July 9: Vacation Over
Hi there! Busy day. Couldn't access up at the lake, which was probably just as well. Not contacting the outside world can be very pleasant. So I had time with my family in a beautiful setting with no outside contact. I walked two times a day to the dining hall, usually took the car for dinner and to whatever event was in the evening. Saw a great display of fireworks on Tuesday night. I was also able to do some of the activities that I enjoy: a little kayaking on calm days, a little canoeing (although Lyle did the bulk of it!) and jumping in the lake. Nights were spent playing card games. The rest of the group (14 in all) had climbed my favorite mountain on Sunday, which was before I got up there. The weather was perfect that day, but I suspect that not having to leave me behind influenced the timing as well. My goal is to climb in 2008, but I said that in 2005 & 2006 as well. Sigh. It was great to see everyone and catch up on the doings of all.
Saturday five of us went to a friend's house, and yesterday we had the most glorious day on their 30 foot boat. The weather was perfect and we sailed for several hours. Slathered myself with sunscreen and had a wonderful time. I was thoughtful enough to send a picture of myself stretched out on the deck with a wonderful view on the water to Joanne with the caption of "my current location"! Then we left to get Emily, Mirko and his friend Filippo onto their flight back to Italy. That wasn't so much fun, because all of us wanted them to stay longer.
So, back to reality. Beth and I are checked in at the Holiday Inn in Brookline. That was after a visit with Dr. Cohn. After some back and forth the following was decided on: he will put in a bovine valve if he can, but with my abnormal anatomy it may not be possible. Both he and the cardiologist disagree with my decision and would rather put in the mechanical valve. But I want to avoid coumadin as long as possible. As my local cardiologist says: "Being on coumadin is like having a whole new disease." Having the bovine valve put in would avoid that, but would mean another surgery in 10+ years as it wears out more quickly in the mitral position. They are concerned about a fifth chest surgery (including the lung surgery) and the increased risk of infection and lack of sternum (breastbone) union. And a fourth heart surgery (for those of you who may have lost count!). My comment was that I would do anything to delay being on coumadin and if I could cope with three open heart surgeries in three years then another one in 10 years sounded like a picnic. (Cohn roared at that!) I figure by that time they will have little nanotech robots that get released into you and go and do the surgery without ever cutting a patient open. He said OK, but again warned me that because I'm "unusual" (hold the comments folks!) and my mitral area so small that mechanical may be the only choice.
So that's the up-to-the-minute report. Suspense builds....
Thanks for checking in, Laurie
P.S. Sign on the bed: "Caution! Comfy pillows may cause drowsiness. Avoid operating heavy machinery while using." I think stupidity has hit a new low....
Saturday five of us went to a friend's house, and yesterday we had the most glorious day on their 30 foot boat. The weather was perfect and we sailed for several hours. Slathered myself with sunscreen and had a wonderful time. I was thoughtful enough to send a picture of myself stretched out on the deck with a wonderful view on the water to Joanne with the caption of "my current location"! Then we left to get Emily, Mirko and his friend Filippo onto their flight back to Italy. That wasn't so much fun, because all of us wanted them to stay longer.
So, back to reality. Beth and I are checked in at the Holiday Inn in Brookline. That was after a visit with Dr. Cohn. After some back and forth the following was decided on: he will put in a bovine valve if he can, but with my abnormal anatomy it may not be possible. Both he and the cardiologist disagree with my decision and would rather put in the mechanical valve. But I want to avoid coumadin as long as possible. As my local cardiologist says: "Being on coumadin is like having a whole new disease." Having the bovine valve put in would avoid that, but would mean another surgery in 10+ years as it wears out more quickly in the mitral position. They are concerned about a fifth chest surgery (including the lung surgery) and the increased risk of infection and lack of sternum (breastbone) union. And a fourth heart surgery (for those of you who may have lost count!). My comment was that I would do anything to delay being on coumadin and if I could cope with three open heart surgeries in three years then another one in 10 years sounded like a picnic. (Cohn roared at that!) I figure by that time they will have little nanotech robots that get released into you and go and do the surgery without ever cutting a patient open. He said OK, but again warned me that because I'm "unusual" (hold the comments folks!) and my mitral area so small that mechanical may be the only choice.
So that's the up-to-the-minute report. Suspense builds....
Thanks for checking in, Laurie
P.S. Sign on the bed: "Caution! Comfy pillows may cause drowsiness. Avoid operating heavy machinery while using." I think stupidity has hit a new low....
13 Comments:
At 3:18 PM,
Anonymous said…
LAURIE, BEHAVE AND DO WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAEOL S
At 9:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie,
Our thoughts will be with you.
Love,
Greg and Cheryl from BuxMont
At 10:21 PM,
Unknown said…
Dear Laurie,
All my thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow.
Bobbi (BuxMont UU)
At 1:57 AM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie,
I am glad you had - as much as possible a relaxing time with your family and friends, that state of mind will come in handy! I have closed my mind and can see the picture you will send us of you standing on that mountain in 2008!
As always you are in my thoughts and prayers, more will be added continually through the day Thursday! I hope someone will be updating the blog for the next couple of days so we can stay in the news with you. and I've already layed out my rose shirt for you.
May you know we are all praying for you and feel us holding your hand on Thursday to help you.
Thanks for allowing us to remain a part of your life and learn thru you during this difficult time.
Deneen
At 9:47 AM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie,
Our thoughts are with you and your family as you continue this journey. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Kim and Rick (BuxMont UU)
At 11:01 AM,
Anonymous said…
HI LAURIE, GLAD U ENJOYED YOUR VACATION. JUST WANTED TO DROP U A LINE AND LET U KNOW I'M THINKING ABOUT YOU. EVERYTHING HERE IS JUST PEACHY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
JANICE
At 11:36 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Laurie! Glad you had a great vacation. That rest will do you good as you recuperate from another round. I'll be holding your hand tomorrow, mentally, so squeeze it whenever you need to. I'll wear a lovely rose colored mumu in your honor. Frightening that I actually have one of those....It's hot as hell, and I am pregnant with no AC!!! You are in my thoughts and in my heart. We'll all be checking on you so please tell whomever it is that keeps us updated that we appreciate it. Big HUG, Love you, Wendy
At 12:19 PM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Laurie,
Reiki coming your way today and tomorrow. I wish you peace and healing,
Linda W
BuxMont UU
At 1:34 PM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Laurie,
Glad to hear you had a great vacation with your relatives. Thinking of you and wishing you the best for tomorrow. Eileen Barnett
At 3:55 PM,
Anonymous said…
Dear Laurie,
so very glad you had a great relaxing and memorable vacation with family. It is nice with no outside interference, just to enjoy. Good luck tomorrow and speedy recovery!!
Rena
At 9:18 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Laurie,
Wishing you the very best. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cant wait for you to come back to work already,I still have to pick your brain, Im in the learning process!!
Your vacation sounded great. Looking forward to hearing from you soon, Matt also sends his best!
Love Terry
At 10:25 PM,
Anonymous said…
Laurie
I just found out tonight(wed) about your surgery tomorrow. The part timers are the last to know anything. I will be praying for a successful surgery and a speedy
recovery. You'll be in my thoughts
ans prayers.
Paula
At 11:44 AM,
Anonymous said…
wow Laur, youd better make sure that they dont give you one of those comfy pillows during the surgery....LOL
Love always partner,
Joanne
Post a Comment
<< Home