Suzanne K. posted a note for Anthony that says: Enjoyed reading your post Tony. I am probably the total opposite of you in terms of being athletic. But I had heart valve/ascending aorta surgery at CC on May 15th and I am doing great! I'm 67 years old, so no spring chicken. The total experience at CC was amazing. Wait till it's all over with and you find yourself saying "I worried for nothing"!

~ Belinda ~ posted a note for Anthony that says: Great quote, Tony! I like where you are mentally right now. You will have this in the rear view mirror in no time. Keep writing the updates. We are right there on the course supporting you through this "event" : )

Patti posted a note for Anthony that says: Love the quote!!!!
You are in great hands at cleveland clinic. Look forward to your updates.

Debbie Donnelly McLay posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony,
Thanks for the updates! We will be looking forward to hearing about all these books that you are reading when you come back! Keep setting those goals and aiming high!
Debbie

Leon Dubner posted a note for Anthony that says: All the best, Tony. Looking forward to our run together. See you soon, my friend.

Matt posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony, you're an inspiration. Thanks for doing this journal.

mariah posted a note for Anthony that says: have continued to run every day since last i saw you here in POA. as always and perhaps moreso this time around, i was very sad to see you go, but following your unbelievable example, i swallowed the whiny bs and went for a run just 15 minutes after your taxi pulled away... i love you so much and can't wait to see you again in september! get some rest and recuperate because you have a wild and crazy retirement ahead of you. :)

~ Belinda ~ posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony,

Stay encouraged! Get yourself a hazmat suit : ) I have a pink one. Not really, but have thought about it. Love your goals! XOXO

Norman H. Seawright, Jr. posted a note for Anthony that says: Hello My Friend!

I worked out this morning and though I did NOT run it was semi exhausting! Still got you on my mind, but I have changed my strategy! My goal is to lower my body fat, so I have incorporated routine strength training (low weight-high rep workouts)! Something about muscle chiesel! (Smiling yet?). Now about that 5K: I think you have me confused with somebody else! I would be there to support you crossing the finish line, but ME? RUNNING? Naw, I got a nice bike I am enjoying! LOL

Ok, I will bolt for now! Gotta keep your stock climbing! LOL

Take care,
Norm

Kent Kersey posted a note for Anthony that says: Hey!

This might be of interest. I read it shortly before my surgery and found it inspirational.

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Full-open-heart-triathlon/dp/1457501228/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Kent Kersey posted a note for Anthony that says: This might be of internet. I read it shortly before my surgery and found it inspirational.

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Full-open-heart-triathlon/dp/1457501228/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Kent Kersey posted a note for Anthony that says: Hi!
I only run when being chased.

I had a mechanical aortic valve installed in June 2011. It was a tough few weeks, but recovery wasn't too bad since I was in pretty good shape physically. It sounds like you are strong and will have a quick recovery.

I'll be praying that all goes well for you.

Cheers
Kent

John O'Neill posted a note for Anthony that says: Hi again
I see I have a mistake in the previous post. It should say if my INR is high not low I get to eat more greens to lower it. I told my coumiden clinic to set my dosage high enough so I can still eat the greens I enjoy. Some clinics try to banish all greens, but I feel they should match the dose to your diet.

John O'Neill posted a note for Anthony that says: Hi Anthony
After visiting with my surgeon he said my lifestyle would wear out a tissue valve in no time so I took his recommendation for mechanical and have no regrets. My insurance co bought me my own test machine and I test weekly. In the last five years I have been under my range 5 times and over it 38 times. I feel I would rather grow new blood cells than lose brain cells. I think I bleed less now from scrapes and scratches than before surgery when I was allowed to eat flax seed. I am a full time farmer so my work load changes constantly. I take a constant dose of coumadin so if i test low I get to eat more green leafy vegetables to bring it down. Broccoli works best while asparagus doesn't have any effect on my INR.
Resting heart rates are really easy with mechanical valves as you can hear it when you wake up in the morning if you really try. You then just wait for the clock to change then count it out. I ran Grandmas in Duluth MN thirteen months after surgery in 4:15. In 2012 I ran the Twin Cities Marathon in 4:30. My 35 year old son in law put in the family annual that year that he beat me by 8 seconds so I think there will be re-match coming soon. I will be 63 this year with the sixth grandchild on the way. I hope I can make running part of their lives. Best wishes and lots of prayers.

