BOARD KINDA SLOW!!!! Just need a few encourging words.

Hey, The Board has been kind of slow lately. When I first signed up I couldn't wait to get home and see what everyone had to say. On yesterday I visited the Memorial Page and the Regret Page and it kind of scared me a little. I know in my heart that I want to have this surgery and this surgery can and will save my life, but I lost my mother in August to Acute Leukmia and I have to brothers that are in college whom now see me as MOMA (at age 25) and I cant imagine putting them through another heart break. They love and support my decision for this surgery, but I haven't told them they risks and I am afraid of not only leaving them here alone, but not being able to see what and how this surgery could and will change my life. Will you guys please pray for me and my family that the Lord will continue to give me the strength and the courage to carry on. May God Bless Each and Everyone of You, Lisa C

Hi Alisa It is kind-of scary when you think about some of the possible outcomes, but much more exciting when you think about the more probable outcome. There are those that face complications, though lethal complications are not that common. the change that happens can be drastic and sudden, but it is still a change. I watch my son as I type this reply and know that I am making the right decision. I do not only want to see him grow up, I want to be an ACTIVE part of his growing up in a way that I will not be able to accomplish without this surgery. I have talked to A LOT of people at different stages of the surgery process. Those that are post-op, even those that have had some complications, have ALL said that even with the complications they would do it all over again without hesitation. That tells me it MUST be worth it! Hang in there. You have made a decision - a big decision. It is natral to have some doubt. If it is still the right thing for you, it will still feel right. If it still feels right, trust God, trust your surgeon, trust your friends (here and elsewhere) and know that things will work out! Hang in there, james.

Aw, everybody is getting nerves here lately!!! STAY away from the memorial page...and thank you God, I didn't even know there was a regrets page!!! Statistically speaking, you are in good standing with this surgery....Nationally, I think the survival rate is 98% and your Doc may have a higher rate than that!!! Maybe even as high as 100%!!!! And what will happen if you don't have the surgery? As for me, I think that probably my survival rate for the next 5 years will be higher EVEN with the surgery! Pray alot and think from the positive side! AND just remember all these prayer warriors on your side just here in MS!!! And you will have (and prob already do have) people on the national level praying for you!!!! Hang in there girl! We love you!!! Smooch, Arlies

I am so sorry to hear about your mom Lisa. I will surely be praying for you. Just put your faith in God and when you start to doubt remember that you have put your faith in God and He will not fail you.