Saturday, April 13, 2013

Resuming Regularly Scheduled Programming

This blog has been silent for the past 12 days due to unavoidable health care requirements. Breast cancer does that - creeps up unexpectedly, turns one's life topsy-turvy, and after facing unknown surgery and treatment, spits one out a bit worn, yet hopeful and oh-so-much wiser.

Mostly, the past 12 days (post-surgery) were pretty unpleasant. For a couple days they were even painful. However, due to being blessed with a caring surgeon and his assistant, I felt some relief after they made a house call! In this day and age, who would believe that a physician and assistant would drive 90 minutes and two hours (respectively) to ascertain what was causing pain, and then relieving it!? I am blessed to have found such concerned medical professionals right here in Florida.

After getting the Savi-catheter re-positioned correctly (not resting on a nerve), last Monday I began five days of two-a-day treatments in Ocala, a 45-50 minute drive from our house.

Ten times, I went through this door. 

Ten times I laid on a table and looked at this ceiling. But mostly, I closed my eyes and imagined quilt blocks and designs I want to make.

And ten times, nine lines sticking out my right side were connected to nine lines coming from a radiation machine that, for six minutes, delivered radiation along one line at a time.

Once again, during the week, I was overwhelmed with cards, emails, and texted good wishes. I won't be able to thank everyone individually, but please know how very much I have appreciated your concern and remembrances.

Friday afternoon, after wearing the catheter for 11 days, it was removed from my chest - ahhh. I'm feeling like myself again! Full of energy. But, I am supposed to take it easy for a while, until the incision closes up and is past infection. Still, it's sure fun to anticipate regular living again - line dancing, stitchery group, Bible study, and time in my sewing room.

In between appointments, we've done a little more accessorizing on our home. This arrangement is the perfect accent above the door to the master bedroom. Edited to add: This plant is silk. No watering needed.


See my Hosanna wall hanging on the left? It's the one put together with the foundation paper-pieced palm blocks I showed in my last post. 

I'm pleased with the way the big stitch quilting adds element of interest to it.

Last week a package arrived with 15 fat quarters I won from the Fat Quarter Shop. Andi and Kelly who put the fabrics together call this bundle "Rainbows and Unicorns." How could such a fabric bundle NOT lift one's spirits? Good picks Andi and Kelly. Thanks FQS for the win!

So, that's my check in to let you all know that I'm doing really well. Other than follow-up visits to the oncologist (on Monday), radiation oncologist (in May), and surgeon (in July), I'm resuming regularly scheduled life. And that's possible because we have a benevolent God who cares, and who hears and answers prayers. I'm giving a hearty, "Praise the Lord!" Linda

29 comments:

  1. So good to hear you are nearly "back to normal". Now you can cross this particular experience of your list and move forward.
    I love your pants in your bed room. But I'm curios if they are real. They do look it, but then I'm wondering how you are going to water them. Your wall hanging compliments it perfectly. Well done!

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  2. Praise the Lord and AMEN! I know there are a few rest days, but I hope they are filled with peace and a strengthening of spirit also. I'm rejoicing in your progress!
    :-}pokey

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  3. Praise the Lord indeed! Blessings and prayers for you; feel better soon!

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  4. I've lived in Florida for 40 years and have never heard of a doctor making a house call! I'm so glad he did - the thought of you being a car for 2 hours in so much pain is awful. So glad to hear you're feeling better. Many hugs!

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  5. Praise the Lord, for sure! I'm so happy to hear that this part of the treatment is past and you are on the road to recovery. The prayers from here will not stop even though this part is over.

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  6. Yes, praise The Lord for his grace and peace! I am so glad you are recovering! I can't wait to see all the beautiful quilts you create. Yes that big starch is beautiful and the perfect compliment to your quilt.

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  7. What an awesome report! Thank God. Enjoy your coming days ahead.

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  8. So happy for you, Linda. Slow down for a little while!!!!!

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  9. I'm so glad all of your treatment is over!

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  10. I am so glad the pain from the catheter is gone. I am sure with your enthusiasm you will heal fast! You are on your way.

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  11. So pleased that things are going so well for you Linda. No doubt you will have a few grey days (from one who knows) as well as happy days, but your faith, family and friends will help you through. Blessings from Kiwi Land.

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  12. Oh Linda, so sorry you had to go through that, I'm glad the pain is gone, and hope you feel better and enjoy some rest time.
    Julia ♥

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  13. Glad you are through those hard days! And praise the Lord for house calls! That is such a blessing.

    Also: love the palms.

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  14. Wow! They drove all the way to you? Very, VERY cool! Hey, your plant is absolutely gorgeous up there.

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  15. Wonderful news. I'll keep the prayers coming. Can't wait to see what you dreamt up to quilt while you were being treated. So like you not to waste the time but useing it to do some designing.

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  16. Halleluiah!!
    We have an awesome God.
    So happy you are feeling good - still encourage you to rest and let your body heal.... it has been through a lot and can use the rest.

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  17. Love that your doctor made a house call - what a blessing!Hope you get to play in your sewing room soon!

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  18. What wonderful news Linda - I'm thanking God for your good news. Getting back to normal is such a good thing. :) blessings, marlene

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  19. So glad to hear that you're on the mend. It's been a very trying time for you and your family, but can only get better now. Thank goodness for quilting as an outlet. Love your wallhanging, fits the space perfectly.

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  20. So good to have the silence broken and know that you are feeling better. Caring medical staff, family, friends, and your faith all contribute to your resilience.

    I also like the palms panel and silk floral arrangement.

    --Lynda D.

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  21. I know we've all been waiting for this post - to know that it's behind you and you're on to your way back. Answered prayer :).

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  22. Glad to hear the treatments are finished. Take your time to heal.
    A timely fabric win to raise the spirits.
    Hosanna has found the perfect spot so that it can be enjoyed every day.

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  23. Wonderful news, Linda! I'm so glad. :)

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  24. I'm so happy that the worst is behind you and you can move ahead with the things you want to be doing. I'm very thankful that all of our prayers have been answered. Rest up when you need to and then on with this show!

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  25. I just started following your blog and am SO glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. Yes, God IS Good!

    Blessings,
    Sheri

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  26. Linda--so thankful for this great news about your recovery and progress. I wish you Godspeed on the rest of your healing, and send my thoughts and prayers to be with you.

    Elizabeth E.

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  27. So glad your pain and poisoning over! Here's to returning to normal life.

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  28. Linda dear, I haven't checked into your blog for quite awhile. what an unhappy finding to read of your recent health issues. So thankful you are in a caring community with doctors who make house calls....unheard of! and so thankful that you have such a strong faith. What would we do without our Father and his all consuming love as we face what this fallen world delivers.

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  29. Linda- I see that my google identity is mom- this is Patty Paul. I guess I've only used my google account with my kids. hope my ID above didn't create an eerie moment for you. I haven't used my google account this year and I forgot what my ID name was.
    Take care, Patty

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