My dad, 60, has a weak blood vessel behind the heart - an aneurysm waiting to happen. They said it was non-operable. Could this be something he could live with for years?

Dr. Allen Raczkowski

Aneurysms of the descending aorta (in the chest) can rupture if they are greater than 5 cm in diameter especially if they are saccular (look like a balloon).

Repair of these aneurysms has changed dramatically with the advent of endoluminal stent grafting (placing the graft from inside of the vessel).

I would suggest he seek advice from a surgeon experienced in this technique.

Dr. Allen Raczkowski practices Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Renowned as the world's leading robotic cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raczkowski uses a special technology, the Da Vinci robot, which enables him to perform delicate procedures such as valve repairs and coronary artery surgery, producing better results, and offering patients a better quality of life in much less time than traditional heart surgery. Dr. Raczkowski graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for over 30 years. Visit him online at www.bannerhealth.com.

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I am caring for my 81-year-old mother who lives with me. She is very controlling, wants to rule my life, and treats me like I’m still a teenager. Pointing this out to her doesn’t seem to do any good. What can I do?

You need the "Jacqueline Marcell emotional shield." Put it on every day, and then don't let anything she says bother you; all negativity has to bounce right off.

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