Hi Penny
I'm too late for you to get this before surgery but I'm sending it anyway. My prayers and well wishes are going out to you and I will be anxiously watching for an update from Georgie. Good luck Penny. Almost there. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 25, 2010...
Penny,
Good to hear from you again. OK, Penny, here you are again at the precipice. To have prepped as you did and then come to the moment where you hold your breath before jumping, and only to have it at that point delayed, you have had an amazing attitude. That will continue to serve you well through the surgery and recovery. Perhaps God had a (good) reason for the delay that you may never know. But I'm glad for your sakes it's here again. Gotta get it over with! That in itself is such a relief! If Steve and Georgie come anywhere close to caring for you as Peggy has done for me, you'll be in great shape.
Thanks for asking about my wife. Peggy, as always, is a superwoman. She was and is a supermom to our five grown kids, she is supergrandma to our eight grandkids, she is superwife, superteacher, supereverything. Definitely my better half by far! But she is very tired. I worry sometimes that I have emotionally trashed her with all my theatrics this past month. You would love her in person. I think I know what you're asking about that TLC (enquiring minds want to know), but I'll not answer that. I'll leave you guessing. I tell entirely too much already; some mystery is probably in order. "The last thing on her mind!?" Really now.
We will definitely be praying for you throughout our afternoon, evening, and night. And, yes, you will be in our thoughts and prayers through the overnight hours here. I will awake tomorrow and get to my keyboard first thing to get an update from Steve or Georgie.
Are you serious about coming to Florida in 2012? We are located about 45 minutes southwest of Disney World. It would be such a kick to have you guys show up at church and to meet you. Please, please, you'll have to have dinner with us afterwards. We insist. That would be a blast! And you and I will be beyond 100% with our mended hearts and new energy!
Love and prayers to you, Steve, and Georgie over the next hours. You are in God's hands, and I believe there is no better place to be.
Duane & Peggy
On February 25, 2010...
Penny,
Sounds as though you are pretty relaxed and ready for Friday. I cant believe that it has been moved to Friday, but as we both know good things happen on Fridays!
All the best and we will be watching for your first journal Saturday.
Love and Best wishes
Alan & Fiona
XX
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Penny
So what can you do? Just what you are doing. You definitely didn't want to be the last one when everyone is tired so Friday it is. Amy made a great point in hoping ICU isn't quite as busy on the weekends - let's hope for that. You keep relaxed and positive and I'll be looking forward to all of your postings. This time together is precious. God bless. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 24, 2010...
Penny, you are amazing, didn't you cry one drop of a tear when you learned your surgery was postponed till Friday??? So Friday is the day and it'll be a great day and a successful surgery. Too bad about all the repeat blood work. I assume you have easy veins for drawing blood? Will wait for your next update with great news. Prayers to you.
Fran Zilko
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Penny
Just a short note...Amy and I got home about three hours ago and we are both very tired. We really feel for you, but we did fnd some nice positives from having a Friday surgery. No weekend surgies makes for a much quieter ICU and greater attention for the ones already there...
You are in our thoughts...
Matthew and Amy
On February 24, 2010...
Atta girl, Penny, for your ever-positive attitude! What a bummer to face a 2-day delay, but what a great way to face it and regalvinize for Friday. We certainly will keep praying for great success and boredom in your surgery and recovery from the not-so-sunny (right now) sunshine state of Florida!
Our love & best wishes to you and your family!
Duane & Peggy Hunt
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Penny, Steve and Georgie, try to relax while you can. Its a blizzard here, so not missing much - just more snow !! Axx
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Georgie
Just checking in now and am disappointed for Penny that things are stalled. You are right, you get your mindset in gear to go ahead and delays are rattling. Not to mention the fact she can't eat or drink while she waits. I'm doubling the effort and am praying there is better news this evening that things are back on track. Give Penny my best. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Georgie
Any more news?
I spoke to Penny around 12.45 and she was waiting for word from the Doctor around 3pm to find out if the operation would go ahead today...
Thinking of you all and hoping to hear some good news soon.
Wendy x
On February 24, 2010...
Hi Penny!
With the temporary delay, it just gives me more time to send you healthy, heart-pumping thoughts across the Atlantic!
:)
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
On February 24, 2010...
Go! Go! Go!
Steven in Calgary
On February 24, 2010...
You are constantly in my thoughts and hope the operation goes ahead..and I keep checking the hvj for any new messages. Love and blessings...looking forward to some positive news. Sharlene xx
On February 24, 2010...
