Donna's Journal

Tubes are out and I am moving right along Dr was in this morning and he was happy about the progress and his work! Lol I am feeling well taken care of and realize how lucky I am to have a new lease on life! Got to go, the cath is coming out! Yea, one less tube! I want to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers. It means a lot. Donna

Hello Everyone, This is Donna's friend. I went to visit her this morning and she was, Amazing! She looked great and felt good! I posted some pictures in her, "MY Photos" and took a video of Donna telling everyone how she was feeling. I hope you can view this video and witness her remarkable recovery!

Seems like just yesterday that I met with my cardiologist and discovered surgery is necessary. Today I droppped off paperwork and filled prescriptions. Hospital called and asked final questions. Since I live in Colorado, she needed to ask me if I partake in MJ. (She followed with the comment: "what is this world coming too) I laughed. Finishing up last minute to do's for work. I work for the best company ever and feel so supported by everyone there. I promised to not check my blackberry during my LOA - not a hard promise to make as I know healing is my main goal. I am calm. I told a friend this morning that I wonder if it is ok to be this calm. It just seems that everything is being taken care of and I really trust that I am in good hands. I have met people lately that have several symptoms that are keeping them from enjoying life. I am happy to have this taken care of so I can make the best of the coming years. I just read an entry on this site where a man ran 10 miles and was proud of it. He should be. I can see myself doing the same. Trudy, Linda, Geoff, Tricia, Sue and Deb - thanks you for all your kindness. Marilyn, Carol, Bill, Maureen, Sue, Dale and Gail - you are wonderful people. Anke, Chris, Marc, Mary and Dave - thank you for believing in me. Dr. Miller and Dr. Kovar - I think you are swell and believe in your gift of healing Jimmy A. and Tim - do not visit me because I am not able to laugh :) Tomorrow morning at 8:45am - please think of me and say a prayer. Thank you St. Jude

Turned 58 today and having a great day so far. Friends and family have called to wish me a Happy Birthday and will be spending the day with Gail and Dale and Bill preparing my house for the surgery. How does preparing the house apply to surgery, you ask? I have had a nesting urge since I found out about the surgery. Want to have everything done before recovery. Don't know what that means but I am going with it. All lab work is done, wondering what to pack for the hospital stay, and checking off my to do list at work. Question? what is necessary to take to the hospital? I hear it is useless to bring pajamas. Would love suggestions. I have been surprising calm in prep for surgery. Every once in awhile I get a flash that my heart and lungs will be stopped for three hours and freak out for a moment and then I read this journal and see that all of you are on the mend. I gotta trust that I too will soon be in rehab and healing. Thank you Adam. This site is a gift. Appreciating my friends and family right now and grateful that they are rallying with me.

Three weeks until surgery - it is starting to sink in. Today my thoughts are racing in my head - "Is my house clean, is all my paperwork done, what about work, how am i going to look in the hospital gown... and on and on." I am trying to stay busy and remember how good I felt last week when the surgeon told me he could do minimally invasive and repair vs. replace valve. Gotta stay positive! This site has been a gift as I read everyone's journey. Thankful for Adam and the support he has given through this site. Way to go Adam!! My symptoms are very mild. Actually I was so used to living with them that I did not realize they were symptoms until the Dr. told me. I feel fortunate. Take care everyone. Cheers to your health!