Well Sandy, It's 10:00 AM and I'm already envisioning your Nancie standing over you as you wake up...smiling and telling you everything went perfectly. Arlen, Neal, Liz and Terry are there too...just waiting to share in the good news and be there for you as you begin your recovery. May it be complete, speedy and return you to being the very strong man you are. You and Nancie have so many healthy and fun-filled years ahead of you to enjoy. All your family and many friends are so happy this journey is successfully behind you. Take care and be well always. Al and I send our very best wishes to you today and always.

Happy "New" Birthday Sandy!!

We are all rooting for you!
Go Sandy! XXOO Barry & Cheryl

Good job, Sandy. Looks like you're well prepared. You'll do well. Will wait for a positive post op note. You know you are in excellent hands. Am praying now and will continue to do so.

Fran Z

Hey Kids,

Our love and prayers.

All will be well.

Love,

Marlene and David

Sandy

Here's to a speedy recovery. My prayers are with you.

Love
Nancy

Sandy,

You are in great, surgical hands.

Please say "Hello" to the Wizard for me.

:)

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Sandy, What you've been told is also what I said. Capt'n Bill felt the same as me. When I met Dr G I knew I was is the right place with the right doctor. Had some questions, but he answered them before I could asked. Try to get a good night's sleep after all your body prep. What time is your surgery. I didn't learn until the day before. Hope it's early for you as it was for me. What a wonderful weekend you had. Family, good food and lots of laughs go a long way. Glad you're feeling calm, try to stay that way, it really helps.
Fran Z

Glad to hear you had a great weekend with family and lots of food! Dena sends her love and prayers for your speedy recovery.
You are in our thoughts and prayers too.
XXOO Barry & Cheryl

To my "second cousin-in-law twice removed",

Al and I eagerly look forward to hearing that your surgery is successfully over and that you're on the road to feeling incredibly better than ever. We're holding only the best thoughts for you and are counting on Arlen and Neal to keep us informed of your amazing rebound. There's no other option except for you to have a speedy and complete recovery.
Love Lauren & Al

Hey Kids,

Great news!

Just get it done and come home!

Weather has been beautiful, sunny and in the 70s.

We miss ya! When can you and Nancie come for dinner?

With our prayers and love,

Marlene and David
and Pico

great news! Looking good!
Will be thinking about you on Tuesday, right now just enjoy the weekend.
Love,
Norma

Sandy,
What great news about your heart cath!!! My heart cath will be Tuesday - the same day as your surgery. I'm praying mine will be clear so things won't get anymore complicated. :)
We fly to Cleveland tomorrow...I'll look for you on Monday...that's my marathon day of testing - you'll be busy meeting Dr. G.
I'll be praying for you and Dr. G on Tuesday.
See you in Cleveland! God Bless!
Carla Hansen

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart exults and with my song I shall thank Him Psalm 28:7

Sandy, fantastic news about your arteries. Now you can look forward to a much easier recovery. Mesa misses you and Nancy but that doesn't keep her from wanting to party all day. Fortunately she does sleep at night and the crate is clean, if you know what we mean! I think Tues is going to be a breeze for you now. Kathy and Alan

YEAAAAH!! That must be a reallly big
relif! XXOO Barry & Cheryl

You should really enjoy your weekend with that great news. That's how I felt when I was told there were no blockages. This will make your surgery a lot easier, you know that. The 4 hours of rest was the toughest part of the whole thing, right?
Fran Z

Sandy (and Nancie!)what fabulous news! I bet you've been holding your collective breaths without even realizing it and now, EXHALE:) We will both be thinking of you on Tuesday and look forward to even more good news after the operation!
Love to you both, Mariette and Chuck

Sandy,

Have been following your journal with great interest as I too will be traveling to the CC for mitral valve surgery with Dr. Gillinov. Best of luck. Will keep you in my prayers.

