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JennGM
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| Posted: Aug 26 2013 at 10:23am | IP Logged
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I'm humbly asking for prayers, as I need to be covered in prayer. I just found out on Friday that i require open heart surgery very soon to correct a structural congenital problem. I have some further tests to pinpoint the exact problem and then set the date, but probably October?
My mind is reeling on all the prep work, and I'm considering school perhaps for a half or whole year.
We need discernment prayers, and I need energy and clarity to prepare and be living and calm for my family.
Thanks so much!
Update August 27:
Words cannot express my gratitude! I am so buoyed by your prayers. It is one day, sometimes one hour, at a time embracing His Will.
We have clearly decided to keep the boys home, and I'm very at peace with the decision. But you'll be seeing lots of requests for ideas in the next weeks for help in planning purposeful work for the boys.
Update September 5
We're still processing all this new information. We took a week's vacation which was good for our family. Next Thursday, the 12th, I will have a TEE test which will pinpoint the exact problem and nail down more dates.
We were also so blessed to have a family friend who is a cardiac nurse who has really confirmed and explained what is going on, gave suggestions for surgeons and just tons of reassurance going forward.
I will sound like a broken record, but your prayers are so appreciated. We are both calm and at peace and taking one step at a time.
Where we are lacking is house preparation and school work prep, especially the latter, as I'm very behind. But I have to stay calm and just take one step at a time.
Update 09/16
I had my TEE test on Thursday, and the diagnosis has altered a bit. Now it's more of something that can't be cured, but treated with medicines, surgery, pacemakers, etc. We are reeling a bit in seeing that this is a genetic and chronic condition, so surgery won't be one quick fix and then I'll feel rosy.
I have a stress echo to see objectively how my body is handling this, and then probably a surgical consult.
My cardiac friend helped us again to see the big picture, that this will be a "hurry up and wait" and could take a long time to even get to the point of deciding on surgery.
So I'm dealing with all the stages of grief, frustration with the unknown, and just battling my fatigue and breathlessness waiting for all this is not conducive for organizing my school and house!
On the positive side, I got our Legos re-sorted and organized this weekend. This was mainly a sitting job, and such a relief to clean up that area!
Update 9/25/13
I did pretty well on the stress test, so I guess that means I won't keel over doing exercise, so that's good news. We continue the quest for right treatment of this.
Tomorrow morning we have a surgeon consult. Friday I get to wear a Holter monitor.
I'm begging prayers for guidance in His Will, and a good visit with the surgeon!
Update 9/30/13
It continues to be baby steps. The surgeon consult was fabulous. He was really detailed and helped us shape a plan of action. He wants to try medicine for a few months before surgery, but the whole situation will be closely monitored, and there are twists that could mean back to surgery plan.
I meet with my doctor to discuss the medicine. There are some negatives to this medicine that I'm not sure I'll tolerate, so we have to take this carefully. I also hope he will discuss my monitor results.
Again, the prayers are so helpful. I was praying to St. Therese and LIKE St. Therese for help. So much was put into our laps and I needed direction, so I was just pleading for some handholding, because I'm such a little child I can't do this on my own!
Update 10/04:
I start some medication today. It's a low dose, but I'm apprehensive about side effects, because I don't tolerate meds usually very well.
We are moving forward in trying to get to a speciality HCM center, which will require travel and such. It's a lot of juggling: insurance, finding extra money for travel, time off for dh....asking for prayers to have CONFIDENCE and TRUST and NOT WORRRY and let everything fall into place.
The scenario right now probably delaying surgery even longer than a few months.
Update 10/18
Such a roller coaster ride! Sorry for all the updates! We have begun the initial contacts for consultation and surgery and do it all in one trip.
We plan to go to Cleveland and hope to do this early December before all the winter weather, otherwise we might need to wait until spring. We need prayers for a few things:
1) I need to send all my records ASAP, but my cardio's office is very slow, maybe 7-10 days! I can't even schedule anything until the doctor reviews my films, so I'm praying for expeditious turn-around and ability to schedule soon.
2) Working out money side, traveling (possible plane tickets), hotel, other extra expenses. Things are tight.
3) Calm, thoughtful, careful, and thorough preparation, and especially the care for my boys while I'm away and during recovery--so that it will go smoothly. I've got a supportive family and lots of people ready to help, but I'm bad at delegating.
There is a glimmer that I might have been misdiagnosed and the surgery might be *the* fix and not a lifetime of problems. That would be marvelous!
Thanks so much, prayer warriors!
Update 10/24
I'm in a week-long limbo right now. The records turned around super fast (Deo Gratias) but unfortunately the doctor is gone for a week. So it won't be until Wednesday at the earliest to hear an update and schedule.
We're finding out good news about setting up insurance and costs, so another blessing!
I'm having some struggles with my medicine (beta-blocker) and having some strife with my cardio over this, so I hope I can resolve this.
But thanks to your prayers, I'm calm and at peace and can see God's hand in all these plans! Thank you!
