Wednesday, April 19, 2006

I'm nervous, I'm scared

When Joanna was here, she said we should go to a doctor about Cliff's "heartburn".  Our GP made us an appointment with a heart specialist for a nuclear stress test.  Cliff had had the other, more simple stress test several years ago; now I wish he'd had this one, because he might be in better shape right now.

So Tuesday morning we got there bright and early; Cliff planned to go to work as usual that afternoon.

The doctor told us, in no uncertain terms, that there was a problem, and ordered an angioplasty right then.  Bad news.  Every artery is blocked.  If they did stints, it would take at least five.  The doctor recommended bypass surgery, and talked to the surgeon who would perform the operation, if that was Cliff's choice.  Cliff stayed at that hospital overnight, his heart being monitored constantly.  Because I could see Cliff was very much affected by this sudden bad news, I opted to stay by his side.  I didn't want to wake up at home and think about him crying alone.

The surgery has to be performed at a different hospital, so today an ambulance took him there.  Cliff's sister from Wisconsin and her husband, and his brother from Kansas, showed up this morning.  Both of my son's older children came to visit this evening, along with their mom.  Rachel and Kevin have been there, and Pat and Charlene (his sister who lives in this area).

I figured it would be best for me to come on home tonight, because I may very well want to spend tomorrow night in the waiting room outside ICU, where I can check in on him often.

Surgery is scheduled for 7 AM tomorrow morning.

I'm scared.  Cliff's scared, especially after the surgeon telling us the risks.  I asked the doctor how many bypasses he'd do, and he said as many as he can.  He won't know until he's in there. 

Everyone in the family is a nervous wreck.  Prayers and good thoughts will be much appreciated.  If all goes well, Cliff could be home in three to five days.

 

85 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have my prayers. My dad has had two seperate triple bypasses, and it's a tough thing to handle, but he pulled through easy.

I will pray for the best!

Anonymous said...

Like I told Rachel...I think of you guys as my extended family, so I will be worrying til Cliff comes home.  I'm so glad you have some support around you now....and so glad they caught it before he had a heart attack....

I mean it when I say if there's anything you want or need, don't hesitate to ask, ok?!

sending you love and hugs as always...

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Prayers are lifted up for Cliff and you.  A special prayer will be said tomorrow morning.

Anonymous said...

ask and you will recieve!..

hey, he's in decent health thanks to your diet and regiment lately.. my brother had quadrople bypass and i hear of it all the time .. This sounds horrible but don't worry too much... I mean.. bypasses are done all the time and dang near all successful!.. I feel his will be too.

if my brother who also had a stroke and high blood pressure and diabetes and who knows what else can make it thru.. SO CAN CLIFF!.. AND HE WILL!  I believe that Donna.. he WILL come thru this!!  and guess what.. the one thing they tell bypass patients to do.. is walk alot!  

I'll keep you on my mind tomorrow..

Anonymous said...

Dear Mosie, please know dear that I am praying for Cliff, & for you. God Bless.
SUGAR

Anonymous said...

Good luck to Cliff. I am sure he is scared as anyone would be. I have known several people that had bypass surgery and all recovered OK and felt much better after it was over. Just hang in there and I am sure he will be feeling better soon. Good luck and God Bless

Anonymous said...

You have my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and Cliff the very best outcome. The best will be a new lease on life! I have known older bi-pass patients that have come thu with flying colors. I'm sure Cliff will do fine!
Lots of ((((XXOOXX)))!
Tess

Anonymous said...

Mosie, I forgot to mention, but I hope you already know...if there's anything I can do to help out (anytime)...don't fail to let me know. That's what neighbors are for!
Hugs, SUGAR

Anonymous said...

Think positive and all will go well. I will say prayers too. Sandra

Anonymous said...

Of course, I'll pray.
If it makes you feel any better, anyone I know who had the surgery in the past did well. Think of former President Clinton. He's fine now too. I also had a friend who had four arteries done a year ago and she's doing very well and living a normal life.

God bless you both and heal your husband,
Angela

Anonymous said...

