Good Morning.
With two pints of blood and some rest, Kimberly will hopefully have a better day. So nice you live so close to the hospital. That is one disadvantage of people like ourselves who traveled out of state for surgery. Continuing my prayers for healing.
Fran Z
On June 4, 2010...
Hi darling, it is so good to hear that you are sitting up ,I have really enjoyed reading the updates.I will see you next week, grandmommy wants to come down to see you in the next week . love you .Carol
On June 4, 2010...
Hi David,
Every time I get an update alert from you, I pull the car over and read. Let Kimberly know I'm rooting for her.
But taking off her toenail polish is criminal!!
Can't wait for next update. Praying for her recovery and a new mani/pedi :)
xxoo,
Amanda
On June 4, 2010...
Good afternoon Sweetie,
All the reports and calls from David are great. It was hard seeing you there yesterday, but I just kept thinking of how much more enjoyable your life will be now.
Take care and mind the doctor and staff.
See you soon.
Love you, ♥
Mom
On June 4, 2010...
Praying hard for both of you, thank you so much for taking the time to update us, I know it must be hard ,you seeing your sweetheart lying there, but remember she will be stronger, better than she was before...kinda like the Bionic Woman...lol... if you remember that show from years ago...anyways will be thinking of you and Kim till you get her home!!!! :-)))))
On June 4, 2010...
Dear Kim,
Brian and I are sending you the best thoughts ever for a speedy recovery! I am so glad to hear the surgery went well and you are recovering. Please get well soon and know so many epopel are thinking of you and wishing you teh very best!!!
On June 4, 2010...
David, thanks again for the update. Have a nosy question for you, are you a medical professional as you have all the correct terminology? You are a blessing to eachother. Prayers continue.
Fran Z
On June 4, 2010...
David you're doing great with all the details. It's almost like I'm there. Of course, I cry everytime I read what you've written. Please let her know I'm with her in spirit. She's in my heart. Love to you both.
Cheryl(other Mom)
On June 4, 2010...
Hi Baby Girl,
I am so proud of your strength throughout this challenging time and now through this surgery. YOU DID GREAT! So, even with your hair a mess and the miles of tubes you looked wonderful to me. I am glad I could be there and I never had a doubt your resolve would bring you through this with flying colors. Thanks for the day off but next time let's just have lunch or go fishing. See ya' again soon. Love, Dad
On June 4, 2010...
Hi David
So what it - instant memory recall or great shorthand? I cannot believe the detail you are remembering. Don't stop because as new people sign on, Kimberly's journal will be here in the forefront as others get left behind. Even when the odd thing is different, most of it is universal and all of your narratives are helpful so others can know what it will be like. You are doing an amazing job.
I'm so glad to have had a likewise loving and caring husband to help me through all of this. When home I counted on him for the first while to help me get in and out of bed. He was able to grab me by both shoulders keeping me rigid and pull me up and out of bed and the same for getting back down. I had the full sternotomy and without his help my legs would be flailing about trying to get me up and around. There are so many little things you are going to be able to help with - you just have no idea what your being there is going to do for Kimberly. We'll always be indebted to our caregivers for help when we needed it the very most.
This is an emotional trip David and you must be certain to get the proper rest and take good care of yourself as well. You are needed to hold the family together, keep everyone informed, make sure Kimberly gets the pain meds all on time, fetch this and that and somehow find enough time for yourself to get some much needed rest. It sounds as if you have lots of emotional support as well.
Give Kimberly my very best wishes today and tell her that each day will bring some little improvement and not to expect too much from herself.
God bless.
Cheryl, Ontario
On June 4, 2010...
Dear David and Kimberly,
I'm so happy happy to hear you are both doing so well. David's posts are very thorough and loving. I'm happy your children were able to visit even though all those machines and tubes are scary but I think it's helpful they saw their mom is alive and is getting the help she needs. (at the Cleveland Clinic they show family members a film while they are waiting about what to expect . . . apparently the film mentions some family members have been known to faint. Yikes!)
Today Kimberly will look completely different. She'll sit in a chair, take a walk, get color back in her skin. And each day will be even better!
