Good New, Bad News

Mississippi River

Taken from Mill City

Minneapolis, MN

My last post I was waiting for the results of the second biopsy, the results of which leads to good news and bad news.

Bad news first; I have ductal carcinoma in situ in the right breast. The cancer is in two places and I will need a mastectomy.

The good news; the cancer is non-invasive and I shouldn't need radiation or chemo therapy.

The surgery is scheduled for September 27. I wish it were sooner. It's not that I am impatient--I just want this out of me!

Projects

I've put aside the lace top for now. It's to the point of shoulder shaping and for some reason I just can't seem to focus enough to do the math. The top can wait.

Instead I've started this lacy shawl. The pattern and yarn are from the Knit and Crochet show in Minneapolis. I love the silk yarn. My only dilemma is that I am afraid that I will run out of yarn. I bought this yarn because it was used for the pattern and the sample at the booth. I did a search on the designer to see if I could contact her, but no luck. There are a few more rows to go before the edging. Here's hoping that I can finish the shawl itself with the yarn. We have several yarn shops around here. Maybe one of them will have a silk DK weight yarn in a matching color for the edging.

What I am Reading

Life among the Lutherans is finished. This was a fun book to read; however, I didn't care much for one of the stories, "Ninety-five Theses". I know this book is about growing up Lutheran in Minnesota, but as a parent this was just not funny. It's not easy being a parent and children don't come with manuals! My favorite is still "Church Organist."

My husband found a used book store close to us and yesterday we paid a visit. It was like a treasure hunt! I found a 1956 Pocketbook edition of Ivanhoe. That copy of the book is almost as old as me, and yes I had to get it.

Right now I am reading The Third Life of Granger Copeland, by Alice Walker. I've only read the first chapter, so there is not much to report.

Other Stuff

Tomorrow is my birthday and I plan to enjoy this time as much as possible. Today I had lunch with my husband and daughter (I can't believe she is going to be twenty-nine in a few weeks). We had a wonderful visit and shared a peach cobbler for dessert. Tomorrow night after work, I'll have dinner with my husband and in-laws.

Have a good week!

My Journey Begins

The test results are in. I have breast cancer; therefore, my journey begins. I would like to use this blog now for a couple of reasons. One, to keep family and friends updated and hopefully get those who have put off their mammogram to get one; and two, as therapy. I'll try to continue with crochet and knitting updates as I can.

My journey began August 23 with a screening mammogram. Nothing was said, but I was a little suspicious when the tech kept covering the images so I wouldn't see. I didn't think too much about that because I do have a tendency to get cysts. A few days later I received a phone call asking me to go to the Breast Center at the hospital for more thorough testing with a doctor.

August 30 found me at the Breast Center, an hour later I was told that I needed a biopsy. Still, I didn't worry too much. Biopsies have been talked about before for the cysts, but the cysts always went away. This time there was something different--calcifications. The doctor said that 80% of the time, it's nothing to worry about. And I have talked to other women who had biopsies for calcifications and they are fine.

I had the biopsy on Friday, September 2, right before a holiday. The wait was horrible. The news came September 7. That afternoon I met with a doctor, who found another mass, and I had another biopsy that day. I will definitely need surgery. This last biopsy will give us more information for a battle plan. Of course, I haven't received the results and have had to wait the weekend--again.

When I got the information that I have cancer, I didn't know if I wanted to cry or throw-up--I did both, then called my husband and took a walk around the parking lot. Once I got control of myself, I told my boss. She is being very supportive and so are my co-workers. I am ready to fight this. I do have meltdowns, but my wonderful husband has been so helpful. He has taken on the responsibility of keeping my attitude in check--he won't allow me to give up, but does allow me to cry. His boss is also supportive (we work at the same place, just different departments). We have both been told to do what is needed and not worry about time off, paycheck, etc.

Projects

Needless to say, I haven't spent much time working on anything. No progress has been made on the lace top. I do, however, have an order for potholders that I have been working on. Potholders don't require much thought, so has been perfect.

I did go through my stash, matched yarn with patterns, and put projects with hooks and needles in separate bags. Whatever I need to work on, I should be able to find it. I came up with 2 pairs of socks, 3 shawls, a necklace, a hooded scarf with mitts, placemats, potholders, coasters, can cozies, the lace top, and the sock blankie started a long time ago. That should keep me busy.

What I Am Reading

I'm still reading Life among the Lutherans, by Garrison Keillor. This is the perfect book for me to read right now. He has one story about an organist, "Scripture says, 'Be still and know that I am God.' This is not the organist's philosophy. Organists despise stillness. They're sitting there with the organ equivalent of a 300 hp Ferrari and they want to put the pedal to the metal and make that baby fly". I love that! I reminds me of an organist we had many years ago. Every Sunday morning, as people would quietly meditate before the start of the service, the organ would bellow and every single person in the church jumped.

