On January 25, 2014...
Karen posted a note for Tom that says:
So happy to hear things are going well. Would expect nothing ess from Tom. And, you are the best support a person (or horse) could wish for. Continued wishes.
On January 25, 2014...
Randy posted a note for Tom that says:
Great to hear Tom left ICU and went into his new private room....for me, that was the best part!! I had awesome nurses and care, rest, healing and enjoyment (I was at a different Center for Excellence, but I am sure Tom's experiences will be similar!). Keep doing the spirometer and coughing with the pillow! Congrats!
On January 25, 2014...
Jody posted a note for Tom that says:
Ah so, happy to hear that things went well!
On January 25, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Tom that says:
Well done! Prayers answered! Thank you!
On January 25, 2014...
marcia posted a note for Tom that says:
happy happy to hear the good news.today will be better and the days after that.. thanks for the up date.
On January 25, 2014...
Susan Smith, on the big computer now posted a note for Tom that says:
Sherry, you are right. Tom is a superstar. Keep us all posted as Tom has a lot of fans.
On January 25, 2014...
Patti posted a note for Tom that says:
All sounds good and that is great.. Here's to continued and noticeable improvements and each day better than the last. I have started practicing toe press and finger squeezes in hopes it will get the tube out of my throat faster ;-)
Question: How did Dr tackle problem- minimally invasive, full incision, robotic, other? And did you have a choice?
Tom Musgrove  Hi Patti, Sherry here

Sorry it took me a while to answer your question. The short answer is yes, we ... Read more
On January 24, 2014...
Your friends at Horsey Hilton posted a note for Tom that says:
We are all doing the happy dance.
On January 24, 2014...
Tom in Kansas posted a note for Tom that says:
Great news.
I was talking with a church friend whose husband recently had a heart attack, and shared this journal site with her. I told her it was in it's own way a type of mission, not only for information but for sharing faith. Turns out when they did her husbands heart catherization they discovered he has a bicuspid aorta. Small world. So they will be monitoring Brad for potential surgery in the next 10 years.
I called to check on him, and unbeknownst to me, she had sent me a get well card that I got out of the mailbox right after I hung up the phone. I'm assuming she thought I was calling because of the card. Anyway we had a nice talk about the whole heart and heart surgery thing.
God truly works in mysterious ways.
On January 24, 2014...
Susan posted a note for Tom that says:
It did it again. Doctor Bolling please.
On January 24, 2014...
Susan s. posted a note for Tom that says:
Sorry my smart phone isn't so smart. Dr. Billing.
On January 24, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:
WOW amazing Dr billing. God is good all the time.
On January 24, 2014...
Nicole posted a note for Tom that says:
Soooo happy everything went well!! Now on to healing! You continue to be in my thought as you heal.
On January 24, 2014...
Brian Reid posted a note for Tom that says:
Awesome news!! So happy for you!! Way to go U of M team lead by the magical hands of Dr. Bolling! Thoughts and prayers with you on a speedy recovery.
On January 24, 2014...
Sandie posted a note for Tom that says:
So happy!

Keep tickin!

Sandie
On January 24, 2014...
Roxanne posted a note for Tom that says:
So glad to hear your surgery went well. Hope you have an uneventful speedy recovery.
On January 24, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Tom that says:
That's what we wanted to hear! Thank God all went well. As they say 'take it slow to heal fast'
On January 24, 2014...
marcia posted a note for Tom that says:
so happy to hear the good news. high 5's to Tom.
On January 24, 2014...
Eloise Coppler posted a note for Tom that says:
Many hugs to you & your family! The load is lighter when shared. I am 66 y.o. From s.c. Went to Cleveland for my surgery on Dec. 4th. I am just a few weeks ahead of you. Know that others who you will never meet are praying for all of you . Tthank you Adam , for a fantastic book & a wonderful " ring of support".
On January 24, 2014...
Karen Becker posted a note for Tom that says:
Congratulations Guys! We knew it would all go well! Now Get Better Fast! See ya soon!

Love the Beckers, and Sookie and Brenna!
On January 24, 2014...
Patti posted a note for Tom that says:
I couldn't be happier for Tom.Doing a happy dance for you both in Wisconsin and sending wishes for continued improvement. Knowing Tom is the trail blazer for me I am encouraged and thank you both for sharing.
On January 24, 2014...
Dora posted a note for Tom that says:
God is Good!!!
On January 24, 2014...
DVB posted a note for Tom that says:
Best news ever!