My surgery was also on a Thursday and I don't think I ate anything other than a little jello until Sunday. I wasn't hungry at all. And on Saturday I was woozy from the percocet they gave me so I really didn't want to eat then! I still don't have much of an appetite 2 weeks later, which, for me, is a blessing because I gained 25 pounds in the year before my surgery which was a symptom of my disease - rapid unexplained weight gain. Too bad rapid unexplained weight loss doesn't result from the surgery!
I hope you both have a great day today.
Ricki Shine
On June 4, 2010...
Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see. Heb 11:1
~Lisa
On June 4, 2010...
Good Morning David and Kimberly
I'm up early, but hope the two of you are still sleeping. What a wonderful family (and extended family) you have. God has blessed you both. Wasn't that many days ago we were worried about a dry socket and now the concerns are much larger. But you're right, as you told your step daughter, mom will be sitting up when they see her today and she may even take a short walk. The whole heart surgery process is amazing. One of my daughters kept a journal for me while I was in the hospital, she detailed a lot of the info you wrote about. She was not there when the breathing tube was removed and I barely remember it. A wish I would have for the HVJ who are awaiting their surgery is not to focus on this aspect. In the whole scope of things, it was a piece of cake. Prayers continue for all of you and hope lots of progress will be made today, but if it's a slow progress day, don't fret, good things will happen on Saturday.
Fran Z
On June 3, 2010...
David,
You are so thorough in your updates...that is great....you are certainly helping others understand everything. I know how hard it is for you, but you are doing great. I told my husband it is much worse for the spouse or family of the patient...you feel so helpless. I have been on both ends....patient and support system...and I will be the patient any day. I am a good patient, but it breaks my heart to see my loved one in pain. You handled the kids so well...and I am sure made them feel better to see her for themselves. Try to get rest tonight...tomorrow you will see progress. So, so happy things are going good. Will be looking for your updates.
Theresa Callanan
On June 3, 2010...
Thinking of you, David and Kimberly.
Great updates, David. Am SO HAPPY Kimberly got a repair. Awesome, awesome news.
I'm going in for the same thing on June 10th. Love your detailed reporting but it's made me reconsider...want to get on a plane to Hawaii instead.
Get rest, tonight. Kimberly is gonna need you. And if you get bored, post stuff. I'm watching from Cali.
xxoo,
Amanda
On June 3, 2010...
Hi David
Boy, you have certainly poured your heart out in your entry. There won't be a dry eye reading that. I keep saying what an emotional trip this is for everyone. I'm so glad it was me and not my husband that had to go through it. Anyway, I'm just so glad Kimberly's surgery is over and she's okay. Did she get the repair as opposed to a replacement?
How great that you are sitting with her tonight. That should make her feel good when she does wake up and sees you there.
Keeping you all in my prayers.
Cheryl, Ontario
On June 3, 2010...
You two are blessed to have eachother and the love you share. I got teary reading what you wrote. As you said, it's over she's now on the road to recovery and she'll do well. I assume they did a repair? Prayers continue.
Fran Z
On June 3, 2010...
Hi David,
I am so glad to hear it all went well. I have really been praying for all of you. She has such a great support system, she will be fine. Please tell her Melany says hello and stay strong, the worst is over, now it's time to get well! All my prayers and thoughts are with you!
Melany
On June 3, 2010...
....candy and coffee....they have helped me get through many situations.....enjoy. So happy things are going well.
~Lisa
On June 3, 2010...
Hey David! I can only imagine how you are feeling. I know when my loved one went in for surgery recently, and although it was major surgery...it was nothing like this, I was a total wreck..........the waiting, the wondering, and the recovery ahead. I am so glad you have such a great support group with you. Tell her Mom and inlaws I said "hey"! And again, if any of you need anything, let us know! :)
Love you both!
Angie Tamberelli
On June 3, 2010...
Hey little brother,
Thanks for the update. I'm having happy thoughts, like butterflies soaring through my soul for Kimberly.
So thrilled for you both,
mj
On June 3, 2010...
Hi David
It's really rough being on the waiting end. My hubby had our 2 daughters , his brother and a sister in law for company. They all tried to distract eachother. I just slept thru it all! Prayers will continue for your bride (and you). Waiting for the great news that all went perfectly.
