Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Day Has Come

I wish I could say that the title of this post refers to an offer of representation from an agent, or that I've finally won the lottery or lost the weight I've always wanted to, but alas, it is none of these things.

No, the day of reckoning has come for my uterus.

Yes, you read that correctly. She has been a constant source of misery for me for the past eleven years. I don't even want to know the amount of time, energy, and money I have spent on trying to make her work properly. She is a nasty piece of work and refuses to cooperate.

So, the doctor has ordered her removed.

The pathology report came back after my surgery last week and the results were not good. I have complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. A mouthful, to be sure, but what is boils down to is this: it's not cancer yet, but it has a very good chance of turning into it. As far as I know, it is only confined to my uterus, so the best method of prevention is to get it out.

When I got the news yesterday, I was halfway expecting it. What I wasn't expecting was to have to have the surgery so soon. It's scheduled for April 3. And since it is a major surgery - indeed, a hysterectomy - I will be out for four weeks from work. I have no paid vacation or any paid leave at all as I used it all up for the year already, most of them attributed to the devious uterus and the havoc she wreaks upon my body. Since hubby is going to school full-time, we are living on my income, and what small savings we have accumulated will be used to pay for living expenses for the time I'm recovering. Unfortunately, it won't come close to covering them all. I'm working on figuring that all out, and I guess it's good I have a month in which to do so.

But! I am optimistic that a solution will be found, and I have given this entire situation to the Lord since He has much stronger shoulders than me.

I guess in the end, I'm glad to have the decision made for me. I've been riding the fence on this issue for over a year and enough is enough.

On the upside (because we must have an upside to this!), I will have four weeks of writing time. Thankfully, that is one thing I will be able to do while recovering, and I'm so grateful to be able to do that. Being out of work for four weeks will be challenging as I need to be around people at some point or I tend to get depressed. But I am hopeful that the Internet will help me stay connected.

And another upside to this all? No more guessing. No more monthly drama. No more cramps. What a relief that will be! I've heard some women say that they've felt so much better after having a hysterectomy. I am hoping I also fall into that category. 

Onward!

28 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to read this, but glad that in the long run, you'll feel better and be healthier. That's most important ... Staying well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Joanne. I pray this will improve my quality of life. I'm rather tired of dealing with the pain and stress of it all.

      Delete
  2. I'm so sorry that it has come to this, but better safe than sorry. Like Joanne said, in the long it's better to be healthier and like you said lots of time for writing.

    Hopefully the money situation will work itself out. If I lived closer I'd bring you a meal and homemade cookies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, Patti, that's so sweet! Yeah, I am working on the dumb money situation...I hate it that our health is sometimes dependent on our financial situation.

      Delete
  3. Oh wow. I'm sorry that you have to have surgery, but it sounds like it will make you feel much better (not to mention keep you safe). I will be praying for you on all the financial stuff. ((Hugs))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Catherine. Prayers are greatly appreciated!

      Delete
  4. I'm glad you can see the up side. Good luck on it all.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Melissa-I love your attitude! And just think-four weeks of writing, plus a much better quality of life to boot. I will be thinking and praying for you every step of the way, sweetie! Hugs:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Valerie, you are such a dear, sweet friend. Thank you for all the prayers. They are much appreciated!

      Delete
  6. Oh my, I'm sorry you'll have to go through this, but as you say, it's for the best. I do hope it brings you relief and gives you a better quality of life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Betsy. I am looking forward to feeling much better!

      Delete
  7. Oh, Melissa, I'm so sorry, but bless you for your optimism. That will help immensely in your recovery. Please keep us posted.

    Hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, what struggles you've gone through. Its good you're looking at the upside though. These next few months are going to be tough but after that the future should be bright.

    Who knows, maybe in those four weeks you'll finish THE BOOK which will then help you financially after it is sold ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That would be awesome, Kelley, to finally sell the book! (which is now finished and in the hands of three agents!)

      Delete
  9. So sorry to hear this, Melissa. However, you will have a bright and healthy future to look forward to.

    Four weeks of writing time will be wonderful. As Kelley says, maybe you'll finish THE BOOK. Hope so!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hoping to get a lot done on the next novel in progress (in between lots and lots of naps, I suspect!).

      Delete
  10. Wow, that is big news. First, prayers are sent for a successful procedure and speedy healing! Next, prayers for all to work out financially. Hubby and I went to Ash Wednesday services last night, and the sermon was based on Luke 12:22-34; don't worry. Beautiful words that are true at all times, but especially now. God has your family right in his hands; all will be well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless you, Anna. I appreciate the prayers so much. You are absolutely right - this is all in God's hands.

      Delete
  11. I found the same comfort in writing (and catching up watching movies!) when I was in the hospital for 2 weeks a few years ago! Way to have a positive outlook. The Lord will provide... it's always cool to see the unexpected ways He does so. I have some neat testimonies from our walk of faith, having a high risk pregnancy, premature twins, bills we couldn't pay, scary insurance issues, being out of work, etc. etc. It takes a while for the Lord to show the results but when He does it is SO COOL!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this, Margo. Sometimes it does take Him awhile to show us what He's been up to. :-) I am so glad I have Him in my life.

      Delete
  12. I'm glad you now have a date and all is decided for you. It'll be such a relief once your operation and recovery has passed by.x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb, I was thinking last night about how I wouldn't have periods anymore. I grinned. Really big. ;-)

      Delete
  13. What a relief it must be to have a plan of action after so long spent worrying. As you say, no more guessing! We'll be thinking of you on April 3 and during your recovery. I hope all goes well and that the financial wrinkles get ironed out smooth so that you don't have to worry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Christine. I am ready to go forward and get this done and over with. :-) Plus, four weeks of recuperationg should give me lots of writing time!

      Delete
  14. I know several women who feel loads bettter after a hysterectomy and sure you will be one of them. Be thinking of you. All the best take care and enjoy the writing time. Am sure the rest will take care of itself. Somehow. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope I'm one of those women, too, Flower Thanks for the good thoughts!

      Delete

I love to hear from you!

Staying Focused

Friends, sometimes it is exhausting to try and stay focused on goals. Eat healthier. Lose weight. Exercise.  Find a literary agent. Edit the...