GREAT NEWS: Embracing the Healing Journey and Honoring Your Body

Aloha Beautiful Souls 🌸,

Introduction: My Healing Journey and Transformation

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. 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 and instead seek to honor their significance.

Understanding Body Changes and Emotional Processing

I marvel at our miraculous bodies. After the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes, the space they once occupied does not remain empty. 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. With women who are premenopause, the hormonal changes resulting from the removal of ovaries contribute to various physical and emotional adjustments in the body.

Honoring Our Body Parts and Spiritual Significance

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. 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. Understanding who owns our body parts after being removed reveals a profound truth. After surgical removal, what was once an integral part of your body immediately becomes “regulated medical waste” or “biohazard.” This revelation prompted reflection on body parts’ cultural and spiritual significance in different societies.

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. 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. Yet, finding information about where my ovaries and fallopian tubes, which were once critical to our species’ evolution, were scarce. 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.

Nature’s Wisdom: Plant Reproduction and Human Life

By now, if you are a reader of my work, you know I always look to Nature for answers. 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. Much like how seeds carry the potential for new life, the ovaries played 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, succulent fruit encapsulates potential for growth, with the outer peel symbolizing the protective embrace of the placenta. As I witness the blossoming flowers and vibrant foliage, I am reminded of the beauty and significance of reproduction—this universal thread binds us all in the grand symphony of life.

Practical Healing Guidance: Before and After Surgery

Tips to Prepare:

Mindful Meditation and Visualization: Before and after surgery, 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.
Hydration and Detoxification: Stay well-hydrated to support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Consider herbal teas and fresh juices.
Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. Consult your healthcare provider for suitable activities.
Holistic Therapies: Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care.

Tips to Heal ~ Recovering Holistically:

Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body’s signals during recovery and rest when needed.
Nutrient-Rich Diet: Continue prioritizing nutrition to aid the healing process. Include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and protein.
Hydration and Herbal Support: Maintain adequate hydration and consider herbal supplements with guidance from your healthcare provider.
Mind-Body Connection: Embrace mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga.
Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community—their encouragement is a powerful catalyst for healing.
Gradual Physical Activity: As advised by your healthcare provider, gradually reintroduce physical activities.
Therapeutic Touch: Explore massage or physical therapy to address residual discomfort.

Conclusion: Resilience, Healing, and Self-Advocacy

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. In the face of uncertainty, I seek solace in this contemplative space, embracing the emotions accompanying the journey of loss and newfound clarity.

Your Call to Action

This week, if you’re facing or recovering from a health challenge, take one action toward holistic healing: practice meditation, spend time in nature, connect with a support community, or journal about your experience. Notice how honoring your body with compassion shifts your healing journey. Share in the comments: How has navigating a health challenge deepened your appreciation for your body’s wisdom? Let’s support each other through life’s transformations!

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 has the information she needs to make a fully informed decision about her female organs.

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