Rhonda's Journal

Gerald Schaffer  I haven't seen anything lately. There is a facebook page for her also and there's been no posts there either for over 5 weeks. I hope it means she's doing so well she doesn't have time to get on a computer.

Rhonda Rawles  I agree, I know I sometimes don't post when things are busy and she might just be so busy recovering at home now but thought I'd check in.

Tammy Pilcher  Great post Rhonda! So happy for you!! Congratulations on your great recovery! Happy 50th Birthday to your husband, too! :-)

Janet R  Rhonda, I am so happy for you that you are doing so well after such trying times. Alaska is absolutely beautiful. Still waiting on those Hawaii pics.

Rhonda Rawles  Thanks Janet, Hawaii is hopefully next but we wanted more time than a week and timing didn't work out for this trip. Hoping for maybe our anniversary next April. Right now we are planning a trip to North Carolina for the week after Christmas to take the grandkids to see snow, should be fun!

Patricia Garcia  Rhonda I am so happy for you. I prayed that you would come out of this hard recovery and prayers answered.

Rhonda Rawles  Thanks Patricia, it has been a long road and I am so thankful for all the prayers, they definitely helped!

Clare Auten  Rhonda you look great. So happy to hear that things are moving along. Praying for your continued recovery.

Jim O'Brien  Rhonda, wonderful news to hear that you are making good progress. More prayers your way for a good continued recovery.

Kathleen F.  I'm so glad you're doing great now! I've been thinking of you often since we had our surgeries on the same day, and have been praying for you often. Congratulations on tremendous progress. I'm so happy and relieved for you.

Terrie Syvertsen  Hello Rhonda-First off I am glad to see your post on "Home and Healing".
You have had more than your share of "bumps" and your attitude points to a person who is going to keep moving forward one step at a time and not let anything stop her! Great lesson for us all to keep at heart no matter what phase of this "Heart" Journey we are on. In answer to your question.
I have a full sternum scar and at the advice of fellow heart sisters Ginger and Eleanor I believe, I stuck to warm water compresses gently laid over the incision and rotated by having 12 fresh and clean brand new wash cloths at the ready so that by using 2 during each warm application I always had the incision treated with the most respect and gentleness! I think it wasn't until the 3rd. month I began using "Dermatix Ultra" an advanced scar treatment by Obagi Medical (Sent to me by my Heart Sister) that I continue to use sparingly and I am at the 5-1/2 month phase of recovery. My scar is in great shape but I have to admit I use a gentle soap and water, rinse well and dry gently without any other products and have sensitive skin. Best advice-try not to scratch-ever! You take care and best of luck with your continued Journey of Recovery!

Rhonda Rawles  Thanks for your advice, my scar has not itched luckily so I'm good there. I'm three months post op so I think I'm beyond the stage where compresses would help. I have been told by docs that it looks great and I have been using Mederma once a day after showering, just curious if others had any other options. I'll look into the Dermatix Ultra.

Jim Kelly-Evans  Rhonda, glad to read that you are home after such a difficult time. Sending best wishes for a smoother recovery from now on.

Nancy D  Praying you have had all the speed bumps you will encounter as you look for recovery. I hope now that you are home, things will move much more smoothly for you! Heart surgery isn't for sissies that is for sure!!
Take good care!

Patricia Garcia  Wow...Rhonda I am sorry that you had to go through so much, but the great news is that you made it through it. In time I am sure you will be back to your self again. You are a fighter and happy to hear that you are home.

Cheryl Batzing  Rhonda, so glad to hear you are home and recovering well at this point. You have been through it heart sister! Will pray of your continued healing.

Jim O'Brien  Rhonda, Wonderful news to hear that you are home. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.

Janet R  Dear Rhonda, I am so sorry that you have had to endure so many complications. That is a very scary time. You are a strong woman and I pray that your healing all continues in the right direction. Continued prayers to you and your family.

Karen Sievers  So glad that you are finally home and recovering after so many complications. Will continue to pray and think of you as you continue your recovery.

Patricia Garcia  Yes...so happy for Rhonda and the family. Looking forward to hearing from her on here when she is up to it.

Kathleen F.  I'm so happy to see this post! What a long month it's been. Wishing you an easier recovery once you're home, Rhonda!

Clare Auten  That is great news. Praying that recovery continues in such a positive way. I think a trip to Hawaii has definitely been earned.

