If you’re reading this, you know that I launched the site redesign two weeks ago. Big stuff! A bit stressful, but ultimately so rewarding and a great move for this little corner of the internet.
But that is not the only thing I have had going on these past couple of weeks.
The day after the new site launched (on Tuesday), my momma had a colonoscopy, during which they found 6 polyps. That Thursday we learned that she has colon cancer.
Boy, cancer is a terrifying word to hear. It brings with it so many questions, so many unknowns. It brings with it the frightening realization that yes, indeed, your loved one is as human as anyone else and, despite your previous beliefs that they must be immortal – because the ones we love always seem to be when we are young – something could certainly happen to them. Our family history does not favor our colon health – my maternal grandfather has battled cancerous polyps for half of his life and Momma’s uncle died from colon cancer.
And yet, in so many ways we are blessed. The cancer is very early stage – the doctors will be performing a resection this Wednesday afternoon, during which they will remove the portion of her large intestine that contains the cancer. The doctors are quite confident that the surgery – which will be performed laparoscopically and will have a relatively short recovery time of 2-4 weeks – will take care of this. Apart from having to have colonoscopies every 6-18 months for the rest of her life, she should not require any additional treatment.
I write to tell you all of this for a number of reasons.
First, I will be heading home this week to be with my parents during and just after the surgery. Things may go a bit silent around here and on social media. Please bear with me as I spend time with my family and make sure Momma Swope is ok. As much as I love you all, that is the most important thing right now.
Second, I ask for your prayers. While the doctors feel certain this is easily managed, I ask for prayers that this would indeed be the case. That the surgery would go brilliantly with no complications and that her recovery would be short. Pray also for my daddy for physical and emotional strength as he cares for her during her recovery (I will only be able to stay for a few days due to work).
And lastly, please do me this favor: take care of yourselves. Colon cancer is so preventable. Are colonoscopies fun? No. (Trust me, I know better than anyone – due to my ulcerative colitis, I had 4 of them before I turned 25.) But truly, they save lives. If you are having any suspicious symptoms, go talk to your doctor immediately. My great-uncle waited for a year after first seeing symptoms to speak to a doctor. By that time the cancer had spread so far that he had no shot against it. Even if you, like my momma, are not having symptoms, go get yourself checked. If everything is hunky-dory, you won’t need to go back annually. The Colon Cancer Alliance has great info available about screenings, who should be screened, and how family history and genetics come into play. Educate yourself and help spread the word.
Thank you all for your love, support and prayers this week and always.
Xoxo,
-S
About Stephie
Stephie is the creator of Stephie Cooks, a food blog that focuses on creating memories around the food we share, with family recipes at the site’s heart. Stephie lives in Central Illinois with her husband, daughter, and a menagerie of cats and dogs. When she’s not in the kitchen or at her computer writing, you can usually find her curled up with a book or working on one of her many grandma-esque hobbies. Learn more >
Praying right now!! And continually throughout the week. Julie, you are a strong, generous and beautiful soul and it has been a privilege to get to know you via the blogosphere. I know how horrible the impact of cancer can be upon and individual and family (my own mum had breast cancer a couple of years ago and had to undergo surgery, chemo and radio) but modern medicine is amazing and I am glad that things have been identified early on. My own mum survived in God’s strength and now we have an almighty story to tell about His goodness. When you go into surgery, know that we will be holding you in our prayers!! Stephie, thanks for sharing this with us. Sending you heaps of love, wish I could hug you both for real!! Xxx
I’ll take those virtual hugs!! Thank you for your prayers. That’s what is awesome about prayer–you can be on the other side of the world, and God hears them the same as if you were with us in the hospital. Your prayers (and everyone else’s) are what will carry us through the next few days. Bless you, and thank you. Someday, we will get a real hug. xx <3
Love you so much, Laura! Your friendship is one of God’s many blessings in our lives. Xoxox
Love your Mom to pieces. Sending you and her as much positive juju as I can. Huge hugs!
Love you, too, Amy. Hugs back. <3
Love, virtual hugs and extra prayers for you and Momma Swope this week, friend. xoxo
Thank you so much, my darling friend. <3
You and your family will be in my prayers! My grandmother had (and recovered from) colon cancer when she was fairly young – in her 40s. Early detection is definitely key. Best wishes to your mom for a speedy recovery!
Momma’s best friend just keeps saying, “Colonoscopies save lives!” And it is so true! Thank you, dear!
I will be praying for your sweet mama and your family Stephie.
Thank you SO much! <3
Love you Julie, Stephie, et.al. Julie is strong and a kindred spirit, and you all are in my thoughts, prayers, and have my sincere love. Keep care my friends. When you’re ready for jokes, I have a ton. They sure do help. LOVE, Claudia
Love you, too and have been praying for your health. You can’t keep old musicians down. I’m sure there’s a joke there somewhere, just don’t know it. 😉 xoxo ~J.
Oh, we are ALWAYS ready for a good joke, especially if it’s inappropriate. 😉 Thank you!
Sending big hugs and prayers to both of you!
Thanks, Deb! <3
Thank you, Deb!
I’m so sorry to hear about Mama Swope! She’s a blessed woman, diagnosed early with a wonderful family and so many people she doesn’t even know who have her back! Hoping for a safe, speedy recovery and that the cancer is irradicated. Thinking of you all with lots f love.
Andrea
Of love, not f love. 🙂
I’m truly blown away by the love and prayers that are going on right now. God has blessed me, and I feel the love surrounding us. Please continue them, especially on Wednesday. Stephie has beautiful blogging friends. Wish I could hug all of you, but please accept my thanks from the bottom of my heart. Love, Momma Swope <3
Thank you so much, Andrea! We sure are blessed.
Jules, hang in there. You can beat this. I know just how tough you are. Lots of love and prayers going out for you nn
Thanks, Norma. I love you. <3