On January 17, 2014...
Aunt Deb posted a note for Steve that says:
This is great news now we can pray for my a speedy recovery.
On January 17, 2014...
Tammy Secrist posted a note for Steve that says:
Praying for you today and through the weekend.
On January 17, 2014...
Barbara Powers posted a note for Steve that says:
I appreciate the updates, prayers are continuing from all of us here in the office. Hugs
On January 17, 2014...
judy murray posted a note for Steve that says:
The waiting is the hardest part & then the coughing wishing you all the best
On January 17, 2014...
Nancy posted a note for Steve that says:
Thinking of you both, sending you healing prayers and loving thoughts. It is very scary, but everything will be ok!! Please keep us posted. I have to go through this too someday.
On January 17, 2014...
Aunt Deb posted a note for Steve that says:
Thanks Taire. Praying for Steve and the Doctors.
On January 17, 2014...
Jacquie posted a note for Steve that says:
Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and swift recovery! Dr. Swanson is extremely skilled--he performed my mitral valve repair in 2002. This will soon all be behind you. Keep us updated when you can.
On January 17, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Steve that says:
Love and prayers for a successful procedure!
On January 17, 2014...
Marci Stanwix posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, wishing you good luck on your surgery today. You will do great and will be happy to be on the other side. The turmoil of waiting is very difficult and the first few days after can be too. Just take them one day at a time and soon you will be posting that you are home and feeling better every day.
On January 17, 2014...
Aunt Deb posted a note for Steve that says:
Sending prayers and hugs. Love you guys!
On January 17, 2014...
Barbara Powers posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, Taire and family, I am thinking of you today, and praying for you and the Doctors who will be performing surgery. I look forward to hear the news 'on the other side' of the procedure. Love to you all
On January 17, 2014...
Christine Nickerson posted a note for Steve that says:
You are going to get through this with flying colors Steve! Your faith and attitude going into it is inspiring! Go get em!!
On January 17, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, today is the day. You gave a shout out to Jesus and He is the best one. You will be alright. God be with you. I am praying for you.
On January 16, 2014...
holly arnold posted a note for Steve that says:
I will be in prayer with you at 9:30. I love St Vincent you are in good hands and such great nurses!
On January 16, 2014...
holly arnold posted a note for Steve that says:
Praying it goes well tomorrow. Hope you rest well!
Best
Holly
On January 16, 2014...
Arlys Gould-Ferris posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, I have been praying for you and will intensify the prayers tomorrow. Love, Aunt Arlie
On January 16, 2014...
David & Linda posted a note for Steve that says:
Linda and I have you covered with prayer for a stellar result. Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout the day and during your recovery!
On January 16, 2014...
Tom in KC posted a note for Steve that says:
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. God speed with your recovery.
I thought I would be nervous, but I came to peace with the whole situation the day before. As I've journaled to several others of the December/January surgery class, God had a hand in picking just the right music the day before, and all was well.
On January 16, 2014...
Scott Holman posted a note for Steve that says:
My prayers are with your and your family tomorrow!! Go gettem Steve!!
On January 16, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve
The very best success with your surgery. I know your spirit, faith,family and friends will see you through this important time. All the best, my friend.
On January 16, 2014...
Bill Bard posted a note for Steve that says:
Godspeed, Steve. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Dr. Swanson will make you wonder why you worried so much! Can't wait to see your first post-op posting.
This from a six month post-op Survivor!
On January 16, 2014...
Kevin Woodard posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve,

Wishing you nothing but the best! Everything will go smoothly and you will be on the road to recovery in no time. God Bless and keep us posted!
On January 16, 2014...
Karen Gaddis posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, you're in mine and Terry's thoughts and heart everyday. You'll be in good hands (Gods), be strong and do what the DR's and Nurses say. Terry and I will be stopping in to see you as soon as you can have visitors other then family.
On January 16, 2014...
Aunt Debbie posted a note for Steve that says:
Thinking about all of you Steve. Keep trusting in the Lord that his will be done. Give your beautiful wife a hug for me. Love to all of you, Aunt Debbie
On January 16, 2014...
Dave posted a note for Steve that says:
Brother Steve. Glad we got together for the first Vortex meeting of the year! Looking forward to your speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Talk to you soon my friend.
On January 16, 2014...
Luella Ackerson posted a note for Steve that says:
Good luck Steve! You are in my prayers for a good outcome and a speedy recovery.
On January 16, 2014...
Valerie Bryant posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve,
We are thinking of you here every day in the Bryant household. Stay positive. If anyone deserves the best possible outcome it is you and your family. Take good care of yourself and take comfort in knowing we, along with many others, are here for you and your family while you recover. It's just around the corner now. Looking forward to hearing from you post surgery!
Valerie
Steve Thomson  Thanks for kind words Valerie they bring comfort today and thank you for helping with Raechel it is t ... Read more
On January 13, 2014...
Susan Smith, a prayer warrior posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve add my name to your prayer team. I know that you will do great. Taire will do great as well. Keep us posted as you go along. Have a great day.
On January 12, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Steve that says:
Wont be long now Steve, you will be much better afterwards. Taire I know it is very very hard to have to go through this, just amp up your trust factor dear girl. All will be well.
On January 9, 2014...
Kevin Woodard posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve,
I know it is hard to not be anxious before surgery and I was for sure. As I got closer I did find calm and was ready to get it done. Trust your team and know that you will feel better after. I see you have a lot if veteran HVJ patients giving you support and advice. Listen to what they say I did and it helped me prepare before and after. I know all will go well and you will do great
On January 9, 2014...
Lauren Orlando posted a note for Steve that says:
I hope the surgery goes well for you, and I wish you a speedy recovery! You and your family are so loving and fun to be around. I will be praying with you guys along the way!!
On January 8, 2014...
Wes Summers posted a note for Steve that says:
So Glad to have you and Taire in our life group!This website is AWESOME! What a Great idea! We will be looking forward to keeping up with your progress.
Becky and I are praying for you my friend!
On January 8, 2014...
Taire posted a note for Steve that says:
I am so very pleased with the information we got from the doctor today. It has relieved a huge amount of stress and worry. I know that nothing is a 100% for sure thing, but taking my fear down to the low likelihood of anything happening is a big deal for me. You are not only my husband and father of our three beautiful girls, but you are my very best friend! You mean the world to me and I simply want to be greedy and say that I don't want to loose that. God has you safe in His arms. I love you!
On January 7, 2014...
David posted a note for Steve that says:
Thanks for letting us share your journey. Linda and I are focusing our healing prayers on you.
On January 7, 2014...
Aunt Deb posted a note for Steve that says:
This is great news Steve. I am sure you all are very relieved. Love to all.
On January 7, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Steve that says:
Hey Steve:

