June 30, 2014: a day I went in to have a cyst removed from my ovary and instead awoke to a diagnosis of Endometriosis.  Answers.  Vindication.  My years of pain had a name.

So, I celebrate this day.

I am writing this on Friday, June 29th since I will be away from my computer on Saturday.  And today (Friday) I just scheduled my third excision surgery.  It will take place on August 15, 2018…almost two years since my last surgery.

June 30, 2014: D-Day (yep, Diagnosis Day); performed by Dr. Mel Kurtulus at the Scripps La Jolla Hospital.

September 21, 2016: Surgery No. 2; performed by Dr. Mel Kurtulus at the Scripps La Jolla Hospital.

August 15, 2018: Scheduled Surgery No. 3 (with the possibility of being sooner if there is an opening in the hospital’s schedule); to be performed by Dr. Mel Kurtulus at the Scripps La Jolla Hospital.

This blog wouldn’t exist without the events that took place on June 30, 2014.

I wouldn’t be seeking answers.  Wouldn’t be honoring my body.  Wouldn’t be connecting with others.

Our Bloomin’ Uterus support group wouldn’t exist.

There would be no annual walks or monthly get-togethers.

I would have no idea about the other women who suffer with me.

No camaraderie.

No support.

 I would still be alone, thinking my pain was normal and that I was weak.

And now I know that I am none of those things.

I am surrounded by Sisters and family.  Warriors!  Our pain is anything but normal.  And none of us are weak.

My life has been made better by being told I have a chronic, incurable illness.  And I have met some incredibly strong people because of it.  May we continue to hold each other high as we make this Journey together.  It’s not easy.  But we have each other.

So, celebrate today with me.