(By Jess)

Birgie, I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I am sure for as long as you have known, this has been a real challenge. Please don't let that word cancer rule or define your life. I can tell you, cancer does not equal death. I work on a cancer floor, and see cancer of the larynx, tongue, floor of mouth, scalp, eye and breast. I have sent countless people home from the hospital after serious (sometimes 12 hour+) surgeries and they have gone on to live their lives. Their quality of life is good, and they are with their family and friends, and it was just what you said, "another one of life's challenges". Your family, friends will always be there for you, and know that the healthcare team that you will be instantly connected with, will embrace you and watch over you during your hysterectomy and post operatively. In terms of you having this surgery, can you divulge anymore information of the date (if yet made) and where? I would love to help out in anyway Birgie....though I work head/neck and plastic surgery, I work next to Urology/Gynecology/Oncology floor....plus, post operatively, I know what you should focus on in order to get back to feeling well, recovering and moving on in life. I do want to mention that it would impact your recovery in a positive fashion if you continued losing weight, because you will need to use real energy for recovery. Do you know the surgical method they will use? Well, I am here, and I hope I can be of some help.

Mom, sorry to hear Sadie is sick in the hospital. Has she been diagnosed yet? Just diarrhea, or any other problems? She has the BEST mommy, so she will pull through. And congrats on losing all that weight! It is GREAT that you and dad are eating well for whatever reason...just that you are both doing it and it is working!

I had another mixed green salad with tom, peppers, avocado, broc sprouts and a natural dressing, and I made asparagus with cheese melted on top (little cheese)...today at work I had a PB&J sandwich on multi grain bread, cherries, banana, pear and a handful of peanuts. Just mostly grazed throughout the day though. I haven't weighed in today, and don't intend to until Monday. Matt and I are going camping Friday - Sunday, so we will both not be active in the blog, but I wish you all strength, power, and positive thinking (I am reading The Secret too Birgie!!! haha) and look forward to reconnecting on here when I get back!

Love and snuggles, Jess