Peace, love, joy...
On January 24, 2014...
Rick and Sindy Espinosa posted a note for Tom that says:
Rick and I are so Happy to hear that everything went so well We are praying for a fast recovery that brings you home soon
Your friends, Rick and Sindy
On January 24, 2014...
Linda posted a note for Tom that says:
That's fabulous news! So very glad everything went well in surgery and looking forward to your next update after you see him :)

On January 24, 2014...
Kathy Hillmer posted a note for Tom that says:
Tom and Sherry, you are both in my prayers right now. I pray Jesus will be with Tom during the surgery and through recovery. You will also need His support Sherry, as the waiting is very hard on the family. May God help both of you through this difficult time. I too have MVR and am considering Dr. Bolling for surgery down the road.
On January 24, 2014...
Jody posted a note for Tom that says:
Thank you so much for including us in your journal. The best of luck with your surgery and recovery! It sounds like you are in the best of hands. We are thinking of you both!!
On January 24, 2014...
marcia posted a note for Tom that says:
Good luckTom you will do great this morning. Will keep my prayers going all day and during recovery.
On January 23, 2014...
Brian Reid posted a note for Tom that says:
Thoughts and prayers with you and Thomas tonight and tomorrow. Thomas will do great and is in great hands! I started at 5:30am also when I had my surgery. My operation ended up starting at 8am if I remember right. My wife is telling me that my surgery ended around 1pm. At about 1:20 they had my wife and family come into a meeting room and Dr. Bolling explained how the procedure went. After that my family was able to see me approximately 1-2 hours later.

They are very good with pain management. Thomas will be back in the swing of things in no time. God Bless you both and Dr. Bolling.

On January 23, 2014...
Karen posted a note for Tom that says:
Something that has worked for me when I can't sleep due to stress or jetlag is binaural sleep tapes. You can go to youtube and put in binaural sleep. Then, put on headsets. It's worked most of the time.
Can't wait for the journal entry letting us know he is resting comfortably after surgery. Positive, healing thoughts for you.
On January 23, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Tom that says:
I will light a candle for you guys tomorrow. It has worked before! (I am all the way from Australia had successful MV repair in July 2013.)
On January 23, 2014...
Linda posted a note for Tom that says:
Looking forward to seeing you healthy and back in sunny California - Thinking of you both!
Linda and the HH girls
On January 23, 2014...
Tom in Kansas City posted a note for Tom that says:
Tom and Sherrie,
Thoughts and prayers from us in Missouri. Glad to hear the accommodations are so good. We did not get snow, just very cold this week.
I know that God will be watching over you both and the surgeon and medical team.
And it is so important to have a supporting spouse (in general, but especially thru the surgery and recovery process). I would be lost (and even more lonely stuck at home recovering) without my loving wife Vicki (of 33 plus years).
Even though she had to go back to work sooner than we hoped, she has been my driver (literally) thru this journey.
Tom
On January 23, 2014...
Deb Ziegler posted a note for Tom that says:
All the best for a successful surgery tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow and in the days ahead. Your wait is almost over, and soon you will be on the other side enjoying the recovery:)
Godspeed and good luck!
On January 23, 2014...
Marcia posted a note for Tom that says:
Tom so glad you made it east and things are going as planned.Keep the faith and prayers will be going out to you and your family. As for the cold glad i'm here in cailf i'm cold all the time as it is can only think how i'd be feeling back there..
On January 23, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:
Good post with lots of great information. Sounds like you are in good hands. I will be praying for Thomas success full surgery and smooth recovery. God bless you both.
On January 22, 2014...
Patti posted a note for Tom that says:
All the best from Wisconsin!! You will each be in our thoughts and prayers.
On January 22, 2014...
Karen posted a note for Tom that says:
Thanks for the update. Glad things are going so smoothly. I'll be joining you tomorrow in the subfreezing temps. As a native Californian, I find it refreshing but wouldn't want to deal with it for long.
Healing thoughts heading your way from all your friends at HH.
On January 22, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Tom that says:
Tom and Sherry
The very best of success. Here is to a durable, well repaired valve. My thoughts will be with you. All the best.
On January 22, 2014...
The Beckers posted a note for Tom that says:
Glad we heard from you guys! Didn't want to call at an inoppurtune time. Your girls (puppies) are doing great! They are having a tough time figuring out whose bed (J, M's or K's) they like better! Don't worry about them, they are in good hands. Good luck on your surgery! We'll be thinking of you and crossing our fingers!
On January 22, 2014...
Brian Reid posted a note for Tom that says:
Thoughts and prayers with you this week. Welcome to the great state of Michigan. My apologies for the -10 temps today!
Tom Musgrove  Thank you. And you only need to apologize to Thomas for the weather. Being a native Californian he ... Read more
On January 17, 2014...
Gabi x posted a note for Tom that says:
Love and prayers from Australia!
On January 17, 2014...
Dora Chavira posted a note for Tom that says:
Hi Sherry, I'm new to this site, but I've marked my calendar for your husband's surgery and I will be praying for him and for you. God bless you
On January 16, 2014...
Kevin Woodard posted a note for Tom that says:
Tom,

