Aloha Beautiful Souls 🌸,

As I sit here recovering from my Laparoscopic Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy, which happened on November 8th, the physical pain resonating from my abdomen serves as a catalyst to share my journey. The removal of both my ovaries and fallopian tubes has left me contemplating the intricacies of my body parts and the profound impact of their absence. Now they're gone forever, I am left with questions. What fills the space my body parts once occupied? What happened to my precious body parts after removal?

What fills the space once occupied by these special body parts?

I marvel at our miraculous bodies. After the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes, the space they once occupied does not remain empty. Instead, I learned that the body undergoes a natural process of adaptation. For example, after giving birth, the surrounding structures and tissues shift to accommodate the absence of a baby. The body has a remarkable ability to reorganize itself, and adjacent structures subtly adjust to maintain the overall integrity and functionality of the pelvic region.

On the emotional side, losing an adult tooth always brought tears, but the void left by extracting my once-active almond-sized glands is an entirely different experience. Unlike a baby tooth replaced by a more suitable adult-size tooth, my ovaries and fallopian tubes will never regenerate. It's important to note that while the physical space is not left void, the emotional and psychological impact of the absence of these vital organs can be profound.

With women who are premenopause, the hormonal changes resulting from the removal of ovaries contribute to various physical and emotional adjustments in the body.

**Postmenopausal**

I am left with unexpected emotions around surrendering to a needed surgery. These vital components, responsible for producing eggs and female hormones, have been part of me since May 12, 1957. My ovaries, considered the female gonads and fallopian tubes, those 4-inch muscular tubes resembling an extended J, made it possible to conceive and give birth to our son and, subsequently, our incredible granddaughter. Although unable to perform, the magnitude of their absence goes beyond physical pain; it touches on the emotional and spiritual aspects of my being. I sit with these feelings and honor the process of letting go.

What happens to our body parts after removal?

Doing some research, I discovered that there is no federal law against taking our body parts home, though certain limitations exist. After surgical removal, what was once an integral part of your body immediately becomes “regulated medical waste” or “biohazard.” Understanding who owns our body parts after being removed amplified my curiosity. This revelation prompted reflection on body parts' cultural and spiritual significance in different societies.

I found plenty of symbolic information on the earthly placenta, and I wished I had a more formal burial of this precious organ. The placenta is coldly defined by the Oxford dictionary “as a flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant eutherian mammals, nourishing and maintaining the fetus through the umbilical cord.” Our dictionaries and Western medical systems have diminished this sacred body part.

Pregnancy Birth Baby gives a different perspective emphasizing the importance of the placenta. “The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy. It attaches to the lining of your uterus and delivers oxygen and nutrients to our growing baby through the umbilical cord. If something goes wrong with the placenta, it can be serious and even life-threatening to both mum and baby.”

In various cultures, reverence for body parts is evident. For example, some Icelandic and Balinese cultures view the placenta as a child's guardian angel, influencing the fate of the mother and child. In Hawaii, where I reside, women gained the right in 2006 to take home their placentas after childbirth, emphasizing the sacred nature of these organs. There are tales and facts on caring for the sacred placenta from Samoa to Iceland and Hawaii to the Balinese cultures. Yet, finding information about where my ovaries and fallopian tubes, which were once critical to our species' evolution, were scarce.

In the aftermath of my surgery, a contemplative silence has settled within me, filled with a cascade of emotions. It's a unique blend of relief and questioning, a delicate dance between the elation of a clean pathology report and the lingering uncertainty that follows any significant loss.

My womb is cancer-free, and for that, I am undeniably elated. Yet, in this moment of clarity, more questions emerge, weaving themselves into the tapestry of my thoughts. What has become of the birthright gifts—my two once productive ovaries and fallopian tubes—that were an integral part of my being? I resist the notion of reducing them to mere biohazard waste or ash. Instead, I yearn to honor their significance, to remember them as sacred contributors to the intricate story of my existence. In the face of uncertainty, I seek solace in this contemplative space, embracing the emotions accompanying the journey of loss and newfound clarity.

