Let’s Talk “Change”
By mommy of many™. Filed in children, encouragement, faith, family life, kids, military, miltary spouse, mom, sharing, thanks |Tags: blessings, children, decision, decisions, endometriosis, family life, kids, military, military spouse, mom, Mommy of Many, mommyofmany, sharing, surgery
In the last month I’ve said that the new year was going to bring change to the Lang Clan and that I’d talk about it as we went along. I’ve let you know about Clay’s orders for a year to Iraq. Now it’s time to touch on another subject. I’ve been waiting to talk about this because I wanted more info before I presented it. Now I have the info and dates I need.
For the last few months I’ve been talking to doctors and having ultrasounds and appointments because of endometriosis. It’s something I’ve dealt with since JJ was born,but our children have been close enough together that the symptoms had been curbed. I’ve been on hormone therapy twice, when we had bigger spaces and the symptoms would come back. When I stopped nursing Luke-Xavier, back in August, I noticed that my pain came back. Over the last 5 months everything has picked up rather quickly. After speaking with my doctor and having my options laid out before me, I’ve made the decision to have a hysterectomy. I made this decision based on knowing that Clay is going to be gone for a year, that my symptoms have rapidly gotten worse and knowing that I need to be whole and healthy for myself and my children while I am the primary caregiver. BUT, I thought I would have my appointment yesterday and then have a month or so to prepare myself, emotionally and mentally. Nope! I am having surgery next Tues. That’s right! So much for any preparing or planning! After 20 hours of emotional highs and lows, I am getting my head around it all and can see that sooner is better. With Clay leaving in May, we need to be able to have me recover and feel strong and healthy before we are dealing with all the emotions and paperwork of his leaving.
When I say I’m Doing the Dance, I mean it! There is always some sort of Dance to be done over here!
Since finding out about all of this and getting the word out, I have to say that I am amazingly blessed with the people in my life! I have women from my spouse’s club, women from the neighborhood, women from bible study, women from school and even moms of my older kid’s friends, offering to help. Wow! I know that everything will go as planned and that I will be fine and that my family will be fine. I will take you along the journey with me and let you know how this all plays out. It’s a new phase of my life!
If any of you have had this experience I’d love to hear about it! Please share!
Have a beautiful and blessed day~
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 at 3:56 pm |
Hi Jen,
Wow, what a mix of emotions.
On one hand, I am glad that there will be a relief from pain for you. On the other hand, your womb will be leaving your body and that is a great loss. Your womb has brought you many wonderful joys in life, but now it is time for it to retire.
Sometimes I think it’s easier for surgeries to happen quickly so you don’t have too much time to be anxious about it. It will happen and you and your family and friends will get through it. I’m confident that you will come out of it stronger and better, if that is really possible
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 at 4:26 pm |
I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I haven’t gone through this but I’ve dealt with a ton of female issues over the years. After working in public health for so many years, it’s important to take care of you and it sounds like this is the best decision for your health. Wishing you a speedy recovery and glad you have a good network of support down there.
PS–Great blog. As a writer and blogger, I love checking out other people’s blogs!
-Therese
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 at 5:27 pm |
Prayers for you, Jen. There must be a whole bunch of emotions right now, but one thing I know is that you are strong & are able to see the good in all things (even the hard things). I hope the operation will go smoothly.
Wednesday, February 4th 2009 at 8:09 pm |
Your life is so blessed. I know this wont be the easiest thing you’ve ever done…but you’re right, everything will go according to plan.
I love you SO much sister xoxoxo
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 12:26 am |
Hey Jen! I had a full hysterectomy and oopherectomy last January, and it was the BEST thing I have ever done. I suffered from policystic ovaries, hormonal migraines, and had endometriosis ALLLLLLL OVER the place. It’s wonderful to not be in all that pain now!! It’s a HUGE change on your body, but with the right hormones and such, it’s not terrible. A year later I have no idea why I didn’t have it done sooner! At least we can be thankful and grateful we have had beautiful children before having to have something like this done. I’ll be here if you need an ear, or a cup of sugar, bottle of wine, dryer, parmesean cheese, etc!
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 12:32 am |
Thanks for sharing your experience Dawn! I will remind Clay to knock on your door with any “odd” requests!
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 1:36 am |
WOW!!! I will be praying for you and everyone! I remember you telling me about this, and I’ve had lots of friends who had this and had the operation done and are so happy to be rid of the pain. I love you and am here if you need anything!
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 1:51 am |
To my dear little Jennie, you haveexceeded all my hopes for you.
Don’t let this throw you, as you can see, you are not alone!
Dad and I are praying for all of it. We will pray that our merciful God guides the hands of the surgeon and that you are back in the saddle quickly! But, I absolutely forbid you from carrying anything heavier than a loaf of bread for at least a month!!! No joke, don’t mess up that incision by being the carrying fool that I know you have always been! Luke and Gabi can walk for a month or two and if you have to exert yourself to spank a poopie child let Daddy do it!
Praying for a small miracle to be with you next week. It wouldn’t take much to get me there and back but right now I don’t even have the”not much”. Love you , your old Mom
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 3:14 am |
Our prayers are with you Jen.
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 10:55 am |
He sweetie,
I too had a hysterectomy a little less than a year ago…I would love to share with you my experience> With all the wonderful support you have (Including lil ole me clear across the country) I am sure you will come through this with amazing courage and strength!! I love you!!
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 1:46 pm |
My Sweet Jen.
From One Mama to another~ You Are Blessed.
Stay POsitive and know that there are endless amounts of LOve Coming your way.
This is a Step in the right direction for you and your family.
xoxoxo
Thursday, February 5th 2009 at 8:01 pm |
Hi Jen,
I’m just “up the street” if you need anything. Really. Just call! In the mean time we’ll be praying for you.
Tuesday, February 10th 2009 at 2:12 am |
Jen,
I wish you all the best. I’m sure your surgery is going to go very well and I hope it’s as painless as possible. If you ever need anything – now or while Clay is deployed, just ask and I’m there.
Love,
Gabe
Wednesday, February 11th 2009 at 12:24 am |
Jen,
You might not remember me but I met you when Clay was deployed last year with my boyfriend. I’ve been following this blog for the last several months. You’re an incredible inspiration to me and you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all you’ve done and written… you’ve helped me a lot in ways you’ll never know.
God bless.