I’ve been in the hospital for almost a week. The Friday before last I had some pain in my pelvic area. It
diminished over the weekend but I headed to the doctor on Monday anyway.
In short order I had found out I had what appeared to be ovarian cancer. Many lab tests, ultrasounds, x rays, CT scans and more confirmed it.
I have a wonderful gyno oncologist and once all the tests were gathered he performedthe surgery on Saturday. That’s a week from first symptom to surgery!
I am doing well, but this is a big surgery and of course they handled all my gutsto check things over so I am very sore. No additional cancer was found, and I should find out what Stage cancer I have before the weekend. I am still in the hospital, dealing with an intestinal system that is taking its own sweet time getting back to normal.
I’m writing this on my iPad in the middle of the night – I woke from a few hours sleep and thought it was time to bring you up to speed. My prognosis is good, caught early and likely no spread so that is wonderful, but I will need chemo for sure.
Many thanks to Paul for his amazing attitude and support and to friends for taking my commitments here and there. To our friend and dog boarder who made room for Coco and Henry. To friends who have arranged a meal delivery setup.
There are way too many people to list, including my two sons, who came down for several days and made things so much easier. There were so many wonderful friends who tried to or who donated blood for my surgery. I’m sure I’m forgetting plenty, But thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Rest assured I am on the mend and will be back to blogging more soon. I plan on doing a financial post on this adventure that you won’t want to miss.
Feel free to post a comment but I am working at limiting my time online so I won’t be replying individually. Please trust that I’m in good hands and doing well.
xoxo
Lee
November 22, 2012Thank goodness your prognosis is so positive, but I’m so sorry to hear of such a horrible health scare. This certainly is a reminder not to take our days for granted, and not to take our aches and pains lightly. Here’s wishing you strength and good health for many years ahead!
Jenn Hoskins
November 22, 2012Thinking of you and your family! And sending positive thoughts…be strong. I wish you strength!
Theresa in Mérida
November 22, 2012Nancy,
I am sending healing energy your way. I agree with Lee, thank goodness you were proactive (I am, unforntuantely, of the “if it’s not diagnosed, it doesn’t exist” school of inaction, which really does NOT serve me well).
regards,
Theresa
Barbara
November 22, 2012Praying for your perfect healing. Bless you and yours.
debi in merida
November 22, 2012Well, good news all around, funny how we tend to ignore and diminish symptoms in ourselves while chastising others for not jumping up and checking at the first symptom. Good for you for being so smart and jumping right up there!
Very Smart Woman!
Buena Suerte!
judith
November 22, 2012Of course you know so many of us are thinking of you every minute,and missing you, including me and Ken. I have learned some new meditation techniques and am sending you love and speedy recovery daily. Everyone in your Book Club and Knitting Group is missing your glowing, smiling face.Lots of love being sent to you, amiga!
Steve Cotton
November 22, 2012You have been in my prayers for the past week. I think of you each day as I sort through my “stuff” at the Salem house — and ask myself: “What would Nancy do with this?” It is almost like reliving your posts about moving south. I look forward to sharing some of those tales with you.
Les in Texas
November 22, 2012I second all the previous comments, made much more articulately than I could hope to do. I would have said “Ditto” if THAT word hadn’t been ruined by you-know-who (insert frowning face emoticon here)…but you get the idea. Get well and I’ll see y’all in January.
Carrie in Saskatoon
November 22, 2012Thanks for sharing this news with your online fan club (including me). I am so sorry for the surgery behind you and the treatments yet ahead but how wonderful for you that initial reports are great. Your positive attitude will help the most as well as the prayers and positive energy coming your way. Be well!
Dianne
November 22, 2012Soooo glad to hear all the good news, Nancy. Hopefully this weekend will bring even more. I’m hoping you won’t need chemo as you caught it early. Fingers crossed.
Elaine McCullough May
November 22, 2012Hello Nancy,
You don’t know me, however I’ve been reading uour blog for many years, I was here when you were selling your house, so that’s a while ago..
I’d just like to let you know that I had ovarian cancer way back in 1992 and have been fine ever since and I had ignored my pain for a couple of years which was really stupid. I had to have both chemo and radiation, but today am fine. I hope this will help give you courage at this time.
I wish you the very best and am confident that you will be just fine.
Elaine on Vancouver Island BC Canada
Contessa
November 22, 2012Hola mi amiga……I am getting closer, tonight San Carlos, tomorrow Culiacan and Sat. the Isla off of Mazatlan.
I will be there for you if you need a nurse at home. Take your time and stay in the hospital as long as need be, you won’t regret it. Thank goodness your bedroom is on the main floor.
Try and get lots of fresh veggie juice into your system and mainly protein. You are doing great. Many thanks to Paul for being the greatest guy ever!!!
Marilyn
November 22, 2012Wow, Elaine, your post is a hard act to follow. Congratulations!!! And I believe the same will be for Nancy.
Following your posts like a hound, Nancy, keep ’em coming – energy willing.
Love you.
Ulises
November 23, 2012Nancy, I don’t know you personally but certainly feel connected to you through your blogs. I send you a huge abrazo and you are in my thoughts. Animo!
Shannon Casey
November 23, 2012Nancy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so sorry you had to go through this ordeal, I am glad that you have such a wonderful support network.
Kelly
November 23, 2012I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through this, but I know your positive attitude and fantastic look on life will get you back on your feet real soon!
Sandy
November 23, 2012Praying for a speedy recovery for you.
Marion Bramble
November 23, 2012Nancy, Thank God you had the right Doctors, My prayers are with you and your friend`s and family. God`s speed.
jackie bay
November 26, 2012Nancy, I tune in to your blog weekly. You have and continue to be an inspiration to me. Thank you. My husband and I have been on our own countdown to Maz since 2006. Due to various reasons our plans have been temporarily sidetracked. You never know what life holds. This will be a journey for you. You are not alone. As evidenced by the support pouring in, you have the web of connection there for you in ways your probably don’t even know. Hang tough, girl. Your spirit is strong.
Linda
November 27, 2012Nancy,
We don’t know each other – yet – but I’m sending Get Well Soon wishes for a speedy recovery! We got back from Mazatlan on 11/4 and hope to be snow birds in about 2 years. I’m hoping we can meet during a future trip – I’d love to hear more about the trials and tribulations of living in Mexico. And based on what I know of you from your blog, I bet you’ll be knitting up a cute “bonnet” for yourself post-chemo. Keep us posted on your journey – we’ll be right there with you!
Zoe Jussel
November 28, 2012Okay, so I am number 21 of all who care about you and wish you well. Wish I could be there to visit and have a chuckle with you and Paul, but I am sending buzzes from across the sea of C. Feel ’em….yup, that was it. Hugs and smooches, amiga.
Kim G
November 29, 2012Hola Nancy,
Well, that’s bad news, but I’m thrilled that you caught it early and went in for prompt surgery. I know your positive attitude will be a big help in your recovery, and I’m sure I can speak for all your readers when I say that we will be rooting for you!!!!!
I’ve enjoyed your blog tremendously over the years, but don’t feel any pressure to write. Take care of yourself first.
Hugs, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Kim G
Boston, MA
Terry
December 2, 2012Nancy, I hope you are feeling better every day. My thoughts are with you and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Terry