Thoughts and prayers needed.

[DanS]

Hi folks,

My wife and I received some unsettling news yesterday. Our son, Drew, will have to undergo open-heart surgery sometime in the next few months to replace his aortic heart valve. We knew this would have to be done at some time, but we had hoped it would be later rather than sooner.

I feel quite helpless in this situation, so I'm asking all of you out there for some kind thoughts and prayers for Drew. I'd like him to have all the help he can get to see him through this operation. We won't know for a couple weeks how soon this will have to be done, and the waiting is difficult.

Thanks in advance, I'll pass your words on to Drew.

Dan

[Moleman]

Remember Hank Gathers and the basketball player at Oregon State......so sooner is really better. Also this is the year 2000, medicine is so advanced. Just be glad we don't have goverent health care! "Best wishes"

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"TMM"

Hi Dan. Life gets tough at times and it doesn't get any tougher than dealing with health problems for our kids. My thoughts and prayers will absolutely be for and with Drew and all the family! And those thoughts and prayers from within will be positive out looks. I'm sure you know all about the procedures involved and that these things have high success rates. I feel all of us will send the power of prayer your way. You are one of the good ones Dan. Hang in there buddy, it's going to work out OK. Sincerely, Steve

[First Bite]

Dan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope his surgery is successful and he has a quick recovery. Please keep us updated on his condition. Remember the power of prayer is a wonderful thing.

Mark

[Phish_on]

You got it, Dan. Please let us know when the surgery is and we can focus that positive group energy. This stuff does work !

[Timber Man]

I will put you and your family on our prayer chain Dan.FAITH IN GOD!!!!!!TM

[fish_on]

My Father in law just had this done. They put in a pig valve. It's been 5 weeks and he has never felt better. All will be ok.

[Jennie@ifish]

This one touches home. Andrew and I face the fact that we may have to have this surgery at any time.

Although it is a lifesaving operation, it is very scary, isn't it?

You will be in my prayers tonight, and through the months ahead... Please keep us, or me posted on how he is?

Is he getting the pig valve or the St Judes?

I would love to meet him sometime.

If it helps at all, I know of many, in fact, half my marfan community family have had this surgery. They are all happy, wonderful, active people.

All my best,

Jennie

[Barnyard]

Dan - I hope knowing Drew is in the thoughts and prayers of your friends, will be of some help during this difficult time......Barn

[NorthRiverS]

I too know several people who have had this done. They are both doing fantastic. I have faith all will be well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Salmonator]

You know Dan it's amazing how many of us take for granted each healthy day. We have three sons and can't imagine the anxiety you must be going though. Like MM already mentioned, we now have the most advanced medical procedures and equipment ever available and Drew's gonna be just fine... Joe and Cheryl

[HOGTIDE]

Nothing is more precious to you than a child.My heart and prayers go out to Drew and you. Speedy recovery!

[drifter]

Dan, "where two or more are gathered" drifter.

[Tanner]

Amen Drifter,
My wife and I will include your family in our prayers. In fact this Sunday night, I will have my whole church praying for you. Trust in Go and he can do powerful things.
Tanner

[Tanner]

Correction: Trust in God. My typer isn't working to well tonight.

[Navigator]

Dan and Drew:

Everyday when I cross the Willamette River on the way to work I thank God and usually say a prayer. You will be on the list tomorrow. God Bless.

[letsfish]

Dan,
I know you must feel heartened that so many care and we are mostly just names with a similar interest(fishing).But we all value the life of someone even more,especially a child.
This feeling of helplessness is a great opportunity to trust our Creator even more.Leave it in His hands.And ask Him to comfort You and Yours.
Praying for You,
Jim aka letsfish

[smilesforu]

Dan
I wish you and your son the best of medical care and a speedy recovery. All will be fine with the love of friends.

[Crabber]

Dan, My prayers are with you and yours.
Trust in the Lord.

[Luvtofish]

Dan,
You and your family will be in my prayers, and thoughts. It is wonderful the things they can do today in medical services. Children are one of our most important hopes for the future, and it always touches me especially when a child is hurt or ill.
Take care, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[MoJet Driver]

My crew's with you and your family. Hang in there, all will most likely work out well.

[This message has been edited by MoJet Driver (edited 11-09-2000).]

[PeterMac]

Drew,

Until you are a parent, it is very difficult to understand how your folks feel right now. As a father of four kids, I know that the worst thoughts imaginable are those that threaten the safty or welfare of our perfect children. They love you more than anything in the world, are worried sick.

Pray for them to be strong, and it will in turn make you strong. In case you are too young to do this (I have no idea), I will do the same, and for you too.

