
Best Regards
Jeff
Friday, May 22, 2009
Hi, everyone --
Lori just called with another update, and this time it’s not so positive:
The LVAD the physicians inserted on Wednesday is not working as well as we had hoped: the heart still goes into arrhythmia when the physicians attempt to wean him from the larger machine helping to circulate his blood.
As a result, the plan to eventually release Greg from the hospital on the LVAD to await the new heart has been put aside. Instead, his name has been moved up on the national heart transplant registry: he is now among those who need a transplant most urgently, and he needs a new heart before he can leave the hospital.
As Lori said, this could conceivably be a good thing: with the new classification, it’s possible he could receive a heart more quickly, and we’ll be able to skip the long intermediate LVAD phase. Now we’ll just have to wait -- faster.
I will keep you posted.
Patrick Queen
646-464-5658
Lori just called with another update, and this time it’s not so positive:
The LVAD the physicians inserted on Wednesday is not working as well as we had hoped: the heart still goes into arrhythmia when the physicians attempt to wean him from the larger machine helping to circulate his blood.
As a result, the plan to eventually release Greg from the hospital on the LVAD to await the new heart has been put aside. Instead, his name has been moved up on the national heart transplant registry: he is now among those who need a transplant most urgently, and he needs a new heart before he can leave the hospital.
As Lori said, this could conceivably be a good thing: with the new classification, it’s possible he could receive a heart more quickly, and we’ll be able to skip the long intermediate LVAD phase. Now we’ll just have to wait -- faster.
I will keep you posted.
Patrick Queen
646-464-5658
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Great News!
Just got a call from Lori with some great news:
Greg is out of post-op, back in his room, and he is now officially ON THE LIST for a heart transplant.
For those of us who were led to believe in the early stages that such a thing was unlikely, this development is truly something to celebrate.
--Patrick
Greg is out of post-op, back in his room, and he is now officially ON THE LIST for a heart transplant.
For those of us who were led to believe in the early stages that such a thing was unlikely, this development is truly something to celebrate.
--Patrick
Thursday Morning Update
Hi, everyone:
Greg's brother, Jeff, sent a note late last night saying that they expect Greg to be weaned from the respirator Friday/Saturday and then to wake up sometime after that. I don't know yet when Greg can have visitors, but I'll make sure to stay on top of it and let you all know as soon as I do.
--Patrick
Greg's brother, Jeff, sent a note late last night saying that they expect Greg to be weaned from the respirator Friday/Saturday and then to wake up sometime after that. I don't know yet when Greg can have visitors, but I'll make sure to stay on top of it and let you all know as soon as I do.
--Patrick
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
from Patrick
Hi, everyone --
Greg went into surgery this morning at 7:30, and a nurse has reported to his mother that there were no complications. She and Greg’s brother will visit around 3:00 p.m. and get further details, and I’ll pass along anything I hear.
--Patrick
Greg went into surgery this morning at 7:30, and a nurse has reported to his mother that there were no complications. She and Greg’s brother will visit around 3:00 p.m. and get further details, and I’ll pass along anything I hear.
--Patrick
From Patrick Queen
Hi, everyone --
Some good news about Greg.
Early this morning (Wednesday, May 20), physicians at Westchester Medical Center will give Greg an LVAD: a Left Ventricular Assist Device.
From the American Heart Association:
“A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device that's surgically implanted. It helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart that can't effectively work on its own.... This device is sometimes called a ‘bridge to transplant....’ An LVAD can help a weak heart until a transplant becomes available.”
According to Greg’s mother, Joan, his sister, Lori, and his brother, Jeff, who have been with Greg since Friday, doctors will insert the LVAD on Wednesday morning, and in measured intervals afterwards, they will wean him from the ventilator and then slowly allow him to wake up. Which means that our friend Greg may be on his cell phone this weekend laughing about what’s in the New York Post. Here’s to the twenty-first century.
My favorite LVAD story (we all have them) from Wikipedia: “... Since receiving his LVAD, Peter Houghton has completed a 91-mile charity walk, published two books, lectured widely, hiked in the Swiss Alps and the American West, flown in an ultra-light aircraft, and traveled extensively around the world.”
I’ve never heard anyone with an LVAD sing a song, and I’m looking forward to it.
More later.
-- Patrick
Some good news about Greg.
Early this morning (Wednesday, May 20), physicians at Westchester Medical Center will give Greg an LVAD: a Left Ventricular Assist Device.
From the American Heart Association:
“A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device that's surgically implanted. It helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart that can't effectively work on its own.... This device is sometimes called a ‘bridge to transplant....’ An LVAD can help a weak heart until a transplant becomes available.”
According to Greg’s mother, Joan, his sister, Lori, and his brother, Jeff, who have been with Greg since Friday, doctors will insert the LVAD on Wednesday morning, and in measured intervals afterwards, they will wean him from the ventilator and then slowly allow him to wake up. Which means that our friend Greg may be on his cell phone this weekend laughing about what’s in the New York Post. Here’s to the twenty-first century.
