Saturday, July 9, 2011

The Story

When I posted back at the end of June that I would be taking a break because I wasn't feeling well, I expected that break to be brief. I thought my poor stomach was taking the brunt of my stress and just a little change in diet and a few probiotics would smooth things out and I'd be good to go.

Nothing, however, could have been farther from the truth. There has been nothing simple about this issue.While I thought this was the same as I had encountered last year, there were stark differences that I missed prolonging my agony. Instead of seeking medical attention I kept findinding one more solution to try hoping to avoid medical bills while we currently have no insurance.

By the wee hours of Monday morning, I had begun vomiting and could no longer deny I required a doctor's care so I allowed Dave to take me to the closest Emergency Room. Within a couple of hours a Cscan had been completed and read. There was no doubt I had a blockage in my bowels and surgery would be required for resolution.

By 1 o'clock that afternoon, i was in surgery beginning a battle for my life. The resulting story has all of the usual twists and turns that seem to haunt me. While I had hoped that this post would bring you all up to date, yet another curve ball has been thrown my way. Instead of heading home to recuperate, I will be headed back to surgery and I find myself telling you, yet again, that details will follow.

In the meantime know behind this current fork in the road lies the word we all dread most, the C word. I have been diagnosed with colan cancer.It is not the diagnosis itself that threatens most. Th.e prognosis is pretty good,considering. It is those twists turns along the way that provide the chaos. While I thought we were coming out the other side of that, it is now painfully obvious that inot the case.

There's no way that such a diagnosis cannot spill it'w way over into my horse life. Implications of such are overwhelming wrapped up with Dave's unemployment issues. I think it's going to be quite a ride.

In the meantime, Dave, Lindsay and I are each immensely grateful for the support that has come from you, my blogging friends. I will update as I can and hopefully the gaps won't be as long as to require me twisting Dave's arm.

Currently drugs have the best of me so this has to be it for me. Please forgive lack of pics and drug drrbbling banter. It's the best I've got...........

42 comments:

  1. Very sorry to hear of all your troubles. None of that is any fun at all - sending good wishes and thoughts. I have a good friend - the man who teaches me recorder - who is a colon cancer survivor, as is my mother in law. Hope all goes well with the next surgery - focus on your healing and the rest will sort itself out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh MiKael, I am so so very sorry; you have been so strong and inspiring that it seems unfair for you to have to be dealing with this as well. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for a speedy recovery ... hugs

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh MiKael, I'm so sorry to hear this! Have a virtual hug (better than the real kind because they won't hurt your incision!) and please let us know if there's anything we can do to help!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You and your family are in my thoughts and I wish you all the best. I hope your surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery and are home soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Prayers for you and your family. Sending healing thoughts for a quick recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh. Crap. MiKael. I'm so sorry to hear your diagnosis.

    You're in our thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so glad you have your horses to help you cope and heal emotionally.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sorry you are fighting this battle , but you are an amazing woman and so strong! Love hugs and prayers.If there is anything I can do, please let me know

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for letting us know what is going on. But I don't know how you manage to do it, Mikael. Even in the face of a terrible diagnosis and much pain and suffering, while facing a future of uncertainty, you still manage to be a talented story teller with your famous cliff hangers.
    Best wishes with your next surgery and I hope it helps provide a better prognosis.

    Hang in there,
    ~Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh damn. I'm so sorry, MiKael. Is there anything we can do to help? Know that we're praying hard for you and Dave both. Sending hugs your way too. If there's anything at all we can possibly do, don't hesitate to speak up.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So so sorry to hear that diagnosis. Hang in there and know that all your friends out here in blogger land are pulling for you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, MiKael - I am so sorry this is happening but very glad you are under a doctors care now. Hang in there, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Prayers for healing! You are a strong person, you can beat this.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh MiKael, you are definitely in my prayers. I was concerned not hearing from you, but now I really am. Do whatever you can to get healthy. I am sending all the best wishes I possibly could.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I hope your upcoming surgery gets rid of the problem and you are on your way to healing fully. I will keep you in my prayers. In fact, I'll increase my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh Mikael! You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. BIG HUG!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Non-stop knee mail continues for you from our corner of the world MiKael. And Dave, Lindsey, the horses and other residents out there.

    Much love from us!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for taking the time to update us, Mikael. I'll be praying for you, too. Sending a hug to you right now.

