It’s been 4 days since my surgery and I am doing amazingly well! The mass is benign, I was off pain meds within 48 hours (a Tylenol or two a day is all I need) and I actually have to be careful not to overdo I feel so good.
I had hoped to answer each and every one of you who took the time to email with such caring thoughts, prayers and good wishes that have poured in but, the response was so overwhelming I don’t even know where to start. So, sorry for the mass, yet, heartfelt, thanks to everyone. I am honored and humbled at all of your response to my health scare. I honestly believe that everyone pulling together for my speedy recovery not only made it happen but set forth a series of events that just about guaranteed it.
Long story short…When I first got my diagnosis I made an appointment with the doctor who my primary care physician recommended and we scheduled surgery for three weeks away. I contacted my good friend, Dr Steve, for some advice and he advocated robotic surgery as it is a gentler, less invasive form of surgery than the tradition method. He sent me a list of doctors to contact and I made an appointment with Dr Suzuki. After our meeting I felt that I wanted to go the robotic route but, wouldn’t be able to get in until at least mid-March (too long for my liking and upcoming adventure schedule) so, I decided to stick with the original surgery.
You can imagine my surprise when I received a call on Monday, Jan 21st from doctor Suzuki’s office telling me that she had them shift things around to get me in earlier and she could operate on Wed…2 days away and the same day as my other surgery date. It was an answer to my (and apparently all of your) prayers! I felt a huge tension fall off my shoulders and I knew that with the love and support of all my friends and family and this sudden, yet welcome, change of plans everything was going to be alright!
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who took the time to email, say a prayer for me and keep me in your thoughts. And a special thanks to Dr Steve for guiding me down the best path for me and my lifestyle; to my friends Ted & Joan, who coached me on all the things to ask to be properly informed; to Mimi, my sister from another mother, for all her sage advice and listening ear during our many walks; and finally to my husband Frank and my mom for being here with me through it all, at my beck and call, trying to keep me from overdoing too much, too soon.
I can’t wait to feel a camera in my hands again soon!
Great news!!!!
So glad to hear the terrific news!!!
Thank you for the wonderfulbup date. Our prayers were answered thanks God.
All my best and congrats.
I know you feel good about the results of the surgery and I do too. Looking forward to seeing more pictures from you.
Laurie,
Congratulations!
I don’t often reply; however, you are one of my photo-mentors and I admire your work.
I am so glad that everything was benign and look forward to more of your lovely images and up-beat philosophy.
Laurie
Thanks for the update~ so glad all turned up well and you are on the mend !
We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Dave Berry
Great news! God is faithful!!
Dear Laurie,
ware relieved to hear that your operation went well and that the mass was benign. Our thoughts continue to include you during your recovery process and we hope that you will be able soon to pick up your camera again very soon.
At the moment, I have some health issues to deal with also and I am confident that they will be able to overcome them too.
My wife Eva and I live in Sweet Home, Oregon.
Best wishes and Hugs
Wolfgang & Eva
So happy to hear all is well. Continued best wishes.
Be well my friend. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Megg
So glad to hear things have turned out well for you Laurie! Take care now and rest up!
Laurie… so glad to hear the good news…you’ve been in my thoughts. Interestingly enough we are now on Kauai, did the NaPoli boat trip and some of the other things you mentioned in your recent blogs. Sending you warm good wishes, Kate
Outstanding. Do not overdue to it. Sit back and watch some TV. Start working on your next book. The main thing is to relax.
All the best.
Andrew
Good to hear. I went through the same routine last year. Doctors found a large mass, went in for surgery. Later was told the mass was benign. After another round of surgery to clean up after the first, all is well and I feel amost 90% now. Still short on energy but full of wanting to go.
Take your time getting better, and it will take time. Makes for a good excuse to sort your photos.:-)
Great news!!!
NIce to see you up and running again.
IT IS GOOD to be VERTICLE !
With all the troubling news in the world, it is nice to read of your recovery.
I had no idea you were going through all this. I’m so glad you are ok and healing.
Glad to hear everything is going well.
God is good! Praise Him! Your photography will again glorify Him and His magnificient creation. I’m so very
happy and thankful for you. Love, Mary
Good to hear that are on the mend! Frank was worried sick, But since you are doing better w/ each new day , all should return to normal in a few weeks! You sure a special person to so many! Hang in there chick!
Great news
Don’t rush the recovery…take some ‘around the house’ shots to pacify your instincts!
Let your body tell you how much you can do—and listen to it!!!
Best wishes photog
Joel
Laurie,
This is the first I heard about the mass. I am so very happy for you that it was benign, that you got the surgery you really wanted and needed, and that you have such an obviously strong and loving support network. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery and a wonderful future of vigorous health!
Peace,
Eric
glad to hear the good news.congrats on searching for best solution….more patients should do that.
I’ll be looking for more of your fine pictures later this year.Ido enjoy your pictures and am amazed you can do that well with a Nikon (grin)I’ve been using Canon since @1971.maybe one of these days I can afford one of your adventures.
best wishes for a full recovery and many more adventures.
YIPPIE!!!
Wonderful news to hear that the mass was benign. I agree with your last sentence, and I can’t wait to see those photos.
Hurry back Laurie! We miss you:(
I’m so glad to hear you are doing better. Great news!!
Whew! Good to know prayers are answered and in ways you want them to be. Thank you for share this all. Even that alone shows what an extraordinary person you really are.
Your fan, your friend, a DLWS attendee
…tim
Happy to hear you are doing well! I have really enjoyed reading your books. Thanks for sharing your love of photography!
Take Care,
Sonya Dry
Wow!!! That’s the best news ever…it’s amazing the way everything fell into place….I’m so happy for you & your family…take care, sending all of my best wishes your way…
Sending love, hugs, and prayers for a speedy “get back to normal”…
Judy Morse