Greetings from an Old Timer (long)

I can hardly believe it was nearly six years ago that I stumbled upon the HysterSisters website in my frantic internet search for information about hysterectomies. When I found the site, I suspected cancer, but my doctors hadn't mentioned it yet. Fibroids was the educated guess. Then came the CT scan and the "mass - suspicious for ovarian neoplasm." The Beast turned out to be endometrial adenocarcinoma, stage IIIa. All the fooling around to get the diagnosis allowed much time to spend surfing and gaining strength from the wonderful women on the HysterSisters site. Following surgery, I turned first to my Hystersisters for info about recovery from the hyster and all those whacky hormonal things that happen. What a resource! My story is posted under the username "Molly" - didn't remember who I registered as - there've been some changes since then.

I guess what I'm here to say is - YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS.

My treatment included six weeks of radiation, three brachytherapies, and nearly 5 years of daily doses of Megace. I gained one hundred pounds. There were various and sundry complications - from pseudo-tumor cerebri to high blood pressure to three herniated discs to the possibility of an adrenal tumor (turned out to be a mis-read CT scan).

Since July of last year when my DH of seven years suddenly, inexplicably, completely out of the blue, told me he wanted a divorce, my life has been a whirlwind. Get a lawyer, sell the house, find an apartment that will take two dogs, move into the apartment, hire a realtor, find a house that's affordable, finally buy the perfect place - have it painted, new carpet put in and fence installed -
and next week move in...*whew*

I stopped taking Megace in May 2004 - have lost 51 pounds - and am arguably in better health now, mentally, physically and spiritually than I was before the hyster and the cancer. And I actually get through whole days - several in a row - without thinking about cancer!

My best advice to those of you who are just starting down this road - Hang around HysterSisters for support...surround yourself with positive people...get the best doctors you can find...ask tons of questions and expect answers...and LIVE EACH DAY to the fullest. A quote I like goes something like this:
"We cannot choose when or how we are going to die...Only God knows. But we can choose when and how we are going to LIVE - NOW - TO THE FULLEST." I'm convinced that keeping a positive attitude has a tremendous impact on getting well again.

God Bless each of you...and God Bless Kathy for creating this warm and loving place for us.
HUGS to all -
Molly

Good Golly Miss Molly......you can't imagine how excited I am to see a post from you. Where has the time gone?

It's wonderful to hear from you. Fifty-one pounds is impressive. Unfortunately, I can't say the same. And while I'm sorry to hear of your problems with your dh, you have your health and that's the most important thing.

I always thought of you as such a strong person. Please stop in from time to time. We love hearing from our "old" friends as well as our new ones.

I don't remember you--but I'm happy to read what the "old timers" have to say. You're doing well and soon will be in that new home and hopefully things will stabilize again for you.

This will be a wonderful post especially for women with endometrial cancer--a real winner for them and all of us.

Thanks for posting, Molly. I'm glad you are cancer-free and off the Megace. Also good to know there is a time in our futures when we won't have to think about cancer every day.

I wish you the best in your new home and loved your quote, by the way.

Blessings,

Molly!!!!

Oh my heck it's good to see you post! I have off and on wondered how you are doing.



I'm flashing back to the early days and your fanatic approval of Prunes!!!



I'm so sorry to hear about your bad news, but I'm glad you and the dogs have found a good place. Are you still teaching? Don't be a stranger!



For all you "youngsters," Molly is really the reason there is a separate Cancer Concerns forum, so this is very exciting to hear the good news about her health! When we were first talking about expanding the original board into multiple forums, we pointed out that it's a very different experience for someone like Molly, but oddly enough it took a year or so before the forum had traffic. When I see it helping so many people these days, I sometimes think back to the early days and Molly!

Molly, Molly, molly...I feel like it's old home day. I'm so glad to hear from you...and so glad to hear your good news.

It's so, so, so important for us to hear these success stories. Thank you for sharing the positive vibes!!

XOXOX
K9