Hi Randa,
I'm thinking of you and your family and will be looking for updates on your journal post-surgery. I promise you when you get through this you will realize that the worst part of this whole ordeal is the anxiety and fear prior to the surgery. It can only get better from here. Take a deep breath!
Thinking of you!
~Tara Gambardella
On April 5, 2011...
Dear Randa:
"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight."
~ Benjamin Franklin
You will be just fine - and home hugging your little ones in no time. Rest well, heal quickly and get home soon!!
Love, Peace & Blessings to you and your family.
Terri M.
Remember these words "So once it is done, that's it - it is fixed and you LIVE! Thursday afternoon - it will be done and I can get on with recovery!".
I was thinking about you today. It's best to have a surgery like this on your terms than unexpected terms. You wouldn't want something to happen to you suddenly that you can't control.
You are doing the right thing for you, your health and your family.
Stay Strong!!!! Mind over Matter.
I want Whoopie Pies, I want Whoopie Pies, I want Whoopie Pies.
On April 5, 2011...
Again, strength and peace to you and your whole family from your family in California!!
On April 5, 2011...
Hi Randa, OK so that one made me get all teary too. Jared is more outwardly caring than most boys his age and that is really neat that he shows you how he feels. You're almost there - you're almost "fixed", and will be as good or better than new. You are definitely on my mind and will be til Cornel sends us the all clear email. Go get 'em! Jeannie
On April 5, 2011...
Don't worry about the pedi - we'll get one when you are back home again! Let's get Beth to go too!
Sara
On April 4, 2011...
I think of you everyday and my prayers are with you. You will make it through and be an even stronger mother, wife, daughter, than you ever imagined. Don't be afraid, you will be fine. xo Nancy
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Nancy. I feel like it is the calm before the storm. I look forward to looking back at thi ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Nancy. I feel like it is the calm before the storm. I look forward to looking back at this and finding "something" to laugh about in the whole process. Looking forward to talking with you afterward. Randa
On April 4, 2011...
Hi Randa So nice to see all of you, and Sherry and your dad, too, yesterday. Thanks for sharing the Sapien device article. Interesting! Hang in there!! Karen
On April 4, 2011...
Randa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm specifically praying that God will direct the hands of the surgeon and all those involved in your surgery and your recovery. The Lord knows you and cares for your every need. He is the comforter and the giver of peace. May you sense His presence at this time.
Love & prayers,
Holly
On April 4, 2011...
You and all your 'boys' are in my thoughts every day. Don't forget the Tom Petty on the iPod! : )
On April 4, 2011...
Dear Randa
Aunty Lydia and I will be thinking of you every day with prayers, and we are confident of good results, because all our friends who had it are doing well, and particularly knowing the great doctors you have at your disposal.Dont worry more than necessary!
Much Love
Uncle Raja
On April 2, 2011...
Hi Randa,
I'm thinking of you and praying for you! I know everything will go smoothly...I say listen to Tom Petty while you are getting the drugs and ask them to switch it to relaxing music when you are in the operating room! You are a strong minded woman, you can and will get through this!! please feel free to e-mail me offline with any questions/concerns. TaraTGambardella@yahoo.com Thinking of you!
~Tara
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Tara. I have been thinking of you as well and hope your recovery is going well. I don't e ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Tara. I have been thinking of you as well and hope your recovery is going well. I don't even know what to ask anymore becasue I feel like my head is spinning - but I so look forward to recovery and putting this anxiety behind me and enjoying my boys! I will be in touch. Randa
On April 2, 2011...
Love and prayers and peace to you. How soon will you be able to eat chocolate after your surgery?
Randa Gaalswijk Isn't Chocolate the main food group to speed up the recovery? :)
On April 2, 2011...
Randa,
I will be thinking and praying for you. Best of Luck. May God Bless and Keep You and your family. Please let us know how you and your family are coping. My oldest is 12 and doesn't really grasp what's gonna go on with me at this point. Maybe that's not too bad...
God Bless
Jim Davis
On April 2, 2011...
Everywhere people will be thinking of you and keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that in a week the whole family will be able to finally breathe a sigh of relief...
I personally think you are in the best hands possible and you are strong and motivated and it will all end happily!
Maria
On April 1, 2011...
