Tom's AVR new info

[JudithD23]

Well Tom had his preop prep today and we met with Dr. Miller's PA who went over some updated details of the surgery. The CT results we heard on Tuesday were very preliminary. At this point in time the scan, and we have a copy, shows that Tom will get his valve, root, aorta and part of his arch replaced. The procedure to replace part of his arch is called "the island" in which they leave the three vessels attached to a piece of his aorta and then that is attached to a dacron graft/sleeve. The Dr. said he wants to fix this one time so that Tom doesn't have to go back in for another surgery. I think I may have heard that here before (only teasing).

Wow, what a difference from what we initially thought. I'm really glad we're down here at Stanford and I know Dr. Miller does this frequently and knows his stuff. But I'm more nervous as a result of the extent of the surgery. They'll definitely do DHCA for the root. So I'm sure we're looking at a very long surgery. It probably won't start until 1pm unless a room opens up sooner. The nurse coordinator said not to worry, that the Dr. would sleep in and be well rested.

So, by this time tomorrow, Tom will still be in surgery.

I hope all is well with everyone else. Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks,

Judith

 

[kfay]

Judith, best wishes to you both tomorrow. Tom is in good hands and I'm sure he will do well. We will all be waiting to hear from you.

Kim

 

[Phyllis]

This time tomorrow night it will all be behind you. Hold on to that thought and try to get a good night's sleep tonight!

 

[JudithD23]

I think the surgery is scheduled to take about 8 to 9 hrs., I think the heart part will be 3 to 4 hrs. So he'll still be under if he doesn't start until 1pm.

 

[marie]

You are both in my thoughts and prayers. This is going to be difficult to do but do try and relax and get some rest. Keep us posted whenever you are able.
Earline

 

[Lionheart]

Judith,
I want to encourage you because you and Tom are well prepared and have so much to be thankful for. For instance:
1. You are at a great hospital (one of the top 10 in the US).
2. You have an excellent surgeon.
3. The surgeon has a wealth of information from the CT so he will be well prepared for applying his skills tomorrow.
4. You have many of us here thinking of you and praying for you and Tom.

I wish Tom and you the best.
John

 

[JudithD23]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Our mood swings from feeling calm to wondering what we're doing. But he needs it done and "it is what it is" as Tom says.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I'm SO GLAD you kept searching until you got the information / answers you needed and found a surgeon you were comfortable with.

Dr. Miller sounds like the perfect match for what Tom needs to have done.

Every one of us ultimately comes to that point where we simply must take a "leap of faith". May you find the "peace of acceptance" and go forward with confidence.

Bon Voyage!

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Susan BAV]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Our mood swings from feeling calm to wondering what we're doing. But he needs it done and "it is what it is" as Tom says.

Well said, Judith. My very best wishes to Tom and to you.

 

[zipper2]

JudithD23

JudithD23

all the best in the upcomming surgery and thoughts
and prayers going out to give you comfort.







Zipper2

 

[WayneGM]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and smooth, and speedy, recovery.

 

[JudithD23]

Thanks for all the input. Tom will be taking his shower with his special soap soon, right now he's just relaxing after a good night's sleep with the aide of a little ambien.

I'll be updating everyone when he's out of surgery, probably late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

I wish everyone good health, recovery, surgeries, and well, everything that is good.

Judith

 

[cp172]

Judith,

You and Tom are in my prayers. Looking to hear from you soon about his smooth recovery.

 

[msdonnamom]

judith,

you and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers. we will look forward to an update when you are able. I think its harder on the spouses as their waiting continues while we are having our surgeries.

God Bless
Donna

 

[JudithD23]

Just got a call from Stanford and they will start early, we're goning in now.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

 

[Cooker]

You both are in my prayers.....Godspeed.

 

[Phyllis]

You both are in our thoughts and prayers. Godspeed!

 

[Jiddo]

Hi Judith.

My thoughts are with you and your husband today. I know today is going to be a very long day for you so try and relax as much as possible. I know what it's like to wait for a loved one while in surgery, so just get as much support from family and friends as possible today. I know your husband is in excellent hands and this will be all over very soon. As everyone says, the waiting is the worst part (even for us family members).

As additional encouragement, my dad went through 3 of these surgeries (the most recent in June, 07) and he is doing very well today.

I'm right in Fremont so send me a pm if you need anything.

Jennie

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Take a deep breath and stay here with us Judith. After all, just look at all the prayers and good wishes from all over the world who are with you and Tom at this very moment..! Godspeed to you both.

Hugs,
Janie

 

[netmiff]

Judith,

best wishes to both of you, but at this time, especially you - Tom will be sleeping by now, you're the one with the hardest job to do at this point ! Hoping also they keep you updated throughout the surgery.