Gifts

Besides the wonderful emotional support I've received from my family, friends and new friends, I also received wonderful knitting treasures that will keep me busy the next few months.

My Sister's daughters wanted socks - so they picked out the yarn and sent it over with their Mom (whose help has been incredibly wonderful).

I've started one pair - they are sooo soft. She wanted no pattern - just plain, but I couldn't resist doing a cabled cuff.

The Redmond Stitch & B*tch group included these beautiful needles and skeins of sock yarn in a lovely vase of flowers that was delivered to the hospital. The nurses really loved them. I'll love the socks - the colors are so me!

My cousin Kate sent me this knitted bowl - it will hold treasures next to my chair. I'm jealous she can do these - I just can't get the felting part down. My washing machine won't fill with hot enough water.

Three other items that are bringing me joy - This Hyathins (sp?) was delivered with the bud all closed up...the next morning it was totally open, pink, and I can't tell you how seductive the scent is - it fills the living room! It is just intoxicating and so beautiful.

My cousin Cynthia and her family went to India after Christmas and she sent me this magnificent shawl - the picture doesn't do it justice at all. It is incredibly elegant and wraps me with warmth, comfort and beauty. I just love it, and am so honored to receive it.

This last gift just amazed me. It was made for me by a colleague from work, we are her client. They sent me flowers while in the hospital - which was totally unexpected, but this necklace and matching earring were made just for me - the quartz is said to have healing properties! Needless to say this was totally unexpected and so appreciated. I have been so astonished by the support I've received, the cards, phone calls, flowers, hugs (gentle!), gifts, visits and wishes for speedy recovery. I truly didn't have a clue I had so many friends. I am blessed and so thankful for everyone's support. This experience has deeply changed me in ways I never anticipated.

Most importantly I plan to shout out about Breast Cancer at every opportunity. Get your mammograms - get a physical exam. If they find Cancer in one breast - still do the full bilateral mastectomy. Don't settle for a Lumpectomy. They found suspicious cells in my other breast during the post surgery pathology (didn't show up on the original tests or exam) - I would have had to go through this all over again - and believe me once is enough. I am so thankful I did the entire procedure. I chose the most aggressive initial treatment - yes my breasts are gone but my health isn't and I'm dancing with NED (no evidence of disease)! Don't make decisions about your future health based on vanity (this was harder than I expected). I am a survivor and not at all embarrassed by the efforts it took or the way I look. (I can knit lots of scarves!) Although this was an initially expensive option for me - in the big picture this was the most financially prudent - any other option would have been more expensive in the long run when you consider I'd be facing chemo and/or radiation (both incredibly expensive) and I'd have to do it all over again anyway, considering the pathology report on my supposedly healthy breast. I have no regrets.

So get your mammograms, be aggressive and survive.

Thank you all my friends for the incredibly warm and enveloping hug that you have all surrounded me with. I am so greatful and appreciative of every effort on my behalf. My family and I have benefited more than you all could possibly know. Thank you.

Knit Peace!!