Randa,
You have been on my mind and heart a lot this week. My church is praying for you - and believe me, there are some mighty prayer warriors there! You are a strong woman and I admire how you are handling all that you are going through. Your boys will never doubt that they are loved, so don't let that thought settle in your mind and add to your stress. You have a great support network and we will all get you through this and help with whatever needs come up. Go ahead and cry when needed - it is a great stress reliever. When you are successfully through the surgery and on your way to recovery, we will all laugh with you then since laughter speeds up the healing process.
Love you, my friend!
Karen O.
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Karen - it means a lot to me. I have to tell you - I tried calling you again today and go ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Karen - it means a lot to me. I have to tell you - I tried calling you again today and got a busy signal. Your phone line is a popular one. I will try again later today.
Randa
On April 1, 2011...
Oh Randa, you are such a woman of courage, patience, and the most thorough organizational skills I've ever seen! You are one of the best people I know. You have far too much left to do here in life - you are not at all finished and you're one lady who is going to be here a long time! This soccer team, the PTO movies and scouting can't cope without you! I can sense a great deal of positive love in and around your life. I am certain little Jarrod and Justin will grow up to be pillars of their community just as you & Cornel are. So proud of you and your wonderful family, being so strong, embracing what is a vulnerable, shaky situation with such a pragmatic, yet gentle, loving approach. For what it is worth, I'd head into this thing playing an upbeat happy song on that iPod! You are here for a long, long time lady!
Randa Gaalswijk Hi - I am not sure who wrote this as there is no signature -but I want to THANK YOU! I think I kno ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi - I am not sure who wrote this as there is no signature -but I want to THANK YOU! I think I know who you are. :)
On April 1, 2011...
Dear Randa,
My wife and I read your latest post and we agree that it was most unfair of the school to be hard on your oldest. Isn't that always the way?
I came home from our major junior hockey game tonight in a snow storm and was cleaning off our deck...very slowly I add, and I was thinking that a week from tonight I'll have the not nice stuff going on. A few hours out of surgery and I wonder what I will be experiencing?
Thank you for mentioning my name. There's nothing quite like seeing someone on this website that thinks enough of you to write your name.
You have 2 beautiful boys that need their mom. I'm sure when this is all over you are going to so enjoy doing things with them and not be worrying about medication and being sick anymore. They need that as much as you do, maybe even more.
I will be watching for your posts in the coming days and weeks. May I wish you and all your family the very best.
And as Tiny Tim would say, God Bless Us All!
Darren
On April 1, 2011...
Hang in there Randa!!!! I will say some prayers for you and your sweet boys!!! God be with you!
christy naughton
On April 1, 2011...
Randa, thoughts and prayers for you. Just relax and let everyone take care of you! You're going to do great...love ya!!
On April 1, 2011...
Well Randa hopefully I'll be aware enough to give you a little pep talk before next Friday. I should be leaving the hospital by then. Enjoy your weekend.
On April 1, 2011...
Randa, My thoughts and prayers are and will be with you throughout the entire process. You are a strong person and you have a wonderful family and support network behind you. I am sure you will do very well and everything will be a success.
May God bless.
John Ferrari
On April 1, 2011...
Prayers and peace coming your way! You are always in our thoughts! Hang in there Randa!
~Lou & Cathi Varni
On March 31, 2011...
Say it three times:
I want Wicked Whoopies
I want Wicked Whoopies
I want Wicked Whoopies
In the words of Bob Marley..."Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
- Your "Big" Brother
Randa Gaalswijk How about a nice Shamrock Shake to go with them Whoopies! We will be in Boston after all!
On March 31, 2011...
Hi Randa, I saw that you replied to my message in your guestbook. Thank You. I finally figured out where to find your reply. I hope you are doing well. I am sure you are anxious about next week. Hang in there, you are going to do great and then you get to tell me what to expect when I get there. I am in the process of trying to decide where to go for the surgery. I am near Stanford and there is an awesome doctor there that specializes in mitral valve surgery. Of course I am thinking of Cleveland and Mt. Sinai as well. Are you staying local or travelling for your surgery? If you are travelling, how did you make that decision? I am finding it hard to leave because of my boys, but I want the best. I also am trying to find out about minimally invasive surgery. I know how you feel about your boys, I too feel the same about mine. Of course the fear is there, but we are both going to be here to see them grow up.That's all I can think about. It's funny what you said about you having more energy than your husband. My family always tells me I'm more energized than the energizer bunny and can't wait to see what I'm like after the surgery. I keep asking myself now, if this is tired and I don't know it, I can't wait to know what it's like to have energy Well, keep in touch. I still haven't put up my post, but my name is Stacy. I am hoping to get it up soon. Take Care and enjoy the heck out of your boys and the next week. .
