If you were given the choice between surgery for colorectal cancer that would leave you with a permanent colostomy or ……death, which would you choose? If you say you would rather die than have to live with a bag then I would have something to say to you.
20 years ago I chose life. For me chemotherapy would not have been effective on the unusual type of cancer I had. Radiation was not possible because I had an auto-immune disease: Systemic Scleroderma. So I had seven hours of surgery and spent 10 days in hospital. I have been a “bag lady” for 20 years. Today is my 71st Birthday.
Happy Birthday to Me! I celebrate every birthday because I am lucky to be having birthdays. Here are the things I would have missed if I had said I would rather die than have a bag.
- I saw both of our children graduate from High School.
- I went back to riding horses after 30 years away from them.
- I saw our son graduate with an Honors Master of Science at the School of Oriental and African Studies at The University of London.
- After 29 years together, the love of my life and I, finally decided it was safe to get married . No need to rush these things!
- I was in the birthing room when our daughter gave birth to our Grandson. I welcomed him to our world.
- I was there when our daughter married a wonderful man at a beautiful ceremony in our home.
- I went from Training Level up to the FEI Intermediare 1 in dressage competition.
- I found my horse of a lifetime in Biasini and we have a marvelous time together.
- Both of my children are now independent adults. They are both people who care about others and treat people of any ethnicity with respect. I am immensely proud of both of them.
- I thank my body for all it has done for me. It recovered from that cancer surgery, it has accepted two replacement hips, it has accepted life without a gall bladder (only a minor adjustment) and it has given me a dramatic and very rare remission from Scleroderma.
I would hate to have missed all those things , those wonderful times, just because I didn’t want to have a colostomy bag. The bag is at worst a minor inconvenience and at best life saver. And let me ask you something else. If you do not know me personally would you have known I was a bag lady?Can you look at these photos of me competing in Florida and know I am a bag lady?
Be honest …you would not have known! So if you or someone you know is faced with having an ostomy support them to say “yes”. Say “yes” to life with a bag! It’s worth it.
Thanks for sharing this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow, you are an inspiration for everyone around. So proud of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Knew you had the surgery, wouldn’t have guessed about the bag Anne. You are a marvel and anyone who makes a different choice should learn from one who, like you, knows the value of the gift that life truly is
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was not a hard decision for me to make and the bag is just a adjustment to a different way of doing things. Thanks for the supportive comment Tina😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful story , life is the way to choose always . I am very proud and so happy for you ! You are my hero!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Janne. I always think of you when I start for dip down and it brings me right back up again.💕
LikeLike
Happy Belated Birthday! An amazing spirit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sascha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cool, Congrats on a life that continues to be well-lived.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tha k you!
LikeLike
Many happy returns on your birthday and no, I would not have known about you being a bag lady.
All the best for your continued good health 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks for your good wishes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries, I’ve been so busy I’ve been away from it too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy Birthday to you and many more happy years with family, friends and horses – and dogs too. Thanks for sharing your story. Nope. I would never had guessed that you are a bag lady.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy belated Birthday! My cancer scare didn’t have such severe consequences, but you are right, life is so worth it. So many sadly don’t have a choice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes many do not have a choice and that is another reason I celebrate getting older. Many are denied that privilege. Thanks for commenting Viola.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! Here’s to life! And, I love item #4😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Alli!
LikeLike
Ok glad you liked that one Alli!
LikeLike
Wow! Happy birthday!! Good on you for sharing your story!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Avery. I am hoping that there may be someone who reads my story who will be encouraged to know there is a good life possible with an ostomy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking time to comment Olivia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blimey! For somereason that fact that you were a “bag lady”, as you put it, escaped my notice. You are pretty incredible. Well Done You! Happy Birthday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Emma. I know someone who has a brother in law who has refused to have the bag outcome. I felt I should tell my story so people could know it is not an impediment to a happy life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I’d have taken the bag option too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good! I’m glad to hear that Emma!
LikeLike
Yes no can find it. Today you showed other side of you in little detail and came closer to readers with your words maa. May the divine power blesses you with more lovely days, lovely life and inspire peoples.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Subbashini. I felt it was important to tell my story in the hope that others who may be in the same situation can find some hope. 🙂
LikeLike
The best part, we have gotten to know you.
Happy B-day, Anne.