God morning Georgie
Woke up twice during the night and said a quick prayer for your mother. Realizing the time difference, assumed she was in surgery. It's now 7am east coast time and pray Penny has had her successful surgery.Keep us posted when you are able.
Fran Zilko
On February 24, 2010...
Best wishes and safe recovery, bill
On February 24, 2010...
Penny, you and your family are in my thoughts. Will look forward to meeting up with you when you get home again. Lots of Love from Lynne......xx
On February 23, 2010...
Hi Penny and Steve
It's 11pm here in Ontario, Canada so I'm assuming things have started at your end. I didn't want to head off to bed without once again saying Penny is in my prayers for a totally successful surgery. Stay strong. Be calm. No tears when you see her in recovery and tell her often she is okay because if she is groggy, she may not remember and she has to know all is well.
By the time I wake up tomorrow morning Penny's surgery will be over. Thank goodness. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 23, 2010...
Penny,
Lots and lots and lots of good luck, well wishes and prayers are being sent to you for your surgery tomorrow from Richard and me! Richard had the mitral valve, as you know, --- by the way thanks for the nice note you sent recently in his journal - I am sure you are an angel too - in spite of your pre-surgery crankiness that you so openly confessed (ha-ha). You know as sweet as Richard is he did get short at times before the surgery and as he started to feel a little better after surgery (which is kind of ironic), but it is a good thing when you feel good enough to be cranky! - it is only normal.
The surgery is going to go excellently - you will be sore and will definitely know you have been through major surgery - but the nurses are fabulous and know how to take good care of you there! Richard definitely wishes you his best and knows he can't add any more than he has said already.
I so look forward to hearing updates from your fill-in, but really look forward to you getting your first update out personally on Sunday!
Richard's wife, Susan
On February 23, 2010...
Hi Penny,
Best wishes for a safe and quick recovery. I am brand new to this web site and also sport a brand new mechanical ON-X mitral valve (surgery 7 wks ago). I am amazed at how advanced these open heart surgeries have become and sure you will be just fine. I look forward to your progress reports and if you ever want to ask me any questions about my experience, I can be reached at lori_sobrero@yahoo.com.
Best wishes!
Lori (Hood River, OR)
On February 23, 2010...
Good luck, Penny. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Keep a positive attitude and all will go well.
Barbara (Boston)
On February 23, 2010...
Hi Penny sending you our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. We are waiting for your next visit. Keep up the good work nurses Steve and Georgie.
From your friends thinking about you in Mallorca.
LESLEY AND GED XXXXX Plus a gentle hug..
On February 23, 2010...
Penny
Glad you made the flight. Amy and I are thinking of you and know it will go well. To answer your question, I have been with Amy 22/7. We have a hotel room down the street. After morning rounds, I typically go over there take a shower, find a paper and some breakfast. For dinner, I typically eat down at the cafeteria and read my paper…I do not go far and the nurses have my cell phone.
Matthew (Amy’s Husband)
On February 23, 2010...
Good afternoon (there) Penny
I'm late for work (only have to walk down two flights of stairs from the bedroom) today and was just trying to taunt the boss to fire me. No luck on that score so I'm just now at the computer. I was surprised to see your posting because I wasn't so sure you'd be able to get any computer service at your hotel.
Guess the family is all antsy so yes, whatever they have to do to keep their minds occupied, go do it. Beats all sitting around watching you. Last meals sounds as if they'll fortify you for a bit. Enjoy every mouthful.
Sending many prayers to you across the sea. Can't wait to hear from your "secretaries" that you are done. Be well. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 23, 2010...
GINGER BEER! Amazing stuff. It'll fortify you for the battle ahead. Chin up Penny!
Steven in Calgary.
On February 23, 2010...
Well that's the panic over - so it will all be A Ok from now on!
I'm keeping everything crossed for you and you must keep passing the open windows (when you are dreaming).
LOL
Birdie xx
On February 23, 2010...
Well, it's finally here. I felt weepy as I read all the prayers and thoughts that have gone out to you. I too pray that your surgery and recovery will be uneventful. I love the photo that Duane had posted showing Jesus at the operating table with the surgeons. That is what I will visualize as I am wheeled into the OR. Have told my hubby that when I finally come out of my anesthesia fog, the first thing I want to see is the smiling faces of my hubby and 2 daughters, all with a "thumbs up". Prayers to you, your hubby and daughter.
Fran Zilko
On February 23, 2010...
Wishing you calm.peace and strength. You and your famly are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs.Sharlene xxx
On February 22, 2010...
