After wrapping up my chat with the radiant Ariana Grande at this year’s Oscars, a member of her entourage casually inquired, “Are you planning on escaping for a bit, perhaps a short getaway?
I nodded my head and smiled.
After the “whole ordeal” of the award season, I typically unwind by taking some well-deserved rest and leisure following what feels like an unending sequence of red carpet appearances, For Your Consideration (FYC) discussions, and social gatherings.
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The “entire affair” was award season. In earlier times, after the Oscars, I’d usually unwind by taking some well-deserved rest and leisure following a seemingly endless series of red carpet events, For Your Consideration panels, and social engagements.
I did take time off again this year. But it wasn’t a vacation.
On March 19, I underwent open-heart surgery.
Three years ago marked the tragic start of our story, as my brother Kevin, my sole sibling, succumbed to a heart attack at 54. He suffered it while shoveling snow for a neighbor and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Regrettably, he didn’t regain consciousness. Due to the pandemic circumstances at that time, we bid our final farewells to Kevin through a video call before the hospital discontinued life support.
Prior to that point, I had been frequently visiting Dr. Erika Jones at Cedars-Sinai for managing my high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, typical concerns for someone in middle age. Following the demise of my brother, I reached out to her, prompting her to arrange a comprehensive examination of my heart. This evaluation encompassed genetic testing as well as numerous imaging procedures.
The test results showed that there’s no genetic anomaly or mutation present in my DNA, which is excellent news!
The bad news? Doctors discovered I had an aortic root aneurysm.
An aneurysm can make the wall of the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery, become weakened or bulge out. A severe case of aortic dissection (or tear) or rupture can be life-threatening, as it was in the cases of John Ritter and the writer-composer of “Rent”, Jonathan Larson.
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An aneurysm leads to the aorta’s wall, the body’s largest artery, becoming weak or protruding. A serious aortic dissection (also known as a tear) or rupture can prove fatal, like in the cases of John Ritter and “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson.
Dr. Dominick Megna Jr., a cardiac surgeon, was recommended to me by Jones. I discovered that my aortic root’s diameter is approximately 4.8 centimeters due to an aneurysm. Typically, for men, the normal diameter ranges from 2.9 cm to 4.0 cm, and for women, it’s between 2.0 cm and 3.0 cm. Surgery becomes necessary once the diameter reaches 5.0 centimeters.
Megna proposed that we discuss the possibility of undergoing the David procedure, a type of open-heart surgery where they remove the aneurysm and reinforce the aortic root using a synthetic graft. It’s wiser to take a proactive approach rather than risk finding ourselves in an emergency situation.
When discussing my aneurysm with others, many inquire if I experienced symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue beforehand. The unsettling truth is that, like most individuals who develop an aneurysm, I did not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Aneurysms are often detected through imaging techniques or when a dissection or rupture occurs.
In January, the diameter of my aorta had reached 4.9 cm.
Despite my fear, I was comforted knowing that the procedure was essential for my survival, and it would allow me to carry on living a typical and vibrant life afterwards.
“You can powerlift if you want,” Megna said.
I have no intention of powerlifting, but that was nice to hear.
Megna additionally shared with me that the surgery could be postponed, suggesting it could be done following the Oscars. Consequently, I managed to navigate the awards season without encountering any issues. However, I was extra cautious about not lifting heavy objects and refrained from engaging in any physical activities during this period.
I checked into Cedars the morning of my surgery.
Prior to the surgical procedure, I inquired of Megna if he’d offer a prayer before delving into my incision. “Indeed, I usually do,” he responded.
As I lay on the operation table, just moments before the anesthetic took hold, I gazed upward at the harsh glare of the ceiling lights above me. In that moment, I found myself silently reciting the Serenity Prayer within my thoughts.
May divine powers bestow upon me the patience to acknowledge what’s beyond my control, the bravery to alter what I have the power to, and the insight to discern between the two.
The lengthy process concluded around 8 p.m., and when I awoke the following day, I found myself in the ICU. A small group of friends had already assembled there. Throughout my time in the hospital and my multi-week recovery period, these friends served as my support system and most enthusiastic supporters.
Just hours after the surgery, my ICU nurse had me out of bed and walking for a few minutes.
The day after my transfer, I found myself on the cardiac ward. In the daze brought on by painkillers and fatigue following my surgery, I started sending messages to friends and colleagues from EbMaster, informing them that an Oscar winner was in the room adjacent to mine. However, it turned out later that it wasn’t actually him, the drugs had caused a misunderstanding.
