You might recall that back in May I wrote about my endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation is when a woman is put under general anesthesia for a half hour, given a D&C, and the lining of her uterus is scorched out. The purpose is to stop or greatly lessen the monthly bloodbath.
A few of you asked me to report my results. The results? They are freaking sweet.
I can leave the house whenever I want now! I no longer feel flu-ish for 72 hours out of every 24 days. In fact, besides the spazzy irritability that hits once a month (yeah, that doesn't go away), I barely notice when it's that time.
Seriously. Novasure is the best invention since PopTarts and I will be happy to answer questions anyone may have.
***
Claire learned to tie bows last week. She worked and worked until she got it. So, Saturday, we went and bought her lace-up shoes, size 2. She's extremely proud of herself and I'm proud of her, too. Mostly because she's a persistent girl who doesn't give up easily. If there's one thing I most admire in a person, aside from kindness and innate talent, it's tenacity. Tenacious C. will do well. Go on, my girl. Tie shoes! Yank out loose teeth! Learn to ice skate! Get back up on that bike! Study hard! Find love! Pursue your passions!
***
I have finally finally finally made the decision to publish my YA novel Spectacle as an ebook. It took me forever to come around. I've done a lot of research, talked to people in the biz, read this blog until my eyes crossed, and realized that epublishing is the future. I don't know exactly how the industry will pan out or how my little book will do. But it's clear I can't ignore this opportunity. I'm excited! I love the idea of control. I get to design and choose the cover. I get to say what parts of the story stay and what goes, I get to price it and keep 70% of the royalties (assuming someone besides my mom and sister buy Spectacle).
It's the first time in a long, long while that I've felt sparkly instead of discouraged when I think about my writing.
I'll let you know when it's up on Amazon. My team of beta readers, editors, and designers are working on it as we speak (which means my online buddy Kristy, my proofreading friend Betsy, and an outfit I'm hiring for $50 to format my manuscript). I would love whatever support you can give me once it's released. Kind words. Shares on Facebook. Tweets. Anything you can do.
More to come...
Wow, your timing couldn't have been better. After hysterectomy turned out not to be an option, ablation was mentioned. I might push harder for it now. "Bloodbath" and "flu-ish for 72 hours" are all to familiar to me.
Thank you for posting this.
Posted by: Crista | January 10, 2012 at 03:43 PM
I can't wait to read it!
Posted by: Rachael | January 10, 2012 at 03:50 PM
I think that C got the tenacity from her momma. Good work on coming around to e-publishing. I think it's the right thing to do and I'm glad that you think so, too. I'm glad that you feel sparkly! You do sparkle. Good adjective!!
Posted by: M | January 10, 2012 at 06:22 PM
Congrats on your successful surgery. I've often said that my hysterectomy 27 years ago was the greatest gift ever!
Double congrats on your decision to e-publish. I'm looking forward to reading it since I am in awe of your talent.
Posted by: Bev | January 10, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Aw, if I had known I was getting linked, I would have posted something, you know, this month...Happy to be part of team Spectacle!
I am still considering ablation. Right now, the prescription iron supplement has made a huge difference. I still have one day where I might bleed to death for a few hours, but other than that it has gotten shorter and I don't want to kill people the day after it ends anymore.
And yay Claire!
Posted by: Kristy | January 11, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Great news all around. I'll definitely buy a copy! But how do you autograph an ebook?
Posted by: Leslie | January 11, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Congrats on the successful outcome
Congrats on the successful, determined daughter
and
Congrats on the book news. Can't wait to read it
Posted by: joanne | January 12, 2012 at 06:26 AM
Nice, congratulations, fellow seattleite! I agree tenacity is a great quality to have. I wonder how you teach it, when it's not something the kid (or the mama) has!
Posted by: ARC | January 13, 2012 at 07:23 AM
Congratulations! So much good news, and I'm tickled that you're feeling better. Can't wait to read the book.
(When I move north, we've got to get together for lunch.)
Posted by: Averil Dean | January 13, 2012 at 04:22 PM
My hysterectomy was supposed to be an e.a. In the end, the outcome is basically the same and yes, it makes life SO MUCH BETTER. Once a month I crave salt and chocolate and bite everyone's head off, but you described the rest oh so well. I'm glad it worked for you!
I've never read an e-book, but I'd be happy to buy it and read it on my laptop. (I can do that, right?)
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | January 17, 2012 at 06:21 PM
The type of story you described in your novel is the kind my 14 yo likes. I'll be watching this space to see when it's available!
Posted by: V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios | January 18, 2012 at 04:05 AM
I have been wanting to get an ablation for 2 years now. Ever since I was made aware of the procedure. Alas, it hasn't been covered under my insurance. I just got new insurance this month and am going to find out if it's covered. I am seriously considering paying out of pocket, I'm so desperate. Congrats for you!
Posted by: Trish | January 21, 2012 at 10:05 PM
When you think about it, that's got to be the right awnser.
Posted by: Judith | February 01, 2012 at 07:47 AM