Before I dig into a vulnerable life update, I have a few timely items I’d like to share: The SmartDreams app has been a lifesaver for our family lately - my kids love selecting the elements in their AI generated stories, I find the stories soothing and relaxing, and it’s become our go-to during bedtime, while in transit, or waiting in lines. My only regret is not downloading it sooner (like when we were at Disney!). It’s completely free and
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and pain. It must be terrifying to worry about taking care of your parent while taking care of yourself. I just wanted to share that I had a histerectomy about 7 years ago at 45 and it was the best thing I did. My case was not as complex but it was partial they left ovaries so I wouldn’t go straight to menopause since my ovaries were still working. I preferred to take all to reduce risk of cancer. It was the best thing because before inhas terrible cramps, constant uti infections and periods that were like miscarriages. Awful. I had a great recovery and did not feel like I lost anything, on the contrary it was liberating. I was never able to carry pregnancy so I adopted our son. My only other counsel is to find refuge in your kids and family and the blessing of being close and able to spend time and provide care. It is so hard when you are far away. Also I was
Close to my cousin who had terminal cancer at my same age. His sister took care of his support despite loving far and they found a doula that was wonderful and specialized kn helping those facing end of life and their caregivers. It was a great support to help prepare them and navigate the difficult times.
I'm sorry this is a trying time, Hitha, and that you're facing some major physical changes. I totally know what you mean about staying in your comfort hole a bit longer—and you have every right to give yourself a break. Thinking of you, and I know you will love yourself as best you can through all of this.
Hi Hitha! I’m a surgical RN and also have had a hysterectomy with everything removed except my ovaries. I can tell
you personally and professionally that you are SO much more than your organs! At the end of the day they’re only small (yes, surprisingly small) pieces of tissue that do not define you as a woman. Life is just as great without them, including intimacy. I see so many of my patients facing the same fears you shared and so many of them feel much better after surgery. If I can help any further please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best my dear!
Sending you so much love and well wishes! Your grace, honesty and vulnerability where juggling so much heaviness is inspiring. I truly believe that sometimes we need to lean into all that is comforting in the toughest moments even when we know we should do "better." Better is whatever you need to feel safe and loved at the time. Thank you for sharing so much of your life, even the hard stuff
I also had a tremendous health event this month and have been stuck and it's been...a thing trying to get out of it. I always look forward to your letter. Hopefully both of us will be able to pull ourselves out of it - even if it's clawing and scraping and by the skin of our teeth.
Oh Honey. I’m so very sorry and blanketing you in love and hugs. The road ahead is indeed filled with immense challenges, but you will overcome. I know you will. And we are all here to prop you up and support. Love, Susan
Sending you all the hugs, H. Tash and I are here in any way we can help, and a member of my family went through a h-omy so she's happy to help where she can too.
Thank you so much for sharing! This time of life when you're raising children and needed by aging parents, and somehow not disappearing in the middle, is especially challenging and other stories really help ❤️
Thank you for your openness here. I'm also not ok, and it's been so lonely to feel like no one else is in this phase. I'm sorry for where you are, grateful you have hope, and appreciative of your willingness to share.
I appreciate your vulnerability so much - you're an inspiration. Thinking of you, sending you all the love, and you truly have a whole community rooting for you!
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and pain. It must be terrifying to worry about taking care of your parent while taking care of yourself. I just wanted to share that I had a histerectomy about 7 years ago at 45 and it was the best thing I did. My case was not as complex but it was partial they left ovaries so I wouldn’t go straight to menopause since my ovaries were still working. I preferred to take all to reduce risk of cancer. It was the best thing because before inhas terrible cramps, constant uti infections and periods that were like miscarriages. Awful. I had a great recovery and did not feel like I lost anything, on the contrary it was liberating. I was never able to carry pregnancy so I adopted our son. My only other counsel is to find refuge in your kids and family and the blessing of being close and able to spend time and provide care. It is so hard when you are far away. Also I was
Close to my cousin who had terminal cancer at my same age. His sister took care of his support despite loving far and they found a doula that was wonderful and specialized kn helping those facing end of life and their caregivers. It was a great support to help prepare them and navigate the difficult times.
I'm sorry this is a trying time, Hitha, and that you're facing some major physical changes. I totally know what you mean about staying in your comfort hole a bit longer—and you have every right to give yourself a break. Thinking of you, and I know you will love yourself as best you can through all of this.
Hi Hitha! I’m a surgical RN and also have had a hysterectomy with everything removed except my ovaries. I can tell
you personally and professionally that you are SO much more than your organs! At the end of the day they’re only small (yes, surprisingly small) pieces of tissue that do not define you as a woman. Life is just as great without them, including intimacy. I see so many of my patients facing the same fears you shared and so many of them feel much better after surgery. If I can help any further please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best my dear!
Anne-Marie H.
Sending you so much love and well wishes! Your grace, honesty and vulnerability where juggling so much heaviness is inspiring. I truly believe that sometimes we need to lean into all that is comforting in the toughest moments even when we know we should do "better." Better is whatever you need to feel safe and loved at the time. Thank you for sharing so much of your life, even the hard stuff
I also had a tremendous health event this month and have been stuck and it's been...a thing trying to get out of it. I always look forward to your letter. Hopefully both of us will be able to pull ourselves out of it - even if it's clawing and scraping and by the skin of our teeth.
Good luck, friend.
Your coping with all that is happening is actually brilliant. Thank you for your authentic sharing of an imperfect life that we all live in!
Oh Honey. I’m so very sorry and blanketing you in love and hugs. The road ahead is indeed filled with immense challenges, but you will overcome. I know you will. And we are all here to prop you up and support. Love, Susan
Sending you all the hugs, H. Tash and I are here in any way we can help, and a member of my family went through a h-omy so she's happy to help where she can too.
Thank you so much for sharing! This time of life when you're raising children and needed by aging parents, and somehow not disappearing in the middle, is especially challenging and other stories really help ❤️
Thank you for your openness here. I'm also not ok, and it's been so lonely to feel like no one else is in this phase. I'm sorry for where you are, grateful you have hope, and appreciative of your willingness to share.
I appreciate your vulnerability so much - you're an inspiration. Thinking of you, sending you all the love, and you truly have a whole community rooting for you!
Sending you all the ♥️ and good vibes with 0 toxic positivity. ♥️♥️♥️
just wanted to send so much love to you!!