Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Really Random Thursday-Eve, 11/21/18

This has been an eventful week. Some wonderful, some not so much.

Let's get the "not so much" out of the way first and end on a happy note.

A little over a week ago, I discovered a breast lump. It was a Saturday. By Tuesday, I underwent a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy. By Thursday, I had the diagnosis of breast cancer. Since that time, my emotions have been a rollercoaster, sometimes peaceful, sometimes terrified. As Mark and I have started the process of sharing the news with our family and friends, I have received amazing support. Charlotte and I had made a date awhile back to go to Color Me Mine. When we made the date, I could never have anticipated that this is what I would decide to paint.
She worked on this cute little reindeer, though she has an aversion to anything "Christmas" before Thanksgiving. We had such a good time. She was good for my spirits.

This arrived today. I am working diligently at staying off the internet and doing "research." It is confusing, and not at all helpful. My cousin Cathy said this is the only book to read.
Mark, who is always my biggest rock and support, has been the best. I came home the other day to find beautiful flowers, the sweetest note, and one of his fused glass breast cancer ribbons. I don't think either of us anticipated that ultimately he would be giving one of them to me.
While I await my treatment plan meeting with surgeon and oncologist on the 29th, I received some good preliminary news yesterday--the tumor is "teeny tiny" and "lazy" And my hormone test results are very good. I'm feeling thankful for so many things--love and support. I'm encouraged and optimistic.

And also, while I only read horoscopes for fun, this was mine a couple of days ago. I'm saving it in my journal.
Along with this hand-colored note from my friend, Barb.

Now on to the good stuff!!

Charlotte was baptized on Sunday. Mark and I were fortunate to hear her testimony on Wednesday night.
This is a big step for her, and we are so proud of this girl. She has an amazing capacity for empathy, she is a rock-steady friend, and reliable in any situation. And funny. We see great things in store for her.

A couple of cool things is that this is the same church where her father was baptized. And also in the group on Sunday was one of her best friends, Violet. She and Violet have been friends for 12 years--they have grown up in this church together, have gone to the same school since kindergarten, and up until about 1 1/2 years ago, lived within a block of each other. This is just another thing that will bond them together.
We celebrated these two with a combined family dinner at Spaghetti Factory after the service. Friends who feel more like family is a special gift.
In the midst of all this, I finished this afghan, which I started working on over five years ago. I'm thrilled that it is finally completed, just in time for colder weather! When I get a chance, I'll take better pictures of the whole thing, as it is worthy of its own separate blog post. :)
Also during this week, Carrie has been quilting my "Finding the Way to My Heart" quilt. The interesting back story on this is that Carrie is a breast cancer survivor. I was fortunate to meet her in person at QuiltCon in Pasadena this past February. In the past couple of weeks we have been texting and talking on the phone as we have discussed quilting designs. After I received the phone call about my diagnosis, she was one of the first people I shared the news with--she knew exactly the new emotions I was going through. My quilt is finished and on its way back to me. It is beyond my wildest vision.


I'm not showing the entire quilt yet, but be prepared to be amazed!!

On a funny side note, I showed her my initial concept sketch. You see the "vision," right??  I'm nothing if not graphically challenged. Ha!

But the most important thing to me is that I am sure it is not a coincidence that she was the specific person working on this quilt, at the specific time I received my diagnosis.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow (here in the States), I hope you are thankful for the important things in your life, which are not "things."

Oh, and good food. Don't forget the food. :)

17 comments:

05 08
felicity said... #

I'm holding you close to my heart, Cindy.

liz said... #

Wishing you all the very best, Cindy. You sound like you are in a really great place emotionally and blessed with terrific support, and it sounds like you're dealing with a really wimpy adversary. May that be so, and may you soon be done treatments and feeling great! Sending love and hugs to you!

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said... #

Thank you for sharing with us. I'm keeping you in the light and my prayers. Your family is truly beautiful and so close to your heart, so thank you for sharing them with us, too.

