Marcia Peterzell

Tomorrow, Oct 3, 2017, I go in for a TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) at 8:30am, at Kaiser SF.  It's not open heart surgery and they will replace the valve without cracking my chest bone!  I feel "chip chip" compared to the dread I felt about open heart.  It's been a tedious wait And I feel grateful for all your loving support - it has made the ordeal doable!
I hope to be a typical TAVR patient and be home in 3.4 days.
As serious as this surgery is, it's not open heart.
I liken the TAVR to "power steering" vs open heart as a "manual drive" approach - you get the same place without as much stress!
This is my last post before surgery, unless I show up and it's a "no go" again!  When I spoke with Dr Mishell, the doctor in charge of TAVR, he assured me that my case is studied and they feel confident this surgery will be successful.
My broken heart from the sad and dangerous times we are in will not mend with this procedure.  My hope is to get back into the "good fight" with stamina to be useful!  And, for Linda and I to plan a restorative trip! 
See you!


Friends  and Friends, I have my open heart surgery to replace aortic valve scheduled on Thursday, September 7, 2017.
Needless to say and I will anyhow!, I am scared about outcome (will I be my usual peppy self) and possible infection.  I'm going into surgery healthfully.  I kept the 50lbs off my body and exercised for years.  Changed my eating habits for the better as well.  All this contributed to  my arteries showing "no sign of deteriation the last 13 years."  Hooray for doing the right stuff, right?!
I know my heart suffers with the pain of current events.
Having you all cheering for us/me helps me to keep some equanimity🙏🏿
Linda and I need your support as this is tough medicine!
Hoping all of you are reasonably well & I believe Resistance! is good medicine for the assault on us.








Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.