When Rosalie went in for a routine checkup with her primary care physician, the doctor noticed a problem. He referred her to a cardiologist for further testing, where she was told she would need a cardiac catheterization.

At Cooper, a worried Rosalie was able to have her catheterization performed through the arm instead of the groin, a less-invasive approach referred to as radial access. However, her doctors soon discovered that Rosalie would need to also have cardiac bypass surgery due to substantial blockages in her heart.

After a successful surgery and routine follow-up, Rosalie began noticing a pain in her chest. Following a CT scan, another situation arose with an unexpected diagnosis of lung cancer. Dr. Frank Bowen, the same cardiothoracic surgeon who performed her prior surgery, was called upon once again to remove the cancerous part of her lung.

This is the story of a remarkable recovery for woman whose spirit shines through and the routine doctor’s visit that led to the early diagnosis of health problems so she can continue to lead a long and joyous life.

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When Jerri arrived at her doctor’s office with what she thought was the flu, she never would have imagined that she was suffering from a life threatening tear in her aorta. In just a few short hours, she went from her cardiologist’s office to open heart surgery at Cooper, where her heart would be stopped, her body cooled, and she’d undergo an intense surgery and recovery.

Now, two years later, Jerri has fought her way back to a renewed life and shares her journey with us here.

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Christi was 34 when she found out she had a heart condition that could be deadly. She complained over and over to her former doctors about being out of breath, not feeling well, and every time, she wasn’t getting the help she needed. When she reached the care of Perry J. Weinstock, M.D., after years of unanswered questions, he knew right away, she was in trouble.

Now, several years later, she is back to her vibrant life. She has been treated for a rare but serious lipid condition and is now exercising, playing with her kids, and running her own busy business. “He listened, and that’s when I got my life back,” said Christi. Here is her story.

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