Lori - Just view today as Friday, August 12 plus 14 hours at this point. and tomorrow will bring a welcomed Saturday, August 14th.
We are praying for you and for the doctors who are taking care of you today!
Lynette
On August 13, 2010...
Adam, hope you put your running kicks on as I am sure you will do a marathon this afternoon. This is definitely a time where too much knowledge is a bad thing. For us, just the thought that she is catchiing this timely and is in the hands of a competent doctor is quite comforting.
On August 13, 2010...
Adam - Hang in there. Dr. Dewan is a tremendous surgeon, he operated on our oldest son years ago and he's really topnotch.
Thanks for making the journal entries.
-Suzanne
On August 13, 2010...
Hi Lori and Adam, my prayers are with both of you. I am anxious to hear that the surgery was successful and Lori is doing well. I'm looking forward to visiting when I get back from my trip and seeing Lori feeling much better!
Best Wishes,
Theresa
On August 13, 2010...
Prayers are going up! Glad to hear it is going as planned!
Hugs from Oklahoma!
On August 13, 2010...
Praying for you all! - The Holahans
On August 13, 2010...
Thinking only positive thoughts for you all, love the Barta family in Collingwood.
On August 13, 2010...
Waiting for the wonderful news that prayers have been answered for a successful surgery.
Fran
On August 13, 2010...
Hi Lori and Adam
And from here on in the 13th is going to be Lori's lucky day - the day her life was saved. Those operating and waiting rooms are stone cold. Keeps you thinking about something else for the next few hours. Keeping Lori in my prayers.
Cheryl, Ontario
On August 13, 2010...
Hi Adam, You are doing great. We will be on the way to Collinhwood during the surgery . We send you our support in absentium. Our prayers are with you both. Love Dad
On August 13, 2010...
Hi Lori, Fri 13 th was always my lucky day. So I am passing it to you. Love Ellie
On August 13, 2010...
I hope you were able to get some sleep tonight and managed to enjoy the movie. Thinking of you and everything will little thing will be alright!
On August 12, 2010...
Lori, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery! God Bless you and your family.
Beth (Beard) Ashy
On August 12, 2010...
Prayers and positive thoughts are with you and yours.....
On August 12, 2010...
Lori, I love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers!! You are such an incredibly strong woman that I know you will be in full recovery soon, however, in the meantime I would like to help do whatever I can to allow you to rest and recover fully. I am checking out the care calendar now and look forward to seeing your beautiful smile!! Love ya, Elisabeth (6593365)
On August 12, 2010...
Hey Lori, remember that tons of people are pulling and praying for you, and that you are not alone. One poetic excerpt that often makes me feel better in difficult times is this: "So you must not be frightened, if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen; if a restiveness, like light and cloud-shadows, passes over your hands and over all you do. You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; it will not let you fall. . . ." (from Rainer Maria Rilke). jtp.
On August 12, 2010...
Lori - Glad to hear you have made your decision and sound very confident with it! Half of the battle is over now. God Bless You tomorrow and He will take care of you and your family!
With Prayer and Love to each of you!
Lynette
On August 12, 2010...
We are all rooting for you! Hang in there!!!!
On August 12, 2010...
Please don't forget to get your dietary restrictions for your help page. Also any special treats/ things we can do for the girls. What about the pups?
On August 12, 2010...
Hey Lady!
Just wanted you to know that we are all praying for you during this rocky time. If Adam needs anything--we will be available. I know you must be trying to find peace with this new challenge, but you are one tough family and your faith in God and in each other will see you through.
Patty Geisinger & everyone at TxP2P
On August 12, 2010...
Lori - Will be pulling for you no matter where you have the surgery. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and want to help as soon as it's time to start bringing over food. I know it's going to be ok!
-Suzanne
On August 12, 2010...
Hi Lori,
Just heard your news! So sorry to hear! We will be thinking about you. Take Care!
Susan Prior
On August 12, 2010...
