was just sending prayers. then got your e mail. so good to hear. she is just a go getter, huh? bless her heart! such a fighter..in good shape...so happy! ty for sharing!

Hi there!
Good going! All about recovery now. Things will go well for you. Be kind to yourself and PATIENT! Your body has just gone thru a lot and wants to get back to normal, just like your mind does.
Enjoy the ride and welcome to the club!
Andy. AVR a short 8 days ago...

Hey JoAnen, I knew you could do it. Welcome to the other side of the mountain. It is great over here and the grazing isnt to bad either lol. Heres to a speedy recovery. Just listen to the doctors and your body go slow but keep going on. Everyday will be a better one trust me. Good luck.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Great going...

YES!!!! So happy to hear things are going well. Thank you again for the updates. They are wonderful.
Take care ~
Dave and Jerry

Awesome!! Way to get through it! Glad all is going well! Thanks for the updates!

Hey JoAnen..
Great news! Welcome to the other side of the mountain! May you have a very speedy recovery!
Connie T

so glad to know prayers are being answered. ty for keeping us posted. i know she will be up and at em real soon!

Praying and thinking of you today! We love you

The Herberts

Hi Suzie,
We are saying prayers for you this morning. We will be waiting to hear that you are out of surgery.
We love you
Travis, Kara and Taylor

Thanks for letting us know..

Good Morning Banzhaf's,
Thank you for the update Clinton!
We sure appreciate it and know you all are in good hands. Please give dad and sis a hug from us - or just punch them on the arm that will work. :) Hang in there ~
Dave and Jerry

Suz, I love you and know you will do great tomorrow. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers. And you are in Gods Hands! Love you!!! Can't wait to see your smiling face around Christmas.

Good Luck tomorrow. You are awesome! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Love,
Karen

You go girl!! You're gonna be fine. You'll feel so much better after it's done. Trust in the Lord. He'll take good care of you. Blessings, Marilyn

Sounds like you are getting really "pampered" there --GREAT !!!!
So glad all is going well for you.
We continue to be with you in thoughts and prayer.
Sure appreciate your journal
to keep us informed.
Dad and Loretta

Hi To all of you in Minnisota. We keep hearing of how good of care Dick takes of you and we know thats true, but we all know You do a great job with him too!! I have tried to take care of him at times and know what a job it is!!! Love you all.

Hi JoAnen,
I am glad to hear Mayo is living up to the high expectations I have of them. Their efficiency and common sense continues to amaze me. I can't believe how fast their volunteer greeters can spot someone who needs assistance, and then quickly guide them on their way.
So sorry Minnesota greeted you with such a snow storm. We got about 17 inches here in Bird Island.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you as you go through this speed bump in life. It won't be long until you look back and say ,"that wasn't so bad after all".
John O

Hi JoAnen, Sounds like rehersal went well for the big day. Good you had your CD. I keep all my tests and use them. They have come in handy. Well good luck to you and Gods speed. You will wake up and be going down the other side of the mountain, and you have plenty of big ones up North lol. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to a good report. Keep us all posted.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

what type of test are you having? thinking of you!
God Bless You!

Holy Cow! I feel like I just woke up and have a lot of catching up to do. Jeanne told us about your surgery weeks ago, but I guess the date just slipped through my mind. We do hope you're doing okay now and we know that you have the very best of care there at Mayo. We'll keep you in our prayers and will be anxiously waiting to hear the good news of a full 100% recover. Love, U. Tom & A. Karin.

So very glad the Banzhaf made it to MN and enjoyed a day of relaxing at Cabelas.
Thanks for keeping us posted and in the loop. Take care and keep you mind on those mountains your headed towards to climb, through the sweet smelling pines and the sun bouncing off the water tumbling over the rocks. Before you know it that's where you'll be. Of course you'll have to turn around and holler at Dick to see what's taking him so long, but what's a person to do???
LOVE YOU,
Dave and Jerry

