I have been to the mountain and I think part of it fell on me! If you're
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
September 6, 2011 12:19pm CST
squimish, don't read. I'm back. A little at a time, but I'm back. Had my operations, many all at one time. They removed my bladder that due to probably chemo and probably the anti-cancer tea, the tumor went from 6 inches to 1 by 1 inch. They took out 18 lymph nodes. 3 had a molecule of one cell each (not much in each one). They took out my right ovary (nothing in that, it was just close and the last female organ I had left, plus I was about done menopause anyway). They took part of my colon and made a bladder for me.
I woke up to 7 tubes in my body. One on the left, 5 on the right, and one down my nose. I was so cut up, 26 staples from two inches below my sternum to two inches above my private parts. I was totally helpless, I couldn't move myself. I had to have other people move me. I could lay flat on my back, 40 degrees left or 30 degrees right and that ws it.
The pain wasn't bad, the tubes getting tangled all the time and having to call for help to do anything was terrible. It took almost a week for my gastro-intestinal system to start up again and then they would finally let me eat.
It's been a real fight to come back. They gave me one blood transfusion. They thought they were going to have to give me,two, but I went to sleep which slowed down my heart and lessened my blood pressure. So I only needed one.
For a long time now, I've had to only pick one activity, do that and then go to bed. But now I can do more than one. I have clothes in the dryer, rice pudding in the oven, and me on the computer.
But by the time I left, I surpassed all their expectations. I could everything I was taught myself. They told my hubbie that for the amount of work I had done, I was moving around quite well. I don't have a home nurse like most people because I can do everything myself.
There have been other struggles besides energy. I may or may not vent them here. It will depend.
Hope you all have been happy,healthy, wealthy,and wise. Hope to hear from you call soon.
So have you had any rough operations? Have you surpassed your Doctor's expectations? Have you had multiple operations at once (this is my second time with that, partial hysterectomy and gallbladder out all at the same time before). Well wishes and positive, encouraging comments concerning what I went through are also appreciated. Peace,love, and soooooo glad to be back!
3 people like this
12 responses
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Hello writeredge! 
I have been thinking about you for a while now and noticed a comment you made yesterday and it prompted me to think that you would be back soon. 
I have missed you and have spoken with another member here as to your status. Wondering if all was going well.
Wow my friend what an ordeal you have been through. Sounds that although it was a major surgery that despite all you have done well.
I to date have not had any major surgeries and or health issues which required such extensive surgery.
Do take it easy as you have been through a great deal. It sounds that as usual you have been very strong. I have and will continue to pray for you my friend that all continues to go well.
I have been thinking about you for a while now and noticed a comment you made yesterday and it prompted me to think that you would be back soon. I have missed you and have spoken with another member here as to your status. Wondering if all was going well.
Wow my friend what an ordeal you have been through. Sounds that although it was a major surgery that despite all you have done well.
I to date have not had any major surgeries and or health issues which required such extensive surgery.
Do take it easy as you have been through a great deal. It sounds that as usual you have been very strong. I have and will continue to pray for you my friend that all continues to go well. 3 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Sep 11
She was here yesterday? I either was really tired or I never went into that post, because I know if I saw her, I would have said something..
1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
6 Sep 11
I saw a comment and because I could not place a quality response I couldn't. But I am very happy to see that she is on her way to getting better.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Thanks for welcoming me back. Just for one minute I was here. I have been trying to build up to being on here. I would look one day. Respond to one thing another day. But I think I can handle half an hour or so at a time now. Take care both of you.
Hardworking Girl, I hope you never have to have extensive surgery. Take care.
2 people like this
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
6 Sep 11
Well done and welcome back. I had my bladder, urethra, prostrate and associated lymph nodes removed at the beginning of March. They cleverly took a piece of the ilium (small bowel), fed the ureters from the kidneys into it and made a very neat little 'purse' out of it which opens as a little red bump just by my navel.
