The mitral valve surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 4.

The surgeon is A. Marc Gillinov, MD who met with She Who Must Be Obeyed this evening. She said there was a good conversation and felt a good connection with him.

Gillinov told her he fully expected to be able to repair the valve — something others had led us to believe was improbable. He said that in the unlikely event that the valve needed to be replaced after all, he would advise biologic tissue over artificial valve; the reason being that, though it would last only about 10 years, he expected there would be superior alternatives a decade from now. So we're hoping for repair, will get biological tissue if needed, and much of what we've been led to believe up to now has been reversed!

The surgeon also told She that he would not make a decision about "traditional" vs. robotic surgical technique until the operation actually begins. A bit surprising, again, but he's the doctor, and apparently a darned good one! We think She will be in very good hands.

For her part, She says she's not worried at all and was in excellent spirits tonight. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if she was dressed in her civvies and you were talking with her you'd never even know she was in ill health.

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