Kathleen F.  Thanks so much for posting - we've all been worried and checking in! I'm so glad everything is improving. And Hawaii! Hooray! She is in good spirits. Love it.

Janet R  That is such great news, thanks for the update. Hope to hear more. Especially about your trip to Hawaii.

Jim Hernandez  Thinking of your family during this difficult time...hope that the new week brings better news and a bright outcome...

Joan Napier  Sam, Prayers continue for your mom. May God heal her and bring her safely through this difficult time. Thank you for keeping us updated.

Jim O'Brien  My thoughts and prayers are with Rhonda and you and the family. I hope and pray that she will recover quickly and thus the stress and worry for you all is greatly reduced. Thanks for the update. God bless.

Tammi Gunwall  Thank you for the update on your mom, Sam. I am praying for her that this bump in the road is only just that. That her body accepts these new changes and she recovers from this quickly and is back on the road to health in no time. May the Lord surround all of you in this difficult time and give you comfort and peace. Please continue to keep us posted.

Tammy Pilcher  Sam, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's setback. I'll keep her in my prayers for full recovery. Thank you for letting us know. God bless Rhonda and her family.

Kathleen F.  Oh I am so sorry to see this post!! My thoughts and prayers are with Rhonda that she pulls through this. Her grace and upbeat attitude were so helpful to me. Praying hard for her.

Clay Rowe  Sam, really sorry to hear you're in a rough spot. Prayers that Rhonda and your family come through it soon.

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks for the update on your mom, Sam. I'll keep her in my prayers for her body to recovery quickly from this bump in the road.

Patricia Garcia  Anyone know if Rhonda's condition is improving? Thinking of her and sending prayers for her to come out of this.

Rhonda Rawles  Her liver is a little bit better today. They are going to continue to run tests. Unfortunately, all we can do is wait. I will make another update later today. Thanks guys! - Sam

Patricia Garcia  Thanks for the updates on Rhonda. I am praying for her to come through this. Rhonda you are such a strong woman and keep on fighting through this.

Tammy Pilcher  Thank you so much for the updates, Sam! Rhonda has been on my mind and in my prayers! Still praying!

Joan Napier  Sam, we are all praying for your mom that she recovers fully and quickly. Also praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless you all. Please update us when possible.

Joan Napier  Rhonda, Sounds like a great way to spend the day before surgery. Nothing better than quality time with the family. Even if you don't sleep much tonight, you will be sleeping a good part of tomorrow, so not to worry. May God bless you and give you peace. Prayers for you tomorrow as you undergo your procedure and begin recovery.

Nancy D  our thoughts, prayers and well wishes go with you and continue through out your recovery process. Be patient with yourself, take good care, deep breathe and walk when you can!! You too will do great!

Mark Alafita  Best of luck on tomorrow's surgery. I have a BAV and have surgery next month. I look forward to hearing about your great recovery. All my best.

John Noriega  Wow Rhonda! Way to do it! I was pretty much the same way. Found out about my AV in mid-September - angiogram in early October and repair in mid-October. Glad it was done and happily recovering and glad that i am here to enjoy Christmas with my family. Be assured that I'll be praying for you! God bless and know that all will be well! Onward & Upward!

Cheryl Batzing  Rhonda, so glad you have reached out here. You will find a lot of support and encouragement. I just got home yesterday after getting a mitral valve repair on Dec. 16. They have been watching my valve for 22 years, and at an Oct. 6 check up, things moved forward quickly and I was told to get surgery within 3 months. I've had this hanging over my head a long time and didn't think I could do it/get through it. But here I am back home and cannot believe how well I did! Not sure what type of questions you have but ask away! Blessings.

Rhonda Rawles  Thank you to you both for sharing, I have a feeling you will all be invaluable during this long process of recovery.

Lenore Mitchell  We'll all be thinking about you on Dec 29, Rhonda. Your wait is almost over, and soon you'll be telling us all about your experiences. Merry Christmas and the very best to you. There are a few recent posts on what to take to the hospital which might be helpful, and chime in if you have additional suggestions.

Karen Sievers  You will find a lot of information, support and comfort here. The waiting is the worst part. I had about a month notice before my surgery on 9/25/14. Glad that it is done and I am doing really good. Will be thinking about and praying for you on the 29th. All the best and don't hesitate to ask about anything.