Hi Everyone!
Just a little update. I know I haven't written much lately, life keeps getting in the way. Where do I begin?
First off, I've been doing a little training at the store. The boss hired someone to work full time while I'm convalescing. She's a wonderful girl, and a great framer, she was in the right place at the right time and I think the bosses shop will really benefit from her expertise! (I hope I still have a job when all is said and done, because I think she's REALLY much better at my job than I am!)
I still don't have a surgery date yet, as it has taken me this long to see all the doctors, listen to all the pros and cons and choose the type of treatment I want. I haven't made the final decision yet, I have another doctor's appointment on Wednesday. Hopefully by then I'll know what I want to do and then he can get together with the breast surgeon and pick a date. This has been an incredible journey and I've really had to think long and hard about what is truly important in my life. I know the Lord allows obstacles in our lives for a reason. I really wish this one weren't so BIG, but hopefully the benefits will weigh the same as the heartache! LOL The first visit with the breast surgeon was so upbeat and positive, I really thought it was going to be so easy. I would have been much easier if I didn't have choices. But as one doctor put it, I have to decide what will make me happy in the end, and that is such a tough chore. DH has told me to take him out of the equation, but for a people pleaser such as myself, that is very difficult. It almost seems selfish. And the hardest thing to wrap my brain around, is losing a part of myself (and I realized I've been going through a grieving process), a part that identifies myself as a woman. It's almost like losing a limb to me. Weird eh? But, it's either that or perhaps suffering down the line with other health issues or even losing my life. I choose life, and life "worry free" and as healthy as I can make it. Hopefully my family and friends agree. The only downside that I will have trouble dealing with, is the possible loss of strength in my arms. This could be a career ending move. And I truly love framing. But where the Lord closes a door, He opens a window. So I say....BRING IT ON! It's never too late to teach an OLD dog new tricks. LOL
When the surgery date is planned, I'll post it, and then it may be a while before you hear from me again. In the meanwhile, I have a stitcher's retreat this weekend. I can't wait to get away with my pals and stich and laugh and eat and laugh and laugh some more. After the past month, I need this more than words can express. So...take good care of yourselves! If my camera shy friends cooperate, I'll have some pictures to post when I get back. *Hugs*
Hi everyone!
I'm feeling a little hm...not really proud of myself, but pleased I guess. For the first time in a while I actually remembered that Thursday was UFO day and got some stitching done on an old SAL. This one was offered by Alice and Company and some OLD pictures can be seen here (if you scroll REALLY far down on the web page) of her previous SAL. Just click on the link: http://squarenews.blogs.com/linsanslautre/stitch-a-long-with-me/ . I love her new one, but haven't purchased it yet, though I have to tell you I'm sorely tempted! So... here are some before and after pictures.
I didn't get much done, I had a lot of interruptions yesterday and too much on my mind to really focus, but I THINK I did enough to ward off the wet noodle! *Looking pleadingly in Allison Joy's direction* I was supposed to work but had had a rough day the day before and just couldn't bring myself to go in. I got up, got showered and dressed, and just didn't go in. Sorry, Ken...and the others who had to cover for me, I just couldn't get my act together.
Well, many of you probably know about the contest being offered on the Weihenburg yahoo group (not sure if I spelled that right) by now so just thought I'd show you what I've been up to. I got this fabric and floss about a week ago and couldn't decide which one to try, so I bought them both and got started on one. We'll see how it goes and see if this is the way I want to proceed.
I started the contest piece on Vintage Maritime White (by Lakeside Linens) 28 count over one using Gloriana silk May Flower. Here's a picture of my VERY SLOW START. It's been crazy busy at my house (as you can imagine) so I haven't had much time to stitch.
I also bought this Butter Cream 32 count which I will stitch over one using Wildflowers Cherry. I've always loved those colors in cherry and can't wait to see how that will look too. Not sure if I'll even finish one of them before the end of the contest but I can dream can't I?
It was a busy week last week, with MRIs and the Orioles Opening day (they lost, it was such a disappointment) a breast cancer support group meeting and a night out with Sonya (too much fun!!) amongst other things. Seems never ending lately and without sleep I'm getting very tired. Just a little update...will wait for results from the MRI then will see the plastic surgeon on Wed. He'll get back with the general surgeon and pick a date for surgery (waiting on insurance approval as well). My boss wants it over and done with so I can get back to work as quickly as possible (and so he and his family can go to Disney World this summer as planned). Me? I want to go to the stitcher's weekend in St. Michaels first...it's only two weeks away now!! Can't wait! Ironically when I told my boss of the impending surgery he whipped out his calendar and told me the dates he and his family had scheduled to go to Florida this summer so I could schedule my life around his vacation. *rolling eyes heavenward* There are days I can honestly say I wonder if the man has a soul...
