Saturday, January 21, 2012

The 11th hour…

has arrived. 

Tomorrow, Mr. Painted Quilt will drop me off in Halifax where I will be spending the next six weeks from Monday to Friday undergoing both chemo and radiation treatments.  I get to come home on weekends which will be something to look forward to during the long five days in a strange city and unfamiliar lodgings. 

While waiting for January 23rd to arrive, I’ve been busy working on some small projects to take with me to wile away the hours between treatments.

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This block from The Civil War Bride Quilt was prepped ages ago but I never got around to stitching the wool pieces onto the cotton background.  Frankie is making sure that I have all the threads necessary to complete the stitching and he tells me that everything looks good to go.

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My Pink Lemonade flimsy from Lori’s quilt-along is sandwiched and ready for hand quilting…

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as is the Temecula Quilt Company’s 12 Days of Christmas.

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Yesterday I went to our local library and borrowed a not-too-heavy, easy reading ‘chick’ book, just in case I become bored with stitching.

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Although the last week has been a difficult one for various reasons, I still remain positive and consider myself fortunate to have been given the opportunity to fight this dreaded disease, unlike my Mom who passed away six short months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Because everyone reacts differently to these treatments,  I don’t know how much time I’ll be able to spend on the computer.  Having said that, I’m going to bid you all a fond adieu for the next six weeks while I take a bloggie break in order to be able to focus on confronting the cancer monsters head on.

March 2nd, the projected last day of my treatments, cannot come quickly enough.  I’ll miss you all.

With much affection,

Kaarenheartname

304 comments:

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Jenny's Place Online said...

Hope all goes well for you. Best wishes, and happy crafting, Jenny

marina said...

sending you a cyber hug and wishing you a speedy return to blogland. Will be thinking of you.

Miriam said...

I will miss you too Kaaren.

Best of luck with all your treatments.
Sending lots of strength and love for the coming days.

((hugs))

Heide said...

Kaaren - know that we have your back and that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. One thing that I noticed that you did not pack was your sketchpad and pencil. You are going to beat this monster(we are thinking positively here) and can't wait to see your next Friday Feebie.
Heide / Escondido CA

do said...

I pray for you , Karen

Janet said...

I am so going to miss you but I'll keep you close in my prayers and send you best wishes. Boredom could be the hard part but you have some awesome projects to take along. Blessings to you and stay strong.

Birgitte aka Bietje said...

Wishing you all the best. Ik hope this treatment will be successfull. I will be thinking of you here in Holland.

Francien said...

Oh dear Kaaren.....i wish you all the luck in the world.....stay calm if you can even though it will be very hard if you not feeling well......i hope you stay strong and don`t give up!!...with somany prayers coming your way i am sure you will get trough this terrible time....take good care of yourself and we all will be waiting for you here untill you will be back.....hugs Francien.

Sue from Cyprus said...

Big healing prayers for you Kaaren. My thoughts are with you.
Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

martinev59 said...

je le dis en français car c'est plus facile.Que ces semaines à venir soient pour vous pleines d'energie et de courage,que fils et tissus vous aident à patienter,et que l'amour de votre famille vous soutienne chaque jour
hugs

Ulla said...

All my best wishes to you. I'll be thinking of you.

Valspierssews said...

You seem to be approaching your chemo with great strength. All the best to you. All the stitching projects look lovely.

Anonymous said...

God bless Kaaren my prayers are with you. x

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Deer Kaaren I will think of you next 6 weeks and wish you all the best you need, and now: GO FOR IT!

Sheila said...

Sending prayers and all good wishes for you during the next six weeks.

Thinking of you with healing hugs...

Quiltingmama said...

Best wishes to you. I hope you stay strong and spend time working on your beautiful projects.

andsewon said...

Godspeed on this treatment journey Kaaren.

Kathy said...

God,Prayer,Love,Trust,Hope,Faith,Family,Friends,Strength...maybe not in that exact order, but important things to keep in your mind as you undergo treatment. Thinking of you through all this...Looking forward to reading the blog from a 'new Kaaren' in March!

