Hello everyone .
I have been stalling over writing this post as to be honest its a difficult one for me as its very personal.
Well here goes , after a call back from a positive result from a regular bowel screen I had a colonoscopy on January 20th that confirmed the presence of bowel cancer. To say I was shocked was an understatement as I was (or so I thought ) fit and healthy with no symptoms what so ever. I had read all the books on healthy eating and lifestyle and follow a vegetarian diet and naively assumed this wouldn’t happen to me. In the words of my surgeon I was plain unlucky.
On February 1st, I underwent surgery to remove the tumour and a bowel resection and also to remove a suspect lymph node . The surgery was succesful and I spent six days in hospital. Unfortunately the lymph node contained cancer cells so I will need chemotherapy as a precautionary measure- at this stage I am not sure when this will start.
I have recovered well from the surgery and am feeling stronger each day . Quite sure this is due to my excellent nursing care provided by my wonderful, caring husband .
I am so grateful for the support I have received from close friends and family , it means the world to me.
This experience has highlighted to me just how important these tests are and how lucky I am to live in a country where they are available to all. So please take those tests, they might just save your life.
Not sure when I will back to a normal posting schedule as to be honest not a lot to write about as the only time I am out and about is my daily walks but that said I am determined to get back to playing in my wardrobe as soon as is possible as I know creativity is healing for me.
This was taken on my walk around the neighbourhood yesterday , I am wearing Rundholz pants and Sarah Puccinni knit , comfort is still my first consideration at present.
Joining Gail at Is This Mutton
Oh my, what a cannonball that must have been – I’m so glad you got tested and discovered this early. Sending you good vibes!
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Thank you so much Sheila for your good vibes. I certainly was shocked to say the least but have come to terms with it and remain in good spirits.
Hello Jill
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but happy to know that treatment is underway. I wish you a speedy recovery and I hope you are soon back to your usual creative and stylish self (although of course you look fabulous even on your walk).
Sadly cancer is affecting so many of us these days and we can only hope that the detection, diagnosis and treatment keeps on improving.
I love reading your posts and seeing how you put things together. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to your next post.
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Thank you so very much Patricia , I am recovering well and hope to soon be back to creating outfits again.
So true cancer does affect so many but at least with early detection and treatments the outcome is much more positive .xxx
Dear Jill,
So very sorry to hear of your illness. It must have been a terrible shock. I am sending very best wishes for a complete and comfortable recovery. My youngest daughter lives in Melbourne so I am always thrilled when you mention it on your lovely blog. I hope everything goes well for you.From Judy Sparks in Brighton UK
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Thank you so very much Judy, it was a bit of a shock initially but it is what it is and I am recovering well.
I did remember that your daughter was in Melbourne , it is a wonderful city , I love it there.xxx
I’m so glad to hear that you’re on the road to recovery. Take it easy and rest and relax. Btw, you look your usual amazing iconic self!
It was great to get your post this morning 🙂
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Thank you so much Penny , I have indeed taken it easy and listened to the needs of my body. I hope you are also feeling much better.xxx
Jill, I’m thinking of you and its lovely that you have the love and support of your husband, family and friends to be there for you.
Sending you all the best wishes in the world, healing thoughts and hugs. x
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Thank you so very much Eva for your kind words, they are most appreciated.
Oh Jill, I am so sorry! Sadly, we can do everything right and still get sick. It just sucks. It sounds like you have a great medical team and a wonderful husband to help you through this. And considering what you’ve been through, you look great. Such a cute outfit for your walk. Sending you all the good mojo.
Hugs,
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
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Thank you so very much Michelle . I am grateful that I was reasonably fit and healthy to begin with as it has helped me recover well.I also know how lucky I am to have an excellent medical team and supportive husband and family and friends. xxx
I’m so very sorry to read this Jill. I’m happy for you that the surgery went well but you still have to take chemo. But with a positive mind and a healthy lifestyle, and help from your husband, you can tackle this. I’m wishing you all the succes and giving you an the strength you need!
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Thank you so very much dear Nancy. I will admit to being a little nervous about the chemo but know I am in a positive mindset and am reasonably fit and healthy.
Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery
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Thank you so very much Judy .
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this, Jill, but I’m glad your surgery went well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the precautionary chemotherapy goes well too and doesn’t affect you too badly. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and wish you all the best. xxx
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Thank you so very much dear Ann . I am now looking at this as one of life’s challenges , a glitch along the way.
You are so kind . xxx
I too am due and had to postpone due to the PNEUMONIA!SO next month I go in for the colonoscopy.
I had one two years ago so this means they saw something they want to check on!
MY GOODNESS………….I say lets redo JAN. 2023!!Neither one of us has had a good start!
I will be thinking about you!!
HANG IN THERE!
WE still have lots of LIVING TO DO!
XOXO
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I couldn’t agree more Elizabeth , lets start 2023 again. I do hope your colonoscopy reveals nothing at all and was just a precaution.
Oh yes , we both have so much living to do. Thank you so much . xxx
Wow, I know this was a shock!! So glad surgery went well. You take time off from blog and rest. We will be here when you are ready to blog. You take care!
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Thank you so very much Nancy , I am recovering well and hope to be back blogging regularly in time. xxx
So glad it was detected and treated so quickly. It is indeed a blessing that tests are freely available as well in the UK, although a lot of people don’t do it. Looking forward to seeing your fashion, outings and garden when you’re ready to return x
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Thank you so very much Gail. Glad to hear that tests are readily available in the UK too. I certainly will return to my normal blogging routine in the not too distant future.
Oh, Jill – how devastating! So glad to hear you’re up and around after such major surgery and a frightening diagnosis. Kudos to your nursing husband. Your attitude of gratitude for the treatment we have available will serve you well. Please know all your fans out here are rooting for you! (my next colonoscopy is in April, and I’m grateful as well – especially now that you’re asleep for them – they used to do them without anesthesia, and I’m told that was no picnic!)
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Thank you so very much Mary Katherine I will admit it was all a bit of a shock but yes I am very grateful for good healthcare. All the best for your colonoscopy in April, no anesthetic doesn’t bear thinking about.
I’m so sorry to hear of your bowel cancer diagnosis, Jill. I’m relieved to hear that your surgery went well and that the chemo isn’t too exhausting for you. Lots of love to you, John and your family. xxx
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Thank you so very much Vix for your kind wishes. I have recovered well , chemo starts next week.
Hi Jill! I have always loved your quirky, unconventional and creative style. Good luck with the chemo to make sure you are safe and I will cross fingers and toes for your final result. My sister-in-law went skiing in Vail with a colostomy bag before her surgery and beat it after chemo. My friend spent all of 2022 beating breast cancer with surgery, radiation and chemo and her son won an Oscar for director of photography for “Dune” which capped off her year.
Go Aussies! (Jan from Melbourne)
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Thank you so very much Jan for your encouraging words. I must admit that your sister in law is much braver than me, so glad to hear of her positive outcome. Well done to your friend and her son.