John
Franklin, WI

Hi Sandy,
We are following your journal. You sound great and we are thinking of you every step of the way. We know you are anxious...so normal.. Just be in the moment and keep your great outlook and sense of humor.
Sending lots of love,
Shelley and Herb

Hi Sandy,

Glad to hear you've arrived in Cleveland. That's one hurdle over with! Now that you're being put through the paces to prepare for your surgery next week, I hope all goes smoothly for you. Stay calm and cool and keep your wonderful attitude. I'll be watching as your date approaches and I will stay tuned to you.

Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)

Sandy,

Glad to hear you made it to Cleveland and although nervous, that you are feeling confident about your decision to go there. I suppose meeting the young woman who had the transplant puts things into perspective. So great that we have the technology to do such things these days!

Take care & appreciate the updates. I'm off to pick up the boy. :-)

Love,

LeeAnn

Hi Nancy and Sandy

All this travel money and no holiday. Kinda sucks! Meeting a young lady that had a heart transplant really does top the list of what to be fearful of, doesn't it? I hope you and your family can have some fun moments this coming weekend before your very big day. I trust you are going to be just fine. How is Nancy holding up? It's very hard on our spouses so please tell her she is in my prayers as well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Sandy
Thanks for the update. Too bad your NM doctor called the CC "the factory". Was he miffed that you are there instead of NM? As I also said, never felt like a number. The place runs like a well oiled machine. Good choice to stay at the Suites post op. The shuttle runs every few minutes. How many nights will you stay before flying home and will you have a direct flight? Am thinking you'll have to switch?? You'll get VIP treatment with the wheelchair. The only thing I felt uncomfortable was in my back between my shoulder blades.Post op we stayed 1 night at the Suites and at my brother in law's (Wooster) for 2 more nights before flying home. Hope you will only need minimally invasive, your recovery time should be shorter. Now, relax with your family over the weekend.
Fran Z

Hope the OH weather is nicer than when we were there. Clouds, rain and even some snow. Not that it really matters as you'll be indoors next week. Wouldn't it be great to meet somewhere in FL when you're visiting the area to see family? Duane & Peggy stopped in for a visit last week and it was such a pleasure to meet them. have a good, relaxing weekend.
Fran Z

Dear Sandy,

Forgot to relay that Bernie and George send their prayers.

Marlene and David

Dear Sandy,

Just got back from Chicago on Sat. afternoon, so was unable to meet you kids at the Turtle.

Cleveland Clinic should be alot like Chicago...great to go there and great to come back.

At this point, just get it done and come home. Enough of the aniticpation already!! To be honest, I don't think that the Good Lord is quite ready for the likes of you just yet!!

You are in our prayers.

Marlene and David
and Pico the wonder dog

Hey, Sandy!
This is just one more good luck wish -- this time from all the Libmans. Looking forward to your return to Placitas and a brand new lease on life. Good luck from all of us.
Love,
Norma

Hi Sandy

That's too bad that your wife got came down with the flu. No doubt you are both a little run down with all the worry over your impending surgery.

Honestly, the angiogram is a piece of cake - not painful at all and it really doesn't even end up being scary. Just take lots of deep breaths and hang in there. The worst of the test is the staying perfectly still afterwards while the opening seals itself.

Good luck on your trip there and both of you - stay well. That's great news you'll have the kids with you. You need all the support you can get.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Sandy
Have been thinking of you and Carla as your surgeries are both next week. You will be impressed with the Cleveland Clinic and with the GREAT Dr Gillinov.You'll have a few busy days with tests and before you know it, it will be the 13th and then you just need to let go and let the specialists take over. I promise you, you will be in excellent hands. He has an awesome team who work with him.I never felt like a number at the hospital and was treated with care and kindness. Have you ever had an angiogram before? If not, let me know, I'll be happy to give you the routine. Not bad at all. It was my 3rd and they have perfected the technique as the years have gone by. So glad your boys will be there. Our 2 daughters traveled to be with us and the one thing I told Pete and the girls was, that when I "came to" in the CICU I wanted to see 3 smiling faces and 3 thumbs up. Vaguely remember that. Ask me any questions you want as my surgery was just March 18th and haven't forgotten anything (yet, anyway). If you follow my journal one thing I did ask of my daughters was if they could keep a written journal of everything as I knew I would want to read somethings that occurred while I was not with it or things, drugs, etc that I would want to know about. Have read it once already and some of it brought a tear to my eyes and some made me laugh. keep in touch, will help in any way I can.
Fran Z