Bob Walker posted a note for Anthony that says: I can't wait to run with you after the surgery. I'm guessing that you'll be hard to keep up with.

John O'Neill posted a note for Anthony that says: Hi Anthony
I also trained non stop for open heart surgery,the biggest challenge of my life. My doctors at the mayo clinic told me if I had not been a runner they never would of met me. The nurses there also told me recovery was faster with runners. After I had my new mechanical aortic valve, Dacron graft installed and they did one one bypass, I asked my cardiologist if I could now do a marathon. He told me I could as I now have a better heart than I ever had before. I did my first one ever, thirteen months after surgery at age 59. I never realized that I was suffering from shortness of breath while running until after surgery when running became so much easier.
Good luck and lots of prayers as you train for and endure this speed bump in life.

Norman H. Seawright, Jr. posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony,
You are still my hero! I don't have many words right now, but stay tuned, the month ain't over! Lou and I are pulling and praying for you! I have not committed to the running , but I am exercising (twice a day, most days)! I am trimming down ! Trying look half as good as you! (Smilin' yet?) enjoying reading your journal! Keep pushing!

Norm!

Tami Zipay posted a note for Anthony that says: Hi Tony - Just read your May 15 post. I have never run father than a 10K but I have trained and competed in many tae kwon do tournaments. I'd like to think I can empathize with you -( albeit on a lower level.) You have a lot of skills and experience that has enabled you to complete so many marathons. It seems incredible to me, maybe to you too as you look back. But I'm pretty sure you trained and prepared for each race and each time was probable different - maybe wondering how well you would be able to do this time, maybe a P.R. or even wondering if you could finish. And I'm guessing each experience went into the next marathon's training. And now you have a new kind of marathon. You get to run this one laying down! But you're right - it won't be a piece of cake. You bring some advantages to the table, though, and you know that. Your overall fitness level is amazing compared almost everyone else who goes through this surgery. You've done your homework and have excellent doctors, and you're continuing your training with exercise ( VERY impressive by the way). So I guess what I'm trying to say is you're prepared as anyone could be. I too have learned things don't always go as planned....sometimes they go better.

Bud posted a note for Anthony that says: Quick question for everyone reading these entries….Ever meet a guy like Tony before?? Yep, I didn’t think so! Tony brings so many positive elements to the people around him that I can’t even begin to count them—and I’m sure that if you’ve been invited to this page, you know exactly what I mean. You are a special friend Tony—your style of humor is unique, refreshing and provides a welcome kind of stress relief. Your brand of leadership is rare, respected, and appreciated by all. What a great support network you’ve got! I know for you, this is nothing but a little thing—one operation to make you better, stronger, faster. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers before, during and after the operation.

++ To the Medical Team (Doctors, Nurses and Staff at The Cleveland Clinic), I would just say this: The population of the U.S. is 317 million; earth,7 billion… but there is only one Tony. We know you all are the best and you’ll take great care of him, but keep in mind that you have a special and much loved person in your care—like he’s one in seven billion.

Chris Mugrage posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony, I have to say I was shocked when you told me about your heart valve. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could run that many marathons, not to mention someone with a heart valve condition! Simply amazing! You are a true inspiration, not only because of your marathons, but more importantly because of your outlook on life and the way you treat people! You are so well respected and appreciated by many! You have always been supportive of my family 's health situations, and also with my neck surgery and you can sure bet that you have my support, thoughts, and prayers as you go through this! I hate that you are going through this, but I am glad you shared it with me as I, and everyone will be cheering for you the entire way!