I am looking for some good books to ready over the next several months. The books need to be upbeat, happy, and no sad endings. Any suggestions?

Other Stuff

The section is going on a hiatus as "My Journey" will take over this part.

I've been asked if there is anything anyone can do for me. I always reply "prayers and hugs". I've been getting a lot of hugs and hopefully a lot of prayers.

This is September 11, Remembrance Day for those who lost their lives to terrorists' actions at the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. We will always remember...

Have a good week!

Ummmmm....

This week saw rounds two, three, and four of testing--this time at the hospital. Hopefully that will be the end of it.

With that being said, I didn't get a whole lot accomplished over the last week.

Above is a progress report on the lace top I'm making. So far it's going as planned. Please keep in mind that the top is made from size 10 crochet thread and will look a lot nicer once the top is blocked. I decided to crochet this in the round (saving seaming). Right now, I'm on the way up the back.

What I Am Reading

I did finish Amy Tan's, Saving Fish from Drowning. This was a excellent study on human behavior and what I believe is a slightly exaggerated version of the American tourist. Of course, I have never been an American tourist is a country strange to me, so I can't say for sure if Tan is exaggerating to make for a good story. I do recommend Saving Fish from Drowning. I would be curious to see how other people feel.

Next up is a book I picked up while in Minneapolis, Life among the Lutherans, by Minnesota native Garrison Keillor. I listen the Keillor's podcast, Writer's Almanac, and my husband and his family love A Prairie Home Companion. I thoroughly enjoy both. I've only read the first two stories and they have managed to bring a chuckle--something I desperately need right now.

Other Stuff

Today is Labor Day, an American holiday that "is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country". Taken from the U.S. Department of Labor website. Check it out for more details on the holiday.

All my poop bag dispensers are up at DinaMarie's Crochet. Potholders should be up by the end of the week. Stop by. Window shoppers are always welcome.

Have a good week!

Chain Necklace

Chain, Chain, Chain

Knitter's Journey

This is a kit I picked up at the Knit & Crochet Show in Minneapolis. The picture is a little dark, but it is made with silver wire and purple beads. Right now I'm not sure I like crocheting with wire. The whole process was very tedious and I am such a perfectionist that I wanted all the chains to be the same. The advice I was given was not to fight it and let the crochet hook do the work. That's what I tried to do. The only change I made was to twist the strands (I made four) before attaching the clasp. It is a pretty necklace and one I will wear, I just doubt if I'll make another one anytime soon.

Projects in Progress

This is the start of my very first attempt to design a garment. I want to make a cotton lace top that fits loosely so a tank top can be worn underneath, or it could be worn as a vest during the colder months.

So far I have a swatch completed. It is made from size 10 mercerized cotton. Yes, it will take a lot of thread and will take some time and it uses a small steel hook. I don't mind. Many of my very first projects were doilies and Barbie-doll-type clothes. The next step is to block the swatch for the gauge. Then the sizing charts, graph paper, and a calculator will take over my work area.

Wish me luck!

What I Am Reading

Still reading Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan. I haven't gotten very far this week. Our Americans think they are guests of a primitive village, while the village people think one of the Americans is a god re-incarnated--I think.

Other Stuff

There isn't a whole lot going on in my area of the country. The weather is beautiful for late August and the pollen count is very high. I did find out some of my health issues are due to allergies, so the better part of the weekend has been spent trying to get rid of as much dust and pet dander as I can. This is turning in to a very difficult job, especially with two dogs who spend a lot of time in the house. If I can keep them out of the bedroom, I can at least have a pet dander/dust free place to sleep.

I am slowly getting more items up at DinaMarieCrochet. Come on over and check it out. I am still offering 10% off. Use BLOGGER01 for the coupon code. Once I get everything in, I just may have to have a bigger sale.

Have a good week!

The Chiton Pullover

Chiton Pullover

Designed by Melissa Wehrie

Knitscene Winter/Spring 2011

Made with Reynolds Cricket

This simple pullover is very simple and I absolutely love it! The directions are clear and easy to follow and, most important, it fits just like it is supposed to fit. Even though the temperature is still a little warm, cooler days will be here soon. I can wear this now as is and in the fall I can layer it with a long sleeve t-shirt.

Projects in Progress

I don't have anything in progress now as I just finished up all my projects (for now). See below for more information.

