Melissa, I know that you are going to be fine but you know that we will be thinking about you constantly. I wish circumstances were different and I could be there to help Jason with the girls. I hope you know how much I love you whatever I can do I will. You will be in my prayers as always. Look forward to hearing how well you are doing. Love to you. Hugs and kisses too. Mom and Rocky

Hi Melissa!
Our surgery is scheduled for the same day! I am having a mitral valve replacement (due to calcification of one of the leaflets). I fly from Aberdeen to Cambridge tonight with my husband Steve and daughter Georgie. I check in at Papworth Hospital at 2pm on 23rd for pre admission overnight. I have signed up for your updates and look forward to hearing about your slow but steady recovery. Georgie will be updating my journal for the next week. I can't begin to thank all of the wonderful people that I have 'met' through HVJ, they have been so inspirational. I hope the two of us can continue the tradition! Good luck!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Melissa, I had no idea you had gotten this diagnosis. I will keep you in my prayers. If you need any help with the girls, just have your mother or someone call me. If there is anything at all that I can do, just whistle. Love you, Ida

Hi Melissa,

Nice to meet you. And, thanks so much for taking the time and energy to share your story with all of us!

My thoughts are with you now and on 2/24!!!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

P.S. Thanks for the kind words about the book. So you know, reading that just made my day. :)

Well Melissa, I guess this answers my question of whether or not you are going to need surgery. Sounds like you found the perfect surgical team. We give you our best for a perfect procedure and a speedy recovery. You'd better hurry up and get better though 'cause I need some mafia help!

Best wishes,
Aaron, Michelle, Zach and Dylan

Hi Melissa
Thanks for sharing your story. We have two other women getting their surgeries this coming week as well, Kathy and Penny. This is going to be a busy week for the journals.

I had a mitral valve repair in October and found the support on the journals here very helpful. Even post-op there has just been so much support through the sharing of symptoms and ideas. I hope you find it helpful as well.

Great that your mom has retired and can be of help to you and the children because there will be days you just need the rest.

I'll be adding you to my prayers and will look forward to hearing of your progress. Good luck. Cheryl, Ontario

Hurry back home...
Daddy Dearest...

This is a really great thing to do - since I will only be with you for a couple of days in LA it ease my concerns for you.

Love, MD