Good news! Glad to hear all is well. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Tasha
On May 14, 2010...
So glad to hear the sugery was a success!! I know you are glad to have that part behind you. Hoping you have a quick recovery!
Kimberly Schlienz
On May 14, 2010...
Mary Ann,
So happy to hear the great news!! Hope your recovery is uneventful!
Theresa Callanan
On May 14, 2010...
Super news! My best, Tom
On May 14, 2010...
We expected to perhaps see another posting from Greg/Gene today. It was great to see you were doing your own post...best wishes and prayers for a continued swift recovery.
love,
chris & bob
On May 14, 2010...
We're glad you can say hi too, welcome back to the world of normal worries, love, Kathy
On May 14, 2010...
So glad to get the latest update. No matter how qualified the doctor is, it's always a worry when you have surgery....especially heart surgery. We HAVE come a long way since our student days in OR and heart surgery was just in its' pioneering stage. Take care and take the pain medicine regularly even if you don't think you need it. Remember they taught us that you recover much faster if you are not uncomfortable for the first few days. Love, Jeanie K
On May 14, 2010...
Wonderful news, Mary Ann. You should be able to get a little more rest when you're out of CICU. Also, your family will be able to spend more time with you than the two visitor at a time rule for 15 minutes. You're on your way to a great recovery.
Fran Z
On May 14, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann,
So glad you passed the first hurdle in flying colors. I checked the journal as soon as I got home from school and was pleased to see Greg and Gene's note. It sounds like you made it through surgery and our prayers are being answered. Am glad that Greg can be with you along with Gene. We will continue to keep everyone in our prayers. Love, Theresa and Vern
On May 14, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann:
It was a wonderful and happy morning to receive the news from Greg. My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you and your family. I remember how much your help and friendship meant to me and I hope my spirit is with you now.
Love, Betty Ann
On May 14, 2010...
Hi Greg
Wonderful news to hear Mary Ann is through phase one that the operation was successful. I'm 61 and had a mitral valve repair in Oct/09. My repair was totally successful but still there is a minor leak but I'm also told this is not at all uncommon. I was driving 6 weeks later and also managed to do my Christmas shopping although I couldn't carry what I bought so had friends and my husband help with that. I'm just saying given a little time Mary Ann will begin to show sure signs of improvement. Make sure your dad gets lots of rest. I know this is very difficult on the loved ones as well. Give her my best.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 14, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann,
I have been praying for your successful surgery, and now will continue to pray for your speedy recovery. You and Gene are strong, spiritual individuals and an inspiration to all who know you. May God Bless and continue to watch over you.
Diane V.
On May 14, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, Gene and Greg.
Thanks for the update last night. So glad that all went well. Woke up at 5:30A and said "get up and go check on Mary Ann". Hope you had a good night and your family was able to rest. Our prayers continue for an uneventful total recovery. Jeanie K
On May 13, 2010...
Mary Ann - We are so glad to hear everything has gone just as you planned thus far! I hope all of you (YOU,Gene, Greg) will allow yourselves to rest! You may not have a choice tonight- so enjoy and let the meds go to work.Will call when you are back home.
We are parying for you!
Your WA state family.
On May 13, 2010...
I am glad to hear all is going well. I went to church today and lit a candle for you..
On May 13, 2010...
Thanks for the up date. What wonderful news. Tomorrow the intubation tube should be out and you'll be able to talk with her. Get a good night's sleep, the scariest part is in the past.
Fran Z
On May 13, 2010...
YAY!! Now for a speedy-quick recovery! Such great news!!
Chris Zenger
On May 13, 2010...
Thanks for keeping us up to speed and thank God for such healthy outcome. Enjoyed your journal and especially your writing . All the best along with a few simple prayers. Tim
On May 13, 2010...
This is such good news for the Marko family and for all of us. We're so happy all went well, our prayers have been answered. No doubt Our Lord was with you Mary Ann during the whole procedure and He won't leave your side now. We'll continue our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Love, Flo Vos
On May 13, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann and Gene,
We are rejoicing here at our house at the news that all went well!! Thank you, Jesus. If they find that balance in the drugs that Mary Ann is looking for, let us all know. Our prayers continue.
Love ya,
Linda Reske
On May 13, 2010...
So glad to hear it went well. I will continue to pray for her recovery, and the family as well.
Melany, NC
On May 13, 2010...
Thank goodness, I cheated and tried to call her cell phone, thanks for the update, Kathy
On May 13, 2010...
Thank you God!!
Mary taylor
On May 13, 2010...
Hooray! Thanks for the news. You have all been on my mind all day. So glad things are progressing well. The healing prayers and thoughts are flowing your way.
Much love,
Sharon and Roger
On May 13, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann and Gene,
Just want you to know that we have included you in our prayers daily. During Mass today I asked that you could face today with a sense of peace.
All our love, Kay, Nick, Kasey, Jeff and Kendell
On May 13, 2010...
Dearest Mary Ann...
Thank you for taking the time to keep all of us up to date.
Sending energy for what's ahead and much love and healing thoughts and prayers your way tonight. Will be visualizing every aspect going remarkably well tomorrow with my prayers.
Take care, my friend and be at peace.
You are much loved.
Kay Fox Raheja - South Carolina
On May 13, 2010...
So today is the day! I'll be sending you nothing but good thoughts and prayers for you!
Chris Zenger
On May 13, 2010...
Good morning. Wishing great success in the heart surgery.
Carolyn Geyer
On May 13, 2010...
Mary Ann,
We are praying and thinking of you today. Will await to hear the good news that your surgery is a sucess and over! On my way to school!