Coming from Sugars blog, please know I will be praying for your husband, & for you. May the good Lord bless you both.

Anonymous said...

Mosie ...I am so sorry  to hear this. I have been praying for Cliff alot today , for the Doctors that will treat him, for you, and for all of your family . I know this is a scary time to go through. I am so glad that you have  your  family support there with you too.  I am continuing to pray and will be praying in the morning as they take Cliff to surgery. God Bless.

Jctopaz55

Anonymous said...

For Cliff and Donna,

Having left you just a short ten days ago, my heart is very heavy.  I've spent the better part of the day sniffling and getting in touch with all of my prayer warriors, at work and on the net.  My prayers and theirs are with you my dear friends.  I'll continue to pray through the night and tomorrow.  

If you need me, I can be on a plane in 12 hours to help you out.  Let me know if you need me.

With much love,

Joanna

Anonymous said...

I have been away for a few days and am just catching up on journals. My thoughts and prayers are with Cliff, you and the rest of the family at this very trying time. Cliff will do fine, I just know it. Hang in there and keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Came here via 'Sugars' Journal...hope everything goes well,and your Husband is soon back Home.
Aileen....X

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear this, will pray that all goes well.
rev sugar sent me over.
may an angel be with your husband in surgery & after.

Anonymous said...

{{{{{{{{Donna}}}}}}}

You know you are both in my prayers.. especially Cliff!  I pray to God that he gets through this, and I have no doubt in my mind that he will!

My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend...

Hugs and love
Jackie

Anonymous said...

Just got the alert from Sister Sugar. Came to say God Bless & let you know prayers are being said.

Anonymous said...

Saw your need on Sugar's Life journal. I will be praying, may God send a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and Cliff :)
God is in control :)

Gifdude

Anonymous said...

Donna,
I know how scared you both are. I had the same thing happen to me about four years ago, I had a quadruple bypass, that's 4 bypasses so you know. I went for a nuclear stress test and was sent straight to the hospital, for an angiogram and was told I needed surgery right away, the surgeon said he had an opening in his schedule for the next morning, which is rare in deed, the surgeon told me he couldn't gaurantee I would make it thru the surgery, but here I am! Thanks to the Good Lord! I know it is hard, I ask my family to have prayer around my bed before surgery and they did. You must trust in the Good Lord and know that He knows what is best for all of us, even when we don't. I want you to  know that you and Cliff and all of your family will be in my prayers.
love and prayers,
keep us posted on how Cliff is doing.
Donna Keene

Anonymous said...

Donna and Cliff.....we are lifting you up in prayer along with many of your friends out here in J-land.

We know God is able and we pray HIS will be done.....for in HIS will, ALL is perfect. We will continue to pray and we send our best wishes and thoughts to you BOTH at this time, and to ALL the family walking through this valley.

Good is good and HE is walking there with you.

Your friends in California, Bill and Nance  aka Qwkwit65

Anonymous said...

Donna - you and Cliff are in my prayers. God bless you both.

Anonymous said...

Donna, I am sending you an email.   Anne

Anonymous said...

Good thoughts and wishes are winging your way at top speed.... Give Cliff my best when you go back.
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi

I found your journal by way of (deslily). I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts tomorrow. My mother had this type of surgery several years ago, I realize how difficult it is when it comes up suddenly. She was fine after healing, in fact better then before. Focus on the positive and stay strong.

Always, Carly
http://ellipsissuddenlycarly.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Donna....sweetie...you know I have been there with Mixon...and my online chatroom friends helped me so very much....so here I am...giving you some words to let you know....love and prayers constantly....He will heal and make Cliff whole again...yes it is frightening...but remember Jesus holds us in the palm of His hand...ever gently, ever kindly....knowing our pain...and He loves us so...Hugs every minute...Ora and Mixon

Anonymous said...

((((((((Mosie)))))))))))  Keep in mind that the doctors have to tell you all the risks... no matter how low the percentage is that it would happen.   Don't let that scare you.... Cliff will be fine!   My prayer is for peace for you, speedy 100%recovery  for Cliff, and that God will guide the surgeons hands as he does his work.    
~Meg

Anonymous said...