Fran Z
On June 3, 2010...
Glad to hear she's off the machine. I'm guessing by the amount of time she was on it, that the valve was able to be repaired :) Thanks for the update!
Angie
On June 3, 2010...
Hi David
I know you are having a highly emotional day as you wait for Kimberly to get through her surgery so just wanted to say I am praying for you both. I'm surprised the doctor hadn't discussed the possibility of Plan B replacement valve before this. I went into my mitral valve surgery with a 95% chance of repair but the doctor did discuss with me my Plan B choice and I put the choice back onto him and he chose a mechanical valve. Don't let that "what if" overshadow your wait today. Knowing there was a back-up plan helped give me relief as I went into surgery knowing that if the repair got screwed up then at least there was a viable alternative and that no matter what, I WAS coming out of surgery repaired one way or the other. Keep that bright side in mind.
Looking forward to your next entry.
Cheryl, Ontario
On June 3, 2010...
You will both be in my thoughts and prayers today. I had my AV replaced on 5/21 at Duke and am doing pretty well now.
She is in good hands and will have a few rough days ahead but it does get better.
Tim from Greensboro NC
On June 3, 2010...
Thanks so much for the updates! I've been keeping everyone here at work up to date on her progress, and even though they have never met you or Kim, they have been asking about both of you this morning :) Much praying is being done here!
Lots of love!
Angie
On June 3, 2010...
....sorry, forgot to sign my name....it's Lisa. :)
On June 3, 2010...
I will be checking in throughout the day to see how things are going. I know she'll do fine. Take care of yourself today David.
On June 3, 2010...
Good morning! My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I have thoroughly enjoyed this journal. Love from Karen, Kasey and Zach.
On June 3, 2010...
Good morning Kimberly! What a tremendous Thursday this is! It's 8:56 a.m. and my heart is overwhelmed with prayers and guidance for your doctors, husband, children, family, etc. A brand new life awaits you, just as a butterfly! Love you, sis.
MJ
On June 3, 2010...
Kimberley,
2 weeks ago right this minute I was in surgery. Today is your turn. I know you'll do wonderfully and will soon start to feel so much better.
You have many loved ones around you and their love will help pull you through.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Ricki
On June 3, 2010...
I'm praying for a successful surgery for you and a very quick recovery.
Patrick in STL
On June 3, 2010...
Praying for you all day!!!!!! David, I pray God sends gives you support, as I know this isn't easy for you at all...Hang in there and know we are all thinking of your both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Moore
On June 3, 2010...
Kimberly - we are all in it to win it with you. You Go Girl!
Peace and God's love be with you and protect you!
Tommy Schrage
On June 2, 2010...
Dear Kim,
I just read your June 2nd post and you have brought tears to my eyes. I can feel through your words that you are a very special lady! I remember David from high school like 30 years or so ago (lifetime ago, lol). We didn't "hang out" or anything, but we did have a few classes together. I always thought he was one of the good guys! I am so very happy that you two found each other. The love and passion that you two have for each other is something that every person hopes to find one day. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I know that God's hand is working through the surgeons hands to perform a healing on a wonderful women! God Bless!
Theresa Campbell (Facebook Friend)
On June 2, 2010...
Dear Kim,
This is your Uncle Paul in Alexandria. Solie and I were very excited and happy to hear from your grandmother earlier tonight about your impending heart surgery-tomorrow.
We knew your heart was a serious problem and thank the good Lord you are able to do something about it. Will pray a special prayer for you tonight. However, I am very sure this is going to turn out very well.
We will keep up with your progress and am sure your grandmother as well as your journal will be good sources.
Paul and Solie
On June 2, 2010...
Kimberly,
Best wishes tomorrow! You are in great hands at ECU and everything will be fine. Stay positive and listen to the doctors and nurses. The anticipation is worse than the actual surgery, so the worst is behind you..
Thoughts and prayers are with you,
Mark
Keller, TX
On June 2, 2010...
