Matters of the Hearts

LaRita writes: I thought I would let you all know what is going on in regards to Dean's and Graci's hearts. Graci had her heart catheter yesterday. They heard from their doctor tonight that he would prefer doing her next surgery within a month. She will need valves replaced and the hole in her heart repaired. This, of course, requires another open-heart surgery. It will be so good to get past this point. Then, hopefully, she will only need valve replacement every 8 years. Right now she is very healthy and so much better than she was prior to her first surgery.
As for Dean, we had his check-up with his cardiologist last Tuesday. He has some congenital malformed valves (murmurs) that they have been watching for many years. He has gone at least 5 years longer than they anticipated before they have to replace valves. They found this time that an artery to one of his kidneys is partially blocked with plaque. He needs to have that fixed soon, probably in September. They do this by going through the groin with a balloon and placing a stent inside the artery to keep it open. (At that time, they will also do a catheter to check out all the arteries, etc.) They also found blockage near the aorta valve, and the valve needs to be replaced along with part of the aorta. This will be done approximately 3 months after the stent is placed, so around December. He is now restricted as to activity. He can walk, but not jog. He is not supposed to exert himself by lifting heavy items or anything that requires hard labor. The doctor said he could probably mow lawns but to be careful and go easy. He will mind the doctor and I plan on having him as healthy as can be by the time he has his open-heart surgery.
So that's the basic lowdown on the hearts from our family. We appreciate your prayers and fasting and will do the same for Diane. Apparently, they haven't heard back on her tests. Let us know as soon as you hear.
Otherwise, we have been having a fun summer visiting our kids and grandkids, remodeling our kitchen and dining room and going to Richfield a lot, visiting Mom and trying to make up my mind at Ogden's Superstore. We've also been to Fishlake, Bryce Canyon and Park City. We especially enjoyed our second visit to Rexburg when Becky had her baby. Of course, I was in 7th heaven! We can't believe it is already August and school starts on the 19th. I'm in denial and maybe it will go away. Love to you all. LaRita