On August 6, 2012...

Thought of you BOTH all day today. Hope all went well.

Tuesday will be your fun day. You probably will meet with the surgeon and then probably have the rest of the day free.

In Little Italy I suggest Mama Santas for a REAL Italian experience. Fabulous food. Any of the bakeries will definately ruin your diet.

Also, Grab a taxi, or ask at the front desk if there is a shuttle that can take you to the Warehouse District in downtown Cleveland. There are LOTS of unique restaurants and outside dining options. Only problem might be if it is hot and the humidity. Little Italy is much closer and compact and not as much walking.

GREAT, unique shopping and fabulous dinning at Legacy Village which requires a longer cab ride. Brios etc.

I also suggest you make certain Charlie is familiar with all the possibilities in the hospital for food. Although he will be on a restricted diet, there are great things available for him. I thought I was cheating by purchasing Vitamin Water for Norb and also making him his favorite, Crystal Light and found out it is ALL on his restricted diet. Problem was, Norb was the perfect patient and wouldn't do anything off the record. Finally after 10 days the doc told him to cheat!!! hahah The food they provide is not bad, but Charlie's taste will change because of the anesetic(spelling?) He won't have much of an appetite.

On the floor where his room will be is a great area you have total access to with a frig, coffee, tea, ice, water. The frig is for things he doesn't eat from his tray, but might want later. So order anything you think he might want later. It is also always stocked with frozen fruit pops, ice cream, sherbert and flavored ices.

So glad your supposrt system comes tomorrow.

Also, just outside the Guesthouse on the northeast corner is a drug store where you can purchase drinks, etc so it doesn't cost you a fortune in the hospital.

Also, at Au Bon Pain when you purchase a sandwich, ask for the card where if you purchase 6 you get one free. Every little bit helps.

Tomorrow night I will write somethings to help you make Charlie's and your stay a bit more comfortable, but I don't want to flood you with them now. Will you have access to read posts while Charlie is in surgery?

One think right now. When Charlie gets into his room after intensive care. IMMEDIATELY ask for a recliner. There are only a few on the floors. If one nurse or aid doesn't get it for you ask another. I actually walked the halls looking in empty rooms for one. A great nurse finally got one for Norb from another area of the floor, and it made all the difference giving him somewhere else to rest besides the bed and the straight, hard-backed chairs. Be persistant since Charlie is having back issues.

I'll tell you how to get a great room tomorrow.

Chin up, I PROMISE you, God will walk with you ALL the way. Norb and I had a very prayful momment today when we found out he is NOT back in Afib, and one of our prayers was for you and Charlie. Also, know you have not only made the right decision because it is the best cardiac hospital in the nation, but being away from home we actually found a positive, because if you were near home EVERYONE would want to come see him. There wll be time for that. While in Cleveland Charlie needs to rest. People don't realize how much effort it takes to talk after what they go through. I assure you God will be there. You will feel the presence lift and lifting you when you need it. He will give you the strength FOR BOTH you and Charlie. You'll feel great strength and comfort from all the emails, calls, and texts. You'll know you are loved and supported.

We found ALL, every one, of the nurses to be THE BEST...and Norb was there 14 days because of afib. We saw most of them several times.

Plan on going to your room and sleeping the night after his surgery while he is in intensive care. I was certain I would spend the night, but when you see that his nurse STAYS AT HIS BED ALL THE TIME you will feel very secure. The ICU nurses only have two patients to attend to and they are side-by-side. Norb was NEVER our of their sight. You will need YOUR sleep for the comming days. Besides, you'll be stunned how well Charlie will look and how fast he recovers. Once again, refer to Adam's book.

I'm rambling, but the HVJ folks helped me so much I want to pass it on.

God be With You,
Cly Denna
PS. Tomorrow find a wipe off marker or two or three. They seem to be at a premium in the hospital and you'll find them VERY helpful to write on Charlie's board when he walks and does his breathing exercises. Have someone bring them to you if possible. You can't find them in the hospital. I paid $7 for 4 at the drug store.

Don't you LOVE the fountain???

On August 4, 2012...

Julie,
I was in your shoes exactly 4 weeks ago. I'll do my best the help you along. I ASSURE you CC will take EXCELLENT care of Charlie. You must take care of YOU, for Charlie.

Just a couple of quickies...Take WARM sweaters you can layer. It is FREEZING everywhere. Also, pack shoes that do NOT make noise when you walk. When Charlie is trying to rest, you will not want to disturb him. His patience will be thin and he really needs to rest when they aren't interrupting him.

If you and/or Charlie sleep with comfort objects...TAKE THEM!!! I took Norb's pillow and we both are addictied to a sound machine that plays white noise, and I took it which not only allowed him to sleep, but drownd out all the noises in the hall. Take anything that will make him and you more comfortable.

Norb wore his soft cotton running shorts everyday in the hospital.

I have discovered that some of my posts didn't post for Norb, so I'll try again. I woke up thinking of you and Charlie this morning. You have made the BEST decision to go to CCF. Your Dr. is another of the RockStar group of surgeons.

Norb had Dr. Gillinov, but there were also two more cardiac surgeons in the room, and they found another growth that hadn't shown up on ANY test. I'm convinced it is the expertise and experience of the dedicated staff at CCF that made his stay so positive.

Take some quart and gallon ziplock bags for various things.

Also, I was so happy to see you will have support for three days after the surgery.

I will tell you that this sight, all the information, and above all, Adam's book had me TOTALLY prepared for what was to happen. (by the way...TAKE ADAM'S BOOK WITH YOU. I wished a hundred times I had it to refer to.) When Norb went into Afib I was ready for it. But the one thing I was never prepared for was the amount of anxiety I felt watching the love of my life go to surgery and recover. BUT...what got me through it was three things, 1.prayer 2.the knowledge that we were at the BEST cardiac hospital in the US and 3. the support I knew I had from family, friends, and all the HVJers.

You will be AWED tomorrow at the first sight of the building itself. I fell in love with the fountain outside (is this possible?)

Please email me ANY question you have. I'll be anxiously awaiting all your posts.

There are a couple of nice restaurants for you and Charlie to enjoy Sunday and Monday evening. There is one in the Intercontental Hotel. Also, There is one at the Intercontinental Suites which has a nice bar and a very relaxing shaded outdoor area. The Suites are just a short two blocks west of the hospital on Euclid. you can ride the free shuttle to both hotels. We really enjoyed Little Italy with fantastic restaurants. You would need to take a taxi there. It is very close. The cafeteria in the hospital and there is an Au Bon Pain which I found BOTH very good.

Know that Norb and I will pray for you. You are not alone.

Cly Denna and Norb