Best of Luck. You will be impressed with Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Gillinov. The place looks like something out of Star Wars. Tell them Captain Bill said to be nice to you!!!I am 3 weeks post op and feeling better each day.
happy boating
captain Bill

Best of luck to you Sandy. You are in our
thoughts and prayers. Hope you both are feeling better today. Love, Barry & Cheryl

Hi Sandy!

I just found your journal. I'm having AVR at the Cleveland Clinic on May 20th so I'm very anxious to hear EVERY detail of what happens after surgery.

Best of luck with your tests and surgery.

Joanie

Hi Sandy,
Thinking about you as your day is rapidly approaching. You will be in surgery the same day I will be having my heart cath. I'll be praying for you...maybe we might even get to meet while we are both at Cleveland Clinic. I have had a sinus infection but I think I'm pretty much over it...sure wouldn't want to cancel my surgery.
Looking for you in Cleveland! :)
Carla Hansen

Hi Sandy
My son told me he saw Robin do this last segment although I have yet to see it. Have always enjoyed his wacky sense of humor. One od Dr Gillinov's nurses saw him, guess he got the more private VIP treatment.As you know, he is a millionaire and probably could have gone anywhere! Sounds like you're really getting prepared. Will have to find Robin's Latest cd. Just remember you'll really need to hug your heart pillow tight. Need it for coughing and also for laughing!!
Ask any more questions you might have.
FranZ

Hi Sandy

I've seen Robin's piece on his heart surgery several times and it is always funny. He has such a crazy way of seeing things.

You have to feel confident though in the doctor and hospital you are going to. Keep that in mind as you are getting anxious about what lies ahead. Hang in there.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Sandy
Glad you're doing the guided imagery. We stayed at the Intercontinental Suites on the CC campus. They have a shuttle. My family stayed there before my surgery (I needed 3 days of testing before surgery). The Suites had a sleeper sofa in addition to the bed and they were also able to make breakfasts. That won't be a concern for you as you just want to be there one night before you fly home. Will you have a direct flight? I did and all in all it was a tiring day but you will be treated well being in a wheelchair. I did find the back of the airline seat to be too firm so see if they can get a pillow for your back.As time approaches, am sure you'll come up with more questions and I will be more than happy to answer all of them . Try to stay calm and if you are a believer in prayer, that certainly helps!!!
Fran Z

Hi Sandy
You are on my list for extra prayers on the 13th. You will be blown away by the Cleveland Clinic. Capt'n Bill and I agreed that being there and then meeting our surgeon made us realize we had made the right decision.They are top notch with what they do, like a well oiled machine but with a large dose of humanity thrown in. Never felt like a number but a real person they cared about. So, when you're there, just put yourself in their capable hands and let them do what they are so good at. As far as reunions, so glad your gang will be there and maybe by next year you can plan a more "glamorous" location. Did you download the relaxation, guided imagery tapes from the CC? Would highly recommend it. Went into the OR very calm and peaceful. Praying for you.
Fran Z

Hey Sandy! I too appreciate every day I am alive now because of my being given a second chance. I am turning 40 on April 8th & I feel I have been given the best birthday present EVER! Yeah, I dislike having to be "down" and taking it easy, but I keep reminding myself I am alive.
May God bless you with peace & courage as your surgery day approaches and may you be blessed with a wonderful recovery!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Hi Sandy

I concur. Heart surgery sucks but not near as much as cancer or some other horrible disease. I thank God every day for my ability to return to good health. My girlfriend's daughter just lost her fiancee this past week to liver cancer so I have nothing to complain about.