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Stacy - Thinking of you! I can tell you I am having a rather peaceful weekend considering what ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Stacy - Thinking of you! I can tell you I am having a rather peaceful weekend considering what is coming up. We need to take solace in the fact that so many people on here are making it thru successfully. If you want to talk more - email me at rgaalswijk@snet.net. Take care and I will look for your journal when you are ready. Randa
On March 31, 2011...
Randa, it was so nice talking to you last night. Thank you for sharing your story and your journal with me. Thinking of you and my mom.
Angel Fillmore
Keep your chin up and know that your angst now is far worse than recovery. You'll do well and the kiddos need to know you believe that!
Will be sending good vibes and gentle thoughts your way,
J in Arizona
On March 31, 2011...
Randa,
I have confidence that God will bring you through this just fine, but I understand your stress. I'll keep praying and we'll let our Great Physician do the rest (along with your surgeon of course!)
Karen O.
On March 31, 2011...
Hang in there Randa, you are going to do great.
Lori Masters
On March 30, 2011...
Hi Randa, you will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I look forward to seeing your smiling face and giving you a hug when we meet in Bourbonnais for the TPA. If God brings you to it, he'll get you through it.
PS...I'm with you on the Adam Lambert CD!
On March 29, 2011...
Hey Randa. I have no doubt that you will be one day telling your great grandkids about your current "adventure" and boasting of your awesome success!! As I'm sure you know, God never gives us more than we can handle - and believe it or not, there is a reason God has you earmarked for surgery at this time. He always has a plan. Perhaps it is to show your courage and strength to your boys (Cornell included) - or perhaps it's because you are helping someone else deal with their fear and anxiety during their "adventure"... And, of course, sometimes we never know what the reasons are - but He knows. Just trust in God. Put all your faith in Him. When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust in Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen ... either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
I will keep you, Cornell, Jarrod and Justin in my prayers. With love, Terri Mazzucco
Fear knocked at the door.
Faith answered.
No one was there!
On March 29, 2011...
Randa: Saw your latest Journal post. Anything you go into surgery with that keeps you thinking of your kids is great. My boy was my whole focus prior. So whatever you pic will work.
But if I had to vote.... Adam Lambert would be at the bottom of my list.
Hoping you are and wishing you well.
JT
Randa Gaalswijk John - Thanks for your comment. It feels good to laugh. My son (and husband) would agree with you a ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk John - Thanks for your comment. It feels good to laugh. My son (and husband) would agree with you about Adam Lambert - but I am remind them that at least for now....it is about me. :)
Stay healthy!
Randa
On March 28, 2011...
Dearest Randa,
I wish you all the best. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Aren't kids the best. I am glad you have been blessed with a wonderful family. Your son's gesture is heartwarming. What a great kid! The apple does not fall far from the tree. I am confident that you will have a speedy recovery, and I promise, the next time I come up north, we will get together. I look forward to seeing you and your wonderful family. Give a big hug to your mom.
With love and hugs,
Lisa
P.S. your boys a precious
On March 27, 2011...
Hello Randa,
Thank you for your message in my guestbook. I enjoyed reading about your son's thoughtfulness with the Ipod and music selection. Pretty cool kid. I would give some caution on the use of the "button", my wife gave me a bell to ring when I had back surgery, but it came with a very strong warning for misuse! I listened to the warning and only rang as necessary ;-)
I wish you very well in your upcoming surgery and I have faith that it will go well for you. The surgeons are highly skilled and experienced. This is what they do out of passion. You are in good hands.
I look forward to seeing your updates.
Randy
On March 27, 2011...
During surgery the idea is to listen to your positive outcomes surgery CD as well as positivie surgery affirmations, as it is believed that the brain is absorbing what it hears (positive affirmations) and relaxing music - but whatever works for you.
Ruth Howell
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Ruth,
I have never liked following "supposed to's" so I guess I will have to see what mood I am ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Ruth,
I have never liked following "supposed to's" so I guess I will have to see what mood I am in surgery day. :)
I am looking for whatever works! Like we all are.
Randa
On March 27, 2011...
Thank you Randa. Best wishes to you also. Heres to a smooth and speedy recovery. :-)
On March 25, 2011...
