On August 6, 2009, less than six months since Dr. Lamelas replaced my defective Aortic Valve, my cardiologist, Dr. Lopez, informed me that my heart is no longer enlarged, that it shrunk to a normal size. Dr. Lopez also stopped all the meds I've been taking since the operation except one baby aspirin a day.

Dr. Lopez, who's been my cardiologist since 1977, should feel very proud of how he's managed my health since then. The result of his wise decisions over the years, including the precise time to have my valve replaced, could not have been better. I feel truly lucky to have him as my doctor.