My Life and Quilting said...

Hi Kaarn... My love and prayers will be sent to you every day... You have a big job in kicking the big "C"... I know you can do it and I am sure you have many people rally around you to give you all the hepl you need... Do not give up the faith and the good Lord will be there with you... BIG HUGS AND PRAYERS :)

Charlsey said...

Kaaren,

Continuing to keep you in my prayers and look forward to your return.

Charlsey

Pat Smith said...

Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that all will go well. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Will miss your blog, but will be thinking of you in the next six weeks and looking forward to your return in March.
Take care. Dianne

Alice I. said...

Kaaren, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I too look forward to March. Til then, take good care, Kaaren.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

You'll be missed while you are away....but know that you have a huge cheerleading team here rooting for you. All the best and I hope the treatments go as well as can be. ((hugs)) Keeping you and Mr. Painted Quilt in my thoughts!

Nanci said...

Karen, hugs and prayers as you begin this journey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily and hope the time goes quickly.(((hugs)))

Annelein said...

Have a save trip. Wish you all the best while having your treatments.

Somehow I didn't read the message about you beeing ill. Was just looking for your brussel sprout recipe. We are going to eat time and your recipe looks yummie to me.

God bless you and your loveone's
Hugs,
Willeke
The Netherlands

Maxine said...

My prayers go with you and Mr. Painted Quilt.

Brook said...

My daughter beat the ugly twice,YOU too can win. Prayers are powerful. May the weeks go quickly and you return home to a Happy and Healthy life. Thank You for your pleasant blog looking forward to many more joyful blogging days.
Read you in six weeks, Remember, Strength and rest in prayers.
Blessings, Brook

deb-bee said...

Baskets full of get well wishes, I'll be thinking of you. I hope that the time will just fly byyyyyyy. Keep thinking positive with happy stitches. One month of winter is gone. You'll have a beautiful Spring to enjoy. with warm healing bee-hugs, Debby (WI)

Denise :) said...

Kaaren, you will most certainly be in my thoughts and prayers daily as you take this one. Lots of hugs!!! :)

Quilting Kim said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have found that the treatments are not nearly as bad as our mind would have us believe. You can do it! Keep the faith.

Terri in BC said...

Prayers for you from the West Coast. I'm glad you've thought ahead to have some distractions at hand to get you through, but don't forget to bring a favourite quilt to cuddle under. You'll probably feel quite cold as you go through the treatment process - I know my mom did. Blessings to you and your family.

Louise SS said...

You will be in my prayers. Rest and focus on you! Hugs from Louise in Sweden

Quiltgal said...

Glad to see you have some projects ready to keep your hands busy. Perhaps a small journal would be helpful to record your thoughts and feeling. Remember we here in quilt land are all pulling and praying for you.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

The will to live and a fighting spirit are your strongest allies (with God first, of course) in fighting any disease. I believe you have those in abundance and that you WILL come through it stronger and better.

whistlebet57 said...

Our Prayers are with you! Miracles do happen. Just take one day at a time and you can get through this

Quiltaholic said...

I will think of you daily and send prayers for your strength, quick healing and vitality! You are so fortunate to begin treatments on the 23rd, it is Chinese New Year's Day! The day of strength, renewal and Spring! It's the year of the Dragon, the undefeatable! So take his strength and WIN! *HUGS* and plenny Alohas!

Candle Barn Crafts said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.Remember the continued strenght that god will give you to fight.

Kathy

Gail said...

Karen,
You are such an inspiration to other cancer patients. Talking about your ordeal as you have makes it easier and less scarey for others, who might be facing a similar ordeal.

I know you'll do fine because we'll all be sending you good thoughts and lots of prayers and who can deny the power of that?

God Bless and God Speed. Come back to us soon.

Gail :)

Deb said...

