On Thursday I met the heart surgeon. I like and him and have confidence in him. I'll have a cardiac catheterization on this coming Thursday followed by valve replacement surgery the following week. There are three different options for the valve and he went over all the pros and cons of each one. It's my decision but also dependant on the circumstances they will find when they get in there so he advised to have a backup choice.

This is big and scary and I find in the last two days I can burst into tears for no apparent reason and it can stop as suddenly as it comes on. I have my faith and a strong relationship with my creator and that sustains me. The support of family and friends and online friends too adds to my comfort.

Thank you all.

Now I know why no matter how much I practiced hills there were some I just could not conquer. Next year I'll be climbing them all!