3 Months to Live - 3 Years Later!

I’m in heart failure, now my wife has cancer!

My name is Harold Jones, Hal as my family and friends call me, I am 71 years old from Pittsburgh, PA but have lived in SC since 2009. My medical issues started after having a routine doctor’s appointment that found an aneurysm in my abdomen and a heart defect. The surgeons had to complete 2 minor surgeries before completing the aneurysm repair then a double bypass on my heart. Before both major surgeries, which were each life threatening, my family had to prepare for the worst. After a grueling few months of back-to-back surgeries and rehabilitation, I was given the all clear, and told I would have at least 10 years before any more heart issues.

In 2018, after suffering another heart attack, I was submitted to the hospital and was given 3 stents. I continued working to provide for myself and my wife, Sharon, even though I could feel my health declining.

In December 2019, right before the beginning of covid, I lost my job due to cutbacks and with my declining health and the high risk of covid I was unable to get another job, especially since my previous company allowed me to work from home given my medical conditions.

The following month, January 2020, I had 2 more heart attacks a week apart, so 2 more hospital visits. At this time, we were told I was in stage 4 heart failure and after numerous tests we were told there wasn’t anything else they could do. I was given 3 months to live! I was then referred to hospice care as they knew my health would start to decline at a faster rate and pain management was all that could be done at this time. My wife would have to become my “At Home Caretaker” due to covid I could not be placed in a hospice facility but would need to have hospice care from our home.

Over the last 3 years, I have suffered another 5 heart attacks and need constant care, which restricts my wife from working. With several years of me being out of work and the medical bills my wife is struggling to financially care for herself, me, and our home. Gentiva Hospice of Greenville has been a great support but with the nurses, social workers, and clergy, understaffing of volunteers due to covid we can’t get all the help we need. Through all of this, I have been trying to help around the house in any way I can but with struggling to breathe and move around, it’s very hard. I am always worried for my wife, Sharon, and don’t want to leave her in a position of hardship after I’m gone. My wife has been through so much over the years but still hangs in there no matter what comes next in my health journey.

But now she is on her own health journey after being diagnosed with cancer! She has had surgery to remove the cancer tumor and radiation will start after she heals. She is still staying strong for our family and me but we need your prayers!

Any support would be greatly appreciated, and it will help to take a bit of the burden and stress off us both to try to enjoy what’s left. I have beaten the odds so far, but every fighter can use a little help now and then! God bless you!