Cheryl's Heart Valve Journal

Adam Pick posted a note for Cheryl that says: Hey Cheryl!!! So great to see you back at the site!!! How is everything going in Ontario, Canada? Thanks for the kinds words about this project in your story. That was very very touching to read. So you know, your individual support of this community over the years has been a huge inspiration to me. Many, many, many thanks! And, please give my best to Peter! Adam

Crystal, Saskatchewan posted a note for Cheryl that says: Hi Cheryl,

I'm not sure why after all this time I re-visited my HVJ pages but was reading through all the notes posted in my guestbook and just wanted to touch base with you. I hope you are doing well and I wanted to thank you again for all the support you provide me and my family at the time of my surgery (2010).

Take care

Rajesh B.M posted a note for Cheryl that says: hai,
thank you , i have also undergone double valve replacement 3 yrs back . now i am doing good with my health. a small problem with my ear post surgey it has developed discharge from left ear. when sinus or cold problem is there. looking for tympanoplasty ,but doctors are avoiding . dont know what to do....... looking for suggestions

Hi Cheryl... ..I have just come home from St. Mikes....aortic valve replacement was done by Dr. Verma on April 12. It is so reassuring to read your journal. My husband & I are snowbirds....Ft. Myers Beach....hope we can meet you guys one day! Cheers!
Sue Stroud
Toronto, Ontario

Cheryl,

Great update!

Great pictures!

Great... Great... Great to hear from you!!!

:)

Much Love,
Adam Pick

Cheryl,
How nice to see the pictures! You all look fantastic!!!! I am glad you all got together, and continued good health is sent your way.
Take care,
Theresa C.

Thanks for the entry and the photos. Did you noticed we don't look a year older! What a wonderful time. Looking forward to next year!

Fran

Fran,
Let me know next year..would love to if circumstances enable me too! Great hearing from you!
Take care,
Theresa

Hi Cheryl!

Wonderful photo! You all look so great! How nice you all got together to celebrate your good health.

You are all the people who answered my questions and supported me through my surgery - so, again - THANK YOU!

Ricki Shine

Cheryl,
What a beautiful picture! Everyone looks healthy and happy. I am so happy for all of you on your reunion. Thank you so much for stopping by and posting on my journal. I think of you often, because you were instrumental in helping me through my journey. Everyone in that photo inspired me to get through my surgery, and to live a life always remembering how grateful I should be. And I Am!
Thank you and continued good health,
Theresa C.

Hi Cheryl
Great photo, great time, great friends. Thank you for being instrumental in being the impetus to accomplish our great heart mini reunion! Looking forward to next year's. Stay well.

Fran

Hi Cheryl,
Just thinking about everyone after I read Duane's journal entry. I hope you are doing well, and I know Duane's recent report hit you hard. I am in shock and will be praying for him. Please take care of yourself and stay in touch.
Theresa C.

Hi Cheryl,
How are you? I know that you are still being an angel to so many on this website and I hope that you are well and happy and that you feel the love! Please just drop me a line once in a while to let me know that you are ok!!
Love and hugs
Penny xx

Hi Cheryl!

So good to hear from you on my guestbook. I was just thinking about you. Always good to hear from you. I hope that you're feeling great in every way!

A young man such as myself? No need for flattery--well, okay, go ahead. My firstborn son is 31 today, so I'm not really feeling all that young.

Regarding your mom's pastor...absolutely! Of course! I would love to be of any support or encouragement I could be. How kind of you to give him Adam's book. What would any of us done without it? Been a whole lot less prepared and a whole lot more afraid, for sure. By all means give him my contact information:
email: duane@centerpointchurch.org
phone: 863-324-7915 (office)
home: 863-324-7916

I'd seriously love to do anything I could. Take care of yourself. Do let me know if you ever get to Florida!

God's best for you in 2011!

Duane

Cheryl,
I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas
And Happy New Year! I hope all is well with you, and continued health is sent your way. Life is good, and I remember daily to count my blessings.
God bless you,
Theresa C.

Hi Cheryl,

I hope this finds you doing well.

Thank you for your note. I am so thankful to know that another person in the same situation was having the same fear as me. I was worried that I was just being ridiculous. Hopefully the next time around will be just a little less stressful. Take care.

Kellie

Hi Cheryl,
Such a great and positive journal. I'm being scheduled for an aortic valve replacement soon. Trying to investigate any good post operative rehabilitaion centres in Whitby but can't locate one yet. Did you have your rehab in Whitby?

