Thoughts on Cancer Survival and Recovery

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Abstract

to full strength. The time I spent on bed rest and otherwise taking it slow was well spent. Once my uterus was removed, the rest of my insides moved around to take up the space created, and it was essential to let them do that without further stress or strain. If you have surgery, follow doctors’ orders as you recover.</li><li>A sharp pain I felt in the uterus was the first sign of the cancer. The next signs were a thickening in my waist and light bleeding. All of these signs were subtle, and I had to talk about them to the doctor several times before being referred to a specialist. If you have concerning symptoms, be persistent with your doctor until you get the attention you need.</li><li>There are muscles that get parted when you are pregnant and may not go back together again. This can lead to an unsightly bump and, I think, also weakness in that area. I have asked every doctor for the past 30 years or so what that bump was, and it wasn’t until yesterday at the physio’s office that I learned what it is and that there are exercises I can do to help counter it. This had nothing to do with the cancer but is something I learned because

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I went to see a specialist who knows her stuff about the female body. If you have had a pregnancy and notice that your midsection isn’t what it used to be, consider talking to someone who understands how the muscles are supposed to go back together.</li></ol>I’m happy I’m having so much success as I progress toward recovery. I am maintaining a positive attitude and availing myself of the available resources. I believe my attitude and efforts are going to make a difference. I will keep writing about it and let you know how it goes. Please feel free to drop any questions you may have in the comments.I’m a retired community organizer and grandmother of two delightful children. I’ve been gardening organically for over 50 years, and I plan to publish something every day this year about growth-related things, using the kicker “365 Days in the Garden.”So far, I haven’t missed a day. I hope you will join me in this new venture by subscribing to receive emails whenever something I write gets published. You can do that <a href="https://candacelarue.medium.com/subscribe">here</a>.</article></body>

I’m learning every step of the way.

My home “gym” Photo by Author

Yesterday, I met with the final professional I wanted to include in my recovery plans. I had surgery for endometrial cancer. 11 weeks ago and had my follow-up visit with the surgeon last week.

Everything is going as it should be regarding the recovery from the surgery, and all the news has been good. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect, though. By the time I finally had a diagnosis in June, I was getting sicker by the day. I had given up most of the physical activity I was accustomed to regularly doing. Then, I needed at least six weeks of recovery from the surgery. All in all, I’ve lost a lot of muscle tone and stamina.

I learned things yesterday that I didn’t know before and was reminded of other important issues that might help others.

It is going to take a while to get back to full strength. The time I spent on bed rest and otherwise taking it slow was well spent. Once my uterus was removed, the rest of my insides moved around to take up the space created, and it was essential to let them do that without further stress or strain. If you have surgery, follow doctors’ orders as you recover.

A sharp pain I felt in the uterus was the first sign of the cancer. The next signs were a thickening in my waist and light bleeding. All of these signs were subtle, and I had to talk about them to the doctor several times before being referred to a specialist. If you have concerning symptoms, be persistent with your doctor until you get the attention you need.

There are muscles that get parted when you are pregnant and may not go back together again. This can lead to an unsightly bump and, I think, also weakness in that area. I have asked every doctor for the past 30 years or so what that bump was, and it wasn’t until yesterday at the physio’s office that I learned what it is and that there are exercises I can do to help counter it. This had nothing to do with the cancer but is something I learned because I went to see a specialist who knows her stuff about the female body. If you have had a pregnancy and notice that your midsection isn’t what it used to be, consider talking to someone who understands how the muscles are supposed to go back together.

I’m happy I’m having so much success as I progress toward recovery. I am maintaining a positive attitude and availing myself of the available resources. I believe my attitude and efforts are going to make a difference. I will keep writing about it and let you know how it goes. Please feel free to drop any questions you may have in the comments.

I’m a retired community organizer and grandmother of two delightful children. I’ve been gardening organically for over 50 years, and I plan to publish something every day this year about growth-related things, using the kicker “365 Days in the Garden.”

So far, I haven’t missed a day. I hope you will join me in this new venture by subscribing to receive emails whenever something I write gets published. You can do that here.