New Book Launched

LadyHope · 2015-07-16T21:03:05-04:00

Hi everyone, This has been an exciting week for me. On July 7th, my book launched titled Stanley and Me Make Three. We know this journey very well, and I promised myself, once my health started to improve, I would write a book to help others walking a similar path. In the beginning, it was a small journal which simply evolved. As time went on and after attending several support groups, I decided that my goal was to give back and to help others faced with this surgery. As I shared previously on different posts, I felt so alone and isolated while I was sick. Immediately following surgery, I did not know anyone with an ostomy to confide about my fears of living life with a stoma and a bag. Once again, I experienced those feelings of isolation and loneliness, and I loathed those feelings. I fought them every single day for approximately two months post-surgery. As my journal began to take shape as a book, I also began to feel better and stronger. I researched publishers and found a company who was interested in my story and my mission. This is a story of hope, as hope is the antidote for fear. Stanley and Me Make Three is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Tate Publishing website. Please let me know what you think. I really love the cover as it is reflective and inspiring - I helped design it:) Thanks again, friends and fellow ostomates. Sincerely, LadyHope aka Jayne Prescott

LadyHope

Aug 18, 2015 8:29 pm

Quick add-on... I do go into the water, ankle level only. LOL

Heidi92

Aug 19, 2015 3:10 pm

Hi again LadyHope, how are you today? A colon stricture is a narrowing of part of the colon. It can lead to an impaction. The balloon dilation of the colon does seem similar to heart angioplasty, but the balloon is removed after the procedure. Lucky you, going to the beach! I really miss the ocean. The salty air, and sand between my toes. The movie Jaws did not scare me enough to keep me out of the water, but all of the shark attacks in the news lately are scary. Have a great day!

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Posted by: Nini4

Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.

I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.

But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.

Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.

I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)

So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.

And as the Grateful Dead famously said,

"what a long strange trip it's been!"

Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.

Heidi92

Aug 19, 2015 3:48 pm

Quick add-on... LOL the balloon is removed in both procedures, but a stent is not placed in the colon, or at least that I am aware of. I am not that familiar with colon dilation, but I will be soon. :(

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LadyHope

Oct 15, 2016 2:03 pm

Hi Friends, I wanted to update you on my publishing journey. I have another book signing today in West Chester, PA at the historic West Chester Public Library from 2-4 PM. I am very excited about the event and have been preparing for the last few days. Thankfully, today is just beautiful in PA, sunny and perfect for mid-October. Ironically, four years ago today, I had my first of many hospital admissions for UC and my first of many blood transfusions because of my severe bleeding. Five months later, I was in the hospital for ostomy surgery in order to save my life. I am very grateful for the second chance and really hope that my little book helps others traveling a similar path. If you are in the area today, please stop by and say hello. Take care, everyone... Ostomy United! We are resilient :) Have a nice weekend. Sincerely, LadyHope aka Jayne

Bill

Oct 15, 2016 2:51 pm

Hello LadyHope.
Book signings are a great opportunity to meet people so hopefully plenty will turn up and you will sell lots of books.
Best wishes
Bill

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LadyHope

Oct 16, 2016 2:43 pm

Thanks Bill! It was an awesome day yesterday. I did have a good flow of people all afternoon, all very much interested. It is always good to share and educate those who do not have an ostomy. We are Resilient! Ironically, October 15 2012 was my first of many hospital admissions and blood transfusions because of UC. Shortly after, (5 months) I had surgery. I felt that yesterday was a new chapter and it made me feel good. Thank you again Bill for your kind post. Hope you have a great day and a terrific week. Take care. LadyHope/Jayne

Primeboy

Oct 17, 2016 4:30 am

Hi Jayne,
Congratulations! Good luck with your promotion. Come across the Ben Franklin to Cherry Hill for another signing and I will be there.
PB/John

Bill

Oct 17, 2016 5:10 am

Hello Jayne. I'm so pleased that everything went well for you on the day as these things can be a bit hit and miss at times.
Best wishes
Bill

LadyHope

Oct 17, 2016 5:02 pm

Hi PB, Thank you very much for the post. Hope you are doing well. If the publishing company schedules something in Cherry Hill, I will certainly let you know. Thank you again. Hope you have a nice Monday! LH/Jayne

Angelicamarie

May 29, 2017 12:35 pm

Congratulations LadyHope on your book, God bless you!!! Angelicamarie

How A Convex Skin Barrier May Help You Get The Right Fit

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LadyHope

May 30, 2017 3:54 pm

Thank you, Angelicamarie! I can't believe it has been two years since it was published. It was my first attempt at a book and although a slim publication, I am proud of it. On to the next one :) Hope you are doing well and enjoying the spring. I would like a bit warmer weather though... it has been rainy and chilly here for the past week... and it is the end of May. Have a terrific weekend. Talk to you soon. Sincerely, LH

Angelicamarie

May 30, 2017 4:04 pm

I'm really proud of you, Ladyhope. That's
a great accomplishment! God bless, angel.