Your Husband Has Colon Cancer

When Dr. C. called me and said "your husband has colon cancer" - well my world just fell out from underneath me.


Hubs - like a lot of men, waited until age 51 (almost 52) to get his "first ever" colonoscopy.  It had been scheduled prior, but work got in the way - and life, so we finally got the appointment rescheduled.   I had mine previously, and honestly - the prep is the worst part. There are a few different prep kits they can give you, but mix it up - get it cold - drink and then grab your I-pad and stay in, or a few steps from, the bathroom.


During the colonoscopy, Dr. C removed 12 polyps.  Eleven came back ok, but one popped positive for cancer.  Hubs was traveling (again), when Dr. C called me.  We knew each other from my previous hospital - and yes, he had signed off on her giving me information.  So, I had the news - do I tell him over the phone or do I wait until he comes home 3 days later?  He face-timed me that night, took one look at me and said "why have you been crying"?  Well, that was it. We never keep secrets from each other anyway, why start now?


A referral to a colon-rectal surgeon came next.  We lucked out - the BEST EVER Colon Rectal Surgeon is here in Tidewater, VA!   We went for the first visit, and Dr. F -  his name badge - has a poop emoji over his picture.  He's wearing a button that reads - "Keep Calm and Poop".  Hubs felt RIGHT at home!


Surgery was scheduled for two weeks later.  They removed a section of his sigmoid colon - using laparoscopy and robotics. A 3 day hospital stay and hubs was discharged home.  The section was tested for cancer, and wouldn't you know it, 3 lymph nodes popped positive.  At that point - the protocol starts for chemotherapy.  Which is a whole 'nother blog post........

Wow! I can't believe it's been FOUR years since I last
Blogged!  Man, has time flown or what? Many,  many changes in my life! Most recently, we've  become in-laws, and will become grandparents in 2018.


More to come......I'm hoping blogging will relieve some of the stress!

Flowergirl Basket

This is what I've been working on lately. 

I can't show it on Facebook yet, since the bride doesn't want everything shown.  DS's best friend Vince is getting married Apr 6, and their daughter will be the flower girl.  The bride couldn't find a flower girl basket she liked, so I told her to get a basket, and I would put it together for her.  Here is the finished product.

I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out, and she is too.  I wasn't given much to go on, only to incorporate the color of the wedding.  It's on the Spirit of Norfolk, which is a boat cruise.  It should be loads of fun, if the weather is nice.  April 6 in VA is a bit iffy for a boat cruise, but we shall see! LOL

Just wanted to share, and I'm not sure a lot of people read my blog anyway! LOL

A Letter From Me, To Me

A Letter From Me, To Me!

The “homework” this week from the New Year’s Weight Loss Challenge at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans, was to write yourself a letter from the future i.e. next year.  Here’s my letter From Me, To Me!

Dear Me!

I am SO proud of you!  Let’s take a look back at your accomplishments this year.

You did a great job in getting healthier this year.  You managed to lose weight, get toned and you walked your @$$ off – almost literally!  See what joining Planet Fitness did for you!  Yes, I know you enjoy being outside, especially in the summer months, but it’s just not quite the same as getting in a good workout at the gym.  You managed to use several new pieces of exercise equipment too, and didn’t just stick with the trusty treadmill.

I loved how you took some of your favorite recipes (even those family recipes that have been passed down), and modified them – healthier, but still tasty and enjoyable.

I’m very proud of the way you encouraged several of your co-workers to become healthier.  You’ve been a great friend to them on myfitnesspal, showing encouragement and giving them a little nudge when they have needed it.  They also have given you nudges here and there – and that is a GOOD thing!  I know you can see the advantages of writing down your food and exercise and tracking.  Keep at it, even though you are where you want to be weight wise – you KNOW how easy it is for the weight to start creeping back on, and once it starts creeping, it comes back quicker.

You and Rusty just celebrated your 30^th anniversary! CONGRATS. In this day and age, that is reason to celebrate! I know you both will enjoy the anniversary vacation you have planned.  I can’t wait to see you in your new bathing suit, be sure to get a picture of the two of you on the beach.

Here you are, looking towards the future.  You will turn 50 this year!! 50!!!!  Stay focused – the best is YET to come girl!!

Signed,

Me !