Hi JoAnen,
I just had aortic valve replacement seven weeks ago. Please believe me....it's not as bad as you think. You'll wake up and be very sleepy, groggy and you won't be aware of too much. Before you know it the breathing tube will be taken out..I can hardly remember it...and it was like nothing. You will be kept comfortable and will hardly notice any pain. I dreaded it too, but now I wish I didn't, because I over thought the whole thing. You'll be fine and be home before you know it. It's really not bad at all. God bless you, Marilyn Birnie

You are probably enjoying Cabela's now. That will be good therapy to remember
when you are recovering. Glad that JoAnn
made it there ok too.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Dad and Loretta

Glad you made it to Minn. And now the adventure begins...the beginning of having a healthy heart!! You are in our prayers and good thoughts are coming your way. THINK POSITIVE...that will take you a long way!!
We love you...Reg and Jeanne

What a trip to MN! But at least you made it there safe and sound. Of course, now that you have left AK, it has warmed up to 30 above.

"Shopping therapy"? Hahaha...Have fun shopping in Cabelas! Anxious to hear what goodies you find.

Hugs, Linda

JoAnen and family,
So glad you made it and Joann had made plans to meet you! Pretty cool how those things work out!! It's so neat you got to spend time with Dana and your nephew too!!
May God open up Heaven and continue to pour out His blessing on you!!! Love and Hugs.... Sue and crew:)

Hi JoAnen,
Your day is right around the corner! Enjoy the next couple days! They will pass quickly and slowly at the same time...
Everything will go great and you will be able to put this behind you. Another adventure in life.
Andy AVR 12.5.12

Hi JoAnen...
Just wanted to stop by and wish you good luck for your big day. I had my aorta valve replaced in July and did just fine with the surgery. All of us here at HVJ can relate to the anxiety. Don't worry too much....it sounds like you are in great shape physically...that will help you with the surgery as well as recovery. I know you will do great. Physical....mental....great support system.... Hey...you have this!!! :):):)
Looking forward to your updates....
Take Care & God Bless
Connie T

Suz,
Try and not worry about things here. I got your back Sis! I love you and will be wondering and worrying about you. But you have a great support team that Loves you and I know you are a very strong woman both in mind and spirit. I have no doubt you will come out of this a champ.
Tell Dick if he needs me to do anything while your all away, let me know....you have my number!! Love you lots, Suzie. GOOD LUCK with everything and you are in our prayers.
Love Leslie

HI JoAnen, My you are getting close to the big day. Before you leave you might want to get a little something from your doctor for anxiety. I did before I had surgery and it took the edge off being nervous. You will do just fine, you will be in a very good place. God will be there with you holding your hand thru the whole process. He is wonderful getting us all back to a normal life. I will be looking forward to hearing about your recovery and your climb down on the other side of the mountain. Gods speed to you and I will be keeping you in my prayers and thoughts and have a safe trip to the lower 48, enjoy Cabella's also. See you on the other side.
Mooing all over
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi JoAnen,

What an interesting name. I am Joe, I had surgery on 10/23/12. I am doing fine although it still hurts when I sneeze. I have progressed nicely and all the medical staff seem to be pleased. You are in excellent hands if you are at the mayo clinic and I'm confident they will do great work for you. Try to relax and have a positive attitude about this procedure. You WILL BE FINE. God bless you in your journey and I hope to hear from you after your successful surgery.

Joe

JoAnen,
Thank you for your updates and thoughts as you gather all the last minute items for your trip South. You know what many of us forget - each day is a gift. Have a super good Friday and can't wait to hear what goodies you find at Cabela's.
Love you Bunches,
Jerry and Good 'Ol Dave

Hey Suz -
We are thinking of you and praying for you. I know you are in good hands and at one of the best places in the World. Please remember that you are loved from afar and will be sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way.
Love ya lots - Many Hugs from Holland!
Kim & Jeff

Take care and take time to enjoy your family. If it is getting difficult, cancel work days and that includes my house! Will be thinking of you and will be glad to see you back.
Carol J

As the time is nearing I know you are worried, but know you are will be in the hands of the best surgeons in the world. We are anxious to see you after the surgery...and will be in touch every day!!
We love you
Reg and Jeanne

Glad that your plans are all going well as planned.
Enjoy your trip there and your fun day at Cabelas.
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you.
Dad and Loretta