    ReplyDelete
  19. i am glad the prognosis is good.

    i am not glad that you and your family are going through this. if i were closer, i'd offer to come help with the horses. thats a lot of work when you're feeling well - i can't even begin to imagine.

    we're all here in the computer, sending you support and a willing ear so don't go all stoic and upper stiff lip - feel free to unload.

    sending healing vibes from Vegas.
    -Suzi

    ReplyDelete
  20. I commented last night but guess it didn't go through.

    I'm so sorry to hear about this. I wish you and your family all the best and know you will be in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  21. :(

    And I thought your recent rides on Storm were bad, this is the worst ride of all. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  22. MiKael, sorry to hear this diagnosis but now that you know what the problem is you'll be able to concentrate on overcoming it. Stay strong, my friend. My thoughts are with you, Dave and Lindsay.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so sorry to hear this news, but I know you CAN beat this! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs,
    DJ

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so sorry!! Good thoughts and a LOT of ((HUGS!!)) to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh No! Thats horrible news, but glad the prognosis is good. Will be keeping you in my prayers as well here. Let us all know if there is anything we can do.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Such terrible news--I will pray for your swift recovery.

    My grandfather had colon cancer and needed several surgeries, but he beat it and lived a good long time afterwards, and I know you can too. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I read your blog almost everyday, and I love your stories. I've never left a comment till today. I am so sorry to hear about this. My prayers are with you and your family. You are a wonderful person, all your readers abd friends are pulling for you and hoping the best for you.
    Stephanie IN

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am so sorry to hear this. My love, prayers and hugs to you and Dave and Lindsay. Keep looking forward and do keep us informed.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and will be thinking of you and Dave. Colon Cancer is one of the more cureable cancers out there, which is good. My Mom had that cancer...she always said that two things (in addition to the yucky radiation, chemo & surgery) that really helped her was taking a tumeric supplement (found at any health store) and cutting out sugar entirely. And the best cure of all will be to give your horses hugs every day. :) I just know you will come through this in flying colors...all of your blog fans', friends and family's prayers are with you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Well. SH&%.

    I saw this last night and decided to wait until morning so I could post something uplifting and maybe raise your spirits a little....

    But I still can't think of anything other than SH&%. :(

    Thinking of you today, and trying to figure out if there's anything tangible I can do to help.

    ReplyDelete
  31. MiKael- you have a strong internet support group and as many have said- let us know how we can help! There may be a lot of distance between each of us, but you would be surprised at what can be done. If nothing else- it can give you a bit of breathing room so you can focus on getting better.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and the doctors.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Mikael -

    I'm happy to hear from you, but I'm so so sorry to hear about your awful expereinces the past few weeks. Just know that we're all here for you, and that you're in my thoughts and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so sorry that recovery didn't go as expected and that you have to face another surgery MiKael.

    Dave, I hope you and Lindsey are holding up okay as well. So much on you all's plate right now. If there is anything we in bloggerland can do to help, please don't hesitate to post.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm hoping you will have a complete recovery, no matter what the diagnosis.

    A few years ago my father had the same diagnosis, blockage, C word. When they did surgery, they found out they were wrong. He has fully recovered, and at 79 still runs and works out every day and goes scuba diving. He acts like he'll live to be 100.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'll be rooting for you MiKael! Stay tough!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. MiKael, I have been reading your blog for almost 2 years. You are an amazingly strong person. You have dealt with so much in your life. You are an inspration. To stay so strong and not let anything beat you down makes you my hero. I know you will fight hard against this and come out on the other side a winner yet again. Fight hard MiKael. Don't back down. You are loved by so many. We are all rooting for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us updated as you can.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am so sorry Mikael! I have been so busy with horse shows, that I missed what has been going on. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and praying for a speedy recovery!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am so very, very sorry to hear this. It is, of course, a blessing that you wound up in the hospital and they found it when they did. I will pray for you and your family (furballs too).

    Hopefully, you can avoid chemo, but if you can't then just plan to kick cancer right in the boo-tay sistafriend! I made it through the Big C, multiple surgeries, and chemo and you can too (and the horses are awesome therapy ;o)

    Hang in there girl; we're praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love reading Kate's inspiring words! Sending Loving positive thoughts your way!

    ReplyDelete
  41. We're lifting you up from here. Be well!

    ReplyDelete