- Doll made by me
- From sweet Selia (Down the Rabbit Hole)
- Made by sweet Tina (Tiny Bear)
- Doily from sweet Marcie (The Rustic Victorian)
- smooch! - therusticvictorian
Oh Lord that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness. ~ William Shakespeare
An update for my sweet Flickr friends:
First I want to say thank you to each one of you for the beautiful comments that were left on my "Remember Me" photo. I treasure every kind word, best wishes and precious prayers! I thank y'all with all of my heart for being so sweet and loving. I truly wish I could write each one of you personally and say thank you, but please know my heart is full of gratitude to all of my dear Flickr friends! This includes my son's Flickr friends that were so sweet to leave me well wishes and pray for me.
~~~~
We went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and I had many tests done prior to my heart surgery date. My cardiologist was very concerned because I am severely anemic. I have very heavy bleeding, so she sent me to a gynecologist there. They could not find any cause for the heavy bleeding and wanted to do a hysterectomy, but the risks were too high because of the bad condition my heart is in. Instead, they thought it best for me to have an out-patient surgery. I had a D&C and an Endometrial Ablation done to help reduce the heavy bleeding. My cardiologist has me taking high doses of iron to help bring up my hemoglobin. She felt it was best to postpone my heart surgery as to avoid the risks of my having to receive donor blood. We met with my heart surgeon and he felt it was best to postpone it as well, though not past the end of the year as my valve is leaking severely and is torn, as well as my heart chamber being enlarged. They are hopeful my hemoglobin will be up with the iron supplements.
After Thanksgiving we will travel back to the Mayo Clinic for more tests, to see my gynecologist, cardiologist and heart surgeon, as well as having my open-heart surgery, which will take place on the 30th. I also need to make a decision about my valve replacement. Normally, with someone my age, they would put in a mechanical valve and put them on blood thinner, but because I have had my prosthetic heart valve for over 19 years, which is amazing, my heart surgeon recommends I get another prosthetic heart valve which could last 5 to 10 years. It would prolong my needing to be put on blood thinner, which would reduce some high risks he is concerned about with me having to take a blood thinner for the rest of my life once I get a mechanical valve.
My family and I have decided to go with the prosthetic valve, though I will have to have a third open-heart surgery, we agree it will be best to delay taking a blood thinner. When this new prosthetic valve wears out I will have to have a mechanical valve and take blood thinner, as the mechanical valve should last the rest of my life. Now, I have a choice, and then I wont have one. I pray I am making the right decision. I have been a bit stressed with all of this and I am feeling unwell and exhausted, but I know God has a reason for all of this and I have my faith and trust in Him. I know He will give me peace and the strength I need. He has provided me with the very best doctors at the Mayo Clinic, each one is the top of their field including my heart surgeon. My congenital heart defects are very rare and I am grateful to have specialized care and a heart surgeon that knows how to operate on my heart. I don't think I mentioned this on my other photo, but these are the defects I was born with, situs inversus totalis, dextrocardia, transpostion of the great artiries and a mitral valve regurgatation that was replaced with my prosthetic valve I have had for 19 years. I also was born with a hole in my heart, but that was repaired during my first valve replacement. The good news is my other heart valves only have minor leaks and only one chamber is enlarged. I do have some arrhythmia's they are concerned about that will have to be addressed, possibly during my heart surgery. I may need a pacemaker as well.
Thank you for caring about me and taking time to read my lengthy update. I wanted to let you all know what is happening. Please pray that my hemoglobin will be up and I wont have to receive donor blood. They will not postpone my heart surgery again, so regardless of what it is I will have to have my valve replacement before it is too late. Thankfully my mom is going to stay in our home and take care of our doggies again.
I hope all of you are doing well and will have a very beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving. To my dear European friends that don't celebrate Thanksgiving I wish you all a very blessed holiday season. I love you all dearly and am very grateful for your friendships!
Comments and faves
skblanks (7 months ago | reply)
Dear Sweet Paula,
I don't know how I missed your last post. My computer was down and in the shop for several days, and that must have been when you posted it. I did stay in touch with Carolynn, who kept me updated (thank you so much, Carolynn).
Anywho, I'm so thankful to see that you're back home and back here on Flickr, too. Even though I missed your posts, I have kept you continually in my prayers. I think of you every day, and am so glad things went as well as they did. Now, we've got to trust God to let your blood build to the level that will be good enough for your surgery. We want you back on your feet for Christmas, you know!
