Hi cousin Carla, Kenn and I are praying for your recovery and will let my parents, John and Jeanne Andrea in Palm Bay FL, know your news as we get it so they can pray also.
God has taken care of all of us and I am sure He will do the same for you.
Love, Mary Hall in Apopka FL
On April 12, 2010...
Dear Carla and Randy,
Praising our Lord you arrived safely
and to let you know our prayers are
with you. Cleveland Clinic is a
great place to be and with all the
prayers see you soon back at church.
Because of Him, Judy and Doc Z
On April 12, 2010...
Hey there - You were in my thoughts & prayers all day yesterday for a safe journey, and I woke up a time or 2 in the night with you on my mind, and said a few more words of prayer for your day of testing today . . . Holding you close in my heart and high on my prayers list . . . much love, Darla
On April 12, 2010...
CARLA,
TODAY IS YOUR DAY OF TESTING-AND DO NOT FRET ABOUT THE CARDIAC CATH-I HAVE HAD 2, AND AS I TOLD YOU BEFORE-THEY HAVE WONDERFUL DRUGS!!! I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT GOD PLACED YOU ON MY HEART FIRST THING THIS AM-AS I WAS AWAKING, I WAS ALREADY PRAYING FOR YOU BOTH. OUR PRECIOUS SAVIOR WILL BE THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AND THE MOST POWERFUL THING FOR BOTH OF YOU IS PRAYER, AND I KNOW THAT THOUSANDS OF PRAYER REQUESTS ARE BEING RECEIVED BY OUR PRECIOUS LORD FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS VERY STRESSFUL TIME.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VERY UNIQUE WAY OF STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOU.
IN CHRISTIAN LOVE,
LYNNE S.
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla! I will be praying for good health for you, and strength for all the testing to come in the next couple days. I was flying today too...to Illinois to babysit for grandkids this week. Thank you for keeping us posted on your progress. Missing you at church...it will be wonderful to have you back, good as new! May God give you peace, strength, and "hem you in, behind and before" like it says in Psalm 139. Fondly, Pat Whitney
On April 11, 2010...
Dear Carla,
Though I no longer play duets with you at church or see you very often I hear of you through Warren. I know he's written you but I wanted to add a post-script. We have an all powerful God and His way is always right. He is watching over you and yours and always has. Whatever is His will-
will be done. But He loves you and is with you and always will be through out your trip to and stay at Cleveland Clinic. You are loved by so many and are on many prayer lists including ours. Relax in Him Carla and
we'll be waiting for news of you and your ordeal. In His Wondrous Love, Lee T.
On April 11, 2010...
hi Carla....you've been in my prayers all day....and especially at mass this morning....God and his angels will be there..and give you the strength.....thank you so much for the e-mail so i can be kept in the circle.......God's blessings...love...ruthie from Minnesota
On April 11, 2010...
Carla & Randy,
Wow, it's here. I remember that feeling just 11 weeks ago. It's always good to get it behind you instead of before you, so the fact that's it's here is a blessing. We are praying for you guys that you experience the same presence, peace, and power of God that we did throughout my surgery and the bumps, twists and turns of my post-op time in the hospital. It was wild and crazy, but we just felt the Lord. Overwhelming. Inexplicable. Passes all understanding. May you feel the same. Fix your mind and heart on Him and on the anchors that you couldn't be in a better place, you couldn't be in better hands, you have so much to live for, and God is in control. We will pray for you this week and will be watching for updates.
Duane & Peggy Hunt, Winter Haven
P.S. I looked through your photos. You've got some wonderful grandchildren there!
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla and Randy,
Church just isn't the same without your blazing smile! We are praying continuously for you all, and hope Randy keeps all his germs to himself! He should wear a mask :o)
We are looking for the Warner Brothers shirt picture in your album, but don't see it! Hope you brought it along for this journey! You are in our hearts, and our prayers!
Love you guys for over 30 years!
Bob and Donna Legner
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla & Randy,
Well, Kirk should be ready to go now. I got him signed in before leaving for Winona to take mom home. I will be checking on you from down there. I'll go to my brothers if I can't tap into someone elses internet. As many of your friends have already said- Give your cares to Him as He can carry the heavy load. Put your whole trust in God for He has the Master Plan. The Great Physician will be doing your surgery so there's no need to worry. He knows just what to do & do it perfectly. In fact----you may find it to be better than it's ever been. Our Omnipotent Father will be there to give you strength and the Holy Spirit to give you comfort and rest. Rest in Him----both of you. & yes we will agree with you that He put a hedge of protection around you that no harmful germ or anything bad can touch you, and for Randy to have a quick recovery. I will be going to your moms on Wed. eve to either stay there with her or take her home with me. love,k & s
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla,
We are so glad that we can keep up with you through this journal. Dan and I are praying for you and Randy and we know that God is in control of everything and He will see you through this just as He did the first surgery.
