Saturday, October 23, 2010

Think Pink

I know, I know, long time no blog~In fact, I haven't even been lurking.

But here is some quiltiness from the Wilted Quilter.




As you know, Libby has started the Folk Art Gathering Gals which I am a proud member. I must say that I like prim for its quirkiness and most of all forgiveness when quilting but I'm not always a big fan of the brown, brown, browns. When I started to pull fabric for this project I kept pulling brights. I felt that I was channeling Freddy Moran! So, I decided to go with it and bought several pairs of sunglasses for the gals in the group, in case, the bright got out of hand. LOL! As you know, this is a Cheri Payne quilt. I love the quirkiness of the blocks and applique, the ability to "do my own thing" yet stay true to the pattern and I hope that this "Cheri & Freddy" collaboration will meet their awesome standards.

As you can see, I'm in the pink on this one and there is a good reason for that. Just after joining the Folk Art Gals, I received some life changing news. I have gone back and forth with posting this info but since it is such a HUGE part of my life now, I've decided to put it out there. I was diagnosed with breast cancer right before my vacation in July. I found the lump myself. (Yes, you will know when you find something so start squeezing the melons!!) Thankfully, it was small but the cancer cells had spread to some of the surrounding tissue which meant not only surgery but chemo and radiation. With my doctor's blessing, we went on vacation so that we could process everything before I started down this unknown highway. We had a wonderful time, got to see that Alex was ok and when I got back I was ready to face this lump in the road head on. I had a lumpectomy in August. I have done two rounds of chemo with two to go which will be followed with 4 weeks of radiation.

Cancer and cancer treatment is a personal journey. I believe 90% of it is mental. Positive thinking is key. My oncology doctor and I believe that this is curable but the treatment has to be heavy duty to achieve the goal. I am taking one day at a time and dealing with WHAT IS and not thinking about WHAT IF. I have a huge support system, including some of you out there in blogland who I have shared this and that makes a huge difference. I am also one of the few lucky ones that has a stomach of iron so that chemo has been easier. Oh, there are days when I feel like total crap and want to curl up in a ball and cry but for the most part, I get up every day, put on my big girl panties, plop my new friend "Beth" on my cranium and head to work like everyone else.

I am still working with my super duper trainer, Kyle, three days a week. He is absolutely in the top three of my supporters. If he wasn't waiting at the gym for me at 7 AM, I would not be there or feeling as good as I do on most days. Surprisingly, the workouts help tremendously. It makes me feel strong and I feel I can conquer the world and cancer. I still do laundry and food shopping and cleaning, just like all of you, though DH has picked up a HUGE portion of the work load leaving me time to rest and quilt when I feel up to it.

Sewww, that's that. In closing, here's a recent pic of my gorgeous son before he drove back to Colorado last week, me, and my new friend "Beth"!

QUILT TIL YOU WILT!!

15 comments:

YankeeQuilter said...

Hang in there...adding you to my "pink" list of women who are fighting and are in my prayers!

Gari in AL said...

My prayers are with you. A very good friend is in the same fight: she goes to Houston every other weekend for her treatments.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

My prayers are with you as well. Hope you have a smooth and speedy recovery!

Melanie said...

It's the people you don't know that you may impact the most---- thanks for sharing your story...You rock!!! I always say it's not the cards you are dealt, it's how you play your hand...You sound like a great poker player!!!! I'm glad you found it and thrilled that you've almost got it behind you and onto more quilting.

Libby said...

I'm right here cheering you on in your fight. Stay strong - you will surely win!

Love the block, too. It's perfect.

Diana said...

Glad to see you're hanging in there, especially through the chemo. My thoughts are with you.

Paula, the quilter said...

You were on my mind when I posted my Public Service Announcement this month.

Finn said...

Well Miss Annie, I was going to send you a hug via Libby and the stitching group, but decided to pop over and do it myself!! Totally awesome to be channeling Freddy, a personal favorite of mine! It rocks that you know you can do the Prim pattern and piece, but do it "your way". You're my hero.
Thank you for trusting us with your news. That positive can do attitude will be a winner for sure. Seems that life is much like a quilt. Along with the pieces we choose, there are the pieces we are 'given'. What we do with them, how we decide to "make it work" is our journey. Some pieces can be swapped for something we like better, some can not. Some, with manipulation, can be what ties it all together and sets it apart. My love and prayers are with you, Finn
P.S. and a few hugs too!!

Karen said...

missed you this month, and hope you're feeling a bit better. Keep up the good fight- you are so right, it is all about the attitude!!
I love the crown and hands on dollie--I have the same set, but you know me and my prim, prim! My dollie will be sportin' sticky- uppy hair. lol.
Hopefully we'll see you soon...
Karen

Finishing Lines by K.Sperino said...

You look great! Take care Annie, I shall be thinking of you.

Unknown said...

Love your positive attitude!

Kay said...

Oh, Annie, I'm sorry I missed seeing this post earlier and have been late in wishing you well. I know you have some terrible days, as you said, but what comes across in this is courage. I hope you'll keep us in blogland informed. All the best. You look wonderful in that photo, by the way.

Angie said...

Sending healing hugs, thoughts, and prayers. In our female sisterhood, not to mention our quilter-sisterhood, isn't this one of our biggest fears. I love how eloquently Finn explained it. We are here for you, cheering you on. :)

Debra Dixon said...

I have to say that Beth looks very good on you! You do come across as strong and positive and that will beat any ole cancer!

Continue on the right path! We are rooting for you.

julieQ said...

Just wanted to add my support too!! big hugs, and many blessings to you along this journey!

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