Azhar Khan (Azhar_khan86@hotmail.com)

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you so much, once again, for your invaluable words of wisdom in my guestbook. I'm just hoping that the new valve is working perfectly and has nothing to do with the reason I'm so fatigued. I've also been noticing recently that my bp is starting ever so slowly to creep back up (nothing to worry about yet) and I think this may have to do with the asprin hindering the effects of the bp meds. Its on my list of questions for the dr. in a couple weeks.

I wish you well as you journey forward and hope that you will stop by from time to time to let us all know how great you continue to do. Best of luck!!
Kellie

Hey there
Looking pretty good - what a marvelous story and you have been such a good help to so many others. Good for you!!! They sure will miss you on this website but I'm sure you will continue to help when needed.
See you Saturday.
Cousin Dianne

Dear Cheryl,

Congratulations on the one year anniversary of your mitral valve surgery! I am amazed at how quickly the time goes by. It's wonderful to hear how well you're doing, and your great attitude continues to inspire me.

You have been a friend and role model to me from the day I discovered Adam's website when I was so fearful about facing my own mitral valve surgery. You calmly walked me through that scary new territory and I felt your reassuring presence all along the way. Having gone through open heart surgery I feel we have been to the edge of beyond and back. As survivors we have been given the gift of renewed life and health, and like you I feel very grateful for that.

Cheryl, you are truly one of pioneers of the HVJ site and I know that the friendship, compassion and reassurance you've offered so many of us has helped Adam's site to continue to thrive.

I'd love to stay in touch and hear from you, if you'd like to drop me a line at my e-mail address:
murphy1475@sbcglobal.net

I'm doing very well. We recently adopted a new member of our family -- A 12-week old cockapoo puppy named Augie. He's adorable and so much fun (and work!). He is very good for my heart health in every respect. Tomorrow I have a routine appointment with my cardiologist and will have an echocardiogram, which I expect to pass with flying colors.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done here, Cheryl. I wish you the very best, and I hope we can stay in touch.

Susan Murphy
Overland Park, KS

Hi Cheryl,

It's good to hear from you again as you reach the one year mark in your recovery. I'm approaching that milestone as well - it hardly seems possible!

I was thinking about what to post to this great group of friends, and you were so eloquent - you could have been reading my mind!

I'm delighted that you're continuing to do well, and I wish you all the best!

God bless,

Joel Bryan, Iowa

Dear Cheryl,

Like all the others I consider myself extremely fortunate to have made your aquaintance through this journal. You were the first person to write me after I had joined. I thought it was amazing that you took the time to write to me considering that you were going in for your surgery 2 days later. I know I had alot on my mind but you had even more. Since I had the same problem with almost the same surgery as you 3 weeks later, I always had an idea of what to expect. It made alot easier for me. Your advice about my kids was right on the money, they adapted to me being laid up and were never a problem. Even my 3 year old was great. I think I got closer to them than I could have ever otherwise. Now I can catch them when they act up whereas before I couldn't. In 3 weeks it will be a year for me and I give a proper "heart" update then. But for now, thank you so much and God bless.

Eric
Southold

Dear Cheryl, I consider myself fortunate to have been on this site before your sign off & have received much good advice & many kind words from you. Your visits to my guestbook were always so thoughtful & indicated such an understanding of what I was going through at that particular moment. Thank you for every word. Congratulations on your one year anniversary & for sharing your journey with the rest of us. Be well - Joy

Dear Cheryl,

I'm sorry you are signing off! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the advice you gave me when I first came here a few months ago. I wish you continued health as you begin the next chapter of your life. Thanks for everything. May God bless you always.

Kellie

Cheryl,

As so many have stated, you have been a great contributor to this forum. When you first started, there were very few folks on here, so the experience level of advice was not as deep as today. Thanks so much for the guidance and encouragement you have provided for me.

Doesn't a year seem so long ago..?

Thanks,

Mark
Keller, TX

Dear Cheryl,
I think back to the beginning of my journey, and I remember you taking my hand and guiding me through the emotions, and steps of open heart surgery. Who can forget your list of must-haves to bring to the hospital. You are a wise woman who has given so much hope, love and compassion to all on this site. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary!!! I would love to hear from you once in a while ..my email is Anngell57@aol.com.
Take care,
Theresa C.

