Hi, I'm Peggiesue, born and raised in NJ 10 miles from NYC. I enjoyed a 32 year career in the foreign service serving overseas and here. In my mid 30's, home between tours, I met my soul-mate whose passion is music and comedy. We've been together 27 years; while not blessed with children, we been adopted many times by a number of adorable little critters. Upon my retirement in 2000 we moved to our "dream home" an old (turns 100 in 2013) Victorian in a tiny, friendly southern town; our 8 furbabes, felines and canines ranging from 3 to 14 help make our rambling house a home.
I enjoy the freedom retirement offers keeping busy with a number of activities including volunteer work. Recently I returned to the workforce p/t teaching older foster children. Sadly the school closed abruptly for lack of fun but I hope to find another p/t job working preferably with children or adults with special needs. Among the things I love best are- family & friends, furbabes, nature, bird-watching, car trips, swimming, walking, HS, sweets, books and music of all kind including DH's creations.
The "beast is overcome" story: In Summer 2003 I had several tests done because of very slight post-menopausal bleeding and received a DX of complex hyperplasia with atypia with the scary comment - "cannot rule out cancer." As an "info freak, " I immediately got on the Internet and found several hysterectomy sites, one fine lady I met on site recommended I check out Hystersisters. From HS I gained useful information on my condition and, most importantly, heard and learned from other women who had similar DXs. I also followed the oft repeated suggestion that when one feels uncertain re surgery, etc; get a second and even third opinion.
I feared the surgery (first ever for me) more than the cancer probably as all tests showed it was only pre-cancer or perhaps it was denial. I tried to find alternative treatments but many kind "sisters" advised why alternatives might not work. Then when 3 doctors told me to have the surgery, I allowed reason to rule. Perusing HS I found lots re post-op pain, recovery time, etc. and armed with knowledge I became increasingly more comfortable as my surgery date neared. My operation was only a few weeks after my DX and that was good since the op path showed I actually had a very early stage endometrial cancer thus the doctors believed the surgery was the full cure. The waiting was the most unsettling time as I imagined all that could go wrong, etc. A couple days pre-op I finally remembered that the Great Physician would be guiding my experienced doctors; I felt a great peace and even slept like a baby sans pills the night before surgery.
I am certain that without the encouragement and support I found on HS, I likely would have delayed this for me very necessary surgery allowing the cancer possibly to spread. I remain so grateful to have found this very special site. In Feb 2004, Kathy asked if I would like to become a hostess; I considered this a great honor and a way to possibly give back just a tiny bit of what HS has done for me. Please don't hesitate to email me if I can be of any help.
-- Checking In - Feel Great - Lose Weight The HysterSisters January 'Checking In' eMagazine has been published and should be in your email inbox if you are a regi [More]...
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