I can tell that you are mentally preparing yourself. good for you.

I feel your concern about a stroke is a good one. Certainly review that concern with your surgeon also pre-surgery, if you have not already, to make sure they can do everything during and after the surgery to address it. (I had a concern about avoiding a repeat of endocarditis, it understandably does weigh on your mind)

Stay warm and keep your focus, you are going great!
On January 7, 2014...
Lisa posted a note for Steve that says:
Hey Steve,
Thanks for keeping everyone updated (you write more than you talk!). It was great seeing you and the girls at Christmas. I'm a worrier, like mom, but I have a good feeling about this operation, and am sure that after your recovery you will feel better than you have in a long time. See ya next week.
On January 7, 2014...
Christine Nickerson posted a note for Steve that says:
You know we love you! Maybe prayer and meditation can help with the anxiety? I worry about the affects on your body pre surgery.
On January 6, 2014...
Laura Haag posted a note for Steve that says:
Hi Steve! Praying you through these next couple weeks to the new you! Stay positive and strong! God has you in His loving arms!
On January 4, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve

You've got a great mindset for 2014. It seems like so many worries fail to materialize-they just distract us. You've done the big stuff and made the big decisions, now it's final preparation time.

You'll do well, Steve, and then you can work your recovery.

Stay warm, big guy!

On January 4, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve you are on your way to the other side of surgery and a smooth recovery. Keep us posted as you go and I will keep you in prayer.
On December 28, 2013...
Aunt Deb posted a note for Steve that says:
Keep up the positive attitude Steve and know lots of prayers are being sent your way.
On December 28, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Steve that says:
Not long to go now Steve. Keep on tickin' as Adam would say!
On December 28, 2013...
Luella Ackerson posted a note for Steve that says:
I pray for a speedy recovery. I am sure that you will do great and will be up and running in no time after surgery!
On December 28, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Steve that says:
Hey Steve, if you like the endless waiting you'll love the recovery! (it does take some time and patience to work your way back)

One thing I would have done pre-surgery, looking back, is to line up cardiac rehab. I don't know where you are with rehab. I think I lost some time there since I began working on it a month after surgery. I'll start on 1/07 but would have liked to start a bit earlier. Have a good one, Steve.
On December 28, 2013...
Susan Smith, pre-op and waiting posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve, stay focused and busy. You are going to do fine. keep us posted. Happy new year.
On December 23, 2013...
Bill Bard posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve
Yes, 6 months ago this coming Christmas I had my aortic valve replaced by Dr. Swanson. To my mind he is the best…I have had virtually no sternal pain, no complications, and so much more energy and stamina it is amazing! And I had plenty of complex issues myself, morbid obesity, sleep apnea, etc etc. You will do well if you follow Dr.'s orders! He know what he's doing and to top it off he is a very very nice guy!
Feel free to email directly if you have any further questions at "billbits@comcast.net".
On December 18, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Steve that says:
Steve
Here's is a bit of advice from a guy that waited 3.5 months for surgery.

Stay as busy as you can and do what you can do for yourself healthwise for the next 30 days.

Check out your cardiac rehab options if you can so you don't have a delay post surgery in starting your class.

If you are a guy that gets energy from friends and family, enjoy your relationships this holiday season. That helps too.

All the best, Steve.
On December 18, 2013...
Gabi x posted a note for Steve that says:
You will be fine Steve! Stay positive for the very best outcome! Keep us posted please, we are all at different stages at this website and can identify with you.
On December 18, 2013...
Raechel posted a note for Steve that says:
Hey Daddy,
I think you will do really well. I'm praying for you more than you know. I hope you recover fast.
❤️Raechel T.
Your daughter. And your favorite.
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