Good morning folks and happy Labor Day.
This is just going to be a brief post to let you good people know where things stand and why they may be a bit erratic at times in the immediate future.
You may know that I am a cancer patient. I was diagnosed in 2000 with breast cancer, had the mastectomy and the chemotherapy. No evidence was found when the lymph nodes were removed and examined so it was presumed that the cancer had been discovered and caught early enough to prevent metastasis (the spread of cancer to bones and organs). A couple of years later, while getting ready for bed, I tripped over the cat (Goldie the goober!) and my left arm broke right up under the shoulder joint. It broke because cancer had eaten up so much of it that there was very little holding it together any more. It turned out that there were other bone mets too, in my hips and spine. So there was more treatment, more chemotherapy and a great deal of radiation. I was declared terminal.
Then something good happened. My oncologist and I decided to try a relatively new drug. Because of the way my cancer worked, there wasn’t a lot of hope that this would help much, if at all - but there was nothing to lose by trying it. As things turned out, it worked very well and has gone on working well until a couple of months ago. My last bone scan showed a new met in my left femur and the cancer markers have been going back up. A lot of testing has and will be done to find out how far things have progressed. Right now we are trying a new medication which has a slight chance of holding things back for a while longer but more chemotherapy and more radiation is likely in the not too distant future.
In addition to this, there are also thyroid and para-thyroid problems which may or may not be cancer related (I should know soon) and which may require surgery. So, tests and appointments are going to be the way of things for most of September and it’s possible, even likely, that posting will occur at odd and/or irregular times as, obviously, will my knitting :)
I hope you’re laughing because at this point the concatenation of things is beginning to look pretty ridiculous, even to me. I mean, things can only go so far before they begin to seem pretty silly :) I absolutely refuse to see myself as a victim and do not identify myself with the disease. Nor will I be discussing it on the blog except when, as today, I feel an explanation is in order. There are way too many people in this same boat with me for me to feel personally persecuted and frankly I think if we could all laugh at this a little more we’d be better off. Even if it didn’t change our conditions - being entertained (even ruefully) is a whole lot better than being scared!
In other news, I have finished my mohair blanket and am distractedly, besottedly in love with the thing. I’ll tell you all about it on Wednesday :) Knitting Chatters will resume on Thursday evening - same bat-time, same bat-channel!
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One stitch at a time—knitting or tinking, sickness or joy, it goes one stitch at a time. I send Light and Awareness that each step, each day, each project gives you strength to cope and grow.
I had no idea. None. Wow, and thanks for letting us know what is up. If you need anything, just tell us. I’m sure I’m not the only who reads this blog very time it shows up in my RSS with a new post. Hugs.
I hope if I ever have to face something like this, I have your bravery and strength. I don’t believe in luck, so I won’t say good luck, but I will send good healing thoughts your way.
What a great attitude! Best wishes and happy knitting.
Oh no, that’s awful news. I’m a lapsed knitter but I’ve enjoyed watching your projects progress for quite a while. What can I say but Cancer Sucks! Thanks for sharing this with your readers.
Well, that just bites, all the way around. I see the humor, too - there’s something about laughing when things just plain get rediculous that helps a lot. Go, you. Wishing you wellness and laughter.
Oh, no! I had no idea. I just recently came across you blog, and it’s on my list of must-reads. I am so sorry. I know you don’t want to be negative, but I just feel so bad. Here’s hoping you’ll always be able to knit.
Keeping you in my thoughts as always…I hope to do some one handed chatting on Thursday Chatters.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Your post is a reminder that we must live life and enjoy it to the fullest as there is no promises that there will be a tomorrow. I think it is okay to be scared and be able to laugh about it.
Your courage humbles me. I had no idea things had progressed this far. I’ll remember you when I light my nightly candles.
I will remember you in my prayers.
Your attitude is an inspiration. Cancer has also touched my family and we have found that laughter is good medicine too! I hope your test results are encouraging.
Robbyn -
Your positive outlook will serve you well in bad times and in good. What a blessing that you can put this kind of spin on the situation. You provide encouragement to everyone who reads your posts - and we will keep you close to our hearts with good thoughts.
Welcome back! Thanks for the update and explanation. I expect to see that blanket soon…
I admire you. You remind me of my dad.
Keep up the great attitude. I can’t wait to see the blanket.
You have the most wonderful attitude…...........(((hugs)))))) 
((hugs)) for Robbyn. You have a great attitude, and that is better than most meds. I’m sending healing vibes your way.
Great blog!
Love the close ups of the knitting the are about the best I’ve seen.
I am trying to find a crochet stitch “the slipper stitch”.
Instead I have found inspriration.
I write with a tear in my eye and hope in my heart.
All the best.
well, you know you have an endless supply of love and good wishes heading your way from texas- your attitude comforts us, and we’ll all try to find laughter together as you battle the beast- we’ll knit, meditate, and snicker together at the absurdity of the universe- it took an amazing act of bravery for you to write this post, and i am sure you have many supporters added to your corner now-
big hugs to you-
Congratulations on living so successfully. May you continue to find peace and joy in all you do.
God bless.
