Lisa's Journal

T-2.5 hours. Shower done. Lady Gaga cranking. Time to get a new strong valve and get to running again! To my heart sisters Cristen Marzula & Mica Pryor, best of luck to you today. To my friends & family, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

So it is about 5 hours before surgery time. I cannot sleep. So many thoughts. Do I really need to do this? I feel fine. Rarely a symptom. But they say my valve is bad and could cause sudden cardiac death. I certainly do not want that! They say no running or exercise. Nope, I am unwilling to give up on my only hobby. Is this the right time? So many have worked their magic to arrange this surgery & put the A team together for me. Is it right to put my family and friends through this? They are rallying around me. I must do this. I have no other good choice. I am no longer brave. The tears have come. God please help me to be the best patient ever. Help the A team as they fix my heart. Comfort my family and friends as they worry. I appreciate everyone who is helping me through this. Know that I love you!

T-9.5 hours. My house is so clean we should be having a party! Maybe a post op pajama party?? Time for last minute paperwork and a refreshing Hibiclens shower. I will smell like my patients!

T-minus 13 hours and the nerves and tears have come. Had a great shopping day with my Mom. Got to hug Mom & Dad & will see them "on the other side of heart surgery" on Christmas day. My sister who is a rock, gave me a beautiful inspirational bracelet. Time to get busy with last minute cleaning & packing!

T-31 hours now. Christmas presents are wrapped and will be delivered tomorrow to my parents house. Only a couple things to get tomorrow. I will enjoy a short shopping trip & lunch with my Mom tomorrow (thankful we get to have this time together with all she has been through). She is amazing! Then I will finish getting my house in order. I am getting scared but being busy helps!

We met with my surgeon today. It was a long meeting but I feel like they were thorough and took the time to discuss everything. Thursday is the day I get a new valve! I am a bit of an emotional wreck right now but everything is working out. A great team is being put in place & i am confident that this will go well. I am so thankful to all of my friends and family for their support.