I never have been too friendly with the word no but I am now. No hospital, no testing and no cancer! Whoohoo! Ok, I'll compose myself. The test results on the tissue and the lymphnode came back negative and therefore as my surgeon put it (he says this in a very proper South African accent), "Karen you'll never have to worry about breast cancer again." That's what you want to hear. And I left the hospital on Wednesday July 9th and was home by 4p.m. I couldn't get out fast enough. The hospital is a place to get repaired but not to heal. And finally, because I've now had a double mastectomy I will not have to go through the obstacle course of tests each year. Women that means no mammograms for me ever! Of course I would not recommend anyone having mastectomies to avoid mammograms but I know some of you might be feeling just a bit envious right now. So I'm singing that song "Gray skies are going to clear up put on a happy face..."
Special thanks to my husband...you are my hero. You remind me of the Doorman in the Wizard of Oz...you weren't going to let anyone near me unless they could prove who they were. Leslie Wade, girlfriend you are the best! You took this picture of me on Saturday at the San Diego Fair - "Team Karen". Thank you for your amazing thoughtfulness, caring and staying the night with me in the hospital. That was a huge help...it gave me the peace of mind that is so important once your healing process has begun. There's one last person I want to thank too...Midge Costanza. Midge, as soon as you knew that I was going to the hospital you showed up with the Miracle Broth from my favorite cookbook, "One Bite at a Time". This is a big chore and you just finished your own chemotherapy and there was "The Brew" for me. And it was absolutely delicious. Blue Ribbon in broth making!
Blessing and grace abound, all you have to do is know it. It's that simple. Really. I'll be checking in with you as my progress continues. My deep gratitude to you all. Thank you for your prayers and love. You have no idea how powerful they are...very powerful.
In the words of Caroline Myss, "Our relationship to power is at the core of our health." I find the more I surrender to my Higher power the healthier I become -- life is good.
Karen
11 comments:
Oh, Happy Days, Oh Happy days! I am so grateful that you are Cancer free--Yippee! Much love and a quick easy recovery. Your friend and admirer of your courage and your humor, Nancy Pell
Karen, lots of people at U.S. Trust and Bank of America have been inquiring about you...it's all good news to share! We miss you and hope everything continues to lead to a speedy recovery.
Warm regards, Nicole
Karen and Jeff,
We are so happy that Karen is free of cancer. We wish you a speedy recover.
Olivia, Steve, Owen & Hope xoxo
Dear Karen,
What could be better than to be
Pronounced cancer free?
Paul and I wish you easy healing and a long life of love and laughter.
We're so happy for you. Ruth
Yay Karen!! I am so glad to read the good news! Time for rest and a full recovery. You are truly an amazing woman and I'm so excited for you! See you when you get back :)
Wonderful news keeps coming your way! Your positive attitude will get you both through this stronger and closer. Dad and Irene
We love you. Rest well.
Groff, Janice, Jack, & Lucy
Yea, Karen! You have been so resilient and shown such great spirit through all this, although of course I am sure there have been more low points than we'll ever know. I REJOICE that you have come through it and are cancer free and no longer have this concern dogging you. I've been praying for you both. You go, girl!!!!! -Jennifer
Karen
Steve and I both send you our warmest wishes for a quick and easy recovery. It sounds like that has already begun to happen. Cancer free is wonderful!
Dear Karen
Blessings to you as you continue to heal. You have been in my thoughts often. I'm pleased that you have directed your own course, did your research, and charted your journey that would work for you. Very powerful stuff. Excellent surgeons and other practitioners give you their art and time. Time for you to heal. Healing is primarily a solitary endeavor. It can be aided by many things, treatments, good food, laughter, love. Yet it is indeed your journey, calling for your special learnings and e-motion. Blessings to you as you take this day and each day of the miracle of life.
Much love,
Karen & Tom
Seattle, WA
Oh Karen I am so happy to hear the great news! I have been thinking of you often, but not writing nearly enough! You are truly an inspiration - thank you for your strength and your wonderful attitude. You always manage to show me how to be a stronger, better person. And Jeff, you are a super star! So rest well, because with no more cancer to get in the way you've got lots more world to see! Lots of love, Kristin
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