Information sandwich. Mmmm.

July 17, 2008

When I was in school, I learned the “sandwich” technique of broaching sensitive subjects – you know, where you have a light-hearted intro, then the main topic you’d rather not discuss, followed by a positive close. This was a good thing to learn, because as most of you know, I tend to just get right to the point without mercy – which blind-sides people at times. (Hey, bluntness is a virtue in my book and I don’t like to waste time pussyfooting around.)

Ok, here we go with today’s menu: A big, hastily-made sandwich, loaded with non-sequiter.

Hehehehe… I *love* Mutts Comics. :)

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(Aright, now insert clumsy segue here…)

My doctors and I have been getting to the bottom of my Crimson Tide issues. Last week I had a biopsy done to my uterus and they found numerous pre-cancerous cells. The medical term for the condition is called “complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia” and as far as hyperplasias go, this is the one you don’t want to have.

Not to get all dramatic here, but 20-50% percent of the women diagnosed with this are found to have invasive malignant cancer growing once the doctors get in there for a good look around. My local gynecologist (whom I absolutely love, adore and trust with the care of my body parts that I absolutely love and adore as well) is recommending a complete hysterectomy as soon as possible. He has referred me to a gynecology oncologist so we can learn more.

So. I am scheduled to go Iowa City next week for more tests and exploratory stuff and whatever is learned will decide the next step.

Besides the initial mention of the dreaded “cancer” word, the timing on this could not be more inconvenient. Jer and his sister are leaving for RAGBRAI on Saturday and they will be gone on the bike ride for the entire week. I’ve told him that I want him to go (in fact, insisting that he does), but I would leave the decision up to him. Thankfully, he and Linda have decided to go ahead as planned, which is a huge load off my mind. He’s been training SO hard for a whole year and there’s no way I want to be the rain on that parade!

I don’t know how to explain it other than to say that if he canceled the trip it would be more stress inducing and would invite such levels of unhealthy guilt – both of which are things I don’t need, now or ever.

Frankly, my intuition is telling me that the timing is perfect – it just doesn’t seem that way when human-made schedules are involved. I feel in my heart that I’m supposed to experience this part of the journey on my own because I am going to learn a lot and I would be too distracted if others were included.

So, that’s that. I will let you all know how the next round of tests go, ok? Send me some good energy if you can spare some.

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(Insert second clumsy, segue here.)

Hey, it’s my sandwich! And Swiss cheese is my favorite. :wink:

~ xoxOXox

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Comments

7 Responses to “Information sandwich. Mmmm.”

  1. Donna on July 17th, 2008 7:05 pm

    Every positive thought/prayer I know is headed in your direction. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and although it’s not a walk in the park; not the worst thing I’ve ever experienced either. You may want to take notes/record your meeting with the doctor because the amount of information does tend to be overwhelming.

  2. Drunkbunny on July 18th, 2008 6:27 am

    I’m sorry about the bad news but so grateful your condition was found! Please keep us posted on whatever you feel up to sharing.

  3. Bunnytude » Fingers crossed for an online friend on July 18th, 2008 6:30 am

    [...] Christine needs our positive thoughts now, as she spends the next few weeks going through surgery and tests to find out if she has cancer. Please send thoughts, prayers, whatever positive energy you have. [...]

  4. Omnibus Driver on July 18th, 2008 9:39 am

    You head to the top of my prayer list… with a bullet. As you know, my family is no stranger to the “C” word.

    Your friend Donna is correct — take notes. Even better, take a level-headed family member or friend with you. One thing I’ve learned is that once you hear the word “cancer,” any other information the docs try to give you just bounces off your cranium and into outer space.

    I’ll be keeping you close in my thoughts.

  5. Barbara on July 18th, 2008 7:29 pm

    Stay strong, ((((((Christine)))))). You have TONS of support out here. We’ve all seen prayers work miracles. I hope you get your own miracle.

    BIG HUGS.

    Barb

  6. Cyrus on July 20th, 2008 7:44 am

    Came here via the Drunk Bunny….and I just happen to have some positive vibes to spare, so I’m sendin’ ‘em to you. :grin:

  7. Christine on July 22nd, 2008 8:35 am

    You’re in my thoughts, Christine. Sending good health waves your way.

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