Randa
Good luck with the easy button and your husband waiting on you. My first day at home I made my wife's breakfast. My 24 year old son took the week off to "take care of dad". I was glad when he went back to work because I was tired of taking care of him. You'll have more energy than you've had in a while. If you're normally the one that keeps the family going, that won't change. My wife said she was tired from all the hours at the hospital and all I had to do was lay in the bed. In a way she was right, I was ready to go when I got paroled.
A must in your hospital kit is a good pair of ear plugs. The hospital keeps making noise when you're trying to sleep.
Best wishes that the next two weeks speed by and it will all be a fading memory!
Michael Bartlett
Knoxville, TN
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Michael - Your comments made me laugh - in a good way. I shared your story with my husband, and n ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Michael - Your comments made me laugh - in a good way. I shared your story with my husband, and now he expects no less. I guess breakfast it is! My husband is generally more tired than I am - even now as I sit here with the "bad" valve - he is already worried about the after when I have even more energy.
and thanks for the tip on the earplugs - we will be bringing some. At Brighams and Women's in Boston they have it set up so a family member can stay in the room with you. He was planning to stay - but he will need the earplugs to get his sleep. I can't have him come home tired if he is to wait on me upon my parole.
Thanks again for your encourage. One day at a time now... that is all we can do!
Take care
Randa
On March 24, 2011...
Hi Randa - Your surgery time will be here before you know it! Sounds like you have all the bases covered for your recovery and I'll bet with the motivation of your boys waiting for you to get well you will be ready to play with them in no time. Hang in there!
Be blessed
Vickie
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Vickie - I know your surgery is April 1st. I will be sending positive thoughts your way as ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Vickie - I know your surgery is April 1st. I will be sending positive thoughts your way as well and anxiously waiting for your updates.
Hang in there too!
Randa
On March 24, 2011...
Hello Randa. I am wishing you all the prayers and luck in the world. How can you not be scared? I know I am. I too have boys (3) ages 11, 8 & 6, and they are all I can think of. I am 39 and meeting with my surgeon for the first time on April 11th. I am hoping for my mitral valve to be repaired, but we will see what the doctor says. I would go with the bovine if I have to have it replaced. We are still young and active - how can you not be with boys, but I don't want to be on blood thinners forever. You are going to do great. If you find a cure to nerves, please let me know.. I haven't sat down yet to write my blog, but really need to. It is comforting knowing others really understand what we are going through whether it's just the beginning of the long road ahead of us, or what we will endure. Thoughts and Prayers are with You.
Randa Gaalswijk Hi - I am not sure who wrote this as there was no name - but I would love to hear from you. We are s ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi - I am not sure who wrote this as there was no name - but I would love to hear from you. We are still young and oh so active. My husband can't keep up with me, and when the cardiologist told me I would have SO MUCH MORE energy after this, by husband wanted to sign himself up for surgery just to keep up. It really is all about the boys though - isn't it? Every day I look at them and just pray I will be here to see them grow up - see Justin's first day of Kindergarten, see Jarrod have his first date. And really - I want to be there to dance at their weddings. After reading so many others journals I do have to believe that the waiting is the worst part - and you have not even met with your surgeon yet. I will keep you in my thoughts as well. Please stay in touch. Randa G
On March 24, 2011...
Hi Randa,
I'm having surgery in 12 days to repair my leaky bicuspid valve. I totally relate to you. I can't wait to be done with this, but I'm still scared about the whole thing.
I'll be praying for you :) Good luck!!
Ilana H.
On March 23, 2011...
Randa,,
Just thinking about you and sending you good CALMING thoughts pre-surgery. You will do great and I'm sure Jarrod will make you an excellent playlist. Sarah has discovered itunes too.
Talk to you soon.
Love, Diana
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Diana. I can feel the calming from here.... :) I did get your message last night. I ha ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Diana. I can feel the calming from here.... :) I did get your message last night. I have a terrible chest cold and can barely talk. I will try you later today.
Thinking of you too as I know it has not been an easy few weeks for you and Eric,
Randa
On March 23, 2011...
Randa,
Your Dad was one of my hero's and now you are. Keep the faith. We ALL love you and are praying for you. Peace,
-Mark Macksoud
Randa Gaalswijk He was my hero too and I miss him everyday. Thank you Mark. Hopefully he will be the angel watching ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk He was my hero too and I miss him everyday. Thank you Mark. Hopefully he will be the angel watching over me in Boston.