We love you,
Bonnie & Dan McGuire
On April 11, 2010...
Carla,
I've joined your Journal and will await updates. Meantime Lee and I will keep you in our prayers for a successfule outcome. God does wonderous things and we know He'll be by your side.
Warren (and Lee) Turner
On April 11, 2010...
Dear Carla,
I've been praying for you and will continue to do so. Thanks for inviting me to read your journal. It's so good to learn how God has brought you this far - Ebenezer!
With His love,
Nancy
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla
Stress you say? Make sure you keep the Lysol handy. What a shame this cold is plaguing you as you head into your final days before surgery. Keeping you in my prayers that all goes well and surgery continues as planned. Good luck.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 11, 2010...
Carla, What a journey you and your family will be one. I hope you arrive safely in Cleveland and that all your tests go smoothly. I will be thinking of you all often and of course you will be in my prayers. What a beautiful family you have-I'm still waiting for a daughter-in-law and grandchildren - I only hope I live long enough to see them. Love you, Nancy
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla!
Hope you have safely arrived in Cleveland by now. We hope all the preparations for your surgery go well, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers, especially on Thursday. Thanks for writing this journal. We appreciate the updates on your progress. Sending our love...
Meg, Tom, Marc, Luke, and Shea
On April 11, 2010...
Carla
Am praying for you several times a day. You will need to see if you can get some decent rest tonight before your marathon tomorrow. I was finished by 3pm and rested at the hotel. Maybe you should consider wearing a mask when near your husband, or having him wear one? Have a nice dinner tonight before you start your fast. I know you will remember Joshua 1:9. I wrote it out and had it in my journal to read whenever I needed uplifting.
Fran Z
On April 11, 2010...
Hi Carla, Praying for a successful repair and speedy recovery
for you. I had my mitral valve replaced in January and have a mechanical valve (ON-X). I never even knew I had severe mitral regurgitation until a doctor listened to my heart in December. My symptoms were shortness of breath and swollen ankles. 3 years ago when I moved from CA to OR, i also had a pulsing sound in my right ear. It lasted 11 weeks (thought I was going to go crazy) and ended 2 days after I went to a lady who did auricular therapy (needle-less acupuncture). I am now wondering since you also experienced it if it's somehow related to a valve disorder.
I look forward to reading your progress reports as you go though this journey. I'm sure our Lord will keep you safe!
Blessings,
Lori
On April 11, 2010...
Carla,
Believe me, your prayer posse has been in action this week already! We will be on our knees for you and lifting you up every time we think of you - which is OFTEN. We will continue to pray for a hedge of protection around you, blessings on you and your husband and the doctors and the nurses and the admin staff and just every single body that can do anything for your healing process. We also pray for a very successful surgery, a speedy and pain free recovery. And most of all we look forward to the day you are RESTORED back to us. We love you, and we miss you. You are on our minds more than you could possibly know.
Love you,
Kathy
(Loving member of your precepts prayer posse!)
On April 11, 2010...
4/11/10
Good Morning Carla,
I awoke in the night praying for you-and I know my God will carry you on His spirit wings. We will be praying for Randy to feel better and I am sure the pressure of all the preparations have taken their toll on him.
God has all-ready arrived in your tomorrow and I know every door you walk thru will be will his strength and confidence. I am asking God to annoint you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes and His comfort will over-shadow you.
Loaning you my hope
Loving you
Barbara Mizell
On April 10, 2010...
