Jamie,
I am just so happy that you are doing so well, Just make sure that you keep getting the rest you need but also do the exercise that you are suppose to do as well. I hope that all is well with the kids and that your mom and dad are enjoying the time with you.
I love you and think of you every day
Aunt Wendy

Jamie,
I just read your most recent entry & I'm so happy to see you are doing so well! My kids ask about you & wonder how the kids are doing. I praise God that you are thriving and everything is going so smoothly!! Keep up the good work!!
Mimi :)

Hey Jamie Lou, You are looking great. I so proud of you. Keep up the good work. Love you all Aunt Lisa

Jamie,

I like the pics. Glad things are going well. I'm getting cabin fever already and actually miss work.

Keep up the recovery work!
Dan P.
WI

Jamie,
The pictures are so great to see, I am so happy that you are doing so well. I would love to see more pictures. Tell your Dad i love him and your Mom and Mac and Joey and McKensie. I know that you had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! and the holidays will just keep getting better.
Love you
Aunt Wendy

I'm so proud of you Jamie, I know this has been scary and stressful but you are a strong person and can get through anything especially with those few loving people right there by your side. Good luck on a speedy recovery, love ya babe.
Misty

So glad that you are home. Wishing you a smooth recovery.

Jan in Statesville

Oh my darling...I am so grateful that you are home and doing well. Again, I re-iterate, your strength is astounding! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, we will continue to pray for you and a quick return to "normal" life. XOXO, Brittany.

Jamie,
You are probably getting tired of reading my posts but I am just so happy that you are behind the surgery and that you are on the road to recovery remember to take it slow and rest like the Dr's have told you. It is such a blessing that you are home and can be with Mac and the kids and have your mom and dad and Mac's mom there, Know you are always in my prayers.
Love you
Aunt Wendy

I am just so happy that you, Jamie have made such amazing progress that you can go home, you will get to spend Thanksgiving with your family all around you. Such a blessing for you and especially for them.
I love you,
Aunt Wendy

Hey Jamie Lou, keep up the good work. It sounds like you are working very hard to do what you need to do. It just goes to show you what a tough cookie you are. We're all so proud of you. Your tough just like Grandma. I'm certain she was definitely keeping an eye on you. I hope you get home for thanksgiving. Just hang in there. We all love you so much. Hugs to you all. Love Aunt LIsa

Hey Jamie,
We are so happy that things are going well for you post-op ~ you are such a fighter! Hopefully you do get to go home for Thanksgiving, that will definitely give you a boost to see the family. Prayers go out for you daily and I hope to see you soon for a visit.

((BIG HUG))
Melissa Kenney & Family

Hi Jamie,

I am so glad to hear everything is going well. I am excited for your progress and will be very thankful when you get to go home. I wish we could all be together for Thanksgiving. Take care, Keep working hard. Know I love you very much.

Heather

Jamie,
I am so glad that you are doing so well, especially so you can get out of your room to go down to the cafeteria, to eat makes you feel less of a patient. I am so glad that you will be home for Thanksgiving What a blessing it will be for all of you. Please know we are all thinking of you, I had dinner with my kids and they all were wondering how you were doing... SO HAPPY!! I love you

Aunt Wendy

Hi Jamie,

Glad to hear your doing well. Hard to believe I've been home since Friday noon. I'm feeling pretty good.

Hope it all continues on the plus side. I hope your home for Thanksgiving. Let me know when the turkey is ready, I'll be down for dinner. LOL my daughter lives in Killeen.

Prayers and good wished for speedy healing.
Dan P.
Wisconsin

Hi Jamie,
Just reading the blog from your family. I remember how "well" I was in the first week too. I was amazed. There is a not so well kept secret - don't over to do it! The hospital sets limits and they really mean it. There is a need to exercise and there is a need to rest and the pain killers trick us into thinking we are so much better than we necessarily are! Having said that my friend had a mitral heart valve replacement on the same day as I had my aortic valve replaced. He keeps phoning me to tell me how well he is!! I hope that's you (-:
PS I am going quite well now at 5 weeks too - so best wishes.
Rosemary Sutherland

Jamie, Congratulations on your daily recovery success. It sounds like you are doing really well and getting stronger every day. I'm happy for you and I send my love and support. You are in my prayers. ~Nedra

Jamie,
I feel so proud of you for the progress you are making, I know that it is going to be a process for you to go through to recover, but you are so strong and I know you can do it. As far as the pain you are having can they do anything to reduce that are is it just do to the surgery and the stress put on your heart? I am glad that they have given you something more for pain, Keep doing what they tell you to do. I love you and when you feel up to it I would love to be able to talk to you if not just for a moment. Take care. Love you
Aunt Wendy

Jamie- yet again you show us all how strong you are. You made it through your surgery, and are now on your road to recovery. Hearing our mom cry on the other end of the phone, knowing that your heart was beating all on its own was the best news of the day. I am so glad you are ok, you look great too. I have seen pictures! I can't wait to talk to you. I love you!