PeterMac

[Fishaholic]

Dan,
Drew and your family will be in our prayers, and thoughts.

[Osprey]

Dan ,you're son and family will be in our prayers,take care my friend..Mike

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

I will speak to my good friend. He lives upstairs. I will see what he can do for you and your family Dan. He's pretty good at what he does. Do take care, and do know that you and yours will be with mine in my prayers.

[Fishin' Freak]

Dan, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had open heart surgery when I was 4 yrs. old to replace an aortic valve in my own heart. I was told at that time that if I did not have the surgery I would not live past 18 yrs. old. I know that right now is a very difficult time, and I hope that all the advancements in medicine help to pull your family through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Drew, hang in there!!!!!

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Tight lines and long drives

[This message has been edited by Fishin' Freak (edited 11-09-2000).]

[smoky]

You are not helpless!
Prayer works!
Your family is in our prayers.

[SLEDDER]

Dan, My families thoughts and prayers will be for your family!! Drew your life is just starting, hang in there, you will be alright. The doctors/surgeons know what they are doing. Remember nothing happens without a reason, God may be using this to allow you to become a better man. You can use this experience to help out one of your friends, that may need something similiar done!! You will be OK!!!

[Drachir]

I also want to add my best wishes for a successful outcome for your son's heart surgery. I had back surgery a month ago, and know that positive feelings from others is such a tremendous help and comfort in times like these. We don't know each other, but rest assured my familys thoughts and prayers will be with your family and especially Drew.

[happybrew]

Your son and everyone in your family are in our prayers.

happybrew

[Scarecrow]

Dan, You and your family have our sincere prayers and we know that prayer works. Have faith, put your trust in God and pray - that's the formula for a successful operation. As Romans 8:28 says in part; "all things work for good to those who know and love God and are called according to His purposes". Drew, remember you are never alone so hang in there and hold on to a positive attitude. Things will get better!

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Bob G.

[Sanddune]

Dan-Drew and family--Our thoughts are with you as you face this difficult time. May everyones thoughts and prayers provide you with strength and comfort during the coming days.

[Spooled]

Dan, Drew and family. I would like to share something that stuck with me when I was in a similar situation. It is a song they sang one Sunday, and I kept the program from that service as it really meant a lot to me. It goes like this:

God will make a way where there seems to be no way;
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me;
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side;
With love and strength for each new day,
He will make a way, He will make a way.

All my prayers are with you,
Troy

[DanS]

I'd like to take this time to thank each one of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. My wife and I were both touched by how much support has come from people, most of whom we've never met. It warms our hearts to know that so much love and prayer will be behind us when Drew has this procedure done.

The hard part for me is knowing that he will have a hard time understanding the pain he will feel in order to accomplish this surgery. He's just 4 years old, and I hope he'll know that we would never cause him any pain unless it was unavoidable. The procedure he's having done is the Ross Procedure, where his pulmonary heart valve will be removed and used to replace the defective aortic valve. A tissue (most likely pig) valve will be installed in place of the pulmonary valve. The main benefit being that anticoagulants and immunosuppressants are not needed. He's having this done at Children's Hospital in Seattle by a surgeon who has performed 125 of these procedures. So far the tally is 1 death, 1 pacemaker needed, and 123 successful procedures. So the odds look pretty good for Drew and us. And with your thoughts and prayers with us, we feel confident that everything will go fine.

Again, thank you for your kindness. My whole family appreciates the support we have received from this "community". You're all special people.

Dan, Sue, Cole and Drew Sandberg

[Trick]

Dan, my father had this done about 10 years ago along with a triple bypass. He had the artificial valve put in and he has done very well ever since and is 72 now. I remember being very shaken and upset along with the rest of my family, but it all turned out OK. I know it has to be even worse when it is a child and now I have three sons and can't imagine how much anxiety your son, you and the rest of your family are experiencing. Most of us, I think, have, or know someone that has had heart surgery and it is has become a routine procedure for surgical teams and they get excellent results. Posistive thinking is everyones greatest weapon and your son will certainly recieve it from me and everyone on this sight. Tell your son we are all pulling for him.

[Trick]

Dan, if you wouldn't mind, could you please post the date and hospital adress where this is happening so that your freinds here can send cards, flowers, gifts, etc....to your son.

Take Care,

Todd

[This message has been edited by tshickam (edited 11-10-2000).]

[Penn]

Listen, I work as a paramedic in Portland. I have transported people to and from the hospital that have had these valves replaced. I know it is easy for me to sit here and tell you not to sweat it. But I can tell you they do these things more now then tonsils. With the new technology just in the past few years, They've got em down pretty darn good. So hang in there and a lot of us as you know will be praying.