Senind you prayers for calm and peace during the next 6 weeks, prayers for the chemo and rad to their job and destroy the cancer.

I will be thinking and praying for you

Deb- who has been a lurker/reader for a short time.

Colleen said...

Kaaren, my prayers and thoughts will be with you everyday. Stay strong and win the battle.

Patty said...

Stay positive, my thoughts and prayers areb with you.

brandy1 said...

Kaaryn, I wish you well.Hugs all the way from N.Z. Shirley

SueB said...

Have a safe trip and know that you are in my thoughts. I am wishing you the best.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Sending light and love your way. May the time fly by during the week and the minutes click slowly during the weekend.

Anonymous said...

I read your blog often and enjoy it alot. My thoughts & prayers are with you my friend.

Lucy

Kathy H said...

I will miss reading your blog and continue to pray for you.

Pat said...

Praying all things will go well with you...I join the hundreds of other readers who look forward to your return in March.

Elinor said...

My thoughts will be with you, Kaaren. Big hugs and best wishes from France,
Sylvie.

Connie said...

My prayer are with you ,stay strong and think postive, blessing are with you!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just reading this today, Kaaren so you are already in Halifax. My thoughts and prayers are with you and will be each and every day until you have this thing beaten.
Beth in Alberta

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Dear sweet Kaaren,

You may not get to read this comment but I want you to know I'm sending positive thoughts your way. You are a strong woman and I know you will beat this. I wish you healing and calm. Please know we are all rooting for you! With great big hugs!!!

Laurel said...

Hello Kaaren...
Very best wishes and warm thoughts from Virginia.......There is no doubt you are facing a challenge...for me, taking one day at a time has always helped me through a tough time....six weeks sounds like a long time but just look back six weeks and you will see how fast the days pass.....
I hope you have a sketch pad in your "pass the time kit" as I'm sure, although your body might be tired, your mind will be active being inspired by all the shapes and colors you will see. I'm sure you will be making some new life-long friends as well....God does send us the angels we need when we need them...... Laurel

Laura said...

Wishing you all the best as you go through these treatments!

Taryn said...

Kaaren, you will stay in my thoughts and prayers for the duration of your treatment (and after!). Here's looking toward a return to good health for you. Hugs, Taryn

Jan said...

Will send prayers your way and keep that positive attitude. I firmly believe that it helps.

Sandra Henderson said...

Love ya Kaaren!~ Will be praying for you and thinking of you.. BIG HUG!~ You are so brave and an inspiration to me. I know you will be fine. Try to just enjoy your stitching in between doing what you have to do. Know you are in the hearts and prayers of so, so many. I still have my Christmas goose up!~ She's now a Valentine's Goose!

Trace4J said...

Lifting you in Prayer sweet Friend.
A giant Hug to you.
Blessings Trace


www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Janet said...

I will think of you often and hope and pray for the best in your treatments. Keep yourself busy and we'll look forward to your wonderful and happy posts upon your return. Take care.

MoeWest said...

I hope the treatments don't make you too sick while they are making you better. I'm sending best wishes your way. Take care of yourself.

Rhonda said...

I am praying these treatments will help you ... hang in there. Praying you will have good days in the midst of all this. Enjoy home when you are back there. Love.

Chris said...

Hi Kaaren and greetings from Northern Ontario. I wish you all the very best in your journey to a complete healing and I will remember you in my prayers. You certainly have a lot of people in your corner and prayers are going up by the scores. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

Donna said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers ... be well.

Anonymous said...

May God's healing powers grace you and heal you as well as guiding your doctor's hands.
Gina wvcelt@yahoo.com

Marie said...

My words to you have been repeated by all your wonderful bloging friends but I will still say again prayers and love for you each day. I am sure you will finish your handwork and be needing more little things to do. Prayers for your hubby too. Wil lbe waiting to hear more from you soon . Hugs, Marie

Betty said...

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
Number 6: 24-26
My prayer for you!
Blessings, Betty

suz said...

Continuing to keep you in my prayers.

