May 31, 2013

No Dancing For A While...

I've been a little lot side-tracked the past six weeks. Because I think there's
an important message that should be shared here, I'd like to tell you about it.

On April 17th, I had my regular, annual checkup. 
I'd been feeling great so I expected everything to be routine and uneventful. 
It was the beginning of many scary days for Handsome and me.
My regular doctor is a wonderful woman who is a family practitioner in Venice. I've been her patient for five years, so she knows me and my medical history pretty well by now.  She can do my "girly" stuff once a year, but if I get a cold, she can treat that, too, which I like. I also like that she always takes her time during our appointments and we cover just about everything before my actual hands-on exams.

At this year's appointment, she did her exam and reacted with alarm when she felt something she hadn't felt before. She checked again, made notes with her nurse and then said that we should talk after I got dressed. When I sat with her a few minutes later, she told me that she wanted me to have an ultrasound and then schedule an appointment to meet with a gynecologist. I left her office a little numb.

I had the ultrasound the next day, a further MRI procedure, and then made the appointment with her recommended gynecologist as soon as possible after that. The gynecologist reviewed the test results, made her own examination and then referred me to a gynecological oncologist in Sarasota the same day. 

If I told you that Handsome and I were nervous, it would be an understatement. We were concerned, and Handsome attended every single examination and conference with every doctor after that initial checkup. He was in the room, holding my hand every step of the way and I'm so grateful he was. Because he heard everything that was said to me, we could discuss what we were told and keep each other from misunderstanding or misinterpreting anything.
The result of all these appointments was that I had major surgery on May 23rd to remove what so concerned three different professionals. We told our family and close friends ahead of the date. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to know that mine were not the only prayers asking for a positive outcome. During the surgery, everything was tested right away. Thankfully, it all proved to be non-malignant and the surgery was concluded without having to do anything else but heal. All of our prayers were answered.

The doctor gave me strict orders to "take it easy" until I'm healed in four weeks. Handsome is taking great care of me, making sure I follow all the instructions we were given. I still tire very easily, but I do try to spend a little time in the studio. I promise to get my blog back to normal just as soon as I'm able.
I'm not telling you all of this now for sympathy or recognition. In fact, had this resolved any other way, I probably wouldn't have posted about it at all. (Remember, this blog is dedicated to Thoughts on a Joyful and Creative Life.) I would have kept the bad news to ourselves.

I want you to know because I had been feeling great prior to my April appointment. I really had no idea that there were things growing inside me that could have been life-threatening. I have gone for my annual appointments every single year since I turned 19...without fail. 

While I've been diligent, I'm aware that there are many women who don't get annual checkups. I would like to encourage you to make an appointment and make sure that you're healthy. It could save your life.
DonnaAcornSignature

30 comments:

  1. Gosh, Donna, thanks for sharing, and I'm thankful all is ok. Get plenty of rest and let your body heal.

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  2. I do have yearly check ups and I try to take care of myself. I'm so thankful everything is okay with you. Keep resting and get well! We love you! Twyla

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  3. So glad that we serve a God who still heals us...glad you are ok and are recovering well from your surgery...be sure to rest, we will be here when you are recovered.

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  4. So glad all has turned out well Donna,terrible time for you and handsome.Do as you are told now and rest up.
    Take care.much love from England.xx

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  5. Donna,so pleased things turned out OK in the end. Strange thing,but as soon as you metioned daVinci, I told my DH I thought there was somethng medically wrong. He thought I was being 'dramatic'. Like you, I take my DH with me to every consultation. I hope it's so he remembers everything that's said, but I tink he just likes flirting with the nurses. Tell Handsome to take good care of you, and I know Tag will be a great comfort. Sending healing thoughts your way. luv and Blessings Lesley

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  6. Glad to hear to hear that you are on the road to recovery. And thank you for reminding each one of us that we should make sure to take the time to take care of ourselves. Sending healing thoughts your way

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  7. Beautiful roses and best wishes for a nice, relaxing, speedy recovery.
    ~Tanya

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  8. Donna, I am so thankful to our Almighty God for your successful surgery and your alert physician for being on her toes when she examined you. I certainly missed your jovial blogs, but please take care of yourself and allow Handsome to tend you for just a bit. Hugs, Gloria

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  9. So grateful for a happy outcome. May you continue to heal, with each day bringing you closer to a complete recovery and return to normal activities. So thankful for Handsome's and Tag's watchful and loving care! Prayers and hugs for all!