Hi Carla
had planned to write to you before your departure, but you beat me to it with your words of encouragement. Thank you. Try not to be nervous as you get on your way tomorrow. Can't wait to see what you have to say about the new heart pavillion there, it's less than 2 years old. The first day in particular is tiring as there's so many tests to be done and that fasting, I'm never as thirsty as I am until they tell me no liquids. As for my pre surgery heart rate, it ran about 70 to 80. Right now it's 70, so doubling my medication did the trick. Will find out about my lungs on Monday. Glad you liked my idea of having your daughter keep a journal during your hospitalization. So many things happen and change that you could not only keep up with it, much less remember. I did want a photo of me taken in CICU, but they said no. Wanted to see what I looked like with all the tubes, etc., but remember, I'm a nurse. There's a HVJ person who recently had his surgery at the U of Michigan and they not only allowed photos, but he had a visit from a therapy dog. Personally didn't think that was a good idea allowing that. The CC prides themselves on a less that .01% infection rate and you'll see why when you have to do the nasal, skin and mouth sanitizing before surgery.By the way, no pump head (it was a slight concern for me).Are you and Sandy in communication as he's there with you and his surgery is Tuesday. Hope you get to meet each other.Have a safe flight and will wait for your pre-op post. Stay calm, I already know that you know the Lord is with you. I visioned Him in the operating room with Dr Gillinov. Duane had shown a drawing with that same concept.By the way, what a beautiful family you have, just got to look at your photos.
Fran Z
On April 10, 2010...
Carla, thank you for inviting me to be connected to communication about your surgery and recovery. You have been on my prayer list for many months, and I will continue to lift you up for His Healing Touch. Love you! Jo D.
On April 9, 2010...
Carla,
We're praying for you. Have a safe trip on Sunday. God bless, Dustin
On April 9, 2010...
Carla,
Knowing what you are going through, I wanted to let you know we are praying for you to be surrounded by God's love and peace. We are praying for Randy too to have the confidence that it is all in God's hands and He will guide you through this. My scripture before and after the surgery was: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 God always lets us know His presence is close. You are only a few days away from feeling better. Love, Bev
On April 9, 2010...
Hi Carla -- I'm so glad I got to see you last week (and chat a bit, too)! Know that I am praying for you:) -- Love you, Teresa
On April 7, 2010...
Greetings
You and Randy (and other families) have and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. With LOVE...
Peace.
Todd and Dee
On April 7, 2010...
Carla-this is from one of your oldest friends. Thank you for including me in your Special Journal-I will look forward for hearing updates from your family and photos. You're so lucky to have Randy-it's difficult to go through overwhelming illness without your spouse. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Randy, Jennifer, Heidi, and your doctors. Love, Nancy
On April 7, 2010...
hi Carla....thanks so much for letting me know about your heart surgery....you will be in my prayers....my husband Chuck has a-fib so i know all about the meds ect....sounds like you have a wonderful support family,Drs...and friends...hugs...ruthie in Minn....our dad's were 1st cousins.......
On April 7, 2010...
Carla, I am Katie Kearney's Honors Anatomy and Physiology teacher at Jupiter Christian School. My name is Kippy Carman. I just got done teaching Katie and her classmates about the heart and in particular the valves of the heart- like the Mitral vavle. What an awesome creation we are! I wanted you to know that I will be praying speicifiaclly for the Lord to gudie the doctors and most of all to be present in that surgery and to give you a peace that passes all understanding. I will have my class pray for you as well. We are thinking of you and praying for a great report! Remember- "Whose report are you going to believe? I will believe the report of the Lord!". God bless you, Kippy Carman
On April 7, 2010...
Dear Carla,
So often those of us that stand on the side-lines feel so helpless--so tonight as I offer a prayer for you, I LOAN you my HOPE that in these difficult days ahead you will feel my prayers and HE one more time will show himself powerful in your behalf.
Good night
Loving You
Barbara Mizell
He who is able to do exeedingly abundantly over which we could imagine--He truly is indescrible
On April 6, 2010...
Dear Carla,
Thank you for including us in your journal. We will continue to lift you in prayer before our almighty gracious God who knit you together in your mother's womb and ordained each day of your life before one of them had come to be.
We thank our God that He has already given you a new heart...one that is reconciled to Him through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ...it is a privilege to be part of His family with you, and to bear your burdens with you in prayer.
We pray for the peace of God that goes beyond all human understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
We'll be praying for God's grace for your physician, and for His grace to meet your every need.
We love you Carla,
Jim, Nancy and Katie
On April 6, 2010...
Dear Carla,
What a wonderful way to stay in touch with those who care so deeply about you and want to pray for you daily. May the Lord continue to bless every step of your path. Much love, The Nereau's <3
On April 6, 2010...
