Quick Update

Just a quick post to let you know what’s up. Monday’s early-morning surgery went well. I bounced back super-duper fast. Within 24 hours I was out walking the dog and doing some light gardening. I’m a little sore but otherwise have zero pain. I even practiced a bit of yoga last night, and my muscles seem to be in working order (a relief because my surgeon took a notch out of one). Thank you all for your supportive notes, thoughtful emails and good vibes. Really, you’re amazing. Unfortunately, we still don’t have any details from pathology or about what the future holds in terms of treatment. I’m working hard to be in the moment. Of course it helps immensely that Mary and I have been chillin’ with the Dalai Lama this week during his sixth visit to Bloomington (our second teach-in). And, if anyone can bestow a little serenity on the situation, it’s the DL. As always, he awes and inspires. Next step? Bone scan tomorrow. Taking things one day at a time.

6 Responses

  1. Jennifer Jackson says:

    Hi there Catherine,
    Jennifer here, Mary’s anthropology AAA Exec Board friend and colleague. I’m also your partner in finding this not very pink happy happy joy joy disease. I just wanted to chime in and let you know I am thinking of you and rooting for you guys. This is gonna be ok. I am hopeful that b/c this is an outcropping, to get it makes it gone. If you didn’t do radiation (lovely) and chemo (probably somehow better than the buckets of chicken KFC wants us to eat for the cure), I suppose you have those options, yes? All I know is you are amazingly strong, funny, a total trooper who can beat this back down again. I had to twice and it wasn’t fun but you’ve got a heart of gold standing by your side. Lean on each other and the rest of us. Know all will be well and that you are loved.

  2. Catherine Smith says:

    I’ve been thinking of you guys all week — thanks for keeping us up-to-date, and glad to hear the surgery/recovery from surgery is going so well. Yesterday “CatherineMaryCatherineMary” was my mantra on a gorgeous evening bike ride. Admittedly it started out as a way to get the Wierd Al Yankovic song out of my head that my kids had on “repeat” all day. But hopefully it powered some good “you guys are loved” vibes your way all the same. (Apologies if they were mixed in with “M-m-m-my Bologna.”) Amazing to hear that the Dalai Lama happens to be around this week as well. An amazing source of serenity and peace. Wishing you plenty of both!

  3. Kayleigh says:

    So glad the surgery went well! You are very strong, very centered and totally awesome. I’ll continue to keep you in my thoughts.

  4. Nan says:

    I don’t know if it’s a known remedy for surgery, cancer, toxic emotion or stress but I’m sending almond butter your way. Any other requests?

    Much love and thoughts for good health and peace of mind!

  5. Andrew says:

    The Dalai Lama. Wouldn’t it be great if on the off years of the Olympics we could have a spiritual version–televised teach-in shows, behind-the-scenes shots of meditation and yoga, corporate sponsorships of great thinkers…Am glad his visit coincided with your surgery. Picturing you on a dog walk in mid-west spring,
    Andrew

  6. joyce says:

    Sending loving “open-hearted” thoughts –
    also, sending love,,,,,joyce