Can't think of anything funny these days, so will leave this post as it is and hopefully when I'm rested, the old humor will return. Till then here's wishing you better days, good health and happiness. *Hugs*
I'm sorry if you are tired of hearing about my issues. I can't help writing about them though. I hope it's not too distressing to you, and if so I'll stop writing. I'm finding it so helpful though...so here goes...
Yesterday was the first time I'd met with a doctor to actually discuss options and hear the whole story. It's amazing the thoughts that go through your head. When DH first found out about the cancer, he was distraught. I was a little, but I quickly got over it, because me, being me, keep seeing the funny side of things. I think the people I've run into during this ordeal have thought me a bit odd, and that's ok. It's my defense mechanism and it works for me! LOL So I told DH, if he was serious about helping me, I NEED to laugh. So between him and DS, I've been in stitches. I'm beginning to appreciate and really love my guys more and more each day!
There is something totally degrading about cancer. It's ugly, destructive, invasive and just plain ornery. Because of the area, and the fact that I've agreed to participate in some research studies, they need pictures. Ok, I felt a little like a porno star, and the poses I had to strike so they could get just the right lighting and view is a little disconcerting. I was wearing a pink cape (everyone wears pink at the breast cancer center, I'm beginning to HATE pink...LOL) and the first words out of her mouth were, "OK, flip the cape back over your shoulders". So here I am, hands on hips, cape flung back over my shoulders without another stitch on above the waist posing for pictures. All I needed was the wind blowing in my face, enough to have the cape flapping in the wind to feel a little like Wonder Woman without the tight suit. I feel able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, stop speeding bullets with my teeth, out-race speeding locomotives, and give birth to a 20 pound bowling ball without pain medications! (I am WOMAN, hear me roar!) LOL
Next I'm ushered into the consult room where we discuss what options are open to me. Including plastic surgery, reduction, getting rid of that extra roll of breast tissue up under my arm pits (hearing the Dr. say "You'll be able to wear tank tops without fear again!") And I think you'll look really great because we'll nip, tuck and uplift better than an 18 hour bra! Hm...when can you get started? Can't wait to look 20 again!! Can you fix the flapping wings under my arms, the turkey waddle I have flapping under my chin, the sagging tush and shave about 50 pounds off while you're at it too? LOL COUNT ME IN!!
Then I get a book, and I mean a ten pound book, filled with calendars, business cards, information about types of cancers, a dictionary of cancer terms and various and sundry information about procedures, types of radiation and chemotherapy and different types of doctors I'll be seeing (no kidding, they call themselves a team) I'm going to need a play book of names, numbers, and maps to different clinics to navigate my way through this (not to mention a month to read through all this!!). I even have a person assigned to me called a Nurse Navigator who will set up appointments with the different doctors and see that I have the right documentation to get the referrals I need along with sending reports to the different doctors. It's like having a star chart to the universe in one compact ten pound book! LOL And just as confusing!
When I finally have the chance to talk to my son about all that is going on he is full of questions. In order to relieve his fears we've decided to tell him everything. I'll be as honest as I can. So as we finally got around to discussing plastic surgeons, he gets this quizzical look on his face. "Mom? Do they use hard or soft plastic?" And the most absolute funny thing about that is that he was totally serious because he didn't know what plastic surgery was!?! DH and I have been talking about the molds they use to pour the hard plastic to shape new bionic tatas LOL
It's hard for me to imagine that I only found out about the diagnosis two days ago, and already I've met my surgeon, and nurse navigator, talked to the medical oncologist and talked to the research coordinator and will have an appointment with the radiology oncologist on Monday. In less than a week, I'll have met just about everyone on my "team". WOW! I've been trying to schedule a day to work, but I literally haven't had time!! Nor have I had any sleep and just the thought of trying to work in a day to get something done at the store seems impossible at this point. I think I need a nap! But whenever I have a seat to think about de-stressing, the phone rings. I'm getting ready to unplug, turn-off and possibly crush any telephone within earshot!