Dear Cheryl,
It certainly has been a pleasure walking through this journey beside you. You were a great inspiration and encouragement to me while I was going through my journey. Thank you for your kindness, and your caring.
Don't be a stranger, drop in from time to time just to let us all know how you are doing. I will miss your posts.
Take care of yourself,
Diana

Dear Cheryl
Does it seem like a year? For me, just 6 months has gone by quickly. I am so glad I got to know you via the journals and as you said, none of this would be possible without Adam. You need to consider yourself a pioneer as you were one of the earliest of Adam's group. There are many of us who thank you for your kind, thoughtful and helpful words to us as we prepared and went thru what you had already dealt with. Take care and God bless.
Fran

Dear Cheryl,

Congratulations on your important milestone!

Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement as I prepared for and went through my surgery and recovery. Your advice was always wise and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I hope this isn't really goodbye.

With love and thanks.
Ricki

CONGRATULATIONS CHERYL!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

And... Thanks for all of your incredible support to the other patients and caregivers at this website.

Your contribution to those in need is extraordinary.

Love,
Adam

Hi Cheryl. Thanks for stopping by my guestbook. Things are indeed returning to normal now - lots of "firsts" recently. First yoga class taught, first nice dinner out (it's "restaurant week" in Austin & the specials are too good to pass up), first motorcycle ride on Pete's bike. So, I'm happy to join the mostly back to normal post-surgery group that you've been in for a while now. Take care & thank you for all the encouragement you've given me over these past few months. Joy

Hi Cheryl. Thanks for the note. I do think things are progressing more quickly now. I really haven’t had a bad day since that second procedure fixed me up. I run out of energy sometimes, but most of the time, I feel almost back to normal. I’ve also been practicing some yoga & should be up to teaching my classes again later in September. Have a nice weekend - Joy

Hi Cheryl
I too, am enjoying exchanging emails and learning more about my "north of the border" friend. Many years ago I used to enjoy fall especially as the trees were so beautiful. But then it became a reminder of the cold and snow to come, so spring became my favorite season. Seems like God says "wake up world" and we see the beauty of the budding trees and spring flowers. Spring is still my favorite season although we don't have spring here in south FL. Have a great weekend.
Fran

Hi Cheryl,
It's me again:) Once more you wrote such a touching and heartfelt msg. Thank you.
Yes, I do wish I had a couple of pushy friends. But I do understand that people have their own lives and probably don't know what to say to me sometimes. I am no longer the person they remember in their eyes. But I am very blessed to have a husband and family that can see past the heart and know it's still me.
Hope you continue to do well and you are truly an inspiration!
Thoughts and prayers always,
Kimberly S.

Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for the touching note you wrote in my guestbook. It is always so good to hear from you. In answer to your question, yes some of my friends have access to this site. I know a couple of them still read this but some don't live near. I think in my opinion, to many of them after 3 months with so many complications, they have forgotten or just moved on. If I could move past feeling guilty for asking people for help I know they would be there. Also if I am honest, I am surprised at how few people came or have come to see me. But the really important ones did so that is what counts:)I could feel my body telling me that I was doing too much this past week, so today I am doing nothing but resting.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers,
Kimberly S.

Hi Cheryl. That story about the fainting patient made me laugh so I must be feeling better, right? Luckily the procedure does not take a long time, but with a play-by-play description, I might just faint too. I'm glad the pills worked for you, especially after what you witnessed. I'm feeling good today still, taking it as it comes & enjoying the fact that I do feel good right now. Hope you are having a good day - Joy

Cheryl,
Thanks so much for being such a “rock of encouragement” on the heart journal site. I am always amazed that you always take the time to check-in with everyone on this site. I think that is a real ministry!

This has been a sad week for us all. It has seemed like a family member going through the unthinkable. Our constant prayers have been with Lori and her family. We don’t want to dwell on the risks of open heart valve repair/replacement but the risks are there, even though the percentages may seem low. We can be forever grateful to our faithful God for every heart beat and for bringing us through our surgery.

The constant shoulder pain has gone away but the range of motion is still not 100%. I started using my “Wii Fit” this week and adding some exercises to my walking and biking. I did some light weights while doing some tricep exercises and it felt like both shoulders were going to pop out of joint. I think it may be the joys of getting closer to adding another year. :) So..just taking things slow and hoping to build myself up.

Still having mini episodes of my eyes not focusing but trusting it will eventually resolve. I have had a couple days this week of extreme fatigue at the end of the day but it may have been because it has been such an emotionally draining week.

We enjoyed all the grandkids immensely when they were all together this summer! It was a blessing…and I was able to keep up!