Numbers 6:24 - 26
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Love you Much,
Sandra
arlies_girl (7 months ago | reply)
You have been in my thoughts and prayers and i am so grateful to all the doctors attending you. God has given them the gift of medicine and they are the to help you with God guiding their hands. So glad you are at ease with the decisions you have made, that is a plus as the stress will not be so bad when you feel what you have decided is right. Prauers continue for you and looking forward to that email that lets use all know that you are on the road to recovery and that your body is healing and there is nothing but God's grace left to you to fill you up...sue
angelsinmysecretgarden (7 months ago | reply)
what a wonderful to hear your sweet sounds beautiful Paula. I just was wondering about you. sending, best health wishes & prayers & hugs and much love to you precious angel. xoxoxox.Firuzan
basketdoll2002 (7 months ago | reply)
Dearest Paula, I was so happy to see this update from you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I will be praying for your iron level to go up to normal and for renewed strength and health and everything will be a go when your surgery is scheduled without having to use donor blood. Your vignette is sweet as can be, as always! You rest and take good care, enjoy a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving with your loved ones. You are missed so much on Flickr. God bless! Love and hugs! Mary
Lulu at Home ( away ) added this photo to her favorites. (7 months ago)
Lulu at Home ( away ) (7 months ago | reply)
What a wonderful surprise to find your pretty picture here today. How you have been missed! You're ever in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs dear friend!
Dee
Simply Shelley (7 months ago | reply)
So good to hear from you...I have been praying that all was well with you....many blessings dear Paula. I will continue to pray.....Wouldn't it be wonderful if you went back to your doctor and your heart was healed completely.....I believe in miracles...its possible. But,either way I know you are in his hands for certain....My grandsons(15 year old twins) lost their father to a massive heart attack in Oct. It was such a sad time for our family. He was just 45. God has been with us through it all....my grandsons are doing fine.
rocky road creations (7 months ago | reply)
Hi Paula, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I have missed your beautiful pictures and posts. I am so glad that you have the very best heart doctors. There has been some buzzing on tv about using stem cells to help our heart heal itself. My husband had a double bi-pass in June and is doing very well. SO WILL YOU!!!! I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep us updated as you can.
Big HUGS to you!
Diana
rocky road creations (7 months ago | reply)
I just had to add that I will keep your husband in my prayers too. That God's peace will fill his heart during this scary time.
rocky road creations and Boxwoodcottage added this photo to their favorites.
Boxwoodcottage (7 months ago | reply)
Geez my dear sweet Paula so relieved and so so glad to see you back home and updating us! I thought of you every day, talking to Pauline about you.
My oh my I don't really understand all of these medical terms, but what I do understand is that things are very complicated and the doctors do their very best. I think you took the right decision although I'm sorry to hear that you have to go through all of that stress again and again. You sure are right that this all must be for a greater reason!
Hopefully your iron level will go up and you'll be strong enough for the surgery!!!
It's good to hear that your mom is there for you during all these hard times!
I admire your faith and strength sweet Paula, you're setting such a positive example here for all of us!
I also see you changed your flickr name a bit and it goes so well with the gorgeous picture that you shared with us above. Your victorian Rose doll looks simply stunning in all her lace finery and with her pretty china doll companion. I also love the transfer ware and the sweet sheep and well everything in and about this picture. You have to keep your eyes on beauty like this to take your mind at ease some times, I'm sure it helps!
Sending you lot's of love and positive thoughts my dear friend!
Hugs Carola xoxo~
therusticvictorian (7 months ago | reply)
Oh my dear Miz Periwinkle, I pray for you and your men as you go to the Mayo Clinic and come home safely with everything fixed and healed. I am so glad Jesus is in your heart. I so want you to feel good and strong again, all of your cybersisters will be praying and pulling for you. Before you know it, it will be spring and you will be in the garden again tending your roses, and creating sweet dolls and vignettes in your home, takeing care of your Adam and the happy fur persons.
May God's peace be with you dear friend.
Love and Many mousie hugs!
Miz M
therusticvictorian, angelsinmysecretgarden, and seaside rose garden added this photo to their favorites.
Tin Rabbit (7 months ago | reply)
Dearest Paula, SO thankful to hear this update from you...you have been in our prayers and will continue to be..we will be praying that your iron level is up so that you can have surgery and come home...Sending you a big hug! Love You~Ann
~ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
seaside rose garden (7 months ago | reply)
Sweet Paula, so good to hear an update from you! You are in my thoughts and prayers, dear one!
Big Hugs,
Michelle
The Nostalgia Fairy added this photo to her favorites. (7 months ago)
in pastel (6 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula, Thank you for sharing with us. i too hope that you will return to us well, soon. Even if it is awhile we'll be waiting. 000
Barbara
tinybeardk (6 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula - I´m SO glad to see you post here. I have been so worried. I hope everything wil work out for the very best for you. I´m sure you´re taking the right decicion. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers and hugs your way.