Update 11/04:
Inching closer to surgery, but still waiting for a date. The Cleveland surgeon has found I have mitral valve abnormality that is causing all this problem, so I'll have a two part surgery to fix the valve and then remove the thickened muscle.
The surgery will be in Cleveland, and I think I will have to be gone a whole of 2 weeks. Hotel cost is going to be a little steep! But God will provide.
I'm now waiting for the surgical schedulers to call me -- and that could take up to 10 business days. We were hoping to get in December, but we'll wait and see what God has planned.
It's so wonderful to watch how His plan unfolds! I just have to remind myself to allow Him to drive!
Update 11/11
I just heard from Cleveland Clinic scheduler. We have set the date for surgery for January 16, but start testing on January 13th. It will be a 2 week time frame.
We are second on the cancellation list, and there is a possibility if another case doesn’t get financial approval that we could have the surgery December 12.
We would really, really, really prefer the December date, of course if it’s God’s will. With all the winter viruses might mean more delays, and financially it would fit better for us. God knows the best for us, but if you wouldn’t mind praying for the intention of getting the December date, we would be most grateful! Lots of Memorares – the Fast Novena, maybe? Praying to Our Lady of Guadalupe?
I will plan for January. I also am looking for a new local cardiologist, as my current one is not going to work out.
Update 11/25:
My symptoms have increased to where I can't do a thing. My relationship with my current cardio has disintegrated, so I'm in desperate need for a local one that can support a specialist. I had to place a call today because my chest pains are debilitating...
They are wrangling an appointment with a local doctor, and I'm waiting for them to call me back. There's a wintry precipitation for a long drive. I need the appointment, but not risking life and limb....
Update 11/26
THANK YOU!!!!! Today was just an extra special gift from God! The weather became mostly a rain event, allowing a perfectly safe drive. The doctor was better than good, he was fantastic!!!! Totally worth the drive. He was personable, works closely with the doctors in Cleveland, and I'm so happy to be in good hands.
I got my prescription, and already it's helping my chest pain. I'll still take it easy, but I'm glad it's not as painful.
We're still holding for the possibility of a December date...and we might not know that until next Monday, which is only a week's notice!
Thanks again for all the prayers!
Update 12/05:
Well, St. Nicholas came early. The surgery date is now December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
We leave Sunday, and return around the 21st.
Pray for me that I can get ready in time!!!
And thanks for all the continued prayers through the surgery and recovery.
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Aagot
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| Posted: Aug 26 2013 at 10:34am | IP Logged
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Jenn,
Prayers for you! What a shock that must be for all of you.
God bless you with peace and your doctors with skill and wisdom.
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MaryM
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Praying for you, Jenn as you face all these preparations and decisions.
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Christine
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Jenn, I will be praying for you. May Our Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around you!
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Christine
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Pilgrim
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Praying, Jenn! Will pray for peace, and clarity on God's will and direction He would have you choose for your family during this time!! All the worries and concerns such news must bring must be so big! May Our Lord and Our Lady hold you close, give you peace and clear guidance!
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Wife 2 my bf, g14,b8,g&b6,g4,g3,g1 1/2,4 ^i^
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guitarnan
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Praying, Jenn, for your peace of mind, for discernment, for your medical team and for your family.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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SeaStar
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Praying for you and your family, Jenn
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Angie Mc
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Jenn, if ever there was a mom who has everything she needs to make great decision within difficult circumstances, it is you. You have earned the peace that comes with knowing you have suffered much, gathered the best options, and are willing to do what it takes to trust in God's perfect plan for you and your family.
I admire you greatly and am sending all my best to you
Love,
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Angie Mc
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4 lads mom
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Oh Honey, that’s hard, so hard....many prayers coming your way, promise!! God’s most Holy Will be done, may Our Lady protect you and keep you all....
Love to your whole family!
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Mom of four brave lads and one sweet lassie
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stefoodie
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Praying, praying, dearest Jenn!!! to you and your family!!
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stef
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DominaCaeli
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Oh my--absolutely praying here, Jenn, for health and for discernment!
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Celeste
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St. Ann
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Oh dear Jenn!!! I will certainly keep you in my prayers!
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Stephanie
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SallyT
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Prayers for you and yours, Jenn.
Sally
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pumpkinmom
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Many prayers!
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pumpkinmom
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Many prayers!
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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
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Erica Sanchez
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Wow! You know we will be praying for you in a special way, Jenn, and for your family. Please keep us updated. 
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Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Servant2theKing
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Covering you and your family with prayer Jenn!
Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
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Booksnbabes
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Praying for you and your family, Jenn! We will be keeping you all in prayers through the coming weeks. May you be granted clarity in your decision making and peace with that which you discern to be the best path.
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Wife to wonderful DH, mom to SIX beautiful gifts from God!
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Aingeal
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Adding my prayers too. Hoping for health, healing, peace.
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In Christ,
Angela
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Maryan
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Oh my! Jenn, I can't believe this. Many, many prayers. I'm sure your mind is reeling. Please let me know if you need anything.
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Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
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4Real Forums : We Pray to the Lord
Topic: Open Heart Surgery 12/12
