Some More Change

About a year and a half ago, I wrote my first blog.  It was called "Some Change."  There was a picture of my hand, holding some change in it--kind of a play on words.

This blog could repeat the photo.  There is some more change.

A few weeks ago I began to have some symptoms that worried me.  I talked with our son Nate, who is in medical school, and he said I should go to a doctor as soon as possible.  We were able to do that.  It seemed as if we got in to a doctor, and then an OB/GYN who she referred us to with exceptional speed.  Within another week, we learned I have cancer.  I will need a complete hysterectomy.

My first thought was that I could get it done here in Japan and be back on my feet to do the work that I need to do.  President Baird recommended I go home for the surgery, and Lee did some research on how the medical profession works in Japan, and I began to agree.  So I decided I could fly home, have the surgery, and since it is done laparoscopically, I would be back on my feet in a couple of weeks, and could return to finish our mission.  But President Baird talked with Elder Ringwood, the Area President over the missions in this part of the world, and he felt is was most important to take care of my health and family.  I have come to realize the wisdom in their council.

But in all honesty, I was more upset about leaving than the diagnosis.  I cried for the first time.  I have had another week to adjust, and am more accepting now.  But I am still sad we won't be able to stay the full time.  I really never thought this sadness about leaving would happen.  I have missed the grandchildren and children with all my heart, and thought I would be so anxious to get home.  I think I would have been totally ready in the three months we have left, especially since by then it would be hot and muggy in Nagoya. But right now the cherry blossoms are at their peak, and the beauty is breathtaking. I just wasn't ready.

We are in the middle of some wonderful teaching and sharing opportunities with potential new members.  We have grown to love so many people.  We had been laying out plans to see all the best places within the mission before we left.  We wanted to be here to support President and Sister Baird as they ended their mission and help with a smooth transition for President and Sister Yamashita as they began their time here.  We just weren't ready to go.

But go we must.  Our flight leaves on Monday the 8th, and we will arrive home about five hours later (by the clock).  On the 9th, I have an appointment with a gynecological oncologist.  We feel blessed that we were able to get in with a very good, very experienced doctor.  And I feel completely at peace that everything will be fine.

In fact, it's ironic, but a few weeks before all this happened, Lee and I were FINALLY able to stop our out-of-control overeating.  We decided to cut way back on sugar, take smaller portions, and eat lots more fruits and veggies.  We have both lost the weight we gained while here and are feeling better than we have felt in a long time.  I can hardly believe there is cancer lurking inside of me.

So five days from now we will be on a plane to Oregon, USA and our wonderful family.  But Japan has been one of the sweetest adventures of my life and a place we both enjoyed.  I learned to love this land and people and we have made some dear friends.  I have changed in ways that I am thrilled about, ways that I have wanted to change for a long time.  I will forever be grateful for this experience of serving a mission in Japan.

PS:  This is not the end of the blog.  I still have some catch up to do.  I'll be back.......