Hello, everyone! Welcome.
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and those of you that celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful day. I apologize for the lack of “Poetry Friday” yesterday and I have something to tell you.
♥
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I’ve been having some health issues––nothing huge––but something that needed medical attention. Well, I went to my doctor and got a bunch of tests done. On Wednesday 11/15/18 I received a call from my doctor’s office. The nurse seemed somewhat frantic on the phone and asked me if I could come to the office “right now” those were the words she used. I asked if I could come in later on after my husband got home from work but she said it would be best if I called my husband and told him to get off work early so that we can come in to see the doctor as soon as possible. Of course by now I was fairly alarmed. I called my husband, explained the situation and he came home right away. I was ready when he arrived and we left immediately to my doctor’s office.
We arrived at the doctor’s office, signed in and explained to the front office girl that the nurse had told me on the phone to have her paged when I arrived. An hour later, I finally saw the doctor. He told me that the biopsies he took came back abnormal and that I had uterine cancer. I remained calm and listened to everything he had to say. He made an appointment with an Oncologist for me. I went to see the cancer specialist on Wednesday 11/21/18 and he told me I needed a total abdominal hysterectomy plus the removal of two lymph nodes in the pelvic area. He also wanted to do the surgery sooner rather than later and advised me not to wait more than a month to get it done. I decided to get it done as soon as his schedule allowed. I wanted the whole situation behind me as soon as possible. The Oncologist said he would contact the hospital and they would give me a call.
The hospital called me bright and early on Friday 11/23/18 and asked me to come in to get preregistered because my surgery will be on Tuesday 11/27/18 at 7:00 am. I spent most of the day at the hospital on Friday which is why I didn’t do a “Poetry Friday” post.
For some reason I felt compelled to write this down and let everyone know. However, this is not a “pity party” because I’m actually feeling quite calm and optimistic. I’m not in any great pain and I know that if I had to have some sort of cancer this is probably one of the best to have. I know this may seem strange to some of you, but having been in the medical field I understand exactly what I’m diagnosed with and I know that this is a very curable cancer. The oncologist also said that it was caught at a very early stage and with surgery the chances of it returning is like 1%. I think those are great odds, don’t you? He also said there’s a good chance I won’t even need chemotherapy after the surgery.
Everything has happened so quickly I haven’t had a chance to really wrap my head around it all, but like I wrote earlier, I’m feeling optimistic and calm. The surgery does scare me a little, I’m not going to lie, and I’m not looking forward to the side effects after surgery but things could have been much worse.
So if you notice in the next few weeks that I am not as active on social media or on my blog as I used to be you’ll know why. I plan to recuperate from surgery and get back on my feet quickly, in the meantime, life goes on.
♥
Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.
~Jack Ma
I will comment to put a big smile on your face. I wish you all the best–and wish you a smooth and easy recovery from the surgery and any treatment you need after.
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I had forgotten that it says that (about a big smile) on the comment box. I had to think about it for a minute. Ha, ha. Thank you for the well wishes, Merril. I appreciate it. 😀 xo
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You’re welcome. 🙂
I had many of the same feelings when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but much simpler surgery (lumpectomy).
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It’s great to talk to people that have had similar experiences. Thank you for sharing.💕
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❤
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I am knocked off by your courage and optimism Vashti! Proud of you dear friend and wishing you a safe surgery… I know recovery would take time but will power contributes 60% to it. Keep your spirits high. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for the kind words and encouragement, Balroop. Yes, I agree that will power and a positive outlook are key in this situation. I will remain optimistic. ❤
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Love and hugs dear Vashti. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ♥️
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Hugs&Kisses ❤ xo
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Oh my, sorry to hear, V! Your optimism and inner strength is inspiring and I wish you much love, a safe surgery, and a super speedy recovery! Sending you good vibes and great big hugs from up north a bit, and if you need anything let me know and I’ll hit the road with snacks!
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Aw, thank you so much, my friend. That’s so sweet. I appreciate all the well wishes and the good vibes. ❤ xo
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My humble prayers for an uneventful surgery and complete recovery.
Your attitude is fantastic. And don’t worry about Social Media. It will be there when you’re ready and recovered.