This healing journey unfolds as a unique tapestry woven with threads of resilience and self-discovery. As I navigate the complexities of aging and engage with the healthcare system, I realize the importance of taking charge of my well-being, including all my body parts. This contemplative journey reinforces the notion that our health is ultimately in our hands, urging us to question, learn, and embrace the profound mysteries of our bodies and body parts.

❤️ Mahalo, thank you for joining me on this healing journey.

Below, find some bonus reading, tips to prepare for surgery, and additional resources.

Parallels between plant reproduction and human life.

By now, if you are a reader of my work, you know I always look to Nature for answers. So, as I marvel at the lush tropical fruit trees out my window, I can't help but draw parallels between the intricate dance of plant reproduction and the remarkable journey of human life.

In our gardens and fruit trees, seeds are the silent storytellers of continuity, mirroring our profound connection with the natural world. Just as plants rely on the union of pollen and ovule to create new life, our own existence is woven into the tapestry of human reproduction. It's a reminder that, at our core, we are all intertwined in the delicate balance of creation and growth.

In this botanical ballet, the relationship between the placenta and ovaries finds a unique representation in a piece of succulent fruit. Much like how seeds carry the potential for new life, the ovaries play a vital role in human reproduction, nurturing the development of eggs and facilitating the creation of life. Just as the placenta sustains and nourishes the fetus in the womb, the succulent fruit encapsulates the potential for growth, with the outer peel symbolizing the protective embrace of the placenta and the succulent interior representing the life-giving essence of the ovaries. As I witness the blossoming flowers and the vibrant foliage, I am reminded of the beauty and significance of reproduction. This universal thread binds us all in the grand symphony of life.

Additional Resources:

If you're getting a body part removed, here's what you need to know if you want to hold onto it.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. women and has the highest mortality of gynecologic cancers. If you are having any symptoms, early detection is critical.
HERS is dedicated to making sure that every woman, regardless of her financial status, has the information she needs to make a fully informed decision about what she will and will not allow to be done to her female organs.

Tips to prepare and heal for Surgery:

Tips to Prepare:

Mindful Meditation and Visualization:

Before and after surgery, take time to practice mindful meditation and visualize a positive outcome. This can help ease anxiety and create a calm mental space.

Nutritional Nourishment:

Prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Consult with a nutritionist to ensure your body is in optimal condition for the upcoming surgery.

Hydration and Detoxification:

Stay well-hydrated to support your body's natural detoxification processes. Consider incorporating herbal teas and fresh juices into your daily routine.

Physical Activity:

Engage in gentle exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. Consult your healthcare provider for suitable activities that won't interfere with your surgery.

Holistic Therapies:

Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care to address any pre-existing issues and promote overall well-being.

Tips to Heal ~ Recovering Holistically:

Listen to Your Body:

Pay close attention to your body's signals during recovery. Rest when needed, but also incorporate gentle movements to prevent stiffness.

Nutrient-Rich Diet:

Continue prioritizing a nutritious diet to aid the healing process. Include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and protein.

Hydration and Herbal Support:

Maintain adequate hydration, and consider incorporating herbal supplements known for their healing properties with guidance from your healthcare provider.

Mind-Body Connection:

Embrace mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga to support your mental and emotional well-being.

Community Support:

Surround yourself with a supportive community of friends and family. Their encouragement can be a powerful catalyst for healing.

Gradual Physical Activity:

As advised by your healthcare provider, gradually reintroduce physical activities. Start with gentle walks and progressively increase intensity.

Therapeutic Touch:

Explore therapeutic touch therapies like massage or physical therapy to address any residual discomfort or stiffness.

Healing from surgery is not just a physical journey but a holistic experience that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. By taking a proactive approach to both preparation and recovery, we empower ourselves to navigate the challenges of aging and the healthcare system. Embracing a holistic perspective allows us to tap into our innate resilience and foster a deeper connection with our own well-being. As we share our stories and insights, we contribute to a collective wisdom that transcends individual experiences, creating a roadmap for others to navigate the beautiful, challenging, and ultimately transformative journey of healing.

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