A neat and very efficient plastic bag with a tap sticks neatly around it and I simply have to turn a tap to empty it when it gets full (no more discomfort and anxiety about absolutely HAVING to pee!). At night, it connects to a litre and a half bag which takes care of it all and I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to pee.
I was in hospital for just a week and they made sure that I could walk the length of the corridor and manage stairs before I went home. The first few weeks were very leisurely ... I needed to sleep a lot and I took regular painkillers so it was less uncomfortable than I thought it would be. The worst bit, I think, was having the staples removed about a week (was it?) after I got home.
By the end of June, I was beginning to feel nearly back to normal and, at the end of July, was able to take on a job I have done every year for 10 years - helping out at a very busy Internet cafe during the Cambridge Folk Festival.
More people than one realises have had this operation and are now completely cancer free. One well-known person who has recently had the same operation is Mary Archer, wife of the novelist and politician Jeffrey Archer. She is already in training to take part in a charity run later this year.
You can count yourself one of a select and proud community. 'Select', because there are not too many of us and 'proud' because we can very frequently say that we feel ten years younger and because we are the ones who have, more often than not, conquered cancer completely!
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Sep 11
Dear Owlwings
I read a little of this when you shared this info on writers discussion earlier. I am hppy that both of you have got rid of that illness and am prod to be amongst two real fighters in real life.
Hope when my time comes, I can stand up and straight.
1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Oh yes thesids I recall a response that Owlwings made on one of writers previous discussions. It made me realize yet even more how respected of a person Owlwings is.
To apply some personal information with the hopes of bringing forth hope to a member is highly commendable. I too find that if and or when I too have similar and or such situations that I too can stand up straight and tall as he and Writer have.
I too find that if and or when I too have similar and or such situations that I too can stand up straight and tall as he and Writer have. 1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Sep 11
Mine is a little different. My pouch is bigger and I use a cathetor. I, too, want to go back to doing what I was doing. I want to substitute teach soon. Half a day to start. Peace and love to all of you.
I was hoping Owlwings that you would respond. You're the only other person I know with this and you keep me going. I had wanted to find someone who had been through it before. It means a lot to me to know someone else who had it done. Esp. when I wanted to chicken out and esp. when I woke up able to do nothing for myself, tubes all over the place and unable to eat for a week. The thoughts of you and my other online and offline friends kept me going. Thank you very much and take care.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
6 Sep 11
I'm so glad to hear from you! You've really had a round of it! I'm glad you're on your way to complete recovery.
My own surgery went well. People said I had it easy. 
I couldn't take chemotherapy because of my kidneys and I didn't finish a full round of radiation therapy but I'm fine now. Surgery is a major life event, regardless of whether we recover quickly or not.
I couldn't take chemotherapy because of my kidneys and I didn't finish a full round of radiation therapy but I'm fine now. Surgery is a major life event, regardless of whether we recover quickly or not.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Oh Peavey, I'm sorry to hear you've had it so rough.
I'm glad you're fine now.
Going to be fine is what I'm holding onto.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (64177)
• United States
6 Sep 11
I've got to say that you probably sprang back a lot faster than I would.
I'm amazed at you, and amazed I know someone as amazing AS you.
I know a few people that keep on going like you, but so many of people get knocked down like you have and they just lay there moaning and feeling sorry for themselves.
You came up swinging, and it seems to me that you aren't going to let that old "devil" cancer get the better of you!
You GO girl! 
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
7 Sep 11
LoL at the quote. Not sure which movie it is either. I am just pleased to see Elic here---are you and your kitties safe from that fire? Let us know when you can. I worry about my friends. Elic, I feel a road trip coming on, shall we go see Writer?
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
9 Sep 11
You had a fire?
Are you safe? Ar the kitties safe?
