Recovering

Last year, I went through the experience of a hysterectomy and I was blessed to have had my sister come and help me out during my recovery.  This past week I was able to return the favor since she had the same surgery two weeks ago.

As a woman, I find it so hard to submit myself to the care of others or to let people help me. When I had to do this in August of 2008 and then again two months later when I had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, I found myself struggling with being able to let people take care of me and help me with my responsibilities. 

This past week, I found it very interesting to find my sister in the same struggle. As I cared for her young children, tended to her needs, and cleaned her house she continued to feel guilty.  A feeling I know so well.

I would much rather be the one helping and taking care of someone, but it was a great learning lesson to be on the other side.  One of the things I learned was how to be better on the care giving side. Also, I realized that as much as I want to help others, others wanted to help me. It was my gift to them to let them.  Just as it was my sister's gift to me to let me take care of her.

Hysterectomy

In August, 2008 I had a hysterectomy. One month later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wrote a poem about my hysterectomy. I will write in the future about my breast cancer and mastectomy. Maybe if I write a poem about that too it will help me get it off my chest.

Hysterectomy
by Lisa Culey

To my baby-maker
I bid farewell;
For you have provided me
Two kids that are swell.

Your leaving me now
Is a bittersweet;
Though your oven worked well,
Your pain – not a treat.

I look forward to days
Without PMS,
the bloating, the cramping,
the incontinence.

Thanks for the memories,
‘Tho cursed they may be;
They only remind me
That now I am free.
Aug. 4, 2008