What I Am Reading

Here is an update on Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan. I am really enjoying this book, although it is taking me some time to read. Not because it is difficult, but I just haven't had much time. I did get a sense of the explanation of the title. On page 162 of my edition the phrase is explained as a Burmese phrase of the Buddhist belief in not killing animals. (Warning. this is a long quote, but I feel it is needed.):

"...They (Burmese fishermen) scoop up the fish and bring them to shore. They say they are saving fish from drowning. Unfortunately...the fish do not recover.

"...Did these people actually believe they were doing a good deed? Why, they had no intention of saving anything! Look at those fish. They were gasping for oxygen, and the sellers who squatted nearby, smoking their cheroots, hardly possessed the caring demeanor of emergency doctors or hospice workers. 'It's horrible,' she said at last. 'It's worse than if they just killed them outright rather than justifying it as an act of kindness.'

"'No worse than what we do in other countries,' Dwight said.

"'...Saving people for their own good'".

I am at the point were something bad may be happening to the travelers. Their tour guide is definitely missing.

Other Stuff

I do apologize for not blogging for the last couple of weeks. I have been more than a little under the weather. My health is getting better. If I would slow down, I'm sure I would feel a lot better.

I have also been getting ready for the local arts fair, which was yesterday. I am a little disappointed with the fair. Not the fair itself. The day was perfect for an outdoor event and, considering this was only the third year for this particular event and the number of booths doubled from last year, the event was well organized. My disappointment was that not many people were buying. I know the economy is not good, and after talking to experienced vendors, I don't feel as bad since they are having the same problems. People are looking, but not buying. My very sweet neighbors in the booth next to me advised me not to give up. Many thanks to my friends who stopped by to offer their support. I am truly blessed.

I did learn a lot from my first time out as a vendor--I need bigger tables! Some displays would also be nice. I have a year to get more things ready and to find a bargain on tables and displays.

My Etsy shop is a little empty right now, but it will be back to full soon. Give me a week or two as I am also going to make some updates with the store.

Finally, as you may have heard, we had a horrible tragedy at our Indiana State Fair when the wind from a storm toppled the stage for a concert. Many people were injured and so far, six people lost their lives. My husband's cousin is one of the seriously injured and she is still in an induced coma. Please keep her and all the victims and their families in your hearts as we work through this terrible disaster.

Have a good week!

Knit and Crochet Show

There isn't much to report for this week. We got back last night from spending five days in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Summer Knit and Crochet Show sponsored by CGOA and TKGA.

This conference was awesome! I met some new friends and attended three classes. I learned from Joan Davis how to properly take measurements and consider the different types of ease when choosing the size of garment to make. Also from Joan Davis, I took a class in crochet camisoles that fit. My last class was a fun bead crochet class (see picture above), Double Helix Crochet Necklace & Bracelet, taught by Darla Fanton. I spent way too much money at the vendors market.

Now I'm home and need to go back to work tomorrow so I can start saving up for the next conference in 2012. I also need to figure out when I'm going to have time to implement some great ideas for designing and to use up the yarn I came home with.

Have a good week!

Drum Roll Please

63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan

Leisure Arts

Here it is--all finished!! It is very colorful and doesn't really match my decor; however, my dogs like it. This project was a lot of fun. Some of the stitches were pretty boring and some were a really interesting--none were very difficult.

Projects in Progress

This week I made four placemats, four coasters, four can cozies, and a poop bag dispenser. These are made from Lily Sugar 'n Cream, light blue and faded denims, and stitched in single crochet. If they don't sell at the arts fair, then I'm keeping them. I little Scotchgard sprayed and they will last forever.

This swatch is for a pullover I am going to knit for myself. The yarn is Reynolds Cricket, a 52% Rayon and 48% Wool DK yarn, in a light purple. The yarn is very soft and looks like a heather yarn. I found this yarn in the clearance room at a local yarn shop and I can't seem to find too much about it on the internet. I hope it was on clearance because the owner just needed room for the summer yarn and not because the yarn has been discontinued. If my sweater goes well, I have other things I'd like to make with this yarn. There was a really pretty natural color. The only difficulty I see with working the yarn is that it is loosely spun and tends to split.

What I Am Reading

I am making slow progress on Saving Fish from Drowning, by Amy Tan. Most of the people in this book appear to be the typical ugly Americans traveling to countries they know nothing about and, therefore, are getting into trouble. On the side, this book also give insight to the culture and history of a country I don't know too much about--China.

Other Stuff

My grandson spent the past week with us. He is ten years old and so much fun. We had a basketball camp where I work and he attended the camp for the week. Then we saw the new Harry Potter movie in 3D--good movie--and we stuffed ourselves with nachos and cheese and soda. He then spent the night at my in-law's farm and rounded off the week having dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We really should do this type of thing more often. I really enjoyed the time spent with him--I hope he did, too.

Next week in the Knit and Crochet show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I can't wait!

Have a good week!