Making Tracks

By Kat Bryant

So far, I have to say 2020 kind of blows.

My faith in the basic goodness of humanity has been shaken to the core by national events. The West Coast is burning in every sense of the word. My brothers’ dream beach house is becoming an ever greater nightmare thanks to a shady contractor — and a squirrel.

And then there’s that coronavirus thing, which has prevented me from enjoying the little things I once did to relax: hanging out with friends, taking my dogs to the beach, and having my son and stepson drive up to visit from California and Oregon, respectively.

So, when I woke up one August morning to discover I’d bled all over my bed, my first thought was: WHAT NOW?

After a physical examination, an ultrasound and a biopsy, my ob/gyn assured me there was no infection or malignancy in my uterus — but all indications pointed toward potentially life-threatening problems down the road.

He presented me with two options: wait and see, or be proactive.

My decision was a no-brainer, based on several factors:

• There’s a heavy incidence of cancer in my family history; I’ve lost three grandparents and my mom to it in one form or another.

• I’m a big girl — in more ways than one. And obesity has been proved to be a contributing factor in the development of cancer.

• Finally, I’m 55 and well past menopause. My baby-making parts quit on me years ago, and I have no further use for them anyway. (So there. Nyeah.)

Given all this, I responded without hesitation: Let’s do it.

So, I’m having a hysterectomy on Wednesday. We’re yanking the entire works in an effort to avert future issues.

I’ll be out of circulation for the next couple of weeks. I’m not looking forward to the painful recovery period, but it can’t possibly compare to the years of suffering my mother went through with cancer.

I hope this surgery nips it in the bud for me.

I hope 2020 won’t end up being a complete dumpster fire.

I hope my brothers find a new local contractor to end their misery.

I hope my fellow Americans pull together for the common good in November.

I HOPE.

Kat Bryant is lifestyle editor of The Daily World and editor of Washington Coast Magazine. Reach her at kbryant@thedailyworld.com or on Facebook.