June 30, 2014…a day that changed my life.

I went in for a cystectomy to remove a possible dermoid cyst from my left ovary.  The surgery was only supposed to last 1.5 hours.  Four hours later, I emerged from under the knife…

And received my Endometriosis diagnosis.  My life hasn’t been the same since.  And I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

My doctor (who is also my surgeon) removed as much of the Endo as he could, but it remains on my liver and diaphragm.  I’ve undergone Lupron Depot injections and am now on a continuous birth control pill.  I’ve changed my lifestyle and diet.  And am managing my pain.

More importantly, I’ve personally met hundreds of women who share this condition and connected with even more online.  I have learned about an illness I’ve had since puberty, have embraced the fact that I wasn’t weak or crazy, and learned that I am not alone.

I started blogging a few months after my diagnosis, a way that I could learn more about our condition and share what I’ve found with others.  It’s been therapeutic for me.  I designed a logo to help me cope with the ugliness within my body, which morphed into buttons.  I’ve also started a local support group here in San Diego.  What started with two people now has over 50 in our San Diego Facebook group.  Our monthly meetings have anywhere between 3-20 people showing up.  I’ve organized an annual awareness walk and we have raised over $3,700 for the Endometriosis Foundation of America since 2014.  And I’ve started a library, sharing my collection of Endometriosis books around the world.   So many people ask me how they can start something in their area, and I tell them : just start something.  I’m amazed at how this happened.

Two years ago today truly changed my life.  And I wouldn’t be here without the support of my friends, family, physician, and fellow EndoWarriors. Thank you.

I will endure.  I will flourish.  And I am still beautiful.