One evening, I was absolutely certain Tupac Shakur was resting at the end of my bed. Another instance occurred when I woke up yelling “Antoni! Antoni!” It seemed as if the television personality Antoni Porowski from “Queer Eye” was instructing me on how to prepare a frittata in my dream. I emphatically told my friend who was beside me, “I don’t care for frittatas,” before drifting back off to sleep instantly.
Dreams featuring celebrities, often occurring when under the influence, typically come about after three decades of working in entertainment journalism.
For the subsequent eight days at the hospital, I had a sense of never regaining my usual self. What worried me most about the surgery was the possibility that it would leave me feeble and give me an aged, fragile appearance.
During the following eight-day stay in the hospital, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to get back to normal. My main concern before the operation was that it might make me weak and frail, giving me an elderly look.
I was just as helpless when I found myself confined to a hospital bed, unable to perform even the simplest tasks such as sitting up by myself or pouring a glass of water. I was dependent on oxygen around the clock. I couldn’t stand or use the restroom without assistance. I am incredibly grateful for my nurses who I now fondly call “heaven-sent helpers.
I was concerned my on-camera career might be over. I recalled when E! News told me at age 47 that they wanted me working off-screen as a producer instead. In the end, I decided to depart from E! News after 11 years because I felt there was still so much more I had to offer.
Regardless, I found myself pondering whether others might perceive me differently, given my seven-inch scar on my chest from having open-heart surgery at the age of 55, and potentially adjust their interactions as a result.
Approximately nine weeks post-surgery, I’ve made my comeback to red carpets. Last week marked my re-entry, starting with the premiere of Benito Skinner’s new comedy series “Overcompensating” – fittingly, as it turned out to be a grand queer celebration for my initial return. The following evening found me engaging in conversations with Nicole Kidman, Christine Baranski, and Henry Golding at an event celebrating the second season of “Nine Perfect Strangers.
Three times a week, I attend a cardio rehabilitation program at Cedars. For an hour, I use a treadmill and stationary bike while my heart is being monitored. The rest of the days, I spend around 30 minutes on my Peloton. I consider this phase in my life as my “Bionic Man” period. I’m not a cyborg, but just like Oscar Goldman said about Steve Austin (known as the Six Million Dollar Man), “We can rebuild him; we have the technology.” In simpler terms, I’m undergoing a significant physical enhancement with the help of modern technology.
I shared on social media platforms that I’d recently had surgery. Just like Jean Smart did in 2023, she disclosed on social media that she needed a break from filming “Hacks” for a heart treatment without specifying the details. However, she encouraged her followers on Instagram to listen to their bodies and consult their doctors, stating that she was grateful she had done so herself!
Approximately a week past, I found myself at home, being snapped while bare-torsoed. After my surgery, I’d avoided gazing upon my scar for nearly an entire month. Now, I proudly unveil it to those who inquire, as I’m immensely proud of the journey I’ve traversed and the hardships I’ve endured. If I could persevere through this ordeal, I am convinced that many others can too. (I no longer require the temporary heart monitor visible in the photographs.)
Today, I aim to spread knowledge about heart health. On June 3rd, I will be delivering a talk at the American Heart Association’s “Lunch with Heart,” an event taking place at the London West Hollywood hotel in celebration of CPR Awareness Week. Interestingly, I myself have never experienced a heart attack or needed CPR, but it’s crucial to note that over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the U.S. annually. The American Heart Association aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrests by 2030 during CPR Awareness Week.
As a passionate film enthusiast in Tinseltown, I’m usually running on empty, juggling one project after another. Regrettably, health appointments often get pushed back or overlooked altogether amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or if there’s a history of heart disease in your family, it wouldn’t hurt to consult with a healthcare professional, specifically a cardiologist. Before my own genetic testing and heart evaluation, I confided in Dr. Jones about my fears. She reassured me, saying, “Knowledge is strength.
Knowledge, as I am now well aware, can be lifesaving.
After the upcoming Oscars next year, I’m intending to take some time off. Most likely, you’ll find me lounging on a beach somewhere. Regardless of the scar I bear, I’ll gaze at it as a symbol not of vulnerability, but of resilience and fortitude.
Until then, see you on the red carpet.
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2025-05-29 18:19