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you David. That is a lovely comment.🙂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so, so glad that you said “yes”. ❤ This world is so much better with you in it, and I am so much richer for having met you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mary. I have always felt you were a kindred spirit.
LikeLike
You look as graceful as your fine horse – Happy 71st!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Laura! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday, and thanks for this post — I may direct a few acquaintances to this post (I volunteer in places where they need to see these moments).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Cage and I hope the post may be able to help someone. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday Leueen!!
Your courage, tenacity and the support you show your friends is a testament to who you are.
You deserve to be celebrated!
Kindly, Courtney
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and leaving this nice comment. Good to hear from you Courtney!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! You have so much to be proud of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely…you deserve the best of what life has to offer. Thanks for sharing. Seize the day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carpe Diem indeed ! thanks for this great comment. I like it!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy happy 71st birthday dear Anne! I’m so glad you chose life and so grateful we’ve met here too. Here’s to many more happy years to come! 🤗💖 xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Xenia. I am so glad we met. I have just been reading Between Heather and Grass again and enjoying it so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great choice, Anne.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a wonderful message! Thank you so much for sharing. I will remember this post forever and guide myself or others by what I now know. AND I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Robyn. I hope that you may be able to help someone else to choose the bag and go on to lead a happy life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday Anne, I wish you all the best!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anne, wishing you a very happy, funfilling and healthy birthday 🎂 🎊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Deeksha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I’m so glad you chose life, Anne. I would not have met you on WordPress!
Happy Birthday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sandy😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy, happy birthday!
To answer your question, I had no idea about your health history or that you wear a colostomy bag. What a wonderful example you set for all of us with various health challenges, bag or no bag!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I know that various health challenges can give us some moments with our riding but we are lucky to have out horses. I actually once had a medical specialist tell me that he thought horses had helped in my survival. I thought at first he was joking but then he told me he was from Bahrain and his family had raised horses and he believed they helped people.🐴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday! And thanks for sharing your wonderful story! 💐
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Paula and you are most welcome. I am happy to share it in the hopes it may help someone else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You had me in tears by number 3. Thank you for sharing & good health!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for this lovely comment. 💕
LikeLike
You are incredible, Anne. I am grateful you chose life because I have had a chance to get to know you through WordPress. For that, I thank you. 😊💙
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Irene. I am glad I got to know you too and to see you lovely photos that so often brighten my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You write a stunning, open and revealing declaration of a life well chosen and well lived. You toughed out tough choices. To say that you are remarkable is an understatement. You are a life affirming champion, and an Olympian of positivity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you and I am honored to be an Olympian of positivity!😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
In that comment I wrote that you are an inspirational lady, and that I have reblogged your post. People will feel reassured by it.
Happy birthday my dear friend 🎂🍾🥂❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Susie I got it but was late approving it. Thanks for the reblog. I hope it will help someone.
LikeLike
I know it will. I am lucky to have you as a friend 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I am lucky to have you as a friend. We are a couple of gals who are living the fit life and keeping our chins up.
LikeLike
Always doing the best we can under different circumstances 😊❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
keep kickin it darlin, you are an inspiration. Smile, sweat,, laugh and live!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!😃
LikeLike
My comment isn’t here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are the most inspirational person I know. Happy birthday to you. I reblogged this post as I know it will help many people. Much love. ❤🎂🍾🥂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Susie. I was slow to approve your comment as I was on a video chat with my daughter and grandkids.
LikeLike
You have another comment from me 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, I had no idea and YES!! It’s a life saver and my cousin had to have one too! No one would ever know, and what an AMAZING story of success and all that you have been able to experience!! Happy Birthday to the most genuine, kind, strong and best of all inspiring woman!! ❤️🎂💐 Here’s to many, many more WONDERFUL birthdays! Love, Diana ❤️💜💚❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Diana for this wonderful comment. I am slow in replying as I took the day off completely yesterday from blogging.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, I would have never known!
Wish you a very happy birthday and health! Enjoy everything 🤩🥳🤗💕🌸🥳 🎂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Ribanna😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a happy birthday, Anne. Enjoy ~ George
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you George!😃
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many Many happy returns of the day 🎂🎉 great lady ,🙏I am so happy 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many Many happy returns of the day🎂🎉 great lady 👌👌
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a terrific affirmation and so many causes for celebration! Congratulations!!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Robert. It’s a great day to be alive.
LikeLiked by 2 people