Dearest Carla -
So glad to be invited into your posting group - details help with specific prayer . . . You've already been in my thoughts & prayers daily, and in my heart as a dear friend for years . . . keeping you close in thought, prayer and heart - Much love - praying for Jennifer & Randy too - Darla
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Carla,
Please know that I will be there with you in spirit in my heart and prayers, as you go into surgery on April 15th.
I had my mitral valve surgery in January and I'm healing very well.
I wish all the very best to you, Carla!
Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)
On April 5, 2010...
Carla,
Good luck on your surgery. I will also be saying a prayer for you. Everyone who told you to try and stay calm and trust in God, are giving you the best advice. I truly believe by giving control to God, you become at peace and accept whatever comes your way. It also builds an inner strength and determination that you can overcome any challenges that are sent your way. I was so at peace before my surgery and did very well after surgery. Some people on this site had many challenges and they faced them and overcame them I think Duane, Richard and others were so brave. You will do well also, after all we are all pulling for you.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On April 5, 2010...
Carla,
Kathy just said it well. You are in the best hands imaginable (and unimaginable), Christ's. So glad the sinus infection has cleared up. We will be praying for you as the surgery approaches and throughout it. My wife and I witnessed Phil. 4:6-7 coming so true like never before during my surgery and setbacks. May you sense the same peace of God that we did!
Duane Hunt
On April 5, 2010...
Hey there Carla! You have put yourself into the best hands - the hands of our Lord. He will guide every step of your journey. I am praying for you as well as others who are facing surgery soon.
God bless!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Carla
Looks like you're on the same schedule I was on last month at the CC. Testing, Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was easier, met with the pre-op nurse, the anasthesiologist and of course, my surgeon. They are awesome at the Clinic, never felt like a number in spite of the 100s of people who go through there. You will be in excellent hands. Where did you decide to stay Wednesday night before the surgery? You'll have to do some showering with special skin cleansers, put an antibiotic ointment in your nostrils 3 times and gargle with the mouthwash they give you. It all apparently works as they say their infection rate is less than.01%, as I recall. You've done all your work, just need to let them do theirs. Sandy is having his surgery 2 days before you, I believe. He'll be up walking the halls and hopefully he will come in to see you. Capt'n Bill (Thune) had his surgery by the same doctor the day before me and got to see him twice. It's really special to actually meet someone from the HVJ. If you have followed Duane, you'll know we got to meet he and his wife in our home last week and it was an honor. This forum will be a blessing to keep loved ones up to date. Adam is a remarkable man to have set this up for us.
Fran Z
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Carla
You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers for a very successful surgery and speedy and full recovery. I am praying you keep your fears at bay and become calm and that your husband too keeps his strength to be there for you. This is so emotionally tough even though you've been there before. Good luck. Have a great week while you get ready.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Carla! Thank you for providing this link as a way to stay in touch and up to date on your progress. Bob and I will keep you and Randy in our prayers. OH...the music this past weekend was awesome! It was a bit sad not to be a part of it, but it was an incredible blessing to soak it all in! Thanks for your unwavering dedication and service to the Lord! Fondly, Bob and Pat
On April 5, 2010...
We will all be praying for our favorite piano teacher!
Love to you, Carla
Love The Wraggs: Marc and Jill
Sarah, Daniel, Lizzy, Jacob, Leah and Gabriel
On April 3, 2010...
Hi Carla,
I hope you are feeling better. My date is April 8th, so we will be recovering together! I too had a sinus/cold about a week ago and took a z-pack for it. Much better now and ready to go! I will continue to pray for you and your family! All my love and prayers.
Melany Strader, NC
On April 2, 2010...
Hi Carla
Just dropping by to see how you were feeling and if you are over your bout of cold. Worrying about having surgery is one issue and then worrying about whether it will actually take place on time is a whole other thing to deal with. I'm praying you are totally well and getting ready. I ended up with a cough after my pre-op sinus infection and figured they wouldn't take me but they did saying they'd be after me to cough anyway.
Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.
Have a great Easter weekend.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 2, 2010...
Carla, the previous message was sent by me wrong spelling of Easter and all.
Fran Z
On April 2, 2010...
