Lacing up my hiking boots

[Christina L]

Hi Everyone,

Wayne and I will be boarding the plane for Cleveland at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday morning, Nov 2. My surgery is scheduled for November 5, but if I can move it to November 4, I will, and we will let Ross know ahead of time about that - he will be posting for me and my family. Most likely it will be on the 5th.

I am on pins and needles - feel like I am jumping out of my skin - even with the Ativan. My heart is doing flip-flops, lots of PVCs, but thankfully no tachycardia.

As most of you know, I am going to have mitral valve repair or replacement done by Dr. Delos Cosgrove and his team. Dr. Cosgrove has said he is 95% sure he can repair it; however, I still realize I could wake up with a replacement.

If any of you have any final words of wisdom to send me on my way, I would sure appreciate it. Thank you ALL so much for all your help in the last couple of months helping me to prepare for this trek.

Here are some song lyrics that have been my mantra for the last few weeks (on Amy Grant's CD - beautifully sung by her by the way). I know you all can appreciate what this song says.

Chris

"BE STILL MY SOUL"
Lyrics by K. von Schlege and L. Scott


Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Stand calm within, the storm of grief and pain
Trust in thy God to order and provide
Through every change His faithful light remains
Be still my soul the restful peace within
Through trying times leads to a joyful end

Be still my soul, the wind and waves shall know
The voice who ruled them while he dwelt below
Torment and doubt have slipped into the past
All darkened mysteries shall shine at last
His burning sun shall melt the ice of fear
Lift up your heart his soothing voice to hear

Be still my soul when light you cannot see
And trembling skies speak to the fear in thee
The face of God illuminates the night
Unending peace and trusting perfect light
Be still my soul when tears fall from above
You are divine eternally in love
You are divine eternally in love.

 

[RickKiem]

Christina, I wish you all the best as you complete your journey. I wish I had some advice to offer but as I am on the same jouney as you I to have all the same guestions. My surgery is scheduled for the 4th, but I will keep you in my prayers and hope that everything goes well for you. We are both getting close to the top of this mountain and I do know that every hill I have ever climbed that the uphill was much harder than the downhill. I can't wait for the downhill!

Rick

 

[Christina L]

Rick,

I wish the same for you - that your surgery goes very well and you have a swift, perfect recovery. Figures, again, I am one of the last in my trekking group to reach the top! You are going to beat me, you rat!

Oh well, I will get there - so I'll meet up with you at the trailhead when we are both down, safe off the mountain!

Godspeed!

P.S. Those boys of yours are adorable!!

Chris

 

[Nancy]

Hi Christina-

It's almost Happy Birthday for your shiny new fixed up heart!

So Bon Voyage, and smooth sailing. We'll be waiting to hear how things went.

Talk to you later.

 

[Ross]

My words of wisdom are in your email box.

 

[Christina L]

Thanks Ross for the private E-mail - it was a beautiful sentiment. Now I know everything and more about V-formations of geese!!

And by the way, you made me cry - AGAIN!!!!!!

Chris

 

[MelissaM]

Hi Chris,

At this point, there is probably nothing to be said or done to further assuage your fears. Just hang on tight and accept that pre-surgery anxiety is part of the deal. Have a safe flight and embrace the next couple of days of the climb - they are hopefully the last of your uphill battle.

With Cosgrove's expert hands, we fully expect a trouble-free descent.

We'll be waiting and watching. . ..

Melissa

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Christina L
I want to wish you all the best and to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember that before long you will be turning those hiking boots in for some tennis shoes because you will be able to run up and down those mountains.

Remember that God sees your storm and will give you peace in the midst of it.

Take Care

Dave
____________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical

 

[tommy]

God bless you!

 

[Kathy]

Chris,

May your trip and surgery go well. You will meet many kind and compassionate people at the Clinic. I'll never forget the cleaning people in ICU who would pass my bed and say, "God bless you."

