HealthWatch A conductor gained 1 pounds in a matter of weeks. It took open-heart surgery to learn why

 John Mauceri, the conductor, is no stranger to health issues. In 2017, he was given a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis; in 2019, he was given a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and interstitial lung disease. The conditions were treated with medication, and the cancer went into remission; however, he has continued to monitor for recurrence. Mauceri, then 78, contracted COVID-19 in December 2024. He had a "troublesome" cough and struggled to get up the stairs. He went to NYU Langone's emergency room, where he had previously received treatment. Viral pneumonia and severe lung disease were discovered on an X-ray. Three liters of liquid were taken out of his right lung by doctors. He stated that the absence of cancer was the only relief. About a week later, he left the hospital. New symptoms started to show up quickly after a few weeks. First, his left ankle swelled. The bruising then spread up his leg. As the weeks passed, the swelling entered his abdomen and inched down his right leg. At one point, Mauceri was gaining a pound every day. Additionally, he was experiencing exhaustion and shortness of breath. He was unable to lead.