11/26/2008

Happy Holidays to all our friends, new and old! As we head into the
season of positive thoughts and new beginnings, I wanted to share a
recent diagnosis with you in hopes that I can inspire any and all to
think positively about taking advantage of preventative tests in the medical field!

Three weeks ago, I had a routine colonoscopy that resulted in the removal
of a cancerous polyp. Because of the way that the polyp was growing, I
will have to undergo a colon re-section operation on December 1st in
which the surgeon will cut out a section of the large intestine where the
cancer is and re-attach the rest. If all goes well, I'll be up and moving by
the first of the year and will not need further treatment.

I was not having any problems that lead me to a colonoscopy in the first
place, but had one since my mother had polyps removed in the past. I'm
sure you've heard it before, but early detection is truly the key to treating
most everything, but certainly cancer. At 40, they tell me I'm young to
have this particular type of cancer, which usually shows up in people 20
years my senior, but there have been cases of it striking people younger
than me as well. Bottom line is that if you can have a colonoscopy done,
please do! You will get over the embarrassment quickly and it may save
your life. Had I waited until the recommended age of 50 to have this test, I
would have had a much bigger case of cancer to deal with and a more
extensive treatment plan as well. As it is, a week in the hospital is bad
enough!

My only objective in sharing this diagnosis with you is that all who read
this will consider having a colonoscopy or if you've been putting it off, that
you will use me as a clear reason to stop putting it off! Especially those of
you out there who are 50 and up. Check the family history and if there's
anything there, it could be worth your time to get this done as early as 30
maybe!

I wish everyone a very happy holiday season all around and hope that you
will all take advantage of my upcoming experience! Since I won't be able
to eat too much post operation, everybody eat a Christmas cookie for me
this year!

Thanks for taking a second to read this and for all the personal and
musical support past, present and future, it means a great deal to me!

Charlie

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As a follow up to Charlie's letter, I want to encourage everyone to keep
both he and his wife Nan in your prayers this holiday season. As most of
you know, Nan underwent treatment for Lymphoma from May through
October. She is doing fine and looking forward to the new year ahead. I
don't understand why two people in the same family would experience
such a trial as this in the same year! However, somewhere in my soul I'm
aware that all things really happen for a reason beyond what we can
comprehend. I have been blessed to have both Charlie & Nan in my life
and their situation has reminded me just how precious every day is! I hope that their story will inspire you as well! I will post a blog on the website as to his recovery. Thanks for your support and prayers!

Love,
LynnMarie