Hi Lori
I am one of the heart valve journalers who found this site a few months before my March surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a bovine mitral valve and a tricuspid repair. I am finishing up cardiac rehab (hope it is something you'll be able to do later, as it does make a difference). In reading some of your guestbook entries it seems you are surrounded by so many caring family and friends. All that support will help you. The anticipation I believe is worse than the actuality. Next week this time it'll be behind you and you can give us your updates on the progress you're making. Keep your focus on your wonderful family and on God. Prayers from FL.
Fran
On August 11, 2010...
Hey Girlie! Let me know if you would like visitors while you are in Houston! I'm only an hour away! You are in my thoughts and prayers. God will be with you and he will give you the peace you need just when you need it most! Believe!
All my love,
Katherine
On August 11, 2010...
Hi Lori,
We're all thinking of you and Adam and the girls. I am 100% certain you will fly thru' this, and will be on the road to recovery very soon. We admire your courage.
All the best,
John and Victoria and Jacob and Sammy.
On August 11, 2010...
hey lori
thinking of you out here in eugene
we will get your messages via e- mail and we are sending all our love and support.
peter, rhowan and henry
On August 11, 2010...
Lori,
Hang in there, have faith, and go with your gut! You really will come out of this in better shape!
Kellie (MD)
On August 11, 2010...
Hang in there!
On August 11, 2010...
Lots of love and prayers are sent to you from all of us. We know you are strong and will weather this storm as you have so many others. Carol, Ian and Family. xoxoxo
On August 11, 2010...
Hey Lori...or anyone reading this...I would like to participate in any assistance. Is there anyone coordinating dinners/house cleaning/errands. Please put me on the list.
On August 11, 2010...
Lori I can't imagine what you are going through. I only hope and pray that you will be okay. You have such a sweet family and they need you. I hope you find answers soon and the recovery is gentle and quick.
Hugs from Oklahoma,
Jennifer Klvac (Battenfield)
On August 11, 2010...
Dear Sweet Lori - you know what a sap I am - so you will understand that as I read your journal and watch your posts my eyes fill with tears. You are one of the most gentle loving person I have ever met and this somehow does not seem fair. But I believe in the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and I know that through all of this you will get even stronger and learn more than you could ever imagine. I feel bad if Kirby has caused you any grief and stress that has added to your problems. Please let me know if I can take him for awhile till you get better. Any help you need please call me I will send you a new number and you have my old one I still have for awhile yet. Please If I can help in any way let me know - my prayers and all prayer lists I am involved with you are going to be one. Sandi Daniels MBR
On August 11, 2010...
Hi Lori
Welcome to HVJ. I had a mitral valve repair Oct 1/09 and am quite well now even though I still have mild-moderate tricuspid regurgitation and mild aortic insufficiency. My doctor here said they wouldn't even try to fix something that wasn't really broken so that is why he didn't touch the other two valves. I work from my home so returned to work part-time 13 days post-op. I left the hospital with fluid in my right lung and yes, little things did crop up here and there but all in all, I weathered the storm pretty well for being 60 at the time.
Any surgery is scary and while I've had several different surgeries in the past, this one did tend to make me more fearful. I'm just wanting to reassure you that all your fears are normal and shared by all of us here. But, you will no doubt be just fine so just try and feel as positive as you possible can and like you are doing now, plan on the day you get home by getting things ready that need to be ready. All that will help you keep stress at bay by worrying whether or not you'll feel well enough to get the girls ready for school etc.
Don't you dare throw a thing out. I had a full sternotomy and yes, there is a mark but it usually goes unnoticed. I wear 'v' tops, you name it - nothing has changed.
I'm wishing you much luck and peace. Before you know it you'll be returning and we'll see you here posting your progress.
Cheryl, Ontario
On August 11, 2010...
Lori, posting your story is a great way of keeping all of us informed. We love you and are praying for you. You, along with Adam and the girls, will be in our thoughts while you are going through the surgery and the recovery.
Aunt Debra and Uncle Ronnie
On August 11, 2010...
Lori, i can't imagine how overwhelming all this must be. Please know I am sending prayers from Minnesota for you during this difficult time. Kathleen Forney
On August 11, 2010...