Tami Zipay posted a note for Anthony that says: Captain Tony
Wow - your news is impressive - but - then so are you. I guess one step at a time as you say and you will get through this "marathon". You're right, this is the maintenance time of our lives and we need to accept that and trust our "mechanics". I would like to say something to inspire you, but, once again you have inspired me! 60 percent?? Really? I can't wait to talk with you at 100 percent!

Gwendolyn Parker posted a note for Anthony that says: Re your latest post, brother, I don't think you're crazy. I think you have just learned what enriches your life and gives you the greatest opportunities for joy. We should all know that about ourselves, Hope the time flies as best it can till you can put what is now in front of you in your rear view mirror -- as you say so often, one step at a time!

Jack and Millie posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony, our prayers will be with you daily.
We know that we serve a mighty God, who can fix us, so, be asured that the Lord has an eye on you and your heart, We pray that you have peace while you wait for your surgery. If you need anything, please let us know!
You are one groovy guy and we know that you will come out even stronger! Look out world!!!

Hugs,

Capt Jack posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony,
I look forward to sharing this chapter of life with you, your friends, and family, and cannot wait until it is complete, and you are back in MIA , God bless and please let us know if there anything we cam do.

Travis Brown posted a note for Anthony that says: I can't wait to hear your story. I'm not into running but I do a lot of mountain biking. Its a bit easier on my knees I jacked up as a kid. I need my aortic valve replaced too, and I am pretty nervous about it and the possibility of taking blood thinners. I crash from time to time and don't want to bleed to death in the process. Good Luck and keep running..

Judy posted a note for Anthony that says: okay Marathon Man ... you got me hooked and on the edge of my seat .... can't wait to watch you recover and RUN !! I have no doubt you will do it ... such a great attitude !
Myself, I am having a mechanical Aortic Valve "installed" TOMORROW.
And I will work hard if you will (obviously you will) ... so thanks for the inspiration you show. I want to cycle again. not quite as ambitious as you ... I intend to cycle the Spokane River trail in September. nice easy flat ride. Then onto to mountains again and century rides .... by 2015 ? Cheers,

Dennis Warner posted a note for Anthony that says: Anthony: My aortic and mitral valve surgery is scheduled for May 12, so I may be out running before you have recovered from your operation on June 12. After 60 years of running 35,000 miles and 23 marathons, I want to keep moving. Let's stay in contact to see how we get back to it.

Bob Walker posted a note for Anthony that says: Tony, thanks for setting up this journal. I truly enjoy reading and learning about your past accomplishments and future goals (especially Berlin, Wow!). Keep us posted. And, most of all, let me know if there's is anything I can do to help with this short diversion in your life. You're darn amazing.

Cassie Lingenhoel posted a note for Anthony that says: It's true you are an inspiration to all of us! Glad you will be a little closer to Shawn and I while your up at Cleveland clinic. Let me know if you need a little PT :) or anything else! I'll keep you in my heart over the next couple months.

Gwendolyn Parker posted a note for Anthony that says: Hey Aaron, that's a great thing to do for and with your Dad. I'm sure it will be a great motivator for him. Great idea! Love from your Auntie!

Aaron Parker posted a note for Anthony that says: Pops, I'm already planning a marathon to run with you after you're fully recovered. Just let me know what states have the least hills and we will cross that finish line together! I love you!

Gwendolyn Parker posted a note for Anthony that says: Baby brother, you've always been an inspiration to me. Throughout your life you've always been unflappable, centered, goal oriented, and funny as hell. And a great brother, father, son, spouse. I know you will face and weather this challenge as you do all challenges - with grace and an optimistic spirit. Sending you much love and support! Your sis.

Clare Auten posted a note for Anthony that says: I have done 7 halfs and a whole....not nearly as great of shape as you. About 14 weeks post op and could probably do a walk/run half. Good for you having a goal. Good luck