Kelli

Jamie,
I know how hard this is for you, but the worst part is over... You have made it through the surgery and I am so proud and in awe of you for being so strong. I know you are in pain but keep taking the meds they give you as that will help your progress move along. Please know that you are in in my thoughts and I hang on every word I hear and wait for the updates.
Keep up your hard work, Love you
Aunt Wendy

So glad things r going good, keep it up Jamie we r rooting for ya.

I am so glad that you are doing so well! I always knew you were one tough cookie. I am so grateful to your family for keeping all of us updated. I love you!!

Stephanie

jamie i am so happy to hear that everyhting has gone well and that u are now in icu me and nat are always thinking about u and mac and the snigs we love u all so very much and miss u alot get well soon k hope to hear from u love Jason and Natalie

Way to go Jamie! You are now on the other side and will get better every day. Get up and walk as much as you can...it may seem tough, but it helps so much. Eat well, do your breathing and you will be home before you know it.

Very happy for you!

JH Mattingly

I am so looking forward to the next update. It is so hard to be here when I would rather be there being a fussy Aunt. like I was the first time through this. Jamie means the world to me and I am just so happy that all went well Please keep me posted.

We are so glad it going well. Please give Jamie our love and all of you guys take care of yourselfs. Looking forward for the next update.

Talk soon
Tmmy

I'm so glad to hear all is well I will continue to pray for a fast recovery keep your spirit up and know that you have the love and support of your family and friends that you don't even know
Tameika
North carolina

Dear Jamie,
I'm happy to hear you are on the other side of the surgery now. You will do great and I look forward to following your recovery. Walking, deep breaths and a positive attitude....that's the best Rx.

Sheila Garrison - Apple Valley, CA
4 months post op AVR.

I was so thrilled to get this news. I'm glad the surgery was quick and efficient, and what a great and amazing patient Jamie is. Her strength is an inspiration. We will continue to pray for her recovery. Love to all! -Brittany

Glad to see that your surgery went well, Jamie.

Jan in Statesville

Jamie I am sitting in the waiting room waiting to see you again. Saw your dr. He told us your valve was just worn out and now you should be fine. Can I just say how grateful. I am to dr Ott and for his skill. You look beautiful today. Rosey cheeks and all. It's been along day but so well worth it. I am so proud of you honey you have been so brave and I know how are this has been for you. Your heart rhythm is good, your blood pressure is good, no transfusions, what more could we possibly ask for, today i am so grateful words cannot express my love for you.. All is well in our family. I love you honey.
Mom

Way to go Jamie! You flew thru surgery!!!! The best is yet to come! Love you!!!! and thank you to all the family members giving us the wonderful updates!!! ~ traci

Jamie, You are in my prayers. I know you will recover quickly and feel better than ever! Stay strong and rely on the love of your family and friends. God bless you. ~Nedra

I am so anxious as I wait for any news. I t reminds me of the wait 18 years ago. Please keep me updated as to any news and please give Mac and the Kids a hug and a kiss from me.. Love you all!
Wendy

Be strong my darling daughter I love you so much waiting is so hard for me and for dad this is the hardest day ever. We love you with all ours hearts we will be there when you come out with you new and awesome valve and all will be well in our lives again.
Mom

My sweet Jamie,
I can't believe the time is here to do this again. You have sacrificed so much of yourself so we could have our family, by choosing a pig valve knowing you would have to have this surgery again. We have had to make so many hard life decisions but I wouldn't have wanted to make them with anyone else and I would not have changed one thing we've done. You are the strongest most positive person I know, and I have no doubt that you can handle this. Everything is going to be alright. You are my soulmate and I love you with all of my heart and you are my love of a lifetime.