Best wishes to you. Let me know if I can do anything for you.

Stacey

Anonymous said...

My  prayers and thoughts will be with you today and tomorrow during the surgery!  God Bless.  Shelly

Anonymous said...

WE are praying for you all!  Neither of you is ever truly alone.  -  Barbara

Anonymous said...

MI I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CLIFF AND HIS "HEART BURN" AND jOANNA SUGGESTING GOING TO THE DR YOU KNOW MY PRAYERS ARW WITH YOU AND THE WHOLE FAMILY.I'LL KEEP IN TOUCH IN HERE. PRAY THAT EVERY THING GOES EXCELLENT. LOTS OF LOVE PEPSI AKA DONNA

Anonymous said...

More things are
wrought by prayer
than this world
dreams of.

Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring Cliff health in body and spirit that he may serve You with his strength. Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.

We pray all things in His Name, Thy will be done Lord.


Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in ALL circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Mo my dear friend I know how you feel, Bob had an anyerism surgery and my son James had a quadruple bypass two years ago. I am praying for you all and we know God is working as we pray. Its a really scary thing when you get things like this that just pop up out of no where. You are loved. Let that thought bring peace to your heart.

Anonymous said...

Tell Cliff he'll do just fine. I had a triple bypass 4 years ago under much the same circumstances. Do prepare yourself for him being in hospital between 10 - 14 days, not 3 to 5. That would be an unreasonable expectation. And prepare Cliff for the 6 weeks he won't be able to drive, legally. Other than that, the double chocolate milkshakes for every meal have to stop! ;)

I'll be thinking of him.

wil

Anonymous said...

Donna,

I forgot to mention. This is going to be harder on you than it will be on Cliff. Please be sure you have a loved one or close friend with you for the next two weeks to offer you the support and love you are going to need. Cliff will be too busy healing to be anything but a grump. He won't even realize that he is being a royal PITA until months after the whole thing is over.

wil

Anonymous said...

I will add you and Cliff and his medical staff to my prayers.  Please take good care of you.....Cliff will be undergoing alot but it will be hard on you, too....so don't forget to take care of yourself so you can be there when Cliff needs you !!  

Anonymous said...

You and your husband will be in my thougths and prayers!

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness you were warned in time. Prayers are extended for you both. Paula

Anonymous said...

love and prayers to you,Cliff, and your family.
~Terry

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness this happened before he had a real BAD heart attack!  I know it's so scary for both of you.  I take care of post cardiac bypass patients. We are getting them up in a chair the next day and walking short distances.  It's amazing! Last year, I worked in Cardiac Rehab getting cardiac patients to build up their tolerance to exercise with treadmills, stationary bikes, etc...
The biggest complaint they all had about the whole experience was feeling so fatigued!  They felt actually much better after the surgery. No more chest pain/discomfort. But, they were tired. That's where I came in.  It was amazing to watch how much they improved over the 6 weeks they'd be in rehab.  Sometimes I'd have to extend their rehab, but when they "graduated" they were better than before the surgery!
Cliff is a strong man.  He's been up there building his addition! He walks every day!  He's recently lost weight. He looks like a healthy strong man!  He will come through this.  And so will you.  I'm not saying it isn't scary...'cause I know it's one of the scariest things someone can go through.  But, I will have you in my prayers. Just remember, most of those scary things that they tell you "might" happen usually don't.  But, they have to tell you all of it.
Love to you and your family, and let us know how he is tomorrow.  Get some rest yourself. You don't want to make yourself sick either.
Pamela

Anonymous said...

Dear Donna,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Cliff and your entire family.  Keep your faith strong in God, and he will see both of you through this.  I read your journal daily, and I feel like I know you and Cliff personally.  I love your stories about Sadie.  Again, I will be thinking about you and Cliff tomorrow and I will be praying for both of you.