Penny, I am so glad I came across this website and your story. I know that there was a reason and I think it was this - I have a TEE scheduled in a couple of weeks and I'm scared. A wash of calm came over me when I read yours was "a piece of cake." I have a severely leaking MV and my doctor is doing all the tests necessary to determine whether surgery is needed at this time.
Good luck and blessings.
Mary
On February 22, 2010...
Penny:
Thank you for all the wonderful messages of support. We wanted to send our best wishes and prayers for your up coming surgery.
Amy and Matthew
On February 22, 2010...
I'm sending out prayers and warm healing thoughts to you, Penny, as you prepare for your surgery.
Wishing you calm and peace and a wonderful outcome!
Susan Murphy (KS)
On February 22, 2010...
Hi Penny and Steve
Just a last minute good luck wish and to say I won't stop praying until I hear you are okay. I know you are as prepared as you are going to be and I pray God gives you the inner strength to be calm and relaxed as possible. God will be with you and will guide the doctor's steady hands. Your incision will be the tattoo of a new life and you will wear it proud. It really just makes your cleavage look higher! God bless. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 22, 2010...
Penny and Steve,
OK, it's here. It's just about time. All your excellent preparations are being completed. It's a blessing it's finally here. And now I pray that you both, as did Peggy and I, will be filled with a sense of peace going into the surgery. I pray that you will have the most boring journey we've all read for a while! May God take care of you, hold you close, and bring His healing presence into your lives at this time.
Thank you for all your care, interest, and delightful entries in my guestbook. It's your turn now. Bore us all!!
Love & Prayers from Florida,
Duane & Peggy
On February 22, 2010...
I would send flowers Penny, but from Oklahoma they would wilt before they got there. Here’s my toast to you when you wake up from your surgery on Wednesday "may you will have all your oars in the water, a tube in every porthole, and a ipod full of song" Prayers are with you all the way from landlocked Oklahoma.
happy boating
captain bill
On February 22, 2010...
OOPS....forgive me....it is Frans posting and not Frank...apologies all round. xxx
On February 22, 2010...
Hello my dear Penny
Just stopping by to let you know I am thinking of you as Wednesday creeps closer.Franks posting below says it all..
Take care,love and blessings
Sharlene
On February 22, 2010...
Good Morning, Penny
Thank you for the lovely note to me this past weekend. Hope you are remaining calm as Wednesday approaches. Spending precious time with your husband, your dogs (we had a shepherd for 14 years), your beautiful scenery and life. It's all so precious, isn't it?. I believe that you, like me, don't take anything for granted. Will be praying for you Wednesday. Could you tell me what time the surgery will be in my time zone, eastern USA? Believe you are 5 hours ahead of us.Will wait for your husband's positive news updates. Feel I know you. Love.
Fran Zilko
On February 21, 2010...
Hi Penny
I was reading through the journals and just got to Bill's when I re-read about your long drive home so stopped and thought I'd just
weigh in with a suggestion to make sure you keep wiggling your toes and moving your legs and stopping at least every hour to get out of the car so as to keep the blood flowing. The hospital team told me to keep the legs and feet active when sitting for long periods to help ward off blood clots. Don't want to worry you and perhaps you've already been told this ....but thought I'd write just in case.
Now I'll jump back to say hi to Bill. Good night.
Cheryl, Ontario
On February 21, 2010...
Penny,
Thoughts and prayers and positive energy winging their way to you from Calgary. You strike me as feisty, and I admire your attitude.
Speak to you on the other side!
Steven
On February 21, 2010...
With you all the way!
Crazy but wonderful - that's what you are.
LOL Birdie & Brian xx
On February 21, 2010...
Hi Penny
I was sneaking a peak at the HVJ's when I was supposed to be doing something else. (We are cleaning out a storage part of the basement that needs doing and humph, funny how all my stuff seems to be the stuff in the way! I'm a collector big time so have gigantic boxes filled with little mostly empty boxes that all HAVE to be saved and you know what, the kids don't want any of it. I promised myself when I was well I'd start getting rid of stuff. Yawn.) Anyway, I didn't want to miss (with the time change)saying good luck.
Good luck. I will anxiously look forward to reading Steve's postings as to your progress. I will only read progress reports because that is all I expect there to be.
I'm glad you sound so calm and organized and most important, ready. You will be in my prayers constantly and combined with all the prayers on this site, you are in good hands.
I loved seeing your pictures and meeting your family. Have a great day today and stay at peace.
Cheryl, Ontario
(who had better get back to cleaning)
On February 21, 2010...
