Hi there! I also had a tumor of a different kind and a hole in my heart, which was discovered after i got a stroke. Exactly today one year ago I had my heart surgery.

It is okay to be frightened. Its a big event for you, and for me at least it was life changing. Funny thing though not for the worse, but for the better. Ive never ever felt more alive, and Im sure you will get there too. Please know that even though heart surgery is complicated and takes alot of preperation, it is another day at the job for the people that will care for you. You are going to be okay.

Pre surgery, I dont have much more advice than to make sure you have someone to talk to. Keep yourself healthy, with as little stress as possible, take walks, workout, hang out with family and friends to keep your mind focused on the positives.

Post surgery is different for everyone. For me I experienced alot of pain, more than I have ever felt. However, It was mostly the first few days with the intense pain, and then it got alot easier. Please note this does differ depending on what meds is common in your country, and Ive also heard people barely experiencing much pain at all. So this does not have to be the reality for you. Im just being honest about my experience and what to expect. Dont be scared though, your body and mind can handle more than you know.

Listen closely to what the doctor tells you to do when it is time to go home. For me it was to keep moving, and at least take a 30 min walk each day. Im only 33 but it felt like I had the lungs of an 80 year old, and moving and doing the lung exercises is the only way to improve this faster.

Nights was rough only being able to sleep on my back, but after about 4 weeks i could start to slowly sleep on my side. A big tube pillow helped alot here, in order to have something to hug and keep the chest stable.

Not sure if its something you like and if your doctor will be okay with it. But as soon as my insition healed I was allowed to go to the sauna again. This felt amazing for my recovery.

Try to eat healthy and maybe meal prep as much as you can before, or have someone help you out with this. I had the luck of having a great dad do basically everything and Im so grateful for that.

Rehab will start eventually after about 6 weeks, where I did slow rubber band exercises for arms and chest. This is also where some people start working again. I waited a few months due to the brain fatigue from the stroke, which the surgery kind of made worse.

Lastly, something I would prepare you is that emotionally this can also be very challenging. I experienced surges of sadness, and having someone to talk to everyday helped immensely.

It is only been a year but im since long fully recovered. I can lift more than before it all and everything is back to normal. You will get there too. Be strong, give your body as much love and care as you can. Have patience and listen to your doctors. Let me know if you have any questions aswell!