Operation was lifesaver
Operation was lifesaver
NEW YORK -- Dr. Michael DeBakey says he was reluctant to undergo the very heart operation he pioneered because, at his age, he feared it might leave him mentally or physically crippled, if he survived it. "I'd rather die," he told The New York Times in a rare interview for its Monday editions.
Nearly a year later, DeBakey, 98, is the oldest survivor of the operation he developed to repair a damaged aorta, the main artery from the heart. He is back to working nearly full days and walks increasingly longer distances, but he mainly gets around with a motorized scooter.
DeBakey is considered the father of modern cardiovascular surgery, pioneering now-common procedures such as bypass surgery and inventing a host of devices to help heart patients. He talked with the Times about his operation and recovery.
Before DeBakey developed the operation to repair torn aortas, his condition would likely have been fatal.
Governor recuperating
SAN FRANCISCO -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was recuperating in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Sunday, a day after he broke his leg while skiing there. Schwarzenegger, 59, was "continuing to do well today and looking forward to spending time with his family," spokeswoman Julie Soderlund said.
Doctors at the Sun Valley hospital who examined Schwarzenegger told him he needed surgery to repair his fractured femur. An operation has not been scheduled but will take place in Los Angeles, Soderlund said. Schwarzenegger does not intend to delay his second inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 5, Soderlund said.
Employment concerns
LOS ANGELES -- Judi Dench may be one of the world's most acclaimed actresses, but she still worries about getting work. The 72-year-old film and stage actress says she takes on many roles partly out of fear that her latest one could be her last.
Dench is starring in the psychological drama "Notes on a Scandal" as a lonely, churlish teacher preying on a colleague played by Cate Blanchett. The role landed her a Golden Globe nomination this month for best actress.
Dench has been nominated for five Academy Awards. She won for best supporting actress in 1998 for her turn as Queen Elizabeth I in "Shakespeare in Love." Other credits include "Casino Royale," "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and "Chocolat."
Today's birthdays
Actor Richard Widmark is 92. Actor Donald Moffat is 76. Rhythm-and-blues singer Abdul "Duke" Fakir (The Four Tops) is 71. Record producer Phil Spector is 66. "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh is 61. Country musician Bob Carpenter (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 60. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is 59. Former baseball player Chris Chambliss is 58. Rock musician James Kottak (The Scorpions) is 44. Country musician Brian Westrum (Sons of the Desert) is 44. Rock musician Lars Ulrich (Metallica) is 43. Actress Nadia Dajani is 41. Rock musician J is 39. Country singer Audrey Wiggins is 39. Rock musician Peter Klett (Candlebox) is 37. Actor Jared Leto is 35. Rock singer Chris Daughtry ("American Idol") is 27.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.