I'm not up to entertaining much. The movies aren't very good right now either. Take care.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190127)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Sep 11
You have really come a long way. What a strong lady you are! I don't know that I could have done all you have. I am not real strong. I would be very proud to have done as well as you. Your hubby must be very proud too. I have been doing okay. Had a bad bout, on different meds and feel better.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Sep 11
I don't think he realizes how well I did compared to other people who had this operation.But the Doctor did tell him. So maybe he knows.
Thank goodness you're on new meds. You were having a rough time and up and down before I took a little time away from here.
I'm sooo happy you're doing better. I'm doing better so I want everyone to do better.
I think you're tougher than you think. Celts and Native Americans that survived so many things to reproduce are some very tough stock that you came from. Before all this, I would have bet money that I couldn't have done it all either. Take care, peace and love. Happy for you!
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I think we don't know how tough we are until we're challenged. I could have lived without this challenge and I bet you could have lived without some of yours. I don't think I would have done very well with some of your challenges either. Peace and love my friend.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190127)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Sep 11
Well, you know RIGHT!! Yes, I am thankful to finally be on this other med. I am strong but some things get me, my achieles heel I guess. lol
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Sep 11
Hi dear writers
It feels great to see you back here and understanding what you have gone through whilst you were away. The bda times are getting over and you are sure to recover fast and get healthy soon.
I didnt have any operation yet. Though my wife had after she met with an accident while travelling in a bus before marriage and she was on the bed for more than 8 months. I can understand the pain you and she would have gone through but that is all.
I wish you a faster recovery to great health soon.
Missed you.
It feels great to see you back here and understanding what you have gone through whilst you were away. The bda times are getting over and you are sure to recover fast and get healthy soon.
I didnt have any operation yet. Though my wife had after she met with an accident while travelling in a bus before marriage and she was on the bed for more than 8 months. I can understand the pain you and she would have gone through but that is all.
I wish you a faster recovery to great health soon.
Missed you.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Hi both of you, you are adorable!
The Sids, Hope your wife has recovered well by now.
I hope the recovery is fast too. I want to get back to my life. Thanks and take care. hugs back to you both
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Sep 11
@GF
I started out as the first responder here but my internet connection still is quite erratic and the data card just give me more worries when it is raining... Never mind. I was happy that I could post my comment and welcome our dear friend back
@writers:
Oh she has recovered 98% and the 2% still shows up as pains in the thigh where her bones had fractured. But now that has become a part of our lives and we have learned to be more careful.
I would only say (as GF mentioned above) - to take things slow and also mention to keep update with the health checkups as I am sure docs would ahve recommended a few more months where they would keep an eye on your health and recovery to ensure all is going fine. Take care.
I started out as the first responder here but my internet connection still is quite erratic and the data card just give me more worries when it is raining... Never mind. I was happy that I could post my comment and welcome our dear friend back
@writers:
Oh she has recovered 98% and the 2% still shows up as pains in the thigh where her bones had fractured. But now that has become a part of our lives and we have learned to be more careful.
I would only say (as GF mentioned above) - to take things slow and also mention to keep update with the health checkups as I am sure docs would ahve recommended a few more months where they would keep an eye on your health and recovery to ensure all is going fine. Take care.1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
6 Sep 11
I was going to PM and thought you were 
But I knew that as soon as you got the alert you my dear friend would be here praying alongside all of us for writeredge!
But I knew that as soon as you got the alert you my dear friend would be here praying alongside all of us for writeredge! 2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
6 Sep 11
So far I have had no major surgeries, well, I guess the hysterectomy was, but I recovered so quickly from that that it was unreal. I have missed you. I was actually talking to hubby about you night before last. Do not over do things. Take time to enjoy some sunshine. Vent if you need to. After my hysterectomy I did learn to do what I needed to so I had more freedom than most.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Sep 11
My bladder suspention, I healed up fast, not my hysterectomy, but then I had my gallbladder out at the same time.
Don't worry, I'm mostly taking it easy and doing a little, like puttering around. Thanks and take care.