On March 22, 2011...
Randa - love the goal! Keep forward thinking and I bet you'll outrun your cardiologist!
Karen O.
On March 22, 2011...
Hey Randa
I've had no issue with warfarin other than initial adjustment phase. My surgeon said he would not implant anything other than a mechanical device at my age so it wasn't something I had to consider long. My wife is a surgery nurse where I had my procedure and she had total trust in my surgeon. I have a friend in the pharmaceutical industry who says there is a drug before the FDA that will not require monitoring. You might ask your doctor about that while you consider your options. I know you're in the phase where it seems no one else understands. Especially since you've had a while to contemplate everything. Fortunately for me, it was a quick ride. I found a great support group through this site. If you need any support from someone who's been there, I'm bart1059@aol.com. I'd love to extend the caring for a stranger that several extended to me. Best wishes for an easy procedure and uneventful healing!
Mike Bartlett
Knoxville, TN
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Mike - Thank you for your message. YES! This site is a wonderful place for support and education ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hi Mike - Thank you for your message. YES! This site is a wonderful place for support and education. Just yesterday I read that Vicki
s doctor gave her a special soap to wash with for 4 days before the surgery. On Monday I will be calling my surgeons office to ask about that because I had not heard of that before. I have heard of the drug that does not require as much monitoring in a lab - but I thought it just had you do it at home. What really concerns is the limits the coumadin may place on my life. I met a pilot for American Airlines who had valve surgery about 20 years ago. He chose a tissue valve because the FAA would not let him fly with a mechanical valve and coumadin. Too much risk. There is so much out there - I am not sure what to believe. And,,,, I know everyone is different. The husband of a friend of mine had a homograph (I think that is what they call it) 10 years ago. He had some issues and then replaced it with a mechanical valve a few years back. It all just makes your head spin. I don't know if it is because the surgery it getting closer or I am fighting a small cold - but I have not been able to sleep this weekend. I have spend both nights on the couch watching DVR'd episodes of The Late show with Craig Fergusen and feeling like no one else gets my fear. I suppose this is normal for everyone on this site. Thank you for your note and your email address. I may take you up on that. And most of all - thank you for the caring. Enjoy your Sunday! Randa
On March 22, 2011...
Hey Randa, just wanted to say that we keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you get closer to your surgery date. We wish you peace and we know that everything will go smoothly! Love to you from your California family!
The Varni's & Gaalswijk's
On March 22, 2011...
Randa - I've been thinking of you often. Your surgery will go well and your recovery even better! You are a strong and determined woman and I have no doubts this will only make you stronger. Let me know what I can do to support you and your family. xo Nancy
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Nancy. It is just the waiting now. Trying to stay focused and positive. Your thougths me ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Thank you Nancy. It is just the waiting now. Trying to stay focused and positive. Your thougths mean so much! Randa
On March 21, 2011...
Hey Randa. My thoughts have been with you since I received your email...and hope this finds you well. What a blessing this was discovered and that it is fixable! I must say that I feel so fortunate to be able to work in my profession...and have had the amazing opportunity to work closely with so many people who learn to cope with life's physical challenges. i have seen the miracle of family, friends and faith at work. Our medical technology is so very amazing and it sounds like you are in good hands! I have a strong feeling you will feel so much better after all this craziness! Best wishes always..gretchen
On March 17, 2011...
That last response was from me...your fun loving brother, you know the techo geek that didn't know that you needed to include your name in your post.
BTW: Sir Mix-a-lot's "Baby got Back" should be on your MP3 mix.
Who loves ya!!!! :-)
Randa Gaalswijk Hey Little Bro... Are you commenting on my BUTT! As if I wasn't going to be scarred enough from this ... Read more
Randa Gaalswijk Hey Little Bro... Are you commenting on my BUTT! As if I wasn't going to be scarred enough from this process. HA! At least you didn't suggest Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls" :)
On March 17, 2011...
"I know I need to do this to show my sons strength and resliance and how we meet these challenges and not let the fear hold us back!"
I'm thinking of you and your family and will be looking for updates on your journal post-surgery. I promise you when you get through this you will realize that the worst part of this whole ordeal is the anxiety and fear prior to the surgery. It can only get better from here. Take a deep breath!
Thinking of you!
~Tara Gambardella