Easy-peasy, routine, pain-muted ta-ta diminuendo surgery, Susan!

Surgery~ma, Susan. I've known other women who have had this and said it was life-changing.

JZ, I'm sorry your diagnosis isn't better. I am thinking of you and praying for you. I am glad your doctor is someone who made a point of reminding you that everyone responds differently.

When C was first diagnosed with Crohn's, he usually had infusions along with another patient at his original gastro's practice. It was a different person every time, but they were older and their outlook was often grim. C is a positive person. One woman insisted upon sharing her horror stories, until I finally said, "You need to stop. He does not need listen to this."

On the way home from that appointment, I told him to remember that his Crohn's is his own, and no one else's. All those other patients were diagnosed before the treatments that are common today were even in use. He shouldn't take their experiences, or even current statistics, as a meaningful prediction for himself.

So that's what I hope you'll remember: you are an individual. This is no one's diagnosis but yours, and no one will have the same experience that you have. No one else's journey can predict yours. No one's response to treatment will be the same as yours.

When I worked at Mass. General, one of the older buildings had a "Medical Arts Building" sign over an archway. I always try to remember that while medicine is science, it's art, too. Love you.

So that's what I hope you'll remember: you are an individual. This is no one's diagnosis but yours, and no one will have the same experience that you have. No one else's journey can predict yours. No one's response to treatment will be the same as yours.

When I worked at Mass. General, one of the older buildings had a "Medical Arts Building" sign over an archway. I always try to remember that while medicine is science, it's art, too. Love you.

Oh, this. How beautifully said, Cindy. And JZ, sending you hugs through the internets. I will be in SF in April and hope to be able to give you a big hug then if you're up for it.

ETA: Susan, just read Beep Me, and I wish you all the best. I, too, have heard from women that it's a life-changing operation in the best possible way.

Surgery~ma, Susan.

Cindy is wise, JZ.

Fingers crossed all goes well with your surgery, Susan.

Cindy, that is wisdom and truth. Thank you for expressing it so beautifully.

Sending you all kinds of smooth surgery and recovery ~ma Susan.

Timelies all!

Happy birthday msbelle!

Surgery~ma, Susan.

Cindy, thank you. I’m scared shitless, though. I’ve lost ten pounds since the last time I checked. I can’t get more than a few sips or bites of anything down before feeling bloated. Nothing is appetizing. And tomorrow’s a holiday; I can’t even begin to get any forward momentum on referrals and appointments and second opinions until Tuesday.

JZ, I'm sorry. That all sucks so much. I know Covid and the holidays made everything difficult at hospitals, but this feels like such a long time between detection and taking care of the damned cancer. I would be scared, too. I don't know if they'll give you anti-anxiety meds on top of opioids, but don't be afraid to ask. Your fear is grounded in your diagnosis, but I'm all for not feeling fear.

How is Matilda?