Phyllis Olson

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. I  have so appreciated your ongoing prayers, support and words of hope and encouragement that are helping me to remain calm and hopeful as I prepare for open heart surgery on October 5 at the Mayo Clinic's St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. 

I learned in May of this year that I would need open heart surgery to replace a congenital bicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis. Because I  had no symptoms this came somewhat as a shock. With the help of a good friend, I found a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon that I trust.  I am most grateful! Dr. David Joyce will be replacing my valve with a St. Jude manufactured Trifecta bovine (cow) valve! I've always loved those big brown-eyed creatures. (smile)

I just received my packet of "Getting Ready for Heart Surgery" from the Mayo Clinic which makes all of this seem a little more real! I will travel to Rochester with Wayne on October 3  since I will have some early morning procedures (lab work, chest x-ray, coronary angiogram, consult with the surgeon) on Tuesday, October 4th. I won't know until the night before exactly what time my surgery will be scheduled for on Wednesday. Our daughter, Jennifer will be with Wayne during the surgery.  From all reports, I will be in the hospital 5 days, if everything goes well.

Would you join me now in praying for my doctors and the medical team that will be surrounding me with their expertise? Prayers for wisdom, attention to detail, compassion, listening, and a spirit of working together as a team. I warmly welcome your continued prayers for me for a sense of peace, calm and trust that all will be well because I am held securely in God's healing, life-giving arms.

Wayne will keep you updated after surgery and when I am in the hospital, and I am hoping that I feel up to penning a few words too. I look forward to your messages, but most of all your prayers that will see me through any fears I have, as well as  through my journey to recovery. I am grateful for each of you. You have a special place in my heart.