Pen, just caught up with the journals - positivity radiates throughout them! We can't wait to be toasting your great post-op health together at Baldyvin in the very near future. You are a very special person to us, thinking of you every day. Love Jac & Alan
On February 21, 2010...
Hi Penny, I cant give you any practical advice, other than to say I am here for you and Steve and Georgie, for when you need me.
And that there are lots more BAPS evenings planned in my head with lots of fun ! Bosie, Ax
On February 20, 2010...
Hi Penny
I bought special earphones for the hospital - they were ear shaped wires that slung over the ears so if I moved, they wouldn't fall out. I found those partiularly handy when I was in ICU. I had my husband put them on me when he left even if I looked to be sleeping just in case I woke up and got anxious. I don't remember waking up and being anxious but they say I woke up and dozed off often but all the time my earphones were attached and my music played. I was afraid I might wake up, get anxious and start my heart going a mile a minute. Just one of my fears. Once in my hospital room I just kept my I-pod tucked into a little pouch that was safety pinned with an old diaper pin to my nightie/pj's for safety. (I still have diaper pins from the kids that are now 37 years old! Some things just come in handy.)
Just something I thought to mention in case you found it handy. Take care as you enter your last couple of days before travelling. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 20, 2010...
Hi Penny,
Thanks for the link to the video. It was incredible to watch step-by-step and it gave me an even greater appreciation of what open heart surgery entails, and what a miracle it truly is. Your surgeon is very impressive and next week you will be in his most competent hands.
Hang in there -- this too shall pass, and you will be better than ever when it's over with.
I'll continue to pray for you and send good thoughts your way as you prepare for next week.
Susan Murphy (KS)
On February 20, 2010...
Hi Penny
You are on my prayer list for Wednesday morning. Just watched the video, it was amazing! Is your surgeon Scottish? He had an accent but didn't think it was Scottish. You have been visiting the same sites I have and asking many (and more) of the questions I want to know.Joe has a great list of info that should be helpful. Seems like you're well organized and prepared. Hope the next few days go by quickly and you do something fun with your hubby, daughter and son in law this weekend. Only the best of thoughts for you.
Fran Zilko
On February 19, 2010...
Hi Penny
I was reading your note to Sharlene and when you said it was -11C and just had 30cms of snow, I had to look you up on the map. You are way up there, wow!
How are you hanging in? Getting all the last minute things done? You too are in my thoughts and prayers knowing how these last few days fly by. Stay strong and think warm thoughts. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 18, 2010...
What an awesome video! Wish my surgery was being put on film. I have a degree in biology and am fascinated by watching surgeries.
Good luck with your surgery!
Piper Kathy
On February 18, 2010...
Hi Penny,
Of course I would have a comment about the live broadcast. I just purchased a disposal underwater camera (so it can be sanitized) for my valve job. I think a group photo of my surgeon, the nurses and technicians all posed around my heart and thumbs up, will be the picture of the year. That might even make the cover of National Geographic. I will have to bribe someone to take the shot since I will be sleeping, unless they wake me up for the group photo. The closer I get to my date I seem to be losing some of my sense sense of humor, what’s up with that? Thanks for sharing the video. Cheers
Happy Boating
Captain Bill
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Penny
Great video! I had watched a mitral valve surgery about 6 times before I went in but I hadn't seen the opening of the chest and I found that paricularly intersting. Thank you for sharing.
So, how do you feel about seeing what's happening? Some people want to see and others don't dare. I'd rather see so I know what to expect. My husband couldn't look before but I made him sit down with me tonight and watch. Now he's drinking hot chocolate and eating Arrowroot (Baby) cookies. He doesn't want to see anymore.
How did you find out about the video? Hope you feel very confident about your doctor's abilities. Will be writing to you before you leave.
God bless. Cheryl, Ontario
On February 17, 2010...
Hi Penny! I loved your message about the check list! I'm in countdown mode now, and a lot of things are on the agenda for tomorrow...drop the dog off at the kennel, sign the power of attorney and will documents, get hair highlighted and styled, then we're off to spend the night close to the hospital.
Adam sent an email today highlighting the facility where I will have surgery Friday. It is truly an amazing place.
I will be thinking of you this week, and I should be able to email you before your surgery next Wednesday...the hospital I will be in has wireless internet in all of the rooms!
I'm too late for you to get this before surgery but I'm sending it anyway. My prayers and well wishes are going out to you and I will be anxiously watching for an update from Georgie. Good luck Penny. Almost there. Cheryl, Ontario