👉😎💯👍💯😎👈
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Hi Paul! Thank you for the prayers. I appreciate the kind words. I have faith that everything will work out for the best. 😀 xo
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Aye Vashti!!
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Vashti, I am sure you know that I am an ovarian cancer survivor. Your blog brought back memories of ten years ago. Thank goodness that your cancer was discovered at an early stage. Yes, the cure for uterine is quite high. I hope your journey will encourage women to pay close attention to their area below the belt. It’s especially important for ovarian which doesn’t have a treatment for a cure.
God bless you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Karen
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Hello Karen. Yes, I know that you’re an ovarian cancer survivor and I draw inspiration from you. I agree that it’s important for women to pay close attention to their bodies and any changes they may notice because these cancers are very insidious. Also, some doctors can be dismissive of certain symptoms and women have to be assertive when it comes to their health. I do plan to address these issues later when I recuperate. Thank you for the blessing and prayers. ❤ xo
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I like your optimism and share it. I think 99 percent makes great odds! But yeah, surgery and post-surgery sucks. I’ll keep you in my prayers on the 27th.
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Hello Priscilla! Thank you very much for the kind words and prayer. I appreciate it. ❤ xo
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Oh Vashti, this is sudden and your courage is strong. Like Karen, I am also an ovarian cancer survivor. I send prayers for you.
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Hello Hélène! Everything happened so quickly. Well, getting the diagnosis was slow, but afterward it was a whirlwind of information and activity. Thank you for sharing. It gives me hope and strength to know of so many courages women who beat CA. Thank you for the prayers. ❤
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I will be thinking of you. ❤🙂
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I haven’t known you for long, but I know you’re a fighter, Vashti. I’ll be praying for you, sweetie. ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Jill! It’s wonderful to have all this positive energy behind me. I appreciate the prayers. ❤ ❤ ❤ xo
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❤️❤️
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Sending prayers for faith and healing.
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Thank you very much. I appreciate it. 🙂
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You’re most welcome.
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Hi Vashti, thank you for your courage to write this post. Yes, you know that taking care of it as soon as possible is an essence. I wish my oncologist knew what to do and had the sense of urgency. But my gynecologist had no idea of what I had melanoma in my uterus that spread already. It was found out right after I had hysterectomy. He had to do a research to find out what it meant. He referred me to an oncologist, he had no idea what it was either. I had a surgery two months after the diagnosis. The surgeon removed the cancer tissues but left the cancerous lymph node with a referral for chemo. Back to the oncologist, nothing happened. I had to be my own advocate. It was another two months before I was treated and the cancer went from stage II to stage IV. The rest of it was a long journey.
I’ll pray for you to get the best care as soon as possible and a speedy recovery.
Do make short posts to keep us informed so that we know your progress! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Oh Miriam, I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that. A woman definitely has to speak up and be assertive about her health nowadays. I’m happy you’re doing okay now. Thank you for your prayers. I appreciate it. I will definitely try to post updates.
❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️
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Yes, at least I’m alive! I’m check on your blog to get the update in case you post it. ❤ 🙂 ❤
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Yes! I’m happy that you’re alive and well. Thank you❣️
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We have many people caring for you in this community. ❤
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I’m so touched. ❤ xo
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You’re are loved. ❤ xox
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Thank you for sharing this. I hope all goes well. There are so many forms of cancer and the word instils such fear. It’s good to have a whole ra ge of stories out there.
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I agree, Sarah. Once upon a time, a person was diagnosed with cancer and it was perceived as a death sentence, but it isn’t like that anymore. Thank you. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this, you are very brave, stay strong and positive, you will get through it. Xxx
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Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I appreciate it. 🙂
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Vashti, bad news but, as you’ve taken it very well and are looking at it in the best way possible. Sending you positive thoughts and virtual hugs. I hope everything goes as well as possible. We’ll be here. ♥
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Hi Olga! Yes, the best case scenario would have been for the test to have come back negative, but since it did not, I have to deal with this the best I can. I’ve never been one to lose my head over things. I rather think things through and take whatever necessary steps needed to resolve the issue. Of course, I have little control over what’s about to happen, so all I can do is have faith and be optimistic. Thank you for the hugs, positive thoughts and well wishes, my friend. ❤️♥️❤️
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Oh Vashti, I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but I’m ever so grateful it was discovered early. You will emerge strong and free, my friend. I’ll keep you in prayer and will send much love your way. Tuesday is Vashti day and all will be well ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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Hello Gwen! Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Such sweet, encouraging words. I appreciate the love and you keeping me in your prayers. ❤️♥️❤️
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You are awesome! All power to you & here’s to a speedy & full recovery! XXX 🙂
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Aw, I appreciate that. Thank you very much for the well wishes. ❤ xx
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Thank you for letting us know Vashti. I am sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Take care .