@a_year_older (636)
• Malaysia
10 Sep 11
Wow. You have gone through a lot! Congratulations on making a good recovery! Some people just lose their spirit to live or start to depend more and more on others because they love the attention they're getting.
I have only gone through a minor operation where they removed a cyst from the back of my neck. They taped a huge gauze over it after the operation which stuck my skin so tightly together, I felt stiff moving my neck. The scar stings once in a while although I have no clue why. I wish I could see the scar though. It's at the center of the back of my neck so it's really hard for me to get a good look. I tried taking pictures of it myself with my phone camera but it's not really in a good clear quality. Whenever I asked my mother about it, she would only say, "oh it's back to normal now. You can barely see it." I know she's lying to me cos she doesn't want me to worry since in all the pictures I took, the scar was a clear purple/pink line. And when I touch it, I can feel little bumps at the corners of the scar but I can't see it in the blurry picture. I really wish I could have a clear view of it somehow.
@a_year_older (636)
• Malaysia
11 Sep 11
To have gone through so many operations and still be able to do most of your daily activities is wonderful. It would be difficult to get ourselves back to our previously lives and do everything the same way. But after a while, we'll learn to find other ways to accomplish what we now can't do.
If you can't pick stuff up from the floor, maybe you could try using a pair of tongs or something similar? Are you unable to pick them up cos you can't bend down? If so, then maybe you could try to keep your back straight while squatting? Though if it hurts too much, then don't do it. I'm sure your family wouldn't mind helping you out.
Thanks for the compliment. You seem like a nice person yourself.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
16 Sep 11
I thought before I left the hospital, they would get me some things to help me pick up stuff from off the floor. They were supposed to send me to therapy. No, squatting makes me dizzy and lands me on my butt!
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
11 Sep 11
Scars aren't a big deal, everyone has them. At least you could have yours removed. My Dad's grew too close to his spine and around it before they could remove it, so they couldn't remove it or they would have paralyzed him. It was as big as the palm of my hand and it really limited his head movement after awhile.
Try a hand held mirror and the wall mirror together. We use that to see the back of our hair.
I had a couple of days where I felt down and a couple where I was so tired that I relied on others. But when he said it was time to go home in 2 1/2 days, I got myself in gear and tried to become totally independent. The only thing I couldn't so was pick up stuff off the floor when it fell. Really drove me crazy.
Thanks for your response and your kind words. Thanks for joining mylot. You see like a very nice person. Take care.
@carolscash (9491)
• United States
7 Sep 11
First let me say that it sounds as though you have really made some huge strides in your health. I did have surgery on both feet a few years ago and it was tough, but I my feet don't hurt as much as before. I think that they would have been even better if I had of followed the doctor's orders better than I did. I was supposed to be off work for 6 weeks, but I went back after 3 weeks.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Sep 11
Yes, going back early to work can be hard on the feet. Esp. cutting it back by half. Most jobs I've had wanted a note saying all clear from the Doc or they wouldn't let me back.
Yes, I've come a long way. Still a long way to go. But I'll get there. Sounds like a country western song. Take care and thanks.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
6 Sep 11
WOW!!! What a thrill! You are visiting your dear friends that have kept you on their prayers daily! For the last 3 weeks I have been busy foraging and harvesting--and there isn't a moment doing that that I don't think fondly of you, and wing wishes of well-being YOUR way! Truly, I fondly remembered all the discussions we have had of reaping from Mother Nature.
You can't keep a good woman down...and you are the epitome! Take care, treat yourself well..Please!
I NEVER am on the computer at lunch time, something told me to come here, and now I know well! Gentle Hugs!1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
8 Sep 11
The icon--just another little guardian angel being sent your way!
I do know that you have had some very difficult weather this summer in your part of the world. Looks like you are about to have a better week this week, and watching Boston news, I see there is another "tropical storm" heading your way in about 10 days...I think it is "Kalia!" Except for the last week, our summer was extremely cool--NOT great growing weather, except for Mother Nature's bounty!
