in my own words

This is a difficult post for me to write but I need to say these things in my own words this time as last time news travelled so fast and I had no voice. I usually write a post once a year on "why I love July" in which I share things like my Birthday, my daughters birthday and my annual progress after Breast Cancer. This week I was looking forward to sharing my "Five year All-clear" which meant that the Cancer was gone and my treatment would also come to an end. Unfortunately, while undergoing my five year tests, a recurrence of Breast Cancer was found. It has been a difficult few days as my family, closest friends and I come to terms with the implications of having Breast Cancer again.

I have been told that I will be undergoing some radical surgery (with huge emotional and physical implications) and more than likely will also need more chemo-therapy and more hormonal therapies. I have a lot more testing to go through before I know exactly what will be involved an if the cancer has spread to other areas of my body. The rest of this year will certainly bring huge challenges for myself and for those I love.

I have realised that I can still write a post on things I am thankful for as they are so plentiful! So here goes: my wonderful family and friends for their love and support, my faith as I feel God's peace wash over me and know that when I am weak, He is strong, my wonderful new surgeon ( who is a quilter and has just finished my "I Remember" BOM for her daughter! Her stitches are perfect and I know she will do a beautiful job!), spring flowers in my garden promising that Summer will return! Also, I will have lots of wonderful design and stitching time when I am home recovering from treatments. I made "the joy of life" BOM last time, who knows what quilts I will make this time???

Something that is more difficult for me is that I will no longer be able to participate in "Imagine Vietnam" which I was so excited about. My oncologist has told me, "no overseas travel for the rest of this year". Melly and Leanne will just have to go on without me there (how does a control freak like myself deal with this? lol!). I will still try to keep my "Urban Stitches" commitments as I am really excited to see so many of you again at our new look urban retreat. If I can be there, I will!

I intend to continue designing, stitching and pattern writing as close to "normal" as I can. I intend to live life to the fullest until it is no longer mine to live. I intend to laugh. I intend to share. I intend to love. I also intend to make some really cool bandannas for my head from my new fabric range "Folk-Heart"!

I welcome your communication, prayers and stories of hope but ask you to please consider that stories of your own loved ones whose journey did not end well are very difficult for me to hear at this time. I understand that some people want to share these stories with me because they believe I will understand their pain. This is not a good time for me to share that pain with you. I have enough of my own to deal with right now.

My next post will show you more of the wonderful things in life, new projects or new fabric??? who knows????

Thanks for listening and enjoy your creation!

Rosalie xx

Comments

[Nancy]

I am so sorry... May you have peace and encouragement and help and love in your life..

[melinda gibson]

love you xxxx

[Maree @ Farmyardcrafts]

Hi Rosie.... what a post. I really don't have any words right now. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. God is wonderful and has given you an amazing outlook on the situation. In all things, praise God. Wishing you all the best as you go through this amazingly difficult time. You are an inspiration.

[Helen Yann]

Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.With love and quilty hugs xxx

[Chookyblue]

Hey Rosie...........i'm sure you'll fight this battle and win again..........and design an amazing BOM as it's all happening.........hey you can still be the Vietnam control freak until they fly out.....lol.......take care and wishing you all the best.........positive attitude goes a long way..........i'll be sending you some extra positive thoughts........

[Robyn of Robyns Nest]

Rosalie,the strength you have is shown by the words you've written on this blog post. I admire your strength & your great outlook. I don't know what else to say .......... except you will be in my thoughts

[Erica]

Dear Rosalie, I will continue to send positive thoughts in your direction. Hold on to everything that is good in your life. Thanks you for sharing such private news with so many people because we can focus our thoughts to support you.

[SandyG]

All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends at this time. Take care.

[Di]

Rosie - thinking of you and please know that you are in my prayers and that I'm sending lots of love your way. xoxo

[Rose]

Kia kaha (stay strong)

Rose (NZ)

[Nanci]

Rosalie, I am so sorry to hear this news but glad to see you are keeping a positive attitude. You have a lot of "online" friends that will be here to support and pray for you along the way. love and hugs

Nanci

[Caitlin]

Praying for you! God's peace is a wonderful thing, isn't it!!

[Kristen]

You will definitely be in my prayers. Your designs have brought such happiness to my life, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Feel safe in God's loving arms.

[Helen M]

It's lovely that your surgeon is a quilter - you're in good hands. Get lots of rest and let your family spoil you. Hugs, Helen Murti

[essie]

oh, rosie. this is so unfair. i am sending you all my best love and wishes. i really hope this time the treatment knocks it out for good.
*big hugs*
:'(

[SandyN]

Dear Rosalie.....

So sorry to read your posts... but in my heart I am happy to read that you have a faith in the same God that I do... He is your "Rock".... You are in his loving arms... he will carry you. I will keep you in my prayers....

I am going through the same thing at this moment....Thyroid cancer again... for me.. tests and treatment... so I will pray for you each time I have tests and of course each day....

May God bless you....

Sandyn

[jojoebi]

I am so sorry to hear your bad news, I hope the treatment goes well and I am sure you will look super cute in those bandanas!

[Amanda]

Dear Rosalie, sorry to hear your news. Sending good positive energy your way. Hugs

[Leanne]

My Wish For You
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten you being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.

[maree]

Thankyou for sharing with us such a Very Private part of your Life.
You have a Great Attitude which is all one can ask for and will Help You Immensley.
You are in my Prayers while you travel this Journey.
Huge Hugs.
xx

[Joy :o)]

So sorry to hear this Rosalie. You're in my prayers and I'm sending loving positive thoughts your way.
Hugs,
Joy xx

[Terry]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this again! Sending good thoughts and lots of prayers and hugs your way! :0)

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Hugs and prayers Rosalie!

[Lenora]

When I see the first evening star in the sky each night, my wish will now be for your speedy recovery. Stay strong and know we are all with you.

[Linda]

Thank you for sharing your difficult situation with us. May we provide a measure of hope and strength when you need it most. You can do it!!