Today I had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus) with oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) and salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes). This is a surgery that may or may not be required when one has hormone receptor + breast cancer. There are pros and cons to keeping them vs. removing them so it is important to talk through all the options if you find yourself in my situation. For me, they’ve got to go!
I recently returned to reading books, which I used to do often. I thank my patient who shared his own book and allowed me to return to taking time to sit down and read. I also thank my friend and colleague for inviting me to a book club where I’m reading a book I would have never chosen but am enjoying. I’m finding it peaceful and relaxing, taking me to new places such as New Caledonia.
Returning to reading has also led me to potentially join another book club offered by Nice News for the book, Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness + Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain.
This book parallels my blog, focusing on internal changes rather than external changes. A quote from the book:
"Although we're not all born equally happy, we can all become happier. Revolutionary findings in neuroscience have demonstrated that we can change our happiness setpoint. But it's not through changing our external life. It's through changing our internal landscape."
Since my colonoscopy, I've had some new found energy! I think a cleanse does a body good. Also news of no polyps or sign of cancer gives some relief as my familial risk of colon cancer was much higher than my risk of breast cancer (only 15% chance on my genetic testing).
With this new found energy, I was able to begin resistance training. We went to the gym and worked out our legs today.
