On turning 43: Welcome to Exile
by Exile From Hysteria
Tonight I officially welcomed exile.
I marked the occasion with a small birthday cake bearing the image of an angry uterus. In a few short days, a hysterectomy will remove mine.
Somehow turning 43 was more of a milestone than I expected.
Some would say I’m starting out this new year on a bad foot. That getting a hysterectomy seven days in is just terrible form.
I disagree.
The last two months have been beyond enlightening. I’ve had tough discussions about babies with the man I love. Made gut-wrenching decisions about my future. Opened up to share my vulnerabilities with strangers. Allowed myself to accept help from friends.
Along the way, something funny happened.
I got stronger.
More than you’ll ever know.
So in a way, this hysterectomy, the twisting pain from the endometriosis, is all a blessing.
With this in mind, I thought hard about my birthday wish as Matt pushed candles in the cake.
I closed my eyes, reflected on the upcoming few days, and blew the candles out.
I’m pretty sure that wish will come true.
BRAVISSIMA!!!! And a very happy birthday!
Hugs,
Karen
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Thanks so much, darlin. I’m ready for the next leg of this journey!!!
What a beautiful post! Happy Birthday!!!
Thanks so much! Hugs!!
Fantabulous!!! Jillian, my sweet friend, you have always been that strong, and I’m so happy for you that this support helped to let it rise to the top!! Hugs and love!
Thanks so much Char. Your support and encouragement has meant the world to me!!!
Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a fantastic year!
Thanks so much. And wishing you continued recovery!!
hap-hap-happpppy birthday!!!
you’re going to rock this bitch. 43 has no idea what it’s in for. xxx
Oh girl. I wanna hug you til you squeal!!!! Thanks so much. It’s already feeling like an awesome year. *Smooch*
Happy birthday!
Thanks Sally!
I wish you the best possible outcomes, my dear, and so much peace, peace, peace. I also hope that you get another amazeballs hysterectomy cake; Jen, who runs Cake Wrecks, inspired me long ago with these. Enjoy! xo, Chanel – Endo Sucks! http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2009/7/1/considering-the-uterus.html and this: http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2012/5/10/just-in-time-for-mothers-day-10-uterus-cakes.html
The countdown has begun, a new day, a new you is but a few sunsets away. I am happy for you and I am nervous for you. Everything will be fine. I remember that morning quite vivid. My surgery wasn’t scheduled until 3pm that day, I had been fasting since midnight but I wasn’t a bit hungry, because the ever constant pain, from my betraying uterus, was keeping me focused on what lie ahead and that relief would soon come….and it will for you. Remain positive, stay inspired and aim for the big picture….and of course keep us posted.
Thanks so much. It’s hard to believe the surgery is just a few short days away. At this point, I’m just going with the flow. I know what I need to do. Big hugs!!
As we both struggle with a hard decision like an impending hysterectomy, I find it odd that we are both having Hysterectomies within days of our birthdays.
Hugs to you darlin. Wishing you a speedy recovery.