Best Wishes to our December 23 Princesses

Wishing you better health and best outcome for your hysterectomy to our members with upcoming surgeries! We will see in you the Recovering from Hysterectomy (Post-op) Forum when you are home and recovering from your hysterectomy:

milruklas55, zoey2009, jenbenny, Plucky2700, SheCs2It, Mcmangli, Iraneva, 5gratefulhearts, Txigrl928, lmwiechart, Princesscollins, russue87, Hyster4Life, clarissa.mora, chakadawn, teemaries, mschris777, NewTawana, SheilaB1954, Barbie Oli, ms_sheilab, Sandi48, kaerae85, Elainescarff, angelabete

Don't forget to pamper the princess and take care of yourself!



Note: We've created a thread for you in the Recovering from Hysterectomy forum based on your hysterectomy date for you to update your progress. However, if you have a question or need for support, be sure and post your own thread to receive support replies.

Another important note: Be a part of our circle of support! Please plan to return to the pre-op forum to answer questions for our pre-op sisters! The pre-op gals need your experience to help them as they plan for their upcoming surgery.

Once you are home and settled back in, consider upgrading your membership. Learn more about it here: Upgrade Information

I am one of them, set for the 23rd. Thanks for the encouragement!

Hello Ladies! My name is Sarrie and I am your Sunshine Sister who is here to help you through the coming weeks! I am wishing you all a very speedy recovery and letting you know that there is a huge community of women here to support you.
While these days leading to surgery can be very stressful, remember that this surgery is meant to improve your health and overall well-being.
Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for your surgery:

+ Use this Packing Checklist to help you prepare for your hospital stay, whether it be inpatient or outpatient. Dress loose and comfy the day of surgery and if you are staying in the hospital for a night or two, I found an eye mask and ear plugs to be invaluable! The hospital should supply you with basic toiletries so keep your bag light. I also recommend asking the hospital for a belly binder to keep. Many find them valuable during recovery (I sure did!) and it is nice to have the option when you get home.

+ For those first few days at home, stay hydrated, walk as much as possible, and be patient because your bowels will need some time to adjust from surgery. Having OTC gas relief pills (like GasEx) and stool softeners can make you more comfortable.

+ Have a variety of pillows waiting for you at home! A small tummy pillow will help on the ride home and for when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Bed and body pillows can help you get comfy when you get home as you may need them behind your back or under your knees when you sit and lay down.

+ ASK FOR HELP! For many of us, we live our lives on the go, doing so much for everyone else. But in these next few weeks, you need to let others do for you. No heavy lifting, no vacuuming, no running around. You only get one chance to recover right so take advantage of this time and let others

My advice is to treat yourself in the days leading up to surgery... A manicure, your favorite meal, a night out (or in) with your loved ones. The next few weeks will be all about YOU and we will be here for you on the other side. Big hugs and best wishes! Hope to see you in the recovery forum!

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and advice, Sarrie! I am joining the ranks with Your Pal Mo on 12/23 for my surgery. I am nervous because even though I am getting the "full meal deal", i.e. ovaries, etc. taken out that day, I have also been told I will be leaving the hospital the day after my outpatient surgery. I feel this is a double whammy for me (as I am sure it has been for others too!) in that I had a bi-lateral mastectomy 2 years ago for BC and now they are concerned that the Tamoxifen is causing thickening of the lining of my uterus, thus the hysterectomy. I did not have reconstruction, so with no ta-ta's and now with my other girl parts being removed, I am feeling down about the whole thing. "I am still me!" has been the mantra marching through my head this past week or so. : )

Best wishes to all in your upcoming surgeries! Chat with you on the other side...

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandi48 Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and advice, Sarrie! I am joining the ranks with Your Pal Mo on 12/23 for my surgery. I am nervous because even though I am getting the "full meal deal", i.e. ovaries, etc. taken out that day, I have also been told I will be leaving the hospital the day after my outpatient surgery. I feel this is a double whammy for me (as I am sure it has been for others too!) in that I had a bi-lateral mastectomy 2 years ago for BC and now they are concerned that the Tamoxifen is causing thickening of the lining of my uterus, thus the hysterectomy. I did not have reconstruction, so with no ta-ta's and now with my other girl parts being removed, I am feeling down about the whole thing. "I am still me!" has been the mantra marching through my head this past week or so. : ) Best wishes to all in your upcoming surgeries! Chat with you on the other side...