Love,
Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna,
  Our common friend Andi Klee sent me over to say hello. I hope things go well for you and Cliff. I'm sure they will. Doctors do very many of these bypass operations every year, with a high degree of success. I'd write a cowboy poem for you, but I'm kinda outta practice. Try to get some sleep. You need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed early tomorrow morning.
  As Mr. Roarke said at the beginning of every show, "smiles, everyone, smiles."
-Paul

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm going to be thinking of you and praying for both of you throughout the night (I wake up often) and through the day tomorrow too.  I love you guys and will be anxious to hear how it goes.  You are part of my extended family.  

God is the Great Physician so you and Cliff put your faith in Him as the doc does his surgery.  A lot of these surgeries are performed daily with great success.

((((((((big hugs))))))))
I hope you get some good rest tonight b/c it may be hard to sleep in the hospital.  

"Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid".
You can remind me of that sometime.
Take care of yourself and Cliff.
Sonya

Anonymous said...

Mosie...praying right along with everyone else!!!
Becky

Anonymous said...

good luck hon, keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Wow!  I know that Joanna was your guardian angel!  She saved him from a heart attack!  I know you are scared about the surgery but what a blessing to find out this way.  Cliff and your family are in my prayers!
Traci

Anonymous said...

Don't worry I'll be praying. Good thing for your friend Joanna being there.

Anonymous said...

I prayed for Cliff and you tonight. I prayed that God would carry and bring Cliff through this surgery. May Angels surround you both.


In Christ,
Gabrielle

Anonymous said...

Hope everything goes well for Cliff in the morning.  You get your rest.  
Lori

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father hear my prayer for my friend Mosie and her wonderful husband Cliff.  Be with the doctor and send angels to surround Cliff.  I pray that it will all go well for him.  In Jesus name I pray. Barbara

Anonymous said...

Mosie .... I can imagine how upsetting this is for you both, having come up so suddenly.  Well, you know you are both in my prayers.  God Bless.   Tina

Anonymous said...

I have been praying steadily for you and Cliff.

Pat has 3 uncles that all had quads. They are all doing good. Cliff did not have a heart attack so there is no damage to the heart muscle. Thank the Lord for that.
Pat has had the thallium stress test done with good results but we will keep an eye on him. This has reopened my eyes to the fact that test results can change.

Anonymous said...

Keeping you both in my thoughts and sending healing vibes to your hubby.

Vanda

Anonymous said...

My MIL recently had a stent placed - and now feels better than she has in ages - my thoughts are with you and Cliff both

Anonymous said...

Mosie
I just heard about Cliff and immediately said a prayer for him.  I will keep him in my prayers until he pulls through.  You and the rest of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.  Thank goodness he had the checkup.  It sounds as though it will save his life.
Sam

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers being sent your way.  
d
http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey/

Anonymous said...

Oh, sweetie, I am holding you and your loved ones close in my heart and prayers.

Anonymous said...

God bless you honey. I'm scarred for him too. I belive strongly in prayer. Please know both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Terrie

Anonymous said...

My God, this is startling news. Both of you have Frieda;s and my prayers for Cliffs continued tempting you the rest of your lives. And sending you strengths to endure the seemingly prolonged waiting to see and hold your husband dear in recovery. We're sending all the possitive thoughts your way to share with him keeping his spirits strong. Fernan and Frieda

Anonymous said...

Needless to say, Mosie, my heart goes out to  you and Cliff and I have been and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I agree with all our brothers and sisters in Christ that God is able and will do whatever is best for Cliff in this.  I pray for wisdome and guidance for the doctor's hands and that the Lord will sustain you and the members of your family to give you peace in the midst of this storm.  Thank the Lord, Joanna, casually mentioned her friend and the problems he was having with pains in his chest.  That was no coincidence.  God does cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  He causes Joanna to come to Missouri to give you that word of warning.  Praise His holy name!  That verse has been my life verse and I cling to it, even when I blunder in my own life.  God be with you and give you peace!  Love always, Sam

Anonymous said...

