Saturday, June 18, 2016

A Happy Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Things are going well so far although you won't be seeing any photos of me for a while - it's called vanity!
My incision is healing under the glue, but it will be a long while before it becomes just a faded scar. It will also be a couple of weeks before I'm even permitted to have anything cover my throat, such as a high necked top, or even a lightweight scarf. . . . . .my collection sits waiting in the drawer. . . . .meanwhile v-necked tops are being utilized.

Anesthesia is always strange. Prior to the disappearance of life around you within a few seconds, then a strange voice shouting in your ear, "Mary, wake up", hours have passed in which you have gone some place else. For me three and half hours 'under' brought changes in the world I will never know about.

This morning, sitting here in the gazebo, my 'happy place', I'm so very thankful for the excellent care I received in the hospital. 
Yesterday was a difficult day, I just didn't feel right. I'm on a lot of new meds, and I can only eat soft foods because my throat is sore and swallowing somewhat difficult. Yogurt and oatmeal are good but now I'm craving a fresh salad and some crunchy toast.

Yesterday, late afternoon, the call came with very good news - pathology report showed no sign of cancer in my thyroid or the five nodules. Thankful doesn't seem a strong enough word but that's what I am. When one is already a cancer survivor anything suspect always brings on worry and concern until given the all clear.

So here I am, still in my pjs and robe - it's allowed this week - listening to beautiful birdsong and Irish music at the same time!

I took these photos of my little garden in the morning sunlight, with a
 gentle breeze rustling through the trees, perfect temperature and no humidity!
Full of thanks? You bet I am. 



I loathe narcissism, but approve of vanity. . . . . . . Diana Vreeland



Again, thank you so much for all your good wishes. 
You, my blog friends, are the best friends, and I love you all.



37 comments:

  1. So glad you are healing and the prognosis is entirely positive, Mary! xo

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  2. Just found your blog today but let me add my good wishes to your thankful news. Catriona in Scotland

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    1. Cartriona (I love your name!), I'm so happy you found me and thank you for your good wishes. I'm rarely 'out of commission' so this relaxing and being lazy is difficult for me - hope you visit again.

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  3. Well, it all sounds good dear Mary. Such beauty surrounds you. It's a good day.

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    1. Yes, and today, first day of Summer, I'm counting my many blessings Donna.

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  4. Dear Mary - I didn't get the slightest hint from your posts that there could be something worse lurking in your throat waiting to be discovered, so I am very relieved and delighted for you that all is well. Take care Mary, and much as you want to be on the go again, it is far better to just bide your time awhile.

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    1. I'm certainly blessed Rosemary, and trying to become comfy with being lazy!

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  5. What good news , that C word always lingers in our minds when a biopsy is needed and then an operation to remove what ever. Take each day as it comes. After my spinal operation, I was also on heavy medication and some days where good then I'd have a low day. Also after Anaesthetic the body takes time to get it out of the system, which can take it's toll . so take things easy and get well soon. enjoyed seeing the lovely photo shoot from your garden in tones of blue.

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    1. You are so right my dear - up and down days for sure.
      Thank you for your words - I can see you understand.
      Mary x

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  6. Take it east for as long as the doctor tells you. That path report sounds like a huge weight off your mind. Third chance at a good life? Enjoy every minute.

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    1. I plan to live a long time Louise - I've certainly been blessed in many ways, especially these past 25 years!
      Bob and I were just looking at photos of Darwin - I just know your apartment must be in one of those waterfront shots!
      Thank you for stopping by - Mary

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  7. Dear Mary, I am so glad to hear that the report was good! Trust me, you will feel better soon and that scar will fade. Hugs,
    Penny

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    1. It's going to be much bigger than I expected Penny - my neighbor kindly told me (joking?) that no one will notice it when I'm 98!!!!!!
      Love and hugs - Mary

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  8. Oh, what a feast for the eyes, Mary. Thank you for sharing your beautiful space. Wishing you comfort and healing. Hugs, Deb

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    1. Deb, wish you could join me here in the gazebo this afternoon - a lovely day for tea and a chat - no humidity either.
      I'm healing but it will take time - patience is not my best asset!
      Mary x

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  9. Such good news! Thanks for the update. I was thinking of you today. The healing will just come along quicker than you know. Hugs, m

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    1. Marilyn, I know how you've had to be patient with healing too - I hope I can be as good a patient as you must have been!
      Thanks for you hugs - they mean a lot right now.
      Mary x

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  10. I am so so happy for you that the results are good, Mary. Take good care of yourself and give yourself plenty of time to heal.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thank you Amalia - I'm behaving best I can!

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  11. Hi Mary....you just rest up and heal up and take all the time you need! I do so enjoy your blog and your posts....but also understand if you take some time to just recover! So glad the surgery went fine and the news/outcome was good!! That is great news! Hope you throat begins to feel better and you can eat more normally here very soon. GET WELL SOON! your new friend, Debbi

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    1. Debbi, you are very kind, thank you.
      'Lying low' is not something I'm good at but I'm learning because I so want to be back to normal asap!

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  12. Lovely, continue healing beautifully! ~ebh

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  13. Dear Mary, How difficult it must have been for you to have to wait for test results. Now you can really enjoy your beautiful garden. And beautiful it is.

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    1. Dearest - make sure you read today's post! I'm feeling good but don't like being so lazy!
      Thank you - Mary X

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  14. Mary, I've been out of the loop. I had no idea you had surgery and were facing this worry. I'm so relieved to read that the pathology report is positive. Take care, sweet friend. Get better real soon.

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    1. I'm coming along OK Sarah dear - thanks for your good wishes.
      Today I'm focusing on "the bag" - I'll be taking it on another trip late Summer so need to heal!
      Hugs - Mary

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  15. Love you so and am smiling ear to ear knowing you are well and recovering and in your happy place. Simply wonderful!

    Jane xxxxxx

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    1. Dear Jane, thank you - hopefully I'll look less ugly by the time we get together in Asheville! At least by then I will be permitted to wear a cute scarf!

      Doing well, trying to behave myself and follow post-op orders.

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  16. The garden is beautiful - but the news is more beautiful. So glad it all went well - we've been thinking about you during this time. Soon you'll be munching those crispy salads and maybe even a little toast. Take care and stay in your jammies all you want.

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    1. You are a lovely lady to have kept me close in thought JoAnn, thank you so much.
      I've not had crispy toast yet, or lettuce, but enjoyed a nice plate of frijoles negros and rice with grilled veggies last evening - fabulous after so much 'pappy' soft food!
      Today I showered, washed hair and dressed - feelin' SO good!

      Mary x

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  17. Adding my, very relieved, best wishes to everyone else's, thankful that the operation went well with no further complications. I know you'll make the most of the enforced R & R, I mean 3 days after the op and here you are doing a photo shoot worthy of a stylish lifestyle magazine.
    Love the blue hortensias!

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    1. I'm laughing Maggie - you are too kind! Aren't they lovely, blue in the garden is always so beautiful with all the green - but recall when we were young (in England) and they told us to never wear blue and green together? Phooey - they are Nature's bounty.

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  18. Well, I see that I have some serious catching up to do. I had forgotten that you were heading for surgery and I think that the last time I was visiting, it was in Ireland. So glad that you got the all clear. Soon you'll be able to return to being a fashion maven!

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  19. Here I am, backtracking. Nosey...yes, but mainly concerned for you and what you have been through. Those turtlenecks can wait, especially in this hot weather. Take in those blessed birdsongs. I love listening to them! xoxo

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  20. Mary, so glad you are healing adn everything is looking ok! One can;t take that for granted, certainly.

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