But I can't thank my friends enough. When I got home from quite possibly the hardest day I'll have to face before surgery, there was a bouquet of flowers waiting for me. It's beautiful, thank you Sonya and Alice, you guys are so wonderful!! Then in the mail today, a handmade card from Alice. I'm blessed to have friends like you. And I know you've been praying for me too, thank you so much! I love you guys!
I got the call tonight...though I already knew what the answer would be. I was hoping the Dr was wrong yesterday.
He told me before I left the room that he suspected it was cancer and wanted to warn me then so that it wouldn't be too much of a shock today. Not just the one lump, but both. So there it is. *Sigh* I'm uncertain what to do at this point, I was given a phone number to "start the process" whatever that might be. I'll call MY Doctor later today and see what she has to say. Thanks for all the prayers...and even though the outcome wasn't what any of us hoped, I'm a firm believer that everything has a purpose. There is a reason for this and something good will come of it, we only have to wait, believe and see what happens. I have to say, I'm really not surprised. My body has been trying to tell me something for a very long time it just took a long time to find the answer. So don't worry about me, one way or another, everything will turn out as the Lord wills and I'm ok with that. The only thing I worry about is telling my Mom. She will need the prayers now.
I'm thinking of the irony of this message, it seems like such a downer. And yet a week or so ago someone gave me a sunshine award. LOL I wonder if there is a moonshine award? I might just have to make one up! I'm not a drinking person (though lately I've had quite a few for various reasons) but I sure could use something tonight. What a thought?!?! Forgive me Lord! LOL
I may be MIA for a while until I wrap my brain around it all. In the meanwhile, here are some *HUGS* to tide you over.
Hi Gang!
I finally found some time to share a few photos. First though, I want to thank those who have been leaving comments and praying for me. The last few weeks have been nerve wracking and I know those prayers have been carrying me through. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here is a shot of the Bachelorette party. We had a lot of fun, they were a great bunch of ladies to spend the evening with. We went to Medieval Times for dinner and a joust. Our knight turned out to be the bad guy, but he sure was great to look at, so much charisma you had to cheer no matter what! We hit a few bars, then a midnight showing of Alice in Wonderland. It sounds a bit tame, but all in all it was a fun evening.
So, here goes...*huge sigh* It is with GREAT reluctance that I share these photos. LOL I really did love the dress, but I know I didn't look great in it. I have to say, though, the fabric was so nice and it did fit really well (no more wardrobe malfunctions for me! LOL) that I didn't feel self conscious UNTIL I saw the pictures, but by then the event was all over but the shouting. Christina was a beautiful bride and the wedding was perfect, everyone had a great time and had fun together and that is all that mattered.
So, here is the entire bridal party at the altar. I'm the middle bridesmaid....*shiver* LOL
I danced with Christina's Mom to "Cotton-Eyed Joe" You have to know Christina's Mom, shes a hoot and makes everything so much fun!
I got a shot of the other framer's that have worked at Frames Galore with Christina and me. At one point the lights at the store would have problems lighting up, and all that would light was Frames Gal...so we've affectionately become known as the Frames Gals. I must say, it wasn't my best mugshot...I had had a few Southern Comfort and ginger ales at this point and I'm afraid it's written all over my face. LOL (I needed some liquid courage to face people with all that skin hanging out! LOL)
Here's a shot of the Camelot Sampler all framed and ready to hang. Christina loved it and I got a very sweet message on my cell phone the following day from John, who said he couldn't stop looking at it and it would always be hung in pride of place wherever they lived. I love making things for people who appreciate the hard work and love and attention I put in my stitching. It was a joy to stitch this for them. Best Wishes, Christina and John, for a long and happy life together!
With all the busy-ness and stress we've been having to deal with for such a long time now, DH and I decided to take a little trip out of town last weekend. DS was attending a Christian Youth Conference (IMPACT) in Ocean City (this is the third year he has attended the conference and DH and I have never been there) so, we decided to stay in a Bed and Breakfast there. Josephine and Brian run the Atlantic House just one block from the boardwalk. If you ever plan to visit, I would recommend their little B&B.