Good morning my dear friend. My heart is saddened that you have to walk though this difficult situation. My focus returns to prayer for you. One of my favorite versus for comfort is this...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6–7) Love you!
Laura Webb
On August 11, 2010...
Dear Lori, Adam and the girls
Very sorry to hear your news, our thoughts and prayers are with you here in Sydney. Wishing you all the best for the op and a very speedy recovery!
Love, Dave and Nessa
On August 11, 2010...
Lori,
I know that you are feeling so overwhelmed by all of this. I can only imagine the feelings that are enveloping you. As you travel this journey, know that you are never alone. You are surrounded by love and prayers from all around. May the peace which passes all understanding fill your heart and mind. You will come through this with a renewed strength... and after recovery you will feel MUCH better. Look out world!
On August 10, 2010...
Hey kid,
Just read your latest post. Know you are sad and confused, but remember that it is always darkest before the dawn. So, hang in there because it is about a brand new day for you. I look forward to seeing you conquer this like you have everything else in your life. Warmly, Luis
On August 10, 2010...
Lori,
I'm saying prayers for you daily. Methodist is a wonderful hospital with best in class doctors. It is no wonder you felt a sense of peace while visiting Methodist.
Everything will work out good for you - Blessing to you and comfort as you will make the best decision.
With Love
Lynette
On August 10, 2010...
Dear Lori,
I pray that after your surgery you have a speedy recovery. May God give Adam and your family the strength they need to get through this challenge.-- Especially after your recovery, you'll be stronger and even more energized! Watch out! Here comes Lori!:)
Blessings!
Melly, Sergio, Sofia & Alejandro
On August 10, 2010...
Lori,
I know in my heart that everything will be good for you because you are such a wonderful person. Even though we haven't been as close as we used to be when we were younger, I often think of you and remember the "good old days" when we would get together. I will be praying for you, Adam, and your girls. If you decide to have the surgery in Houston, please let me know if I can do anything for you.
Love,
Joey Mendoza
On August 10, 2010...
Lori,
You are the strongest person I know and I know some strong people. Your strength is definitely being tested but I know you, Adam and the kids have the strength for this and we'll be drinking margaritas together until we're old ladies! Mike and I are here to support you and Adam. Elizabeth
On August 10, 2010...
Lori, Thank you for giving us such a thorough account and insight of the surgery that will be required and the choices you now have to make.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and give our love to Adam and the girls who will be your inspiration over the next few days.love John and Judy
On August 10, 2010...
Lori, You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Has the DSACT care calendar been set up so I can sign up to bring a meal over? Godspeed for a successful surgery, recovery and return to your very blessed and busy life!
Blessings and hugs,
Rhonda, Bill, Bryan and Dylan
On August 10, 2010...
Lori, I am thinking about you and your family and praying that everything goes smooth. When I get back from my trip, please let me know whenever you need help. You have an amazing family! With everything you've already been through, I know the strength in your family will get you through this. I am glad you're keeping a journal to keep everyone updated. I'm looking forward to future entries that say your recovery is going well and you're feeling much better! Good luck this week and God Bless!
Sincerely,
Theresa Golde
On August 10, 2010...
Lori, I am praying for you for comfort and healing and for your family to deal with this disease. I am in Montana right now and when I return want to take you some dinner.
Love,
Carrie
On August 10, 2010...
Lori, thank you for the effort and time it has taken you to explain everything and especially for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. Our thoughts are with you and hopes for peaceful dreams of your beautiful family, love rm and web
On August 10, 2010...
Dearest Lori,
You are and always have been one of the strongest individuals I have ever known or ever will know. You have been chosen by the man upstairs to be an inspiration to all of us in more ways than one: as an advocate, a super mom, an attorney, an ever giving friend, and now through this. In every single thing you do and touch, you show compassion, courage, strength and immeasurable character and leadership. This will be no different. I look forward to reading the book you write: "I Climbed Mount Everest After Heart Valve Surgery." Best of Luck this week. I will keep you and the entire family in my best thoughts and prayers. Warmly, Luis
- Mike