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