My favorite LVAD story (we all have them) from Wikipedia: “... Since receiving his LVAD, Peter Houghton has completed a 91-mile charity walk, published two books, lectured widely, hiked in the Swiss Alps and the American West, flown in an ultra-light aircraft, and traveled extensively around the world.”
I’ve never heard anyone with an LVAD sing a song, and I’m looking forward to it.
More later.
-- Patrick
Hi Greggy
Just letting you know I'm sending you love and good thoughts today as you go into surgery. I just know you'll be back on your feet soon, in spectators and fedora of course. You take care, brother, and can't wait to hear your voice again soon...
xoxo
Jeffy
xoxo
Jeffy
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Quick update from the Fabulous Mister Liston:
Greg is still in critical but stable condition at a hospital in Westchester. He is sedated for now and can't have visitors. He's undergoing tests and observation to determine next steps which may include a pace maker and an artificial heart pump.
Will keep you posted.
on a side note, Chris and I burned and dropped off 3 cd's of Greg's music to the staff at the CC unit at Lenox Hill as a small token of thanks.
B
Greg is still in critical but stable condition at a hospital in Westchester. He is sedated for now and can't have visitors. He's undergoing tests and observation to determine next steps which may include a pace maker and an artificial heart pump.
Will keep you posted.
on a side note, Chris and I burned and dropped off 3 cd's of Greg's music to the staff at the CC unit at Lenox Hill as a small token of thanks.
B
May 19, 2009
Hey Greg!
Nothing has stopped you before, so I expect tomorrow will just be another hurdle for you to jump over.
I just can't imagine you NOT being the topic of discussion around the "Schnyders" campfires at the compound in Schoolcraft! LOL My sisters won't be the same without your laughter and supporting friendship you all have shared for the last 30 plus years!
So you see, you can't get out of this life yet, because there is way too much partying to do, and we can't do it without our "infamous" Gregory Moore to entertain us! I have alot of wonderful memories of my visit to LA when we all spent the day at the beach.
Sleep well tonight Dear Greg, because tomorrow you will have a football field of friends/family cheering you on as you take that first breath with your "new" heart! Eventhough you have never played football, you are about to make the TOUCHDOWN OF YOUR LIFE!
We Love you!! Cindie(Schnyders) Sackett-Dusseljee
Nothing has stopped you before, so I expect tomorrow will just be another hurdle for you to jump over.
I just can't imagine you NOT being the topic of discussion around the "Schnyders" campfires at the compound in Schoolcraft! LOL My sisters won't be the same without your laughter and supporting friendship you all have shared for the last 30 plus years!
So you see, you can't get out of this life yet, because there is way too much partying to do, and we can't do it without our "infamous" Gregory Moore to entertain us! I have alot of wonderful memories of my visit to LA when we all spent the day at the beach.
Sleep well tonight Dear Greg, because tomorrow you will have a football field of friends/family cheering you on as you take that first breath with your "new" heart! Eventhough you have never played football, you are about to make the TOUCHDOWN OF YOUR LIFE!
We Love you!! Cindie(Schnyders) Sackett-Dusseljee
Greg Update 5/19
Hello Friends! Sheri Lynn here. I just spoke with Joan, Greg's mom, and she gave this update: Greg is scheduled to receive an artificial heart tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. He will then be placed on the donor list for a real heart. This is good news. It's the next step in the process. His vital organs are in great shape. Plus he's a strapping, healthy young man (not to mention easy on the eyes)! This bodes well for his moving up on that list. I've no doubt a donor will be found soon. I refuse to think otherwise.
Gregory, you are in so many peoples thoughts. I'm not surprised. You're our George Bailey. And the entire community of Bedford Falls has come to your rescue. And we won't stop until you are out of trouble and back to your old normal, charming, lovable, wonderful self!
Gregory, you are in so many peoples thoughts. I'm not surprised. You're our George Bailey. And the entire community of Bedford Falls has come to your rescue. And we won't stop until you are out of trouble and back to your old normal, charming, lovable, wonderful self!
Monday, May 18, 2009
This is an update blog for friends and family to follow health updates regarding our dear friend Gregory Moore. For those who don't know, Gregory suffered a heart attack and is now facing surgery for a heart transplant. He is currently in a medically-induced coma at Westchester Medical Center in New York, but all his vital signs are stable and his other organs are healthy which makes him a good candidate for a heart transplant. In the meantime, he'll be receiving an artificial heart while he awaits a heart donor.
Please feel free to post your own well wishes and/or additional information you may have about his status, and we'll keep posting information here as soon as we receive it.
When he is well enough, it would be great to have messages from friends and family for him to read during his recovery.
Thanks to everyone for their concern and thoughts!
Please feel free to post your own well wishes and/or additional information you may have about his status, and we'll keep posting information here as soon as we receive it.
When he is well enough, it would be great to have messages from friends and family for him to read during his recovery.
Thanks to everyone for their concern and thoughts!
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