Love always,
Mac

I have to admit that I struggle with the fact I am in Utah and your in Houston. I want to sit in the waiting room and be at your side. I hate not being able to put everything on hold to be there, but know your in fantastic hands with our parents, your mother in law, Mac and the kids. I am very confident that your surgeon will take great care of you and that God will be standing by your side. You are in my families thoughts and prayers tonight. I am very glad you made the choice to do the mechanical valve so you don't have to do this again. I love you. You have angel wings and a heart representing the good mojo your siblings here send your way.

Love Heather

Jamie, I LOVE YOU!! My thoughts and prayers are with you, I told your mom and dad to make sure they gave you a big hug from me so make sure they do it!! I will be waiting for any updates tomorrow. I will pray for the Dr, especially for you and for Mac and Mckensie and Joey because I can only imagine the stress they are feeling. Please know your all in my prayers.

Take care, GOD SPEED!!
Love Aunt Wendy

Sending our love and prayers to you, Mac and the kids. You have been in my thoughts a lot lately and will be especially tomorrow.
Love you lots.
Stay strong & positive!!
Jennifer

Jamie,
It seems like you've done all that you can do to ready yourself for the surgery. I'm glad that you will be surrounded by family to help you through this. I'll be thinking of and praying for you.

Jan Ghrairi, Statesville, NC

Well Jamie it sounds like you are prepared mentally and physically. I will be praying for you and your family and the surgeon as well. Prayer is a very powerful tool and with your faith it's even stronger. I know everything will go well and I will pray that your recovery will be as quick and painless as possible. Keep up with the positive attitude cause that alone is the main key. I love you and my thoughts are with you everyday. Have continued faith and courage things are gonna be great. And you'll never have to go through this again. Love you Aunt Lisa xoxoxoxoxoxo

Jamie,

I just want to let you know how much we love you and we will be praying that everything will go great, as I am sure it will. We will be anxious to know how it goes and just know you have a big family and great friends willing all their love to you...

Love ya,
Tammy

Hi Jamie! I will be thinking about you and praying for you. You will be in good hands at St. Lukes. I had my baby there and was totally impressed with them. My mom was also treated there. Surgery of any kind is always scary. Hang in there!
Patricia

Howdy, crazy red-head. I am thinking and praying for you, but I know everything will be groovey. Miss you. Jacque Kimber

Jamie...still thinking and praying for you. The days leading up to the surgery are the worst...very stressful. You are going to do great and will be back home recovering before you know it.

Walk, walk, walk.

JH

Hi my name is Tameika your story is much similar to mine i will be praying for you and your family, I truely know how you feel with everything keep looking up

Jamie, I wish I was going to be there with you when you have your surgery. But you will be with me all day, I am not religous either, but you better believe I will be praying that day and the days that follow. And I do believe you have the sweetest guardian ángel who will be watching over you.

Jamie, I know you are going to make it through this without any problems. I have every faith in that. Beside we all need you here, I need my big sister here! I know I have told you this before, but you truely are an amazing woman. You are one of the strongest people I know. I know this is scary, but we will all get through it together.

I am glad mom, dad and Sandy will all be there. It will be really good for the kids and you. Remember how much I love you! I am always here for you.

Love Kelli.

Good luck, Jamie. I hope all goes well with your surgery. No date has been set for mine yet; just diagnosed on Friday with aortic valve stenosis. Janis (Jan) Ghrairi

Jamie,
You know that I will pray for you and I will have the kids do it as well and we can even do a family fast for you, I know that will be good. I know that you have faith and so when you pray you will receive the strength you need. I wish with all my heart that I could be there with you or take some of what you are going through away. Just know that you are in my thoughts every minute of every day and you will continue to be. I love you so much. Keep yourself busy so you dont have time to think about the surgery I know that is easier said than done. But you can do it.

Hi Jamie. Just read your last post. Wow. Can't believe it will be in a week. I can just imagine that you want it to be done and over with! I want it for you too! :)

How are the kids dealing? Probably think that it's something that just has to be done. They are great kids and will give you lots of support. I'm so glad tha Mac will be able to stay with you the REST of the year!! Hmmm, are you sure you can handle him for that long at home all the time?! hahaha jk Mac! You know I love you.

So, after the surgery is there any therapy that has to be done? Not sure what's involved. My mom had heart surgery a few years ago and can't remember all that was involved. She didnt have valve replacement, but artery.

Well, I'm sure you will do great and everything will go just as planned. I love that you have a journal. Did you know that Barb actuall got an facebook so she can keep in touch with you and your surgery? Great plan all along just to get her signed up huh? ;)

Talk to you soon. Tell everyone hello. Love you all, Marda