Sunday, December 28, 2008

Who says Breast Cancer can't be fun....

Since Christmas knitting was completed on time - with some custom modifications for fit...

Convertible Mitts for Marianne - left over sock yarn. Lots of fun to do. Finally figured out how to do the loop for the button - NOT I-cord - it's too thick - so we braided a piece and it works great. College Girl loved them. (I've got to brag a minute - she got an "A" in Anatomy - hard class but she really loved it - she speaks a whole new language now!)

Mittens for Kris (which hasn't been delivered yet) Again - left over yarn from something...

Worked on the scarf for the boss - but knew I wouldn't finish it in time...didn't really like it anyway...so will rip and use the Smooshy for something else.

Christmas was wonderful...Treasures from Africa - this is a beaded collar that the Masai women wear - One of the Housemothers at the Orphanage made this. Molly brought beautiful treasures for everyone.
I received wonderful snuggly recovery outfits - I've got the softest PJ's - I'll be the best dressed patient at the hospital. Plus I'll have lots of comfy soft things to wear at home. I won't be able to lift my arms for a few weeks - so soft and easy dressing will be essential. My toes will be the shinniest too - thanks to an afternoon at the Spa. I plan to do this the day before - a little de-stress time for mom.

The Holiday time with my family was the greatest. We've been laughing a lot and really enjoying each others company. I wish that The Geek were closer and he could hang with us more. As everywhere - the weather made travel challenging - but we did definitely have a white Christmas - melting rapidly today.

Since the Christmas knitting was completed I've been working on these...

They are stuffed only now for picture purposes - check these Tit Bits out. This is so funny, but such a great idea I had to try it out. I think these are a little big...I know but I'm looking forward to downsizing a little. I can't wear regular prosthesis for a month or two until I heal - what's it going to be like to have no shape? My belly will be the only thing sticking out now! Nothing to balance the look. So something like this just might work. Since I've always hated wearing a bra this might be liberating!!

Only a little more than two weeks to the surgery - I'll be a new woman for the New Year. I'll be so busy at work and getting the Christmas stuff put away that the time will fly. I'm looking forward to having this behind me. The girls will be here to look after me and my sister will be coming over to keep an eye on me too.

All your comments have been wonderful. I really appreciate everyones support. It is amazing how everyone knows someone who has had Breast Cancer - notice I said "had"...we will get through this. I plan to be dancing with NED (No Evidence of Disease) soon!!

Here's to a great New Year - new beginnings - closing out the old stuff and bringing in new grand adventures. May we all prosper!!

Knit Peace

6 comments:

roxie said...

Love and blessings to you! What great goodies you make!

Pat K said...

Your attitude is amazing! And so much support that you are receiving! Going into this with so much going for you, I'm sure you will sail through the surgery and recovery with a minimum of difficulty. Keep looking to a healthy future. You go, grrl!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you, Julie! I sent you an email. You can knit without lifting your arms, right?

Mette (Mettuska) said...

Happy new Year to You Julie! Great mittens!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Julie, I'm Sister #1, often mentioned in Melissa's blog, She's Just Sayin'. It's been 13 years and 5 months since my mastectomy and I'm still going strong. The best advice I had was this: Think of your breast cancer as an interval with a beginning and an end. Do everything you have to do for the time it takes, and then put it behind you and go on with your life. I'm resigned that some people turn it into a career, but that's not for me. Make a place for it, get through it, and then leave that place behind you. Good luck-- I'll keep up with you through Melissa. I know you'll be fine. -- Sister #1

Ashton Walsh said...

Thankks for sharing