Wanted to wish you the best of luck on your procedure. I know that all will go well. I am currently 4 weeks post op. I had my mitral valve repaired Dec16 and I am feeling good. Just remember to stay with Ice chip's for the first day and then slowly introduce liquids, broths or jello. Don't rush this! Also try to get up in a chair and moving as soon as possible. Using your spirometer regularly also helps alot. Lastly make sure you stay on top of your pain! You are going to do great and be on the road to recovery in no time. God Bless!
On January 15, 2014...
Mimi Kelley posted a note for Tom that says:
Hi, Tom -

We want you to know we are thinking about you and wishing you all the best in Michigan; it sounds like you are in excellent hands, remembering winters in Michigan in the 1940's growing up, I would hope it isn't too cold; I'm sure they have better heat than we did in that drafty, old Victorian house in Mt. Clemens. Soon this will be all behind you and you'll be back helping me keep the footing in the arena's properly graded for your gorgeous horse and all the others that depend on your skill.

By the way, Mr. Crash Kelley, not I, did a number on the comb last week while moving manure into the dump trailer. We'll keep it off in the future to avoid such mishaps. In the meantime, it's back at your friends shop (again) getting 'tweeked' back into shape.

Warmest Regards and Hugs,
On January 15, 2014...
Nicole posted a note for Tom that says:
Thomas and Sherry,

I send you a heart full of thoughts and know Thomas will be in great care Sherry you would only let the best care for him. Sherry you are an amazingly strong woman someone I always want in my life. Thomas be strong, heal fast and when you get home we STILL need to have that dinner. Lots of love hugs and healing your way.
On January 15, 2014...
Karen Scott posted a note for Tom that says:
Sending good wishes and healing thoughts to you both. The team at HH will take good care of Bernd. You focus all your efforts and attention on getting Tom well.
Tom Musgrove  Thanks to you guys, I will be able to do just that.
On January 14, 2014...
DVB posted a note for Tom that says:
Hi guys.

I'm keeping you close in my thoughts these last few days before the big event.

For me it was a magical time, just before surgery through returning home. Not the most fun, to be sure, but magical.

Embrace the experience. Think about how you want your recovery to go. Lay in some plans. Surround yourself with family and meaning. You will remember this time forever as pivotal.

Something fantastic is about to happen!
On January 14, 2014...
Brian Reid posted a note for Tom that says:
Hi Sherry.
I am sure you have talked to Marguerite or will when you arrive in Michigan. She is excellent at answering any and all questions that may arise. She is Dr. Bollings assistant(forgot her exact title)and a terrific lady.

Tom will be in great hands. 9 months for me this Thursday.
All the best.
On January 14, 2014...
Patti posted a note for Tom that says:
I have followed your journey as I have your symptoms and your wife's emotions. I too have mitral valve regurgitation and debated between Dr Bolling and Dr. Gillinov. I think we can't go wrong with our choices.
You are one month ahead of me- I am Feb 20 with Dr Gillinov. Waiting is hard. Sometimes I think the waiting alone and dr appts are worth 20 additional blood pressure points. I try to remember Churchill and Keep calm and carry on. It works some days better than others.
Now deciding whether to drive or fly from Madison Wis to Cleveland. Sounds like you are driving.
I have enjoyed your sharing. Please continue to keep us posted. I will look for your words of wisdom for me and your wife's words for my caregiver.
You and your wife will be in my thoughts.
Best of everything to you both and thanks again for sharing. Here's to the day this is a mere bump in the road in our rear view mirrors.
Tom Musgrove  Hi Patti, this is Sherry. Thomas is not really a Journal type guy, so I do all the posting.

Thank ... Read more
next