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Hi Brigid. Thank you for the warm thoughts and prayers. 😊💕
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So sorry to learn this. Wishing all the best for you.
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Thank you, Craig. 😊💕
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Oh my… Sending out huge (((hugs))) and positive thoughts that surgery is smooth and recovery swift and pain free. Your attitude is incredible and inspiring, but no surprise. You got this! Thinking of you as you brave the fight. And extra prayers for Tuesday. Hugs, my friend. XO
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I’m grateful for all the support you’ve shown me, Natalie❣️I’m also thankful for your friendship, hugs and lovely, reassuring comment.❤️♥️❤️
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Love you, girlfriend! Thank you for sharing AND know that you are never alone (unless you want to be, like when you are in the potty) HOLLA if there is anything I can do. You got this! ❤
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Ha, ha! You always put a smile on my face, Annette. I love you too! Thank you for the encouragement, my friend. 😚💕
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My heart is with you, Vashti. You will come through this with strength, optimism and courage! Sending you light, love and healing energy. And remember we have a wonderful RRBC member who is a cancer survivor, Karen Ingalls, if you need anyone to talk to. Hugs!
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Hello, Jan. WordPress put your comments into the spam folder. I have no idea why. I’m so sorry. Yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about Karen throughout this process. Thank you for the love, light and healing energy, my friend.
❤ xo
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I’m so sorry to hear this, Vashti, but your calm and positive attitude is not misplaced and ultimately will see you through the healing process. Sending you much light and love. Take good care of yourself and let love in its myriad forms embrace you. Hugs. ❤
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Such a lovely comment, Diana. Thank you for being so sweet. I will take good care of myself and embrace all the love, my friend. Hugs and kisses. ❤️♥️❤️
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Hopefully everything will be fine.💝💝💝
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That’s what I’m hoping for too. Thank you very much. ❤ xx
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Huge hugs, Vashti xxxx
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Thank you, Wendy. 🙂 xo
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Vashti! I’m sending you white healing light, my friend. I’m always around if you need to talk. Please keep us posted and know I love ya! ❤
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I feel so blessed to know so many kind and wonderful people and to receive so much love. I’m truly touched. I appreciate the healing white light. Love you too, my friend! ❤ xo
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Vashti, I am telling you that you are going to be fine. I feel it in my bones. I can feel your optimism, and your fear. But listen, early menopause is a tiny price to pay for getting your life back complete. Don’t focus on that right now. And, as one who had never had a single stitch in her life until I was diagnosed with a tumor on my heart and had to have open heart surgery to remove it, I know all about scared, but we are strong, and we survive! Keep that thought. And let me add, it was at that time in my life where I got very involved with my angels. I can honestly say it saved my sanity from allowing myself to go to ‘dark places’.
I hope I’ve left you some helpful thoughts. ❤ I'm sending you white light and I will be sending you more on Tuesday. Hugs! ❤ xxxxx
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Wow. Why didn’t I know that about you? I’m so happy everything went well for you. I’m also so grateful for your words. They give me strength. As the time grows nearer I am feeling a little nervous (fear of the unknown and all that) but I do have faith that everything will be fine during and after surgery. Thank you for the love and supportive words. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Vashti, I’ll be praying for your complete healing and easy recovery. Rest, relax, and think up some new, crazy heroine like Lilith. We’ll be waiting!🥰
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Ha, ha. I will definitely have time for that. Thank you so much for the prayers and well wishes, my friend. ❤ xo
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I’m so pleased to hear they caught this early. Prayers for you over the next few days. x
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Thank you, Toni. ❤ Your prayers are appreciated. 🙂
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❤️️Oh, honey! I wish I had the words to convey how proud I am of your attitude. My daughter underwent the same surgery at age thirty, that’s seven years ago now and her results have been wonderful since the operation. I’m here if you ever need an ear. Sending all the warmth and love that I can give, I wish I lived close enough to pop by and give you a hug personally. (((Hug))) and then some.