I'll be following your journal postings as you get closer to your big day. I pray you manage to maintain peace and tranquility as you get into the spirit.

Cheryl, Ontario

I completely agree.
Patrick in STL

Good Luck Sandy. You will do fine. Positive thoughts and determination will help you get back to your active life. You have to keep up with Mesa now. Plus I am missing my visit to NM.

Your in my prayers
Love
Nancy

Hi Sandy
We know how much you treasure life cause it always shows in your voice inflections and desire to be heard and make your point. It is this spirit of giving that will be waiting for you after you complete your successful surgery. We know you are in the best hands and your surgery will enable you to live fully for many years to come. We will be thinking about you and pray for you. Good luck and we look forward to seeing you again in Placitas walking Mesa around the neighborhood.

With love

Karen & Al

Thanks for sending me the link, Sandy. So glad you're getting this done; I'm sorry it's necessary but better now than later.

I wish we would be there with you and the fam, but with all of them there, you couldn't be in better hands. Sounds like you've made a wise decision in location and doctor. I'm sure everything will be fine, but of course there is the fear of the unknown. You have a good support system & folks who have gone through and/or are going through the mitral valve surgery at the same time, so that's pretty fortunate.

You will be in our thoughts & prayers, and I will be diligent in making sure we keep in contact.

Good luck, and be safe, happy & well. :-)

Much love,

LeeAnn

I, we will be with you all the way. It's great that you are comfortable with your Dr. and that your friends and family will be close during your surgery. With love,
Barry & Cheryl

Hi Sandy,

I will be traveling from Florida to Cleveland while you are there in April. My mitral valve re-repair (or possibly a replacement) will be April 15th with Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic. My testing starts April 12th. My first mitral valve surgery was in Cleveland with Dr. Cosgrove in 1998. Techniques and procedures have changed so much in 12 years so I hope this will be the last mitral valve surgery I will need. I still have Cleveland Clinic (Ohio) at the top of my list.

I will be praying for you as time seems to be going fast forward. My husband and one of our daughters will be there with me. Maybe we'll run into each other in Cleveland.. :)

Carla Hansen (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him" Psalm 28:7

Hey Sandy! I will put your date down on the calendar & send good wishes & prayers your way. I cna understand how you are feeling but you have an awesome attitude & that will go a long way to help you thru your surgery.
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Hi Again Sandy
More good news is that isn't a Friday! Yes, when there is a date things aren't so remote anymore and now it is very real. The emotions do run high but like you say, try not to dwell on the negative and get yourelf ready for some downtime. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Sandy
Nice to see you sounding so positive and belive me, that's part of the battle. I trust reading Adam's book will help fill in a lot of the blanks and make both you and your wife feel more confident with the process ahead. I'm always more concerned that "it" can be fixed no matter what and with heart we have such a good chance at that. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario

Thanks for the very kind words Sandy.

You just made my day.

:)

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Sandy, I, we, wish there was a way to give you a great hug and best wishes in person, but in lieu of that this will have to do. I think you were so smart in chosing a location and doctor where you'll feel comfortable doing the surgery. Reducing the amount of stress involved will help you in your recovery after your successful surgery. All our love and good thoughts, Mariette and Chuck

Hi Sandy,

You are so right that "fear of the unknown plays a silly game with the mind". I've never heard it expressed better than the way you said it. So glad that you signed on at this site, where we can all support one another.

I had mitral valve replacement surgery in January, and am on the mend and doing well. But Oh, how I remember the anxiety before my surgery. The support and encouragement I've received here have been invaluable to me throughout the whole journey, pre- and post-surgery.

Best of luck to you, Sandy, and I'll be tuned in for your updates.

Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)