When last we spoke it was way back in November. I have been doing a lot of blog reading but nothing in the way of blog writing.
Back in November, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. This has been quite a jolt to everyone around me. I have never been sick with anything significant until now. It's been quite an adjustment to lay around and have people (John mostly----he has become quite domesticated) wait on me. In December I underwent extensive surgery to remove all disease that could be safely removed. This included a complete hysterectomy, apendectomy, and whatever else my wonderful surgeon could find. Beginning in January I was released from the hospital and started my life with weekly chemo treatments---three weeks on and one week off. Fortunately, I haven't been too sick with nausea-----they treat it before it starts. I have my treatments on Monday and by Wednesday and Thursday I'm pretty much out of commission. I have lost all my hair and beginning to lose my eye brows and eye lashes. Now wear a wig which I'm very self-conscious about. I have lost 40 lbs which I needed to lose but never wanted to in this way. Nothing taste good to me and my appetite has dwindled. I have good days and not so good days, but my lab work looks good and each day I feel a little stronger.
I want to send out a very special Thank You to Wendy. She came all the way from Birmingham, AL to visit me the day I had surgery and came back the next day when I was awake and knew she was there. She brought John a goody bag filled with things to snack on while he waited the 5-6 hours in the waiting room. He really enjoyed that. What a friend!!!!!!! Thank you, Wendy for your thoughtfulness, kindness and prayers. She even called me on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday and to find out how I was doing----you're the greatest, Wendy!!!!!!!!!
I also want to tell everyone how much you have helped me along the way with your prayers, gifts, and cards. It has been such a blessing to receive the cards and to know that you are thinking about me and my recovery. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
What would we have done without Alicia!!!!! She comes up from Charleston about once a month and does the shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, helping with getting the papers up for the taxes and many other things. Thank you, Alicia, for all your help. Angela comes when she can get time off. Although she would love to come more often, she does have a job and can have just so many days off. It's just not smart for her to come in on Saturday and turn around and go back the next day. She has done what she can and I appreciate her thoughtfulness. Thank you Alicia and Angela for being such wonderful daughters to help your father and me through all this.
You would think I would have knit every inch of stash that I own by now; but, I haven't really felt like knitting. As I mentioned before, I have lost my hair, so I needed some hats. I made two. Then, a cousin sent me a darling scarf kit. It's a small scarf called Barb's Koigu Ruffle. I started it a couple of weeks ago and am on the last half of the ruffle---won't be too long before I finish.
I can't write any more right now, but I'll put up pictures of the hats and scarf when the scarf is complete. Thanks for checking back with me even though I have been a very bad blogger. I promise I'll try to be better.
Elizabeth - I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. I'm sending you all the positive thoughts I can for a full recovery. Hugs to you and your family. I'm so glad you've got a supportive team surrounding you.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 19, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick. I hope that the treatments are helping and that you're soon in remission.
Know you'll be in our thoughts. Sending hugs your way...
Posted by: sprite | April 20, 2011 at 12:43 AM
All the best to you, Elizabeth! Yay for wonderful daughters -- and terrific husbands and wonderful friends!!
Posted by: Vicki | April 20, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Oh, Elizabeth! I am so sorry to hear your news. We hate cancer in this house, and know what a devestation and drain it can be both physically and emotionally. Know that you are loved and prayed for, all the way from New York. I hope I can call you to say hello one day soon. We've missed you.
Posted by: Lynne | April 20, 2011 at 09:28 PM
Oh my goodness - I'm so sorry thar this has happened to you! I hope you make a full recovery and am so thankful you had the help of family and friends.
Posted by: Jo | April 24, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Glad to see that you are blogging again! I've missed your posts! Also glad you a knitting again, my socks are getting worn! :) I love you!
Posted by: Angela | April 28, 2011 at 02:52 PM
That was supposed to say Also glad you ARE knitting again! :P sorry! And about your wig....I think you look beautiful with or without it!!!!! Love you!
Posted by: Angela | April 28, 2011 at 02:54 PM