"Be Still My Soul" a.ka. "Findlandia" was one of my father's favorite tunes and he used to whistle it all the time. I occasionally play it on the piano. I learned different lyrics in my church choir days. They can be found at this site if you are interested:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/bestill.htm

I hope that you are bringing a personal CD player with you. It was a great help to me to have my own music along.

 

[Kevin M]

You are going to do great

You are going to do great

Christina, you are going to do just fine.

I know you are afraid and there is not one of us that wasn't.
It's natural to be nervous, confused and things may feel a bit surreal over the next few days.

The only advice I can offer is to try to do things for yourself these next few days. It's all about you, so you should be taking care of yourself. Do things that you want to do - forget about reponsibilities for a couple of days - you deserve it.

Do your best to rest and stay relaxed. Sleep in.

The anxiety may try to find its way in; accept it and keep going.

You should know that we are all behind you. We'll be thinking about you this next week and sending our best wishes your way.

Stay well and keep posting. Vent all you need to. We're here.
Kev

 

[Susan Allen]

Good luck and God bless.
Have a safe trip. Each day closer gets easier
Susan Allen

 

[Ross]

And by the way, you made me cry - AGAIN!!!!!!

I'm going to have all the weepies worked out of you so that you don't have to experience that on top of everything else.

I wish it were so easy. You know you have my blessings and I'll be in touch. If you happen to have a phone number to the hotel, please send it to me, if not, not a big deal--I'll get it one way or another.

 

[pillarpaul]

Just another 14'er

Just another 14'er

Chris,

Again, it really was a pleasure meeting you and Wayne last week (and Melissa of course!). Like Melissa said, not too much more at this point to impart. But...I want you to focus on the four of us once again sitting at the Buff a couple of months from now. I KNOW you will be telling Melissa and me "Gee, you guys were right. I don't know why I was THAT worried about this" Heck, picture us all at the Buff IN the Buff if that will help you take your mind off the surgery.

At this point, just let go and place your trust in God. I will say whatever prayers I can to "put in a good word" (not that I have great connections). You know how much easier it is coming down Long's Peak than going up.

Godspeed, Chris and Wayne. Meet you on the trail down.

Paul

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Chistina.

Wishing you all the best. See you at the 'top of the mountain'.

Have a safe trip and keep us posted. Worry not.....your going to be in excellent hands!

God Bless

 

[carlapv]

Hi Christina,

We have kinda made this journey together. I wish I was going with you now, but I will be thinking of you. I know that all of the kind, sweet, and thoughtful words you have given others in this forum will come back to you ten fold and keep you safe.

Godspeed my friend.

Carla

 

[ccrawford]

Hi Christina - You're getting close now, and it will all work out fine. Cosgrove has done a gazillion of these procedures and though its not routine for you, it is for he and his team. You know you have a bunch of VR buddies rooting for you and praying for a smooth hike to the peak. Coming down the hill is really nice and you have much to look forward to. We all look forward to hearing from you kiddo, so heal up fast and get back on that keyboard. Chris

 

[Guest]

Hi Christina!

Best wishes for your trek "up the mountain". I'm sure that you are going to come through this trip with flying colors!

We will all be here waiting to get the post surgery update. You are in my prayers!

 

[Heather Fisher]

Christina,

I will keep you in my prayers. Don't worry, everything will be fine and you are in the best of hands. Just lie down, rest and sleep through it. I know you will let us know how things are on the other side. May it be a peaceful journey for you with a return to good health.

Heather

 

[Georgia]

Growing up is awful

Growing up is awful

And deep inside, that's how I felt - that having this surgery was the last step in growing up. Odd, huh?

I know how you feel and most truly hope that you'll be distracted enough by traveling and checking in etc., that you won't spend the next 4 days so worried.

I most truly wish that your mountain is a molehill and the truck misses you altogether. My prayers and good thoughts follow you. I'm deeply confident that you'll do fine. You'll find a deep well of strength within you and sail through this adventure.

Best of luck and will certainly be looking for "the" post.