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  10. Thank you Donna Dear for sharing and reminding us how important our own health and management of it is! You and Handsome side by side sharing in this together really was part of the good outcome. No stress for you my friend. Healing Gentle Hugs for full recovery will continue...
    Thank you God and Angels for keeping Donna and her family safe through this scare.

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  11. Well said Donna. I'm so glad you are ok and that they found the problem before it become critical. I too believe 100% in annual check-ups!

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  12. So happy to hear of your outcome. Your post is an important one and I'm glad you decided to share. Wishing you well.

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  13. I'm so glad your prayers were answered. What a scary experience. Thank Goodness too that the doctors took care of you so quickly. Take Care. :-)

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  14. So pleased that all is well. A timely reminder for us all, not to take life for granted

    Take care Sue

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  15. So glad to hear that you have had a favourable outcome Donna. Please do take care.

    xxx

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  16. Wishing you all the best for a safe and uneventful recovery, Donna. So pleased you were 'onto it' and keeping up with your check-ups.

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  17. I'm so glad to hear that you'll recover with rest and healing, Donna.
    It's always important to share these things with other women!
    I know Taggie and Handsome will take care of you- you are very loved!

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  18. Donna, so thankful that all is good and that you are healing. Take care of yourself. Sounds like you are in good hands. '-)

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  19. Donna... I am so glad you are on the path to healing... this is a scary ordeal..in my bestest mom voice... please take the time as you can only heal properly one time... after that it is all scar tissue and pain... please take the time to heal right the first time...best advice my doctor gave me...I know many ladies living with pain as they didn't take the time.... sending healing hugs.. and continued prayers.... Thanks for letting us know so we can send our prayers.... and encouragement..

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  20. rejoicing with you and your good health report!

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  21. Donna, I wish you the very best. Do exactly what they tell you to do. I had to re-adjust my life, rid myself of stress, and pay more attention to me. It's tough to do but you'll enjoy your life so much more. You're such a caring person. I wish you the very best.
    Mary

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  22. Dear Donna, Thank you for forwarding such good advice to all of us. Yearly check ups are so important for continued good health. Please share your wisdom and creativity with your blogs, as you are able. You inspire me and so many others every day. Blessings for a speedy recovery.

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  23. Thanks for sharing your story with all of your readers. It is an important lesson to not take your own health, and that of your family, for granted.
    Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
    Mandy, in the UK.

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  24. So glad everything turned out okay and you have a good man looking after you. Blessings. xx

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  25. I'm so glad to hear that you are on the mend. Thank you for the important message that we are all responsible for our own healthcare. The older I get, the more diligent I am about things that don't feel "right".
    Rest, rest, rest and let God's healing hand restore your health.
    Joyce

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  26. Thank goodness, you are on the mend now! Yes, it does bear reminding women to (if they can) get those yearly check ups!

    Hope you are feeling better! I really appreciate your Sunday post even more!

    hugzzzzz

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  27. Donna, I'm so happy to hear all is well with you. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but thankful there was no malignancy. Sending you hugs, my friend.

    xo
    Claudia

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  28. Still doing the happy bunny dance that you're ok.
    xx

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  29. Well, that had to be scary! I'm so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. I hope you're feeling like your old busy self again real soon.
    I know your guys are taking good care of you. Wish I was nearer so I could bring you food...and cookies...and salads, lots of salads. Oh & ice tea or lemonade...or a good stiff drink maybe??

    Gentle healing {{HUGS}}
    Rett

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  30. I am so sorry to hear about your recent health issues. I am also so happy that everything turned out to not be a worst case scenario and that with time you will be able to heal. Nice use of the Princess Bride quote. I hope you feel better soon.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna