Sunday, March 4, 2012

It’s over…

Almost. 

I have to return to Halifax tomorrow for one last radiation treatment because the machine that I was assigned to was down for one day and as a result, they tacked the missing treatment onto the end.  I really don’t want to go but I promised myself and Mr. Painted Quilt that I would give it my best shot and if driving the 250 miles round trip is what it takes, then so be it.

The radiation and chemo treatments have not been easy.   I have extensive burns, blisters and open wounds from the radiation and supposedly during the next week to ten days these will only get worse as a result of the cumulative and lingering effects of the 30 treatments.

On a positive note, however, this has been the first weekend where I have not experienced nausea and have been able to eat something other than toast and a piece of fruit. 

So guess what is simmering on the stove?

DSCN0764

A huge pot of spaghetti sauce! 

I’m hoping that I’ll be able to enjoy a little of it for dinner.  I know Mr. PQ will because after the second week of treatments, I did not have either the stamina or fortitude to able to cook anything but thanks to our friends and neighbors, they kept him well fed and occupied.

shamrock divider

All I’m hoping for now is for my mojo to return soon.  I’ve had neither the will nor desire to do anything quilting or stitching related and even my appetite for reading has disappeared.  After the second week of treatments, all I did was sleep and and could only manage to look at pictures in magazines. 

My poor house has been very neglected as well which is so un-me.  But the dust bunnies have promised to hang around until I’m strong enough to tackle them, hopefully some time later this week.   *wink*

shamrock divider

So while dinner is simmering on the stove, this is what I’ll be doing this afternoon…

DSCN0762

Opening all the wonderful cards, letters and prezzies that arrived during this past week!   You guys are the greatest!

I can’t tell you often enough how grateful I am to you all for being there and for holding my hand while I walked down this scary and unknown path.  I doubt that I could have done it without your support and encouragement.

Until next time,

knametag2

119 comments:

Donna Keating said...

My father-in-law is going through the exact same treatment right now are you did. Hope you see improvement in upcoming months.

Angie said...

Oh Kaaren, I am doing a happy dance for you that the treatments are done (almost :d)!! Prayers are being flung far and wide that you will soon be feeling more like yourself and back to pouring your love into the things that matter most to you. Hugs, dear heart.

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Karen, let the road to healing begin. Love, prayers and healing energy flowing your way. So glad to see your smiling posts back online !!

{Hugs}

Karen

Me and My Stitches said...

So glad it's over (almost) and that you will be back home. I pray for a better less harsh, treatment of this nasty disease. Maybe the cleaning fairy will come to visit you (if only I were closer!) Take care and have a good week - sending mojo your way!

Carol said...

That is such good news about no nausea and your appetite returning. Just one more, you can do it. What a wonderful stack of gifts, we all are wishing you well and showing our love for you. I'm sure your little doggie and husband are going to be happy you're done with treatments and right there at home with them.

JessicaSews said...

Wonderful, you will get to spend time resting and recovering... much healing ahead!

Jane said...

So glad it is almost over, now you can concentrate on building yourself up. The rest will come in time

Donna~~ said...

Hello Karen! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. So glad you are almost finished! All the resting sound like a good thing, but hope you are able to enjoy the spaghetti too! (I enjoy books on tape/disc when I am just too tired to read--the pleasure of being read to reminds me of childhood and they're great when you do feel up to stitching at the same time too.) Hope it's all "up" for you from here on!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Sending light and love your way that this last treatment will fly by and your mojo returns quickly.
xx

Phyllis in Minnesota said...

Let the dust bunnies lie - this is your time for healing and taking care of YOU.
Healing and thought of peace and happiness to you.

Shelley said...

That happened to us too...machine down and had to go back for just one day..it sucked. But it'll be done!!! Sleep all you can and eat all you can...that's what gets your energy back..leave the dust bunnies or if they're really bugging you, hire a cleaner for a few weeks. The burns will heal faster than you think :) I wish I could give you a big hug!! I know how much you're hurting right now. Everyone emails me to tell you that they are still sending up lots of prayers and well wishes. We all love ya!!

Mary said...

So glad to hear it is almost over. Healing does take some time, but healing does happen.Prayers and healing thoughts are coming your way.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Hi Kaaren.
I am glad you are almost through the treatments.
Hopefully all will be well and you can get back to your normal routine. That spaghetti sauce looks delicious.
Spaghetti is one of my favorite meals. Enjoy your dinner tonight.
Blessings
~Janet

Pieced Pastimes said...

Hi Kaaren - I am so happy for you that you are down to one last treatment and I am keeping you in my prayers for a clean bill of health. Enjoy your spaghetti dinner.

Sheila said...

I am so glad it is almost over for you Kaaren , now you can concentrate on healing and don't worry about the dust it will wait .big hugs Sheila

Bertie said...

Good to hear the news Kaaren, glad you sound in good spirits.
Sorry to hear about the side effects you had.
Hugs

GerryART said...

I'm betting we are all out here taking a big 'second breath' - backing you for this big last push.
As are those Dust Bunnies pulling for ya. You'll no doubt find them waiting for your attention.
hummmm, yummy aromas coming from your stove.
love and hugs dear friend

Kate said...

Happy for you that after tomorrow it's all behind you ..... and nothing left but to feel better. You are a remarkable lady to be thinking of your blog readers and letting us know how you're doing. Hang in there ... it's onwards and upwards now.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Welcome home!!!

Lesley said...

Wonderful to read your blog today! Welcome back. We missed you! Just take one day at a time, and life will certainly get rosier for you! Enjoy that lovely dish simmering on the stove. Many hugs!

antique quilter said...

Have been thinking of you a lot these past few weeks, so glad your appetite is coming back and I bet before no time your love of quilting and reading will too.
forget about the dust bunnies, I know its hard but they can wait their turn! take care of yourself.
Kathie

Pat said...

Dear Kaaren - you can look forward to embracing the approaching Spring with renewed vigor.

I had to laugh when you showed the big kettle of spaghetti sauce simmering...in 1964 following my own treatments, the taste buds were gone for months...I knew things were improving when I started craving spaghetti:o) You have definitely rounded the corner!

barcord said...

Great to hear you are near the end. Will be praying for you and Mr PQ as you take tomorrow's journey and treatment. Drive safely. Soo good to see you back in Blogland. Lots of love, B x x

Anonymous said...

Welcome home and many hugs,
BB

Anonymous said...

Welcome home and lots of hugs,
BB

Siobhán said...

It is so good to see a post from you! Thinking of and praying for you.

Darlene said...

I've had you on my mind all week end hoping that you were home! I'm so sorry you have to make a return trip but you'll get through it.

Hugs!!!!

MB in MI said...

So glad you're 'back'! That mojo will return too!!

Anonymous said...

After undergoing the same treatment and side effects, I was happily shocked at how quickly the skin started healing once the radiation was over. The fatigue lasts a while, (from 3 months to a year) but you're so happy that the treatment is over that you can push through it. Naps are good! Be well. VermontPines at aol dot com

ShirleyC said...

You've been in my prayers. I hope you heal fast, and get more energy soon.
Please rest and don't worry about your house.
Enjoy your spaghetti and be proud of yourself for having endured this obstacle in your life.
Many hugs.

Diane H said...

Thanks for checking in, Kaaren.
Sending a giant (gentle) hug and of course keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Mimi said...

Gentle hugs and mega prayers coming your way.

quiltgrammy said...

I was excited to see a post from you today, so glad that you are almost done with the treatments.
Just take all the time you need to rest and get your body restored.
Enjoy your lovely dinner and the company of Mr.PQ.
Hugs and prayers:)

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking of you during your journey of chemo and radiation- also remember you in my prayers. Hope you are feeling back to your normal self soon but be patient - healing takes time.

Charlotte S.

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! Your upbeat post considering circumstance was uplifting for me. There hasnt been a day gone by that I hadnt thought of you. How I would love to see you open all those well wishes gifts!! I keep saying you are well loved.

Sandi said...

Kaaren, I'm so glad to hear that your treatments are almost finished and that you have the energy to cook some spaghetti sauce.

What a great sign! I check you blog almost daily even though you've not been posting.

May the fair weather bring you energy and renewal the the change in the season.

Take care my friend.

Anonymous said...

I think of you often and remember you in my prayers. Angela in California

Kathy H said...

I am so glad that you are home and feeling a little better. Only one more treatment!! Now that you will be home, I hope you heal quickly and feel stronger every day. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Julie in the Barn said...

So happy to hear from you and doing a happy dance that the treatments are almost done. Big hugs to you for a rapid return to health and energy.

Allie said...

Just one more - you can do this - it's time for HEALING now, hooray! And I am praying for a fast healing, the aftereffects sound truly dreadful. I wish I could come clean for you. Kudos to the neighbors for keeping Mr. PQ in meals!
Enjoy opening all your packages and get LOTS of rest, just play "lady" [as my mum says] and enjoy being home!

gracie said...

I admire you so very much. Your strength and positive attitude is a message to all of us. Keeping you in my thoughts.....and look forward to more posts from you.

Sunnybec said...

So glad this is finally coming to an end for you Kaaren, you must be so relieved. Hope the burns and blisters heal soon, my neighbour went through exactly the same, pleased to say she is now cancer free so it was worth it. Hugs

Anonymous said...

Kaaren,
So glad to see a post from you.....I can imagine how happy you are to be home. Leave those dust bunnies alone, after all it is almost time to decorate with bunnies! Rest dear friend.
Hugs, Barb

Heartsdesire said...

Hurrah, hurrah! It's so good to hear that things will now be getting back to normal for you. I know the next week will be another hard one, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel. Don't worry about cleaning your house, you can always hire someone to do that. Only rest and relaxation for you right now (and maybe a little stitching).

WoolenSails said...

I am so glad to hear that, that part is over and praying for a speedy recovery. My sister had her operation yesterday and there was no cancer in the lymph nodes, so our prayers were answered. I love Spaghetti when i am not feeling well and have a pot on now.

Debbie

Kathy MacKie said...

So happy for you that you are so close to finishing this. Prayers and giant hugs for your you and your hubby. May you soon enjoy the return of you life before this dreaded C.

Annelies said...

A big hug from The Netherlands ! I think a lot of you.

nlcalendar said...

Read the headline and my heart sunk...then when I read the post mighty relief. So glad you are feeling, even if it is just a tad, better. Enjoy opening the mail and know how many people are rooting for you. Marilyn

Abby and Stephanie said...

Wishing you an appetite to enjoy the foods you love. With the thoughts and good wishes heading your way you're sure to be dancing the jig soon. Take good care of you...the dust bunnies will keep themselves occupied and multiply.

Graziella said...

Forza Marengo, ancora un ultimo passo e poi la vita comincerà di nuovo a sorridere.
Un abbraccio.

P.s. Buona spaghettata!!!

Quiltsmiles said...

Thoguhts and hugs are sent to you as you have your final treatment tomorrow. Your grace and strength will persevere. Blessings Jane

Deb said...

I'm so thankful that the end of the road may be in sight for you. Rest and relax and work on building your strength, your health is more important than anything else right now.

Ronda said...

So great to here your are healing. I so miss reading your blog and have really thought about you. I pray you continue to regain your strength and your MoJo. ;)

northernknitter said...

Good to hear that you are almost done the treatments - as others have said take it easy those dust bunnies aren't going anywhere. Your job for the next few months is to get well,nothing else - choose to do only those things that give you energy, strength & joy - I'm sure Mr PQ & animal friends are delighted to have you at homewhere they can keep an eye on you...love to you all.

Loves to Quilt said...

Super, you are down to your last treatment! Wishing you a positive healing process!

Anonymous said...

SO HAPPY FOR YOU KAAREN,THAT THIS IS NEARING AN END! HEAL UP FAST+STAY CURED! HUGS+HUGS!

msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Kaaren just hang on for one more time radiation! You come this far yet! I wish you a good rest and recovery after that, I am afraid those dustbunnies will stay a bit more....Hope some one will do that for you so you can do all you need to get well again. Hold on!

RG said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Kaaren xox

Anonymous said...

So glad to see your post today. Get lots of rest and feel better soon. Keeping you in my prayers.

Darlis

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

Hang in there... Saying a prayer for you, as are many of your friends.

Patty said...

Let's hope that tomorrow comes and goes quickly for you. Hoping for a speedy recovery. I'm sure it will feel good just to be home surrounded by all your loved ones and things.Prayers sent your way.

jackiero said...

{{{Big hug to you dear Kaaren}}} You have been in my prayers and I shall continue.

Gra said...

Almost done, kaaren! Stay strong!!!

MaryAnne said...

You will be well again. Your strength and determination and faith will get you through this. We thank you for all your kind words. You are the one who brightens our day. You will be well again , soon.

City Krafters said...

I so pleased it's nearly over for you I have missed you.
Eat, sleep and rest we will all be think of you.

Sandy said...

So very glad you are in the home stretch! One more day...like here to Columbus, OH for me. Prayers for you and hubby for tomorrow. Come home, relax and get your strength back. One day at a time, dear Kaaren!

Denise in PA said...

So good to hear from you Kaaren! I will pray that your after affects quickly go away and you feel stronger and stronger every day! I think of you often. Hugs o:)

Susannah said...

Bless your heart, Kaaren! You are very special. Everyone was pulling for you and we all will continue to as long as you need us!

Have a good and safe trip tomorrow. Prayers are still being said here.

Susannah

Joan said...

Glad you're home and your treatments are almost over. Sending healing thoughts your way! X0

Lindah said...

Hooray for the last treatment! That is the one we've been looking for. You are a great trooper. I'm praying the wounds heal quickly.
As for the dust bunnies... you might not want to pick those up too soon. They are there to add an extra bit of insulation against the cold. Wait until the weather warms. (wink)
You still are in my prayers!

Merilyn said...

So nice to hear from you again Kaaren, have a safe trip for your final treatment! What a journey this has been for you, so glad that it is over, now let the healing begin and your mojo is safely waiting for you to breathe life back into it - and it will slowly but surely, don't force it, it will creep up while you are not looking LOL! You need to nurture yourself with some wholesome home cooking, plenty of rest and let nature take care of the rest!!
Prayers continue to be sent your way, a big Aussie hug too!!!

Betsy said...

Welcome home.....the prayers continue. xoxo

paulette said...

I am so happy that you are almost finished with treatment and on the mends!! Now take time to heal and in time you will want to play in that lovely sewing room again!
Thinking of you!!
Big hug!
Paulette

Anonymous said...

Sending positive thoughts and prayers that you will have a speedy recovery.
Hope that you enjoyed your spagetti sauce :)
Take Care,

Patti

Wendyb said...

Oh Kaaren...it is so good to 'hear' your voice again.....and I too am doing a happy dance for you and end of treatments...
If it makes you feel any better I've had two friends go through chemo and radium and felt exactly the same....but it wasn't long before they bounced back better than ever....totally worth it!
Keeping up the prayers for you and you're in my thoughts daily...
love and hugs
Wendy :O) xoxoxo

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So happy to hear you are finished with your treatment....almost! Healing prayers still be sent your way.

Enjoy your spagetti....smile.

Nancy said...

Kaaren,

I hope your treatment goes quickly and you can put all of this behind you. Making it a distant memory.

Take care.

Sue-Anne said...

Hi Kaaren, I hope you start feeling better soon and can get back just a little "mojo". I am pleased you are nearly finished with your treatment and that spaghetti sauce can wake up your taste buds. Thinking of you xxx

Elzaan said...

What can we say? You are finsihed, you made it, and we all still love you! 3 Cheers for you, Kaaren!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Kaaren, this is great news and it is down hill from now on. I'm so glad you are home and the healing is going to keep coming every minute of everyday. Hugs sent to you.

marina said...

so happy that your treatments will be finished! Now to move forwards.
I hope you don't suffer too much from the effects of the treatment. Don't worry about the dust bunnies they will keep the four leggies company.

Ter'e said...

Precious Kaaren:
One more and poof - you are done. I'm so glad that all of us were "there" for you. God is probably sating...."enough already........she's going to be just fine".................. :-)

I know you are thankful to be home where you can cook for your man and dust those tables. Take it easy and get back into the swing of things slowly. Let darling Mr. PQ pamper you.

Gosh, I'm glad to have you back home. xoxoxoxoxox

Janet O. said...

Wish I could come eradicate those dust bunnies for you! So glad the end of treatment is within reach. Here's praying for you to have the strength and stamina to endure the side effects and that you will soon feel the desire to enjoy some favorite things again!

Shari said...

I'll add my best wishes to the others - so glad this is nearly over. I know it's a wait and see game after that, but you will feel better as your body recovers from the trauma. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, as always. Hugs to you and your DH.

Jenny's Place Online said...

Fingers crossed the worst of it is all is over, and you will have plenty of time for dusting.... after heaps of time out for yourself and Mr PQ. Happy crafting, Jenny x

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of you

Vickie said...

I know you can do just one more! You're in my thoughts and prayers!

The Tea Lady's Journal said...

One more step to get through. You have already been through so much. Prayers are still being said to help you get through it. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. May you soon be stitching again; and enjoying life. You are in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Realy missed you kaaren your in my thoughts and prayers always.x

pinsandneedles said...

Kaaren, I am so happy to hear that your treatments are just about finished. You have been on my prayer list and in my thoughts. Take it easy and allow yourself to heal...the rest will wait.

Marilyn said...

Almost there! That is fantastic. Now time to heal and get your strength back. The dust bunnies will keep dancing for you till you are ready. It will all happen. Take care and heal well.

Anonymous said...

Continue to heal. The dust bunnies will wait and you job now is to rest... rest rest rest. Like my Dr. said you will be tired until you are tired of being tired... but this is good as the body is healing. Smiles that next week no trip to Halifax. Hugs... and the quilting and reading will wait as well....

Lori said...

Yay! Get that last one done and move forward from there. Still praying for you.