Lots of love, Theresa
On May 13, 2010...
Dear Gene and Mary Ann:
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
With Love,
Connie
On May 13, 2010...
Mary Ann
Am praying for you that your surgery will be perfect as will your recovery. This time tomorrow it will all be over and you'll be in CICU and realizing you are on the way to a healthier heart.Mayo must be like the Cleveland Clinic, an enormous facility but still has the personal touch.Will wait for the update that the surgery is over. I am also a nurse and we are strong women!
Fran Z
On May 13, 2010...
Gene, special prayers for you tomorrow in the waiting room.
Mary Ann, you are sounding ready for tomorrow's surgery after today's preparations as well as several nice days of travel and mother's day gatherings. I just got this heart journal notification figured out today so am catching up. We have other Sioux Falls friends seeing a team of doctors at Mayo tomorrow, so all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie Oliver
On May 12, 2010...
Mary Ann,
Thinking about and praying for you.
Love,
Chris Campbell
On May 12, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann
Funny, but when we go for testing we do think about the results in a pass/fail way, don't we? Well, the good news is - there is no pass/fail with these tests. It's all about numbers from now on and measurements. The doctors want to measure this and that so they know exactly what you are needing and how they are going to be treating you. You have already passed and are moving up the scale to better heart health and with each test you are that much closer to a new you. Yes, there will be a few trials and ordeals yet to come, but nothing that none of the rest of us haven't gone through and we are all here talking about just that. Smile and pat yourself on the back that you are lucky to know in advance you need some help and are able to get just that as opposed to waiting for something terrible to happen without any knowledge at all. Today is a good day Mary Ann - don't let go of that thought.
God Bless.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 12, 2010...
Jeanie gave you marching orders to think about our 50th ..... how about Vegas? You will out-walk all of us and have a new heart for pulling the slots.
A shipmate of mine just had your surgery, doing fine other than the "cracked ribs" which you're avoiding.
mary T.
On May 12, 2010...
Dear Mary Ann--You are in my heart and prayers. I know you did your homework. I feel confident that all will go well.
Much Love,
Sharon
On May 12, 2010...
Good morning, by now you are at the lab having blood drawn and then a day of testing. When I had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in March I was there 3 days prior to surgery, Maybe you already had your heart catherization/angiogram done? Hope there will be no surprises and a big green light for surgery tomorrow. Will be praying for you.
Fran Z
On May 12, 2010...
Mary Ann, Glad you made it to Rochester ok. Will be thinking of you and praying that all goes well with the pre op stuff and also tomorrow. With such a thorough preparation it certainly should. You've definitely covered all your bases!! Today is JT's fifth birthday. He is so excited. Love, Marleen
On May 11, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, Thinking of you every day and sending you strength and energy. You are in our prayers all the time. Be strong...Kathi & Patrick & Sean
On May 11, 2010...
Mary Anne,
Thank you for the wonderful daily journal entries so we can keep up with events. Thoughts and prayers are with you as your wonderful heart is made even better. Love to you.
Mary C.
On May 11, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
The Japanese Garden sounds beautiful. I love the story about he crooked bridge. I also had to laugh at Mary T's comment about your garter belt. It reminded me of the time you went to 6A Mass in your pj's covered by your trench-coat. As you walked to communion, one leg of your pj's slowly dropped down and as luck would have it, right in front of Sr. Mary Vincent. I do believe you got a lecture after Mass. We had lots of fun times. Love and prayers. Jeanie
On May 11, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
I just read your journal. I am scheduled for the same procedure you are having on June 3rd...the waiting is the hardest part it seems. I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers as you go through your surgery and hopes for a speedy recovery!
Kimberly Schlienz.Greenville, NC
On May 11, 2010...
Just wanted to let you know Bob & I have been thinking about you and hoping all is going well. The folks at Mayo rock and we are sure you are in good hands there.
Love to you and Gene
chris
On May 10, 2010...
We are praying for you Mary Ann! Let go and let God!
I will be in Sioux Falls toward mid-end of August...I hope to visit with you and Gene then. I'm long overdue!
Love you both!
Love, Erin
On May 10, 2010...
You and Gene are in my thoughts and prayers.
God speed!
Tasha
On May 10, 2010...
You are not alone Roomie, the old St. Joe's gang is with you, but of course God outranks us and will be in charge!!
I was remembering the day your acient old garter belt began to loose "it's grip" in the hospital cafeteria, you began screaming which only alerted everyone of your predicament!!
Hugs and prayers!!
love Mary T.
On May 10, 2010...
Good Morning Mary Ann
What a wonderful weekend! You sound peaceful. Carry that feeling with you to the hospital and right into surgery and you'll do well. I was blessed that I was able to accomplish that and it was not only helpful for me but also my family. A special prayer for you that all goes well.
Fran Z
On May 7, 2010...
Mary Ann,
I enjoyed reading your story. I had mitral valve repair surgery through an incision under my right breast. It was not a robotic repair though. I had an uneventful surgery and recovery. The surgery was March 2, 2010. I am now in cardio rehab. I wish you only the best and will say a prayer for you.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On May 7, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, Just read your latest post. Glad you are enjoying the beautiful sights on the way. Enjoy your visit with family and you'll soon be back on the road to recovery. Love, Jeanie
On May 7, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
I am 4 weeks post op from mitral valve repair with minimal ivasive surgery. I feel better than before the surgery, just tired from doing too much at times. But when you feel good, you forget you had major surgery, so take it easy for a while and remeber you are in my prayers for a safe and uneventfull recovery!
Tasha