[Otclassof1973] let me explain ...

[Mindy Schwartz]

First of all, thank you to Marvin for your good wishes and your concerned
phone call.  I am feeling much better, and after 6 weeks the doctor has
finally released me fully back into the world.

I want to take a minute to address all the women on this mailing list, and
all the men who have women in their lives who they care about.  I hope you
will forgive me if you don't think this is an appropriate forum (and
especially for interrupting the South Pacific memories), but it is a way to
reach a lot of women who are around my age with a really important message. 

If you have any bleeding at all after menopause it is a big deal, and you
should see your doctor as soon as possible.  I only found this out during a
discussion with a doctor about a completely different problem. After 3
ultrasounds, 2 MRI's and 3 surgeries, including a total hysterectomy, I
learned that I was cancer-free, but I was very lucky.  If my doctor hadn't
asked the right question, my diagnosis might have been delayed long enough
to have a different result.  

In talking to other women I've learned that most of us don't know that
post-menopausal bleeding is a sign of a possible major problem, so please
pass it on.  If anyone questions if this is just one of those fake e-mails
that gets forwarded around the internet, well, I've got the surgery scar to
prove it's true!

Our 40th reunion is only 5 years away, and I want to be sure that as many of
us as possible are able to enjoy it!  Maybe we should plan the next one in
Sunny California - what do you say, Marvin?

Take care of yourselves,
Mindy