Since your rehab is ending, will you join a gym? It has been our hottest summer in South Florida since we moved from Minnesota in 1976, but I try to get out and bike or walk by 7:00am. I hope you continue to do well.

Gratefully,
Carla

Thanks Cheryl for the encouragement. I had a great day today and knowing you and others out there are keeping an eye on me is really a relief. Have a great weekend up there.

Jerry

Cheryl,
I agree, losing an HVJ family member really, really hurts. I have been following her posts from the beginning and even as the posts became more dire, I couldn't bring myself to admit the inevitable. I kept hoping for a miracle.
Thanks for everything you do on this site, especially now.
Amanda F.

Cheryl,
I feel the same way. I feel like the HVJ community is like an extended family and we lost a sister.
Patrick in STL

Cheryl,
Just wanted to stop by and say hi today. I am feeling so sad for Lori B. and her family, so this is a site I can share with others my sadness. I have been praying as I am sure you have, but I guess it was not to be. I am thinking of you and all our other heart valve journal patients today as we share this sad news.
Take Care,
Theresa C.

Hi Cheryl. Thanks for stopping by. Yoga's pretty much on hold until I can consistently breathe better. I may try to start rehab, see how that goes & begin to work in some poses once I gain a bit more confidence from the monitoring they do in rehab. That's my plan today anyway.

I hope you are feeling great & enjoying a far cooler summer than we are having down south. Take care, Joy

Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for your good advice in my son's guestbook. I know I should not worry as much about him as I have. I knew that God would take care of him as He always has but as his Mother I just felt such sadness that he had to go through such an event at such a young age. He continues to get stronger and stronger every day. We went for his 6 weeks Cardiac visit and everything was very good but they wanted to check on a junctional rythm that he was in post surgery. I don't really understand it, but I know Danny is feeling great and is outside for HOURS shooting his basketball. I trust God will get us through this little bump and he will continue to grown stronger and stronger. I hope you continue to do well. God bless you and your family. Love Mary James

Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for stopping by and saying hi. I am doing great and am exercising at home at this point . I have a treadmill, exercise bike and weights....still thinking of joining a gym....maybe after the summer and after our vacation in S.C. I am still amazed how well I feel after heart surgery....can not believe how tired I really was before.
How are you feeling? What is going on in Canada this time of year? I will be forever grateful for your continued support on this journal.
Thanks,
Theresa C.

It's Great to feel Normal! I am not really all that normal anyway, but my heart thinks so.

happy boating
Captain Bill

hi mis cheryl.how are you doing?i hope you are in the best of health there of.thank you for all the help you are giving me, you are just like my mom.always helping people always on the go.and that is such a big thing for me,you make me feel confident in myself,the bible say let not your heart be troubled,and at times i feel down and sad but i never let my heart get burden down.i will get those papers and get them sign up as soon as possible,i really understand you cleary now.am happy god sent me here in canada.there is a time and a place for everything.i have to admit communicateing with you make me feel so relax.take care mom.

hi cheryl.thank you for your words that is making so much changes in my sad times,thank you so much.but rite i dont have anything to will rite now,see i was living in jamaica for the past 27 years and i just work money so that me and my family could live and pay the bills,its very hard to find a good job there to settled down in if you did not attend university etc.but i try to achieve every day because i want my mom and my papa to be proud of me,it wasent easy at all.and last year my brother came to alberta canada to work and he ask his boss for a job for me,so that how i ended up in this wonderful place,being here i can take care of my mom and papa and neases and my son.i never stop sending them money as i get my paycheck,i gave them more than what i save.and now this illness has taken me over,i was striving for sucess,and if i dont die i wont stop trying,here in canada there are many wonderful people and i have the oppunity to met a few,my girlfriend and her parent are so wonderful,and you miss cheryl may god bless you.

thank you so much for your kind words of encuragement.they ment the world to me,i will certanly go on with our wedding because i trust in god and i no he is going to see me through just has how me was with your surgen, he will be their with mine.hope you are doing great and be strong,love you.


ricardo

Cheryl.... just wanted to say thanks so much for posting in mom's guestbook about leg swelling. It is so helpful to have first hand accounts of what is normal vs. not. All the best -- Colleen (Lee McAvinia's daughter).

Hi Cheryl
Have been thinking about you and now that I am moving along in my rehab and getting stronger I especially wanted to thank you for all the times you checked in with me to see how I was doing and encourage me. It made a difference.
Hope you are continuing to do well.
Fran