Sandra Henderson said...

I'm so glad you are home and have an appetite. I wish I lived closer, I'd come freshen up your house. Sure would! Missed ya and have though of you often.

grammajudyb said...

I am wishing you quiet time to recover. It is OK to take your time. This journey of yours is yours alone and no one can tell you how to do it. In time, your strength and energy will return. There is product recommended to me, available in the US called Aquaphor from Eucerin. It is really great healing ointment for the radiation burns. If you can't find it in your area, let me know and I will gladly send you a jar.
Prayers and hugs.
Judy Blauer
jdyblr6107@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Kaaren, I am so glad it is over. Give yourself time, your mojo will return, lots of prayers and love from Beth in northern Alberta

Needled Mom said...

I am so glad that it is over for you, Kaaren. You have remained in my prayers throughout.

It must feel so good to be home and in your own bed again. Take the time to heal and be easy on yourself. Those radiation burns are nasty. The mojo will return soon.

It's great to have you back again. xox

Diane said...

I'm so glad to see your post and hoping the next weeks will see you getting stronger every day. You are so strong. Sending a hug to both you and MrPQ and my prayers always.
Diane

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I'm so glad to see your post in my reader today. I so happy you are seeing the end to all this is near. Please know my thoughts are with you and wish you much improvement. With hugs1

edyB said...

Almost there ~ hang in! We continue to keep you in out thoughts ~ positive ones filled with hugs.

COSTURERA said...

Kaaren, espero te repongas pronto y te encuentres bien, te quiero, Un beso. XOXO

Cheryl said...

You are at the end...so exciting!!!Sending hugs and prayers your way!

Mercy said...

Mi admiracion y mis oraciones estan contigo...Ya falta poco y vas a poder vencer, recuerda que eres una ganadora quilter!!!! Besos Mercy

tpott said...

It's late Monday, I hope you're home relaxing, now that the worst is over. I wanted you to know, even though we've never met, I think of you daily and pray for your quick healing. I've been where you are now, it gets easier with time. So many people are sending hugs and happy thoughts your way, know you are not alone. Please enjoy the gifts we all sent, I hope they made you smile. Still in my thoughts and prayers, Toni Anne ;->

Rhonda said...

Glad you are basically done, and I pray things will go well for you!

Karen said...

Very happy to hear that today is your last treatment.
As of tomorrow it will be about caring for yourself and getting healthy.
Let Mr PQ, frankie and mac take care of you, and love on you until you are better.
Make sure you are up to chasing the dust bunnies. Or better yet chase them gently.
Wishing you a speedy recovery...K

roccagal said...

So glad to have you back! Prayers are still coming your way and sunshine will soon follow-spring is just around the corner!
Let the dust bunnies get as big as they want -work on healing.(after all Frankie needs a couple more friends ti play with-LOL!)

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Dearest Kaaren,
Praise God this is almost over, and you can stay home with your beloved for good.
I ma holding you in prayer for healing of those burns. {{{{{{hugs}}}}
Love,
Jenny
xxxx

bilmoko deals said...

Sending prayers for you. Hope you're doing fine right now.

DebbieM said...

So happy that the treatments are almost over. It will take some time getting back to normal. I've had two friends going through what you just had to, and believe you me, they are coming back very strong. Time and prayers heal. Sending you my prayers.

KaHolly said...

Bless your heart!! You did it!! One more and it's over. Kaaren, tears are welling up in my eyes as I type. I'm so proud of you.

Donna said...

There were tears in my eyes as I read this post. I have come to your site several times hoping to find a post that would tell me that you were well enough to care about writing. Each time there was no new message was heart wrenching. Spring's healing powers and the power of prayer are both coming your way.

Linda said...

Kaaren by the time you read tis you will be home to stay.
My heart goes out to you and MR DH.
I have seen friends go through what you have these last weeks.
I know that come spring you will have a spring in your step.
hugs, Linda

Beverley said...

Glad it's all over for you. Bev.

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

Blessings and healing from California

Janet said...

Just thinking about you and hoping and praying that your ordeal is over.
I hope you ate every bit of that delicious sauce. Take care.
Janet

QuiltinGram said...

Hoping your final treatment went OK. It is a dreadful disease that has affected many of my family and friends. Keep a postive outlook..you have many quilters pulling for you!
CathyC in Alberta

Kathleen said...

I did not see this post until today...I am so glad your treatments are almost finished...
what a wonderful feeling to know that your treatments are at an end...I have thought and prayed for you everyday...God Bless...

SueAnn said...

Oh it's good to see you back here! Take care and keep on quilting you inspire us all!