When I see sooooo many berries in the wild, I remember the native people, where I grew up. Lots of fodder meant that there is a very long, cold winter looming...and Mother Nature is providing her bounty, now, for all her children to store. And, boy, am I taking advantage of this booty!
I am sure that you are fraught with medical appointments, and I know they all will be good, as with your good spirit and positive attitude, you are rallying much faster than expected.
I can "somewhat" relate, as today is my "D" day. Since July 6th, I have had a CT scan, a thyroid needle biopsy, a tissue biopsy, and two weeks ago, a bone biopsy and my Oncologist said "results in two weeks,"---so today is that day, and am facing it with some trepidation..BUT onwards and upwards! Take special care of yourself! Cheers!1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Wow! Thos are a lot of rough tests. I hate biopsies. Take care.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
7 Sep 11
Like the little Icon.
So envy you foraging. The weather has been rough in these parts. We were just on the edge and just missed being flooded out by the storm.
Thank you for all your prayers and for thinking of me. I hope next year I can do more than pick a few raspberries and apples. But something is better than nothing and the year isn't done yet.
Peace and Love. Say Hi to Mother Nature for me. I have lots of medical appointments coming. Take care.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Oh writer, my computer couldn't open this fast enough..You have been in my prayers, but the last few days I wondered if you were ever going to come back and now you are here, I am so happy....
I am glad you are doing so well too, sounds like you did have a mountain fall on yu, but you are strong and coming back..
I won't say a lot right now, knowing you probably won't be as active as you heal, so I'll answer your question about doing better the expected..Other than my first delivery, I had bounced back pretty quick when I gave birth and when I had my appendix taken out, I had my surgery about 3 AM and was no my way home right after lunch that morning. I know my limits and feel I do better at home than in a hospital, and if I recall, you say the same thing and probably why though you went through so much, that you are doing better than they thought you would..
WELCOME BACK WRITER!!!! YOU WERE MISSED A LOT!!!!
I am glad you are doing so well too, sounds like you did have a mountain fall on yu, but you are strong and coming back..
I won't say a lot right now, knowing you probably won't be as active as you heal, so I'll answer your question about doing better the expected..Other than my first delivery, I had bounced back pretty quick when I gave birth and when I had my appendix taken out, I had my surgery about 3 AM and was no my way home right after lunch that morning. I know my limits and feel I do better at home than in a hospital, and if I recall, you say the same thing and probably why though you went through so much, that you are doing better than they thought you would..
WELCOME BACK WRITER!!!! YOU WERE MISSED A LOT!!!!1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Sep 11
Wow, that sounds like fun and probably another reason you bounced back so quickly, you were exercising in your hospital bed..
I am sorry about your room mate..I know my son goes to school with kids that have many allergies and one year it was so bad, no peanuts, tree nuts,and even marshmallows...It was difficult to make anything for his class parties until his teacher said I can make marshmallow treats, she'd just make sure the one boy didn't get any..2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
7 Sep 11
Good for you writer... I start school again tomorrow, so I won't be as active, but I am so happy to have a couple days catching up with you before I begin..
I start school again tomorrow, so I won't be as active, but I am so happy to have a couple days catching up with you before I begin..1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
6 Sep 11
It was funny, they gave me a bed for someone who is paralyzed from the waste down with a "trapese" on it. I hated that thing, but in the end, I was using it to swing around like a monkey until I could bend my legs and use them more.
Wow! I guess you really are fast at bouncing back.
I felt soooo sorry for my roommate. She's allergic to almost everything. She kept getting worse. I was surprised they let her out. She was walking but other than that, she wasn't doing very well.
2 people like this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
7 Sep 11
It's wonderful that you made it through surgery successfully and have surpassed the doctors' expectations. I hope that you continue to do well on your road to recovery.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Thank you, I hope I will do well on my road to recovery, too. I also hope no one ever has to go what I went through ever. Thanks and take care.
