My husband’s voice on the phone to Emory Hospital’s ER, “Come & get my wife, she’s dying.”

They responded within minutes and had me somewhat stable within hours. Meanwhile, we were told that the illness that had been misdiagnosed for most of 2018 was stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to my liver.

While most would see this as a death sentence, the physicians, surgeons and staff at Emory’s Winship Cancer Center viewed it as a challenge. So did my husband and I.

He remained at my side over the next few weeks, only leaving to eat or go to work. I went through various surgeries and procedures. A plan of treatment was set in place. Finally, in November, I was stable enough to go home.

Three months of chemo was followed by a grueling twelve hour surgery involving three medical teams. After spending most of March in the hospital, again with my husband there daily, I was free again by April.

August 2019 was the latest in the surgical saga. Luckily, I’ve progressed VERY well. In fact, we just returned from the trip of my dreams – a vacation to London to see family, friends and tour Tudor historical sites.

During this ordeal, reading and writing short stories has been my happy place. That’s why this blog was started – to share my love of All Things Tudor with others who have the same passion and quest for more knowledge about the era.

So when you see pics of our trip to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London at night, and Windsor Castle, please know that we aren’t showing off. It’s our Celebration of Life. The trip of a lifetime and a dream come true. We are sharing with you what can happen when the human spirit is surrounded by capable healers, positivity and support from around the world.

Thank you all very much for that.

Believe, always.

xoxo

Deb