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You’re the sweetest, Suzanne. I wish you lived nearby too. I can imagine the conversations and fun “girls night” out. 😉
I’m sorry your daughter was diagnosed at such a young age but I’m happy she’s doing well. Surgery is tomorrow, so I have a few butterflies in my stomach, but I have faith everything will go well. Thank you very much for the love, kind words and support. ❤ Hugs&Kisses ❤
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❤️️
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Hi Vashti, sending you an abundance of love and blessings for the 27th. You are a fighter and I so admire your positive attitude – you got this! Best wishes, Tina-Marie xoxo
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Hi Tina Marie! Thank you for all the love and blessings. I appreciate it!
❤ xo
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Thank you for sharing this with us. Glad they caught it early and that it’s so curable. I will be sending you healing thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of hugs.
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Hi Denise. Thank you for the healing thoughts, prayers and hugs. They are well received, my friend. ❤ xo
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Hi Vashti, Naturally sorry this had to happen to you…but you’re going to be fine. Nearly 50 years ago now, after one of the first smear tests had been put into being,… I was whipped into hospital with cervical cancer for an operation.(In those days they kept you in for two long weeks…) Anyway, as you can tell…I’m still here and wrote an amusing piece about the after care I received. I’ll search it out and be in touch again. Take care of yourself and the best of luck with the operation and aftercare. Hugs xx
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Hello Joy. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have this kind of surgery 50 years ago. The Oncologist told me the surgery tomorrow will be performed with a robotic device, and if everything goes well, I would be discharged from the hospital the following day to recuperate at home. Nowadays, the longer you remain in the hospital the greater your chances of complications.
I’d love to read the piece you wrote. Thank you very much for the inspiring comment and well wishes. Hugs 🙂 xo
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Love you, sending hugs and kisses. I’m here for you and will call you tomorrow, in my prayers daily
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Thanks, Kathy. I appreciate your prayers. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00 am, but my surgery is scheduled for 9:00 am. Waiting around at the hospital is the worst, but I don’t have a choice. Thank you.
❤ Hugs & Kisses ❤
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We are all praying for you! May the Lord bless you and keep you, shine His light upon you and give you PEACE.
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Thank you very much, Cleo. I feel calm right now. I mean, I have a few butterflies in my stomach but I have faith that everything will go smoothly. I appreciate the prayers. Love you! ❤ xo
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Vashti, sending all my hopes that everything goes right for you. ❤
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Hi Adele. Thank you for the hopes, my friend. Hug! ❤ xx
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Thank you Vashti for sharing your news… if we had not see you around for a while we would have been worried. It is not the news that anyone wants to hear, but as you say there is every reason to be extremely optimistic. Wishing you everything you need to sail through this to the other side and be back in fine form by the holidays. You have the whole community behind you and that is some powerful juju… love and hugs Sally ♥
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Thank you for the love, well wishes and hugs, Sally. I could use some powerful juju. 😉 Ha, ha. I’m so happy with all the love and support I’m receiving. It’s comforting and gives me courage. I hope to be up and around by Christmas. I appreciate your lovely comment. ❤ xo
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We will see you soon Vashti… ♥♥
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Absolutely. 🙂 ❤
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I’m so sorry to hear this but glad to hear that it is a less frightening prospect than some other cancers. I wish you the very best dear Vashti and a speedy recovery from treatment. Hugs and love. Marje xxx
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Hi Marje! Yes. No one wants to be diagnosed with cancer, but if you’re a woman and you’re diagnosed with cancer, uterine cancer is probably one of the best ones to have because, if caught early, it is completely curable. Of course, there are other issues involved that I don’t care to think about right now. I’m feeling calm and optimistic and I have faith that everything will go well. Thank you for the love and hugs. ❤ xo
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Hi Vashti. You are blessed by a strong spirit I will send you some healing light dear friend. Thinking of you. Xxx
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Indeed don’t give up. You will be fine. Doctors don’t give percentages lightly and yours sound very good. best of luck. You you should be up and kicking shortly.
