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Saturday, 14 January 2017

Bad news, good news

2017 is just 14 days old but already it has thrown me a curved ball. I started the year with high hopes but in a short space of time my world was turned upside down and it has taken a little while to get my head round it. Now I would like to share my problem with you as I have always found my blog land friends and family very supportive and I know I will be needing that support as the year progresses. On 3rd January I woke up with pain in my right breast, it was swollen and I could feel a lump. I have suffered mastitis before and so decided that I would take pain killers, go to work and if it wasn't resolving the next day I would see my doctor. So the next morning I phoned my GP and as I couldn't see a doctor until the end of this week I went to the urgent care centre at our local hospital. By the end of the day I had been scanned, had a mammogram and a biopsy. On Wednesday of this week I was told I have breast cancer and they went through the treatment plan with me. I have tests booked for next week to check for spread elsewhere and to ensure I am fit for chemotherapy. I meet my oncologist on the 31st and treatment will start immediately after that. The tumour is small and I have been told the outcome should be fine but it's news you hope you will never be given. 

 Being me I will be trying to carry on as normal as far as I am able to do so. John has told me I will be taking extra care of myself and I'm sure he will be very bossy if he thinks I'm doing too much and tiring myself. I love him dearly and he has been so supportive, being there to talk when needed but also allowing me space to process it on my own. Our children whilst stressed witless have also been treasures during this last week. 

 The good news is that sewing, knitting and other crafts have always been my means of relaxing and dealing with stress. Over the Christmas holidays I had organised my projects and also set up new ones so I have a variety of things I can get on with and enjoy. John bought me the fabric for the mariner's compass quilt for Christmas but this has now taken on the name of Rescue quilt and I plan on working on this over the year.

I've been reading through the pattern and following all the steps will help keep my mind occupied. Earlier this week I made a start by clearly identifying which fabric was for which area. I'd switched some of the fabrics around from the pattern and I needed to make sure I got it right. All the fabric is now carefully labelled and I've since made a start on the cutting.


Also good news is that our flooring for our living room, dining room and hall has been delivered and we can start to lay the floor. We're using solid bamboo flooring and I'm so excited as it's going to look fabulous. It's currently in boxes in the hallway but we need to move it to where it will be laid so it can acclimatise.The hallway has still to be decorated but there's time for that.  

This evening I've been knitting whilst watching the last part of the hobbit. All the fighting has quite worn me out and I think a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit is in order. I've been working on John's jumper and I'm almost up to the arm holes. The wool is thick and it grows very quickly. Tomorrow is a sewing day as I haven't yet started on the quilting for my dog quilt. Hopefully I can get some of it done in the morning. I'm also hoping it stays dry so we can take Scamp for a long walk. With the weather being cold and wet, plus my health problem he's missed out on his walks this past week.

 Take care and I'll be back tomorrow with some slow stitching.

 Lyndsey



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13 comments:

  1. Mad about Craft14 January 2017 at 22:59

    Scary! I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, but it sounds like everything is under control. You sound very positive! I'm glad that you've got crafty & decorating plans afoot but don't overdo it! Take care! xx

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  2. Missy Shay15 January 2017 at 01:20

    I am so sorry about your prognosis! Having a quilting plan is a great idea!

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  3. Motherdragon's Musings15 January 2017 at 09:09

    Oh Lyndsey, I am sorry and sad for your diagnosis and hopefully, and it sounds like it was caught in time and things are under control. Quilting, patchwork and knitting are a relief whilst awaiting scans and various cancer tests. Hope you do not have far to travel for your treatment. I have NETS in the liver and rib and live 1800 klms away from treatment, but pray 2017 will be a better year than 2016. Hugs from Australia.

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  4. rosemaryschild15 January 2017 at 13:06

    Prayers-bless you, Susan

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  5. Sherry15 January 2017 at 14:15

    I am so sorry, I have been cancer free from my breast cancer for 6 and a half years now. I know having a supportive husband, your children and your quilting-knitting will help you through this. Many blessings to you.

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  6. Suzanne15 January 2017 at 15:32

    Not a fun way to begin the New Year, but you can do this....I promise! It sounds like you have a great support team, which is very important. I am a cancer survivor of 24 years. You can do this!!!!

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    1. Val's Quilting Studio17 January 2017 at 21:01

      Ditto! I'm a 25 year cancer survivor...having a postive, supportive team makes a BIG difference. Keep sewing, keep blogging as like you said, we are here for YOU!!!! I know it feels like your whole world of what you knew as normal has been pulled out from under of you...but have faith. Keep sewing. The year I was sick EVERYONE I knew got quillows for Christmas...remember those!! (This was before I was a quilter) We will keep you in our prayers and continue to stop by and check on you. :) :)

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  7. Una15 January 2017 at 15:32

    A shocking way to start the year. But is sounds all under control. I know many survivors of breast cancer. I think the treatment is good nowadays. I'm surprised at your GP though. Mine saw me the same day when I said what the problem was. Luckily, it was nothing suspicious.

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  8. Barbara15 January 2017 at 16:34

    Oh my goodness, Lyndsey. What terrible news. I'll be keeping healing thoughts for you and wishing you the best as you go through treatment. Keep that hand sewing close by.

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  9. Jenny17 January 2017 at 08:50

    So sorry to read about your sad news Lyndsey, but it is a blessing that you have been seen by the hospital so promptly and have a treatment plan in place. I also received this bad news earlier last year so know exactly what you are going through. Sending you my very best wishes, and do take care. Just take one day at a time and accept whatever help friends and family offer, whether it is meals, transport to hospital or friendly support.

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  10. Celtic Thistle19 January 2017 at 17:25

    Sorry to read your bad news Lyndsey, it sounds like you are approaching this new challenge with your usual aplomb. Know that we are all rooting for you (to finish that gorgeous quilt!)

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  11. Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana20 January 2017 at 13:42

    Lyndsey, you are finding out how brave you can be. And you are dealing with it in a positive manner, getting on with all the things you love in life. These will be your support to get you through. I say my stitching is my therapy and I mean it; it has gotten me through some tough times. Heed your body and rest when you need to. Lean on those ready and willing to help. Everyone is here for you.

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  12. Quilt Maniac24 January 2017 at 04:41

    speaking from experience (30 years ago now!) Lower your expectations; accept that your concentration may not be what you are used to & allow yourself to be pampered!

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