I heard about this yesterday and had starting praying for Cliff then.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

((((Mosie)))))  I only just recieved this, this morning, so you're already there.  Many, many hugs and prayers to you guys hon. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies

Anonymous said...

I know what you are feeling and my prayers go out to you both. My husband had bypass surgery in 93 and I was by his side and couldn't leave the hospital. As a matter of fact I moved in! They had rooms they rented to families whose family members were in ICU or CCU units. He got thru it fine and felt so much better so fast! It is good he lost weight first! And that his blood pressure is so much better. And then i myself had a quad bypass 3 years ago! I know from both my husbands and my experience that the first day after surgery is never remembered and then you start to feel better so fast! This surgery is a miracle! I was driving within a month after surgery. Since you said you don't drive you 2 will need help with that but that's what friends and family are best at! Bless you both.

Anonymous said...

Oh My!!  I can't believe it.  You guys are in my prayers!!
Missie

Anonymous said...

{{{{Donna}}}}

I think there's a great power at work here though and hope that it means Cliff will come out fine. After all, had it not been for your friend's visit and subsequent urging, he never would have been checked to begin with.

My thoughts are with you that all goes well. :-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

Donna, I am praying for Cliff to pull through the surgery and come home and recover with flying colors.  I saw your post on KL and came here right away.  I cannot imagine the fright.  Have faith everything will be alright.  Get as much rest as you can, you have to be strong for both of you.  God Bless and keep the both of you.

Anonymous said...

Adding my prayers to all of you.  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

Both prayer and good thoughts--and hope it's three days--or even less!

Anonymous said...

We continue to lift all of you up.  I am so glad that family has come to be with you and Cliff during this time.  Keeping you in prayer, Penny and family http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/FromHeretoThere

Anonymous said...

You are both in my prayers friend.

Anonymous said...

May I join in and wish the best for Cliff.  I am praying for Cliff and the surgeon.  I know the risks involved first hand.  Cliff will love his "heart" pillow.  GBY for being strong.  Smiles, David

Anonymous said...

((((((Donna))))))
((((((Cliff))))))
I will be thinking about you and sending my best wishes your way all day today. I had no idea... I didn't check your journal yesterday and so this is the first I've seen of your request for prayer and well-wishes. Well, you have every last one of mine.
And if all these wonderful people have any say in it, Cliff will be just fine.

Anonymous said...

BTW, "Ukeliah" = Melanie.

Anonymous said...

I will keep you in my prayers!  I am here by way of Jackie.  Linda

Anonymous said...

We're Here, Darlin'...I know you're in ICU, and I hope Cliff is awake.  THat was my job, ICU care, so if you have any ?'s, I'll do my best...or just hugs and love....

xoxoxo,
andi

Anonymous said...

I've come via Andi and I'm sorry I'm a bit late but I wish your husband a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.......you are both in my thoughts.
hugs Debbie ~xx~
http://journals.aol.com/debbiewebb4465/TheLifeTimesofanEssexGirl

Anonymous said...

I just read from Celeste that the surgery went well and the doctors are pleased.  Praise God!  I'm not through praying though.  Love, Penny http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/FromHeretoThere

Anonymous said...

Oh Mosie!  I've been out of town just a couple of days and just read the news.   But I now also know he came through the surgery and is doing well.  My thoughts and prayers are with you both.  Get well Cliff!  And Mosie -- take care of you a little bit too while you're looking after him.  :)

Anonymous said...

prayers for your beloved cliff to pull through in flying colors and be home soon.  my thought are with you dear.  nettie

Anonymous said...

I hate it that i am late in reading this.  I am so sorry and scared for you both. Will keep Cliff in my prayers. Update when you can. Love you! Robin

Anonymous said...

Wow, this brings back memories, my Dave had a heart attack a little over a year ago and we went thru all this testing, he only has one stent tho.  Hang in there Cliff!  Linda

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you...sending my prayers
Marti

Anonymous said...

I am behind in my reading and just catching up here...my gosh what a good catch your friend made. I'm so glad you guys took action and got Cliff in for a diagnosis and treatment. I will keep reading on. I pray all went well with the surgery.