Big hugs and much love
Tina xoxo
grammycarolynn (6 months ago | reply)
Oh, my precious little girlie! You are on my heart, continually, while I am away. I wake up each morning with you in my thoughts and prayers. Darling Paula....I pray that you are able to rest in God's loving arms as you prepare to return to Mayo. He is with you...each step...each breath...every single heartbeat of the way!
I love you, my darling adopted daughter!
Carolynn xoxo
~Romantic~Vintage Home~ (6 months ago | reply)
I have been thinking about you and praying Paula..Is there any way you could designate one of your close friends here or someone to keep us posted on your progress..I will keep you in my prayers..we all miss you here..much love my sweet friend..xo..
Karen~
~Romantic~Vintage Home~ added this photo to her favorites. (6 months ago)
My Little Shabby Cottage (6 months ago | reply)
Praying for you and for your surgeons as well...
You are so brave and such an inspiration with your positive attitude and outlook!
Tin Rabbit (6 months ago | reply)
dearest paula, you are heavy in our thoughts and in our prayers this morning...God is with you~ Love you dear friend!
basketdoll2002 (6 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula,
Thinking of you today and praying for a swift recovery. God bless you and keep you.
grammycarolynn (6 months ago | reply)
Dearest Paula....Today is the 30th of November and you are in surgery as I write this...I am praying that God will perfect each and every detail...and, that He will guide the surgeons capable hands. May you rest in God's tender loving care.
I love you, sweet girl!
Carolynn....your adopted momma
grammycarolynn added this photo to her favorites. (6 months ago)
piecakeprimitives (6 months ago | reply)
Dear sweet Paula, I have been constantly checking to see what has been going on, and of course I've been praying lots up here..I will keep checking here for updates..May God Bless you and your family, and I wish you a speedy recovery! Sending lots of love and hugs!
xoxoxoxo
Lorraine
val*jean (6 months ago | reply)
Still thinking of you and hoping all went well Wednesday and continues to go well. Much Love to you and yours.
the vintage cottage (6 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula, I am so sorry to hear the extent of your heart defects, and the length of time you have endured them. Your positive outlook is such an inspiration. I pray God and the surgeons will do their utmost to heal you completely. Loving wishes, Mary xxx
sovica_xxx (6 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula, it's great to see an update from you! I'm thinking of you and hope you get better as this year comes to its end. Sending love and warm thoughts to you and your family.
Candy Pop (5 months ago | reply)
Love to you.... xxxxxxx
therusticvictorian (5 months ago | reply)
Merry Christmas Sweet Sister, I love you.
Grinnin Gramma (5 months ago | reply)
You've been in our prayers. God bless you,
grammycarolynn (5 months ago | reply)
I miss you, sweet Paula! I continue to pray for you...and for the coming days for your family.
I love you, my darling adopted daughter!
Hugs,
Carolynn xoxoxoxo
Boxwoodcottage (5 months ago | reply)
Dear friend,
I wish you a speedy recovery and keep sending you positive thoughts!
Hope the pain has eased by now and that the new year will bring only good things to you and your family and that happy times will be back at Victorian Rose Cottage soon!
Sending you love and hugs my sweet Paula!
xoxo~ Carola
val*jean (5 months ago | reply)
more love and prayers heading your way.... xoxo
rocky road creations (5 months ago | reply)
Hi Paula,
Just letting you know I'm thinking about you and praying for you. Hope you can feel all this love we are sending you from cyber space. We miss you.
HUGS
Diana
hazelnut2012 (5 months ago | reply)
Dear paula, So missing your dear Rose Cottage by the Lake blog,-and you! Hope you're doing really well by now, and will pray for you. Love to you, Alex
IrisBears and Simply Shelley added this photo to their favorites.
hens teeth (5 months ago | reply)
Dear Paula...if you can possibly manage just a word to let us all know how you are. So worried about you dear girl. xxx
Boxwoodcottage (5 months ago | reply)
@ Hens teeth - check grammycarolynn's photostream, she's keeping us posted about sweet Paula - for example here: www.flickr.com/photos/68967521@N00/6508308451 /in/photostream
hens teeth (5 months ago | reply)
Boxwoodcottage...thank you so much. I have left a message with grammycarolynn. So very much appreciated. x
piecakeprimitives (4 months ago | reply)
still thinking of you and sending prayers..:o) xoxoxo
seaside rose garden (4 months ago | reply)
Thinking of you, sweet Paula! Hope you are healing quickly and feeling better each day!
Lots of hugs,
Michelle
Laurie Star (4 months ago | reply)
I know you don't know me but I am wishing you well. :)
val*jean (4 months ago | reply)
more love, dear Paula xox♥
~o0o~ bolinha de sabão ~o0o~ and Claudia Tanaka / Bendita Mistura added this photo to their favorites.