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