Hey Baby Girl –

Last week I sent this note to my family (aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, etc). Thought it would be good for your blog too, so we can look back and remember when “Lima” made her appearance – hopefully, soon I will write about her grand exit 🙂 as today she has grown, moved or something and I am in a LOT of pain:

Just a quick update on me –

A couple weeks ago I learned I have a relatively large fibroid tumor in my uterus making it about the size of someone who is 16-weeks pregnant. This “alien” inside my belly is symptomatic – giving me a constant sense of pressure in my belly, on my diaphragm and on my bladder. 🙂 Fun, eh? We call her “Lima” in our family (short for the scientific term “leiomyoma”) – everyone talks to her – patting her and saying things like, “Good morning April! Good morning Lima!” Or “Hi Mama! Hi Lima!” We were sitting in the front pew of church the other week – right in front of the Gospel Choir I usually sing with, and we were asked to say things we were grateful for. Maya lifted up my scarf, kissed my belly and said “Lima!” (She thinks Lima makes a good pillow). I quickly looked around to see who was watching, afraid the rumor mill might start cranking. Sure enough, “Nana Sherry” had her suspicious-looking eye on that whole interaction. Life’s a trip!!

After discussions I’ve had with my Drs and my Jim, I have decided to have a hysterectomy. Other treatments lead to many more complications, and Jim and I weren’t planning on having any more babies. I learned this morning that my surgery is scheduled for April 4 with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks.

Maybe a Happier Picture of “Lima” 🙂

I have no sadness or fear… Only gratefulness. I am very grateful for a very healthy body. This is just a relatively normal hiccup in the trajectory of getting older. There are no signs of cancer; the big ball is not touching the lining of my uterus, etc. etc. FAR too much to be grateful for to worry about such a small thing.

Just wanted you all to know –

Love, April