YOU ARE STILL YOU! Breasts or no breasts, lady bits or no lady bits, you are still a strong, beautiful and brave woman - inside and out. This week's surgery, or your mastectomy previously, does not and will not change that. Keep your chin up and I'll see you on the other side!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandi48 Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and advice, Sarrie! I am joining the ranks with Your Pal Mo on 12/23 for my surgery. I am nervous because even though I am getting the "full meal deal", i.e. ovaries, etc. taken out that day, I have also been told I will be leaving the hospital the day after my outpatient surgery. I feel this is a double whammy for me (as I am sure it has been for others too!) in that I had a bi-lateral mastectomy 2 years ago for BC and now they are concerned that the Tamoxifen is causing thickening of the lining of my uterus, thus the hysterectomy. I did not have reconstruction, so with no ta-ta's and now with my other girl parts being removed, I am feeling down about the whole thing. "I am still me!" has been the mantra marching through my head this past week or so. : ) Best wishes to all in your upcoming surgeries! Chat with you on the other side...

You are truly an awesome strong woman. Have you ever heard something like "The most beautiful diamond were just coal that stood strong."
Well that's not true.

http://geology.com/articles/diamonds-from-coal/

Beautiful woman: you have gone through at minimum "four stages" of being a woman. Your soul is the oldest and most significant part of you. YOU are the Brightest light. Lady parts or not, you are still you. I pray your surgery went well and look forward to speaking with you later. Bless you!!!!

Pooodle, THANK YOU for putting the link for geology site. I don't have enough posts yet to put links. It definitely was my intention to give credit to that site. YOU ROCK!!!

Edited: spell corrections

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandi48 Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and advice, Sarrie! I am joining the ranks with Your Pal Mo on 12/23 for my surgery. I am nervous because even though I am getting the "full meal deal", i.e. ovaries, etc. taken out that day, I have also been told I will be leaving the hospital the day after my outpatient surgery. I feel this is a double whammy for me (as I am sure it has been for others too!) in that I had a bi-lateral mastectomy 2 years ago for BC and now they are concerned that the Tamoxifen is causing thickening of the lining of my uterus, thus the hysterectomy. I did not have reconstruction, so with no ta-ta's and now with my other girl parts being removed, I am feeling down about the whole thing. "I am still me!" has been the mantra marching through my head this past week or so. : ) Best wishes to all in your upcoming surgeries! Chat with you on the other side...

I totally understand. 4 years ago I had a total hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy. In September I had a unilateral mastectomy and am scheduled to have the other side done later next year. Although I do plan to reconstruct I am lopsided and not feeling very attractive. I can tell you though that my husband never, ever has treated me as unattractive or less than a woman. It helps a lot. Even more so I make sure that I remind myself that I am still just as much a woman as ever no matter what parts are gone. I am still the same woman with the same needs and desires as before. I know you have been through a lot but you are not alone. You have a sisterhood here.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandi48 Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and advice, Sarrie! I am joining the ranks with Your Pal Mo on 12/23 for my surgery. I am nervous because even though I am getting the "full meal deal", i.e. ovaries, etc. taken out that day, I have also been told I will be leaving the hospital the day after my outpatient surgery. I feel this is a double whammy for me (as I am sure it has been for others too!) in that I had a bi-lateral mastectomy 2 years ago for BC and now they are concerned that the Tamoxifen is causing thickening of the lining of my uterus, thus the hysterectomy. I did not have reconstruction, so with no ta-ta's and now with my other girl parts being removed, I am feeling down about the whole thing. "I am still me!" has been the mantra marching through my head this past week or so. : ) Best wishes to all in your upcoming surgeries! Chat with you on the other side...

(((Sandi))) I'm so very sorry you've had to face all of this, dear sister. We know we are so much more than the sum of our parts, but those moments still creep in where we begin to doubt. But, please don't ever let those questions linger. Not only are you still me, you're an even stronger, more beautiful you!

As you know, a cancer diagnosis changes many things but you are a SURVIVOR and will get through this. In fact, you'll not only survive, you're going to thrive. Now, this might not be tomorrow or even the next day, but in time you will. You will.

I also wanted to be sure you know we do have a Cancer Concerns forum you're welcome to check out, if you'd like. There's lots of experienced ladies and great information which might be helpful.

Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way.