Farm Quilter said... #

Praise the Lord for Charlotte and Violet's decision - what a blessing!! Your afghan is so beautiful...looking forward to seeing the whole thing! Praying for you and your family (and friends who are family-by-choice). I am sure it was not coincidence that you were working on that particular quilt when you got the news...God knew you would need her! Our God is an awesome God and I am totally placing you in the palm of His hand.

Jeannine said... #

Sending prayers for healing. Your quilt is beautiful as is that amazing afghan. I would be interested in seeing more pictures of each. May your journey through your treatment be easy.

Janice Smith said... #

So sorry to read your news. I, myself, had a second mastectomy last Thursday. My first mastectomy was eleven years ago. Imagine how surprised I was. Fortunately, the cancer was detected very early, and it is my hope that this surgery will preclude the need for any further treatment. As I said in my last blog post, this is just a little speed bump on the road of life.
Stay strong and surround yourself with positivity. You will be fine.

Unknown said... #

Breast Cancer survivor for 2-1/2 years - mine, too, was "little and lazy" (although it turned out to be twice the size shown in the ultrasound), and I also had good hormone test results. Chose minimal surgery with no reconstruction, plus mammosite radiation. SO very thankful for my surgeon who listened to my desires and acted accordingly. Also thankful to be in a great breast health practice as I get to see them more often than I ever thought possible. Hangeth thou in there. Pray, pray, pray!

Robby said... #

Sending a virtual hug and prayers for your health and well being in all ways. Wonderful that there were good things mixed in there with the other news. What a joy to be surrounded by so many people that love and care about you. I expect you'll be bringing color to life around you for a long time to come.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said... #

I am sending you virtual hugs and wishing the best for you.

Susan said... #

Sending best wishes from afar for a full recovery Cindy. You are certainly surrounded by loving family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving! Susan

Deb Cox said... #

Dearest Cindy, I was quite dismayed to read you "sad" news. Am very glad for your support through the medical community and your ever strong family and friends network. That is huge. You and your husband work very hard at these relationships and it shows. I have been blessed with following you for years on your blogs and really appreciate your effort and sharing. So from a very cold London, Ontario, Happy Thanksgiving to you all in the States. Thankful for people like you that are so giving. Positive thoughts Cindy.

Charlotte M. said... #

Cindy, I am so glad you have such a good support system. Count me among those who are praying for you. When I was diagnosed 4 years ago, my daughter contacted many of my bloggy friends and had them send messages of support. You sent me one of Mark's fused glass breast cancer ribbons and it sits on my bedside table to this day, to remind me of the love and support that I received back then. I am doing well and still always diligent in my health care. Next year I will reach that important milestone of 5 years. I cannot thank you enough for your support of a relative stranger at that time. I want all good things for you as you make this journey. You have a wonderful family and I know they will help you through this. Bless you and happy thanksgiving to you and yours. Virtual hugs and nothing but positive thoughts for you.

stitchinpenny said... #

Blessings for you on this journey and strength for all around you.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

You've been in (and will continue to be in) my daily prayers since hearing of your diagnosis. I know you will have a ton of support. Hang in there and choose a peaceful heart everyday. Love you.

Moowee said... #

Hugs and prayers. I did it and you can too. 2 bits of advice. Get flushable wipes if you have surgery. More importantly,your dr will have someone on call every single day. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects call and ask for help. They may be able to give you some relief. Do not suffer in silence.

Gunstones said... #

Cindy - just read the blog and want you to know that this past winter my diagnosis was almost identical to yours - tiny and slow growing. I had the lumpectomy and 15 days of radiation. You can do this and with your faith, you will come out the other side with bells on. Love to you and Mark. Cathy Gunstone

FlourishingPalms said... #

I'm glad you check yourself for lumps, and that your medical team was fast-acting to discover what it was. You're doing everything right, but I know it's difficult, wondering what the future holds. Your appointments on the 29th will go a long toward helping you feel you can handle it. Keep praying, and know that I am too. I'm also smiling about that fused glass piece because I have the same one here at my house. :-) (Thank you!) Many blessings on your journey. Know that your friends, and God have your back!