Kimberly,
So glad your time is almost here....you will do great and I can not wait to hear it is over and you are recovering. You will be such an inspiration when you share your successful story to new patients entering this site. Good luck and I will say a prayer for you.
Theresa Callanan
On June 2, 2010...
good morning mommy!!, again,
i am in school and have been researching dr. chitwood for like an hour! heheh and i know he and you will do great and i wll do great too on the EOCs tomorrow!! i cant wait till you open your eyes and breathe the fresh clean hospital air(:
peace and blessings,
your best and only middle child,
the one you love,
and loves you more,
MADDIE <3
On June 2, 2010...
It's just about here and you'll be fine. Do what ever the capable team tells you to do. Even when you want to rest, they will make you get out of bed and you'll realize when you feel better, that they were right. don't be a martyr about pain meds. They're ordered for a reason. Just a few bits of advice. By the way, we had a German Shepherd (Baron) for 13 years, still miss him. Praying for a great surgery tomorrow.
Fran Z
On June 2, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Thank you for leaving such a lovely and generous note in my guestbook. You have enough on your mind right now and that was very gracious of you to take the time to write.
I can feel how anxious and excited you are at the same time and know today you will have a million thoughts going through your mind as you finally prepare for your big day tomorrow. Take some time just to sit and have a big deep breath and get your wits about you. Hang in there. Your successful surgery will be on our lips tomorrow.
Cheryl, Ontario
On June 2, 2010...
Kim,
I'm so happy the time has come for you to get your life back :) You are such a special person! Again, I want to thank you for your friendship. You were there for me when I needed you the most. It's so amazing how God brings people into one another's lives. I don't know where I'd be without you. The boys and I will keep you and David in our prayers. Best of Luck!
Love,
Angie, Damien & Hunter
On June 2, 2010...
Good morning Kim - You are blessed with a beautiful family. Such great names for your chidren too. Why is it that people from the south always have such great names?
I am sorry you are not feeling well today and wish you better tomorrows. I'll be thinking and praying for you.
Tom Schrage
On June 2, 2010...
Hi Kim,
You have such a beautiful family. I am praying for you and know that I am here if you need anything!
Melany
On June 1, 2010...
Are those your 3 in your wedding photo? What a great photo.
Fran Z
On June 1, 2010...
Hi Kimberly. I've been following your journal for a while now & just wanted to wish you well with your upcoming surgery. Your entries about your children & your folks tell me that, even though you'll come out with a "brand new heart", you'll retain the best parts of the old one as well.
Best wishes for a smooth recovery - Joy V.
On June 1, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Your posting made me teary as well. As confident as we feel there is still that little niggling sense of ...what if, especially when it comes to how we feel about seeing our loved ones again. Fight the what-if's, and remember that we are all still here talking with each other and giving hope. Keep positive. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and will be looking forward to hearing from you as you recover.
Cheryl, Ontario
On June 1, 2010...
Kimberly,
My very best for a smooth and successful surgery and recovery. I'm not even 2 weeks out from mine and I feel like a different person in many ways.
I hope your surgery and hospital stay are as easy as mine were.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Ricki
On June 1, 2010...
Hey Kim, I've sent you a couple of emails, but maybe this is the way to get in touch with you these days. You're probably pretty focused right now on one thing. I just wanted to let you know again how much I love you, & that you're constantly in my thoughts & prayers.
I know David will probably have a lot of phone calls to make, but could you ask him to make one more. I'll email you my numbers. If David or Judy could give me a quick call when you're out of surgery, I'd so appreciate it.
Love you, Cheryl
On June 1, 2010...
Good Morning Kimberly,
I'm going through the same emotions. And after the experience I had last night, I know now that this needs to be done ASAP.
You will do just fine and will be able to tuck your kids in very soon.
Keep thinking positive, a positive attitude will take you very far. And put your trust in the Lords hands and the surgeons. They know what they are doing.
Til I "see" you on the flip side, our new lease on life with a brand new heart,
Your Friend,
Diana
With two pints of blood and some rest, Kimberly will hopefully have a better day. So nice you live so close to the hospital. That is one disadvantage of people like ourselves who traveled out of state for surgery. Continuing my prayers for healing.
Fran Z