We will be glad when its over too. Wish I was closer to help you. Have fun at Cabelas!! The best part of the trip. Love Chris

Hi JoAnen
I had my aortic valve replaced, anerism repaired and one bypass at Mayo clinic just about four years ago. I had my annual check up there this week. Be prepared for the royal red carpet treatment you will receive there. I still get emotional just driving by Mayo. Every year I stop back at Saint Mary's hospital fifth floor Mary Brei and greet the best of the best nurses that took such good care of me. I also drop off about a pound of my famous peanut brittle in thanks.
I am 61 years old and this year ran 10 races from 3.1 to 12 miles, three sprint triathlons and one marathon. I had no warning or symptoms of a bicuspid aortic valve until I passed out after a race. In my book you are going to the best place for treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John O

JoAnen, We wish you the best in your surgery and recovery. Know its a hard time but know you are a stron person and have great support. Our love to you and your family. Love Chris

JoAnen,
We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I know with your body being in such good shape you will come out this and be back to your good life in no time at all. Know how much you are loved and admired by so many you have inspired to have good health.

Thanks for the updates and email site for the latest info on what is happening in your world. So glad you will be in the care of the Mayo Clinic. Keep those sites on the next hunting trip, you'll be there before you know it.
Lots of Love
Jerry

I have been seeing Dr. Kevin Greason, a surgeon at Mayo for the last 3 years. He is wonderful- very calm and explains everything. He is very good about getting back to me by phone. Every year I either have an MRI or a CT scan checking my ascending aortic aneurysm and bicuspid valve. Hope this helps.
Carol J.

Hi JoAnen,
I am so glad to be able to keep up with your progress through this site. Hope you get the Mayo surgery scheduled soon. Listen to your doctor and take it easy. You can do it.

Dale and I know you will be fine - you are one strong lady!
Hugs, Linda

Hi Susie,
Here is a link to Mayo in Rochester.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester/
It shows the different motels that you can choose from. We stayed at the Holiday Inn. It is within walking distance from the Mayo Clinic. Most hotels have a shuttle service that take you to the Mayo Clinic. I think you will be very thankful that you decided to go there. Best of luck and keep us informed how you are doing.
Love
Kara

Hey JoAnen,
Now I am signed on and ready for your updates for days that we don't have pool time. I am missing you already!! Do what the doctors order so we all can have you up and running full on!!! You KNOW you are always in my heart and prayers!! Love and God's peace to you always! Sue

JoAnen,
Thanks for your journal. I will look forward to your and Clinton's updates. 'Am glad that you will have your family there with
you. I will always remember when you were with me when I needed you.
Thanks again. I wrote one message to you but don't think I got it sent. So will try again. This technology "stuff" is great BUT I have trouble managing it.
My love and prayers are with you.
Grandpa Robert

Hi Susie
We are keeping you in our prayers. The Mayo Clinic is a wonderful place with excellent doctors. You will be in good hands. We love you.
Kara, Travis and Taylor

Hi JoAnen, I had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in April of this year. I had my Mitral Valve repaired by Dr. Burkhart and Dr. Suri. The hospital and staff were wonderful, and my experience was a good one. The process is very smooth and fast-paced, very organized. Everyone treats you like family and are so helpful. Every phone call I made was handled quickly and professionally. You will probably have to go for the consult and pre-op tests before actually scheduling the surgery, but I didn't have to wait very long at all. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you!
This is the hardest part, making all the arrangements and then waiting for surgery. You sound like a strong person and will do fine. Feel free to contact me! mhpomeroy@att.net
Holly P

Dear Sister, You always have been an inspiration to me and I find myself still wanting to be like you when I grow up! HEEHEE. Please rest and recover like the Dr.s say. I won't be able to be there with you but I will be there in heart and spirit and lots of prayers. I will take care of things up here for you so you rest easy. It won't be long before your back at it and stronger than ever. I am inspired by you to get moving and have started my journey to better health. It will be fun knowing we will be there for each other in all our adventures and competitions! Love you Tons!!
Love, your "wild" Sister-
Leslie