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Hello. You’re absolutely right, I know most doctors tend to be on the negative side of things just in case things go wrong, so it’s encouraging that both the gynecologist and oncologist agreed on that. I’m hoping to be able to enjoy the holidays with my family. Thank you very much for your very uplifting comment. 😀 xo
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All the best my dear. Life is probably 90% hope. 🙂
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And I hadn’t read your caption over the comment box. So here’s for another smile on your face. 🙂
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Ha, ha. 😀 Thank you.
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😉
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I just could not click the ‘like’ button on this post, Vashti. It seems such a strange to do given the subject of the post.
All I can say is that I wish you well and that you’ll have a speedy recovery. I’ll be thinking about today, and all the days while you are away from your blog. Please get well soon.
Sending you lots of hugs from over the pond.
xx
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I completely understand, Hugh. Thank you for the well wishes and hugs. ❤ xo
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I’m just reading this now. You should be in recovery by now from your surgery, so I’m sending my healing energy your way. My mom had to have a total hysterectomy over 30 years ago. The technology back then was no where near as advanced as it is now, and she’s still going strong. I know that you know that our bodies and minds are powerful healers, and your mind and body are strong. Your positive attitude is your strength. You seem to be in very good hands, and you are surrounded by people who will lift your spirits up and carry you through the tough moments. And when all is said and done, you’ll be a couple of pounds lighter. 😉 (gotta look at the bright side, right?) ❤
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Ha, ha. Thank you for the inspiring comment and chuckle, Yvette. I’m also grateful for the healing energy. ❤ xo
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Hi Vashti, I hope that your surgery went well and that you are on the path to recovery. I have known a number of friends and family members who have been diagnosed with, and treated for cancer, and I am glad you are calm and collected. I do believe that attitude plays a big role in recovery. Praying for you. Hugs.
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The surgery went well, Robbie. I believe one’s attitude does play a big role in one’s recovery also. Thank you for the prayers and hugs. ❤ xo
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Dearest Vashti, I only got round to catching up on all my reading this morning, and I’m sad to hear your news. By now, you’d be well over the surgery. A close family member had to have a complete hysterectomy over forty years ago, when things were not advanced in the medical field as they are now, and she survived even though her initial prognosis was not good at pre-op. You are such a positive and inspiring person, and I thank you for sharing your news with us. Lots of strong cyber hugs from me all the way from Lancashire. 💐💐💐
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I can’t imagine having had this surgery so many years ago. It must have been a nightmare. All your cyber hugs are well received, my friend. Thank you. ❤ xo
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Hang in there, Vashti – one step at a time and one day at a time before you’re back to your old self, but without all the nagging pains. 🙂
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Sending healing thoughts and a hug…by now your surgery should be over…Wishing you well :)x
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Thank you for the healing thoughts and hugs, Carol. I appreciate it. ❤ xo
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I’m so sorry to hear this news. I am sending every healing vibe I can possibly muster, for your speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you ❤
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I’m happy to hear from you, Dorinda. Thank you for the healing vibes, thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it. ❤ xo
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❤
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I missed this until i saw your more recent post. I admire how you are facing this. And I hope that the surgery is it, no chemo or anything. Yes, 99% chance of it not returning is good news – you may be struck by lightning first 😉
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Hello Trent. Thank you. I hope so too. Ha, ha. Those are great odds. 😀
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Your attitude is inspirational Vashti, but I would expect nothing less from a strong person such as yourself. A positive outlook is so important, and I would say you’ve got that covered. I’m so glad this was caught early and the outlook is so positive. You are a very special lady who is loved by so many. Sending healing thoughts and hugs your way…
❤️❤️❤️
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Hello, Doreen. Thank you for your sweet and uplifting comment, my friend. Yes, I am very grateful that it was found early. I appreciate all the love, hugs, thoughts and prayers. ❤ xo
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