Well, I guess I entered into the Land of Hyster in kind of a daze, since it happened on such short notice, although in a way, it was a long time (40 years!) coming. When I started the shocking world of periods the month I was to turn eleven, I was stricken with “this-must-be-what-labor-is-like” cramps and vomiting for about 7-14 days every 2-3 weeks, which is how irregular my periods were for years. I could tell my period was looming by the constant 3 days of warning cramps preceding each cycle. I had my first D&C and hysteroscopy at 13, trying to solve the mystery of such debilitating pain that often left me collapsed on the bathroom floor. I guess it was no surprise that decades later, I wasn’t able to get pregnant (or keep a pregnancy… who could tell these horrible periods from a miscarriage?!? Sheesh!).
When I was an adult, my mother unexpectedly died of a no-longer-in-remission ovarian cancer coupled with a very bad heart. For a decade after her cancer diagnosis, I diligently had ovarian sonograms as an add-on for my annual pelvic exams, until I had a suspicious sonogram. I had a TAH a few days later (praise God! No cancer) and logged into HysterSisters as soon as I could shuffle over to the computer with my little tummy pillow (is it any wonder my log in name was: “Whatjusthappend”)? Kathy Kelley, the modest-but-amazing creator of HysterSisters was in my bible study group a few years before, which is when I first heard about HysterSisters.
Nearly 5 years later, Kathy and I were back together in bible study when she was looking for someone to help out in her office. Although a hysterectomy (or even being in a position to consider a hysterectomy) isn’t a requisite to be an office assistant, in this case, it is a huge insight to that whole mysterious world that can only be likened to suddenly being a member of an exclusive club! I felt so welcome by the members and support staff of this site, and am honored to have a tiny part in HysterSisters as it continues to grow!
In my life before HysterSisters, I worked over a decade as a civilian officer for a SF Bay Area police department, retiring to become a full-time mom. Until working with HysterSisters, I juggled my full-time Mom status with being a substitute teacher. When I am not doing something related to HysterSisters, I adore spending time with my wonderful husband and 2 sons (did I mention I was blessed to adopt?!). I enjoy my dear women friends, teaching tricks to my 2 teeny dogs, obnoxious Hawaiian shirts, searching for one of my 15 pairs of reading glasses, and visiting antique shops and junk stores in the hopes of finding hidden treasures!