So sorry you have such a stressful period leading up yo your surgery. Hopefully next week after Easter your duties will diminish and you can take time time to prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. I know you've through this many years ago, so maybe put that past you. I did bring a robe but didn't wear it in the hospital only at the hotel. I had an angiogram 2 days before and on that info sheet it said to have a robe. Not so. was in a gown, was prepped,wrapped in a couple of warm blankets and wheeled in for the proceedure (so easy). Afterwards stayed flat for 4+ hours and then discharged back to hotel for next day, Post op you will be sitting to eat and walking when you're not in bed and found elastic waist pajama bottoms worked fine with the gowns they supplied. Did bring extra socks for sleeping as my feet get cold, but did not need them I always kept the prayer quilt over me that a friend had made me. Tried to get into a waist buttoned and zipped slacks this morn and they are still too tight! Am no longer braless , yeah. Get well, stay well, this surgical date is probably the most important date you'll have, you want to be ready. I'm ready to answer any other questions that may arise. By the way, have been at airports where there was an outside chair lift to get you on the plane.How many days post op will you be when you return? Thinking the stairs will be rough on you, guess you;ll just have to have a serious talk with the ground crew and see what they can so for you,Well, prayers for you. Let me know what else I can do to help we're all on this fabulous journey together, also wising you a glorious Eastre
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Carla
Just trying to catch up with people's posts. Got back to Bonita Springs last night after a few days post op at Pete''s brother's home near Cleveland. By now, hope your sinus infection has cleared up and you will have your April 15th surgery as planned. Hope you had a chance to read the long journal I posted to bring everyone up to date on me.I assume you will have a direct flight home from Cleveland. It was tiring, but do=able. When you're in a wheelchair you get special VIP treatment at the airport. Do not worry about going off the coumadin or the cath. You will be asleep and it doesn't take long. They brought me back to the world before I left so I could see the results of the angiogram and was so pleased to learn there was no coronary blockages, didn't need any additional surgery. Lifting my arms to get dressed before discharge wasn't a problem but was glad I had brought elastic waist sweat pants as you gain quite a bit of fluid weight (15# for me) and there was no way I could button and zip the slacks I wore during admission. After speaking with Dr Gillinov's nurse this morning about my shortness of breath and not losing much of this fluid, she doubled my diuretic and potassium for 5 days. Will have to have a chest xray if it gets worse or is not better in the next 5 days. Otherwise am doing well and with your strong faith you will too. Use the relaxation/guided imagery tapes available from the CC. They helped me immensly. I went into the OR with complete peace and the knowledge that God would guide my surgeon's hands as He will for you. Please let me know if I can answer any questions you might have. Praying for you.
Fran Z
On March 27, 2010...
Carla
I don't know if having had the surgery would make one more or less anxious approaching it a second time. I know that you have chosen the preferred hospital worldwide to perform the procedure. My mother wouldn't admit until after I was through it that there was any other hospital qualified. I'm sure that your first surgery in 1998 seems like only yesterday and now you're going back for seconds. I wish you the best success and will pray for your safekeeping and quick recovery.
Michael Bartlett
Knoxille, TN
On March 27, 2010...
Hi my fellow Florida friend!
Get over that cold or whatever it is. I had a similar experience, developing sinus drainage and a persistent cough starting about Dec. 20. It kept on right up till my surgery on Jan. 28. I was on antibiotics the week prior to entering the hospital. But I had no fever, so things moved forward. We honestly thought when we moved to Florida from Iowa in 1986 that we would never catch another cold. We also almost got rid of all our blankets. Won't need those. How stupid is that?
I had my first catheterization on Jan. 27. That was the very first surgical proceedure I ever had. It really was okay. Trust me on this. The lying still for 4 hours was more annoying than anything else. This is nothing compared to the mitral valve repair you already had before.
I am so glad Jennifer can be with you. Having our kids with us made all the difference in the world! A powerful moment I'll always cherish was when my five kids, some of their spouses, my wife, and my parents, circled my bed and prayed with and for me just before my surgery. Wow!
We will continue to pray for you as the calendar and days turn and your surgery approaches. And we will pray that God's hands work through Dr. Mahaljevic.
As a new mitral valve repair veteran, I am just a bit unnerved that you're needing a re-repair. I don't like that one bit.
But God is, and always will be, in control. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Duane Hunt
On March 25, 2010...
Hi Carla! Sounds like you are doing all the right things to shake your sinus problem. Will pray all will go well & your surgery will go as God has planned.
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On March 25, 2010...
Hi Carla
Isn't that a bummer? Same thing happened to me but I was a little closer to surgery so ended up being cancelled. Stay clear of everyone and get better so things do go ahead on schedule. I'll be praying you shake it really quick and get on your feet and ready to go.
God has taken care of all of us and I am sure He will do the same for you.
Love, Mary Hall in Apopka FL