A personal update

I've been, for the most part, a pretty deep lurker during my years on the Internet. Lately, I've taken lurking to new depths. Life has taken some difficult turns, one of which I want to share now.

Last spring I experienced some post-menopausal bleeding and saw my doctor in early June about it. I'd been taking hormone replacements and I'm overweight. Bleeding is not uncommon because of the way fat cells store estrogen. I stopped the hormones and the bleeding stopped. But my doctor never saw a fat woman who could go home and forget about it. She said we still need to check it out.

The pelvic ultrasound was negative. The biopsy (which didn't happen until August, for Reasons) was not. On August 17 I learned I have uterine cancer.

People, I have the best doctor. I took her flowers.

So Thursday I'm having a full hysterectomy. The cancer cells taken in the biopsy were "level 1," which is a good thing. Still, you never take anything for granted. They'll do a pathology report and I'll find out next week what comes next. Hopefully, just radiation and lots of checkups for the rest of my life.

I'm looking on the bright side. I'll be home through the playoffs and World Series. I can stay up and watch those games that don't end before midnight and not have to get up for work the next day. I can read, and read, and read. Although I doubt there'll be a TBR post this month.

I'm good. Really I am. Cancer is a damn scary word. But so far, every indication is I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm surrounded by lots of love. I'm good.

Comments

  1. SonomaLassOctober 6, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    Oh my friend, I am so sorry to hear this! How awful for you. I mean, hurrah for smart, persistent doctors and early detection, but still, awful. You have all my best wishes, and please let me know if there's anything I can do. I'll be watching all the baseball too, exploiting my time zone advantage.

    Hugs and hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhylOctober 6, 2015 at 10:22 PM

      Again, thank you. Normally at this time of year I have deep West Coast envy. Baseball will be the perfect distraction.

      Delete
  2. LoriOctober 6, 2015 at 10:17 PM

    Oh Phyl. I'm so sorry. You have an amazing attitude, though and it sounds like you are happy & confident with your doctors. Which is half the battle. I'll be thinking of you. Update when you can and when you feel ready, to let us know how you're doing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhylOctober 6, 2015 at 10:23 PM

      Thank you so much, Lori. I will indeed check in as I recover. Promise.

      Delete
  3. LoriOctober 6, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    Oh Phyl. I'm so sorry. You have an amazing attitude, though and it sounds like you are happy & confident with your doctors. Which is half the battle. I'll be thinking of you. Update when you can and when you feel ready, to let us know how you're doing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sandra SchwabOctober 6, 2015 at 10:41 PM

    Phyl, I'm so sorry to hear this. ((((((hugs)))))) I'm sending you all good vibes for the surgery and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. Please keep us updated, if you can. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhylOctober 6, 2015 at 11:23 PM

      Thank you so much, Sandy. And yes, I'll let you know how things are going. Hugs to you too.

      Delete
  5. UnknownOctober 7, 2015 at 2:18 AM

    Oh Phyl I am so sorry to hear this too! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  6. S.October 7, 2015 at 5:04 AM

    Ohhh....what an awful disease. I hope all your concerns and worries will be eased by the online community you're in and the books you can read.
    If you ever need to talk or say something, even though we don't know each other personally, please don't hesitate to send me an email - sonia_189@sapo.pt
    I wish you all the best and <>!
    I'm sure you'll get better faster than you imagine!
    ****

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhylOctober 7, 2015 at 9:41 AM

      Thank you Sonia, you are very kind and I appreciate it so much.

      Delete
  7. WendyOctober 8, 2015 at 7:57 PM

    Wow - you do have an amazing doctor! And I'm so glad this was caught early.

    I'm late in leaving a comment, so I hope the surgery went well and that you're resting comfortably, enjoying post-season baseball. Hugs to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  8. HilciaJanuary 3, 2016 at 1:05 PM

    Dear Phyl, I am awfully late leaving a comment here. I've been MIA. I just came to wish you a Happy New Year and saw this post.

    I am so hoping that all went well for you! How are you?

    Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.

    Hilcia

    ReplyDelete

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