Heart Day

We finally have a date.....

After what seems like an endless round of tests and consultations, John's mitral valve surgery is scheduled - for Valentine's Day. How perfect is that?

We were fortunate to have a friend hook us up with a surgeon in the Philadelphia area who's doing a new, less invasive type of valve surgery. Rather than opening the chest cavity, they go in through the patient's side. It's still an hours long operation, and still requires the patient be put on a heart-lung machine during the procedure, but the recovery will be easier than with the standard surgery: five days in the hospital instead of seven to ten, and an approximate six week recovery at home instead of eight to ten.

In the meantime, John is doing well on the meds (if more tired than usual) and I'm painting every hour God sends in an effort to catch up a bit before all this happens...

I'm pretty sure we have a friend coming to stay with the menagerie the day of the procedure (Thursday), but any friends in the area willing to come over on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday to walk the Aussie kids would be greatly appreciated! The hospital is a good hour and a half's drive, which makes frequent trips back and forth difficult.

Many thanks to those of you who've sent messages and emails with prayers and positive thoughts - they're much appreciated, and I'll continue to post post updates as we know anything new. :)

For now, it's back to work on that Witch's pantry I've been promising....

Blessings,
~ Carolee