They were the perfect hosts, I felt like fast friends when we left there. Not only were the accommodations welcoming and comfortable, but the breakfasts were out of this world! I even came away with a few new recipes. Each night they had a snack for us (homemade chocolate chip cookies one night...a weakness of mine) and one night treated us to one of Brian's Sangria concoctions. Mmmmmmmmm yummy!! It was a bit windy and chilly (so couldn't take advantage of the hot tub) but it was worth the little vacation away from it all. We had the boardwalk pretty much to ourselves, we visited a few of the MUST SEES along the way, and I gained a few pounds because we HAD to try Fischers carmel corn, the Dough Roller pizza, Thrashers boardwalk fries, Wockenfuss chocolates and of course the fudge from the Candy Kitchen. Not to mention the Atlantic house breakfasts. It was just what DH and I needed!
I love the ocean. I don't swim or even like to walk on the beach, but I love to watch the waves and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. It soothes my soul in ways I can't express in words. Thank you my dear sweet DH for planning this little get-away. I had the perfect time! I couldn't help trying to get this shot of the big waves and the moon in the sky at the same time. I thought it was so pretty.
I read somewhere about a preacher who comes to the beach and makes sand sculptures there. This is one that was standing along the shore that he created. What an amazing talent!
So, guess that's all the news that's fit to print. The procedure went well yesterday and other than a little soreness I'm doing great! They told me I would have answers in 48 hours, but that he would probably be calling me late Tuesday. I'm not sure when I'll post next because I'm sure I'll be busy. I've taken a few days off work and I know that I'll be busy when I do get back to the shop. Thanks again for reading and for your prayers. They mean the world to me! *Hugs*
Did I ever mention that my maiden name was Murphy? And that when they wrote Murphy's Law they were writing about me? I know that sounds very vain and egocentric, but I honestly believe it's true! LOL
For instance... I mentioned over a week ago that they wanted to do biopsies within a week. Weeeelllll.... that didn't happen. Why, you ask? Because for a Murphy, nothing is easy! LOL My primary care physician (PCP) (whom I respect and would do ANYTHING she told me to do) decided she wanted me to see a different agency to have the biopsies performed. So for two days I did nothing but run paperwork around. I had to wait 48 hours to get all the film and reports from the one agency, then drive to another agency over an hour away only to find that I had the wrong referral. When I tried to call my PCP, my cell phone died. I had to drive all the way back and then they told me they couldn't fill out the referral like the other agency wanted. I finally got it sorted out and had to wait 4 days for them to call back with an appointment. When they did, they were scheduling me for something completely opposite that the other agency wanted to perform. Back to my PCP for assistance, but again I had to wait 5 days this time for them to fax reports and then follow-up on their faxes. I finally threw my hands in the air and decided to just wait until my appointment and sort it all out then. The appointment for the biopsies is now March 29th. I'll be having three done, two in one "sister" and one in the other. Wish me luck (although prayers would be better I'm thinking!).
In the meanwhile, other issues are happening. I haven't been sleeping which in turn leads to some very dizzy days. Now when you work in a frame shop, you work with machines with very sharp fixtures. A mat cutter, an electric saw to cut moulding, glass cutters not to mention handling glass. Dizziness and these "dangers" are NOT a good combination. So far I haven't hurt myself, but it's always a concern. With a co-worker on her honeymoon and another dealing with family issues, I'm working over-time. Not sleeping, working overtime, and dizziness does not a happy framer make... LOL!! I'm beginning to wish I had been adopted... There goes the Murphy curse again.
The only good thing that has happened, is that some dear folk have nominated my blog for two different awards. I'm deeply honored and touched that I've been chosen. There are some details to take care of in order to receive these awards and I will take care of them as soon as I get a chance.
I have some pictures to post as soon as I get a chance. I finished framing the Camelot Sampler for my Co-Worker's wedding (they absolutely loved it by the way!) and have pictures to share when I get a chance. I'll show a picture of my dress (though I'm cringing as I type this because let's just say, the style of the dress was a little revealing for me but I know some of you have asked to see it) I just have to find my camera which is MIA at the time of this posting.
So, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth just yet, I haven't been stitching (with the wedding and working overtime, and the dizziness I just haven't had the heart to pick up a needle), I haven't been posting in any of the groups I'm in, and posting on the blog seemed pointless since I didn't have anything new to report or any pictures to post. So....I guess I just wanted to say I'm still alive and kicking in case you were wondering. I'll be back with a vengeance as soon as I get my health sorted out. Till then, take care and super tight *Hugs* to all of you.