Keep It Thimble said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care!

Unknown said...

You blog is a thing of beauty!!! Best to you. I too will think of you. Annie
http://dorisshare.blogspot.com

phyllis said...

Blessings!

Brenda said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers Kaaren. I look forward to you beating this cancer and being healthy. Blessings ~ Brenda

Ady in Israel said...

My thoughts and good wishes are with you. Will miss reading you - looking forward to seeing you back in blogland. Ady

Miriam said...

All the best Kaaren!!!

Anonymous said...

Prayers and good thoughts coming your way.I am a daily reader of your blog.

Tea said...

Thinking of you and praying for you. You have a wonderful attitude and a beautiful blog.

mindingmomma said...

good luck and best of health to you

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Kaaren,
I am your newest follower. I want you to know you will be in my prayers. I'll be looking forward to a post from you when you get a chance to be on the computer.
My mom had cancer, and was told she had 2-3 months to live, tops. We found a specialist for her type of cancer, small cell lung cancer, (apparently very aggressive and already the size of a golf ball) and they did very aggressive chemo and radiation. Almost seven years later now she is cancer free and doing well, except for some arthritis and problems moving around due to a fall and hip fracture.
I wanted to tell you the treatments definitely took the wind out of her sails, but she didn't get deathly ill, or even vomit. A little dehydrated. Everyone is different. I am hoping that you will tolerate your treatments very well. Please know there are many who care very much.
Hugs,
Julie

Rosa said...

Praying for your speedy recovery. Please keep us posted!!!

Wendy said...

Prayers for healing being sent your way! May you have peace and joy during this time of treatment. Sending a big hug your way.

Val said...

My prayers are with you. You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Rocky Delafontaine said...

I'll pray for your recovery, Kaaren. Good thing you have all your quilting projects with you. That way, you'll have something to while away the time while you wait for your therapy. Good luck on your fight against cancer!

Melody said...

Dearest Kaaren,
My thoughts will be with you. Hugs

Meredith said...

take care, lots of prayers. Stay as positive as you can

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Know that we are keeping you in daily prayer and sending you healing thoughts Girl. Counting down the days with you!

Kath Garvey said...

Karen this is my first visit to your Blog, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you through the next 6 weeks. Rest and stay positive.x

Polly said...

Wishing you strength and patience! Prayers are sent for your healing daily! Will be thinking of you often, Kaaren!

Terry said...

Kaaren, I have been thinking of you often...Praying for you daily:)
Hugs

trelly said...

A big hug from Spain Kaaren, all our love for you!

Allie said...

You are ever in my prayers, Kaaren....looks like you have enough to do, I'm praying you feel well enough to do it. I know your babies will miss you, and I will too! Godspeed, sweetie!

Claddaughquilting said...

Just discovered your blog this weekend and I spent the whole day on the couch with a cup of tea reading all your postings, looking at your beautiful creations, your lovely home, your pets (I have a darling Westie, Maggie) and I am inspired! I hope the time flies by and that you are back in your cozy home with Mr. Painted Turtle sharing your days with us through your blog. Sending positive thoughts your way! Teresa

Claddaughquilting said...

Oops! Mr Painted Quilt, not turle !
lol

onlymehere said...

Hope this first week went well. Just the number of comments show how loved you are. Take care.
Cindy

northernknitter said...

Sending lots of positive energy, healing, courage and prayers to you & Mr. Painted Quilt for the journey ahead - hugs Yvonne

Saskia said...

Your are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find enough distraction from your creative projects. And keep all your loved ones as close as can be!
Knuffels

pinsandgiggles said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that you have touched so many people's lives and we are all sending our positive energy to you. Consider yourself hugged!

Amy R said...

Thinking about you today even more than normal. . . .

Francisca R. said...

Dear Kaaren,
Have a safe trip and stay in Halifax and I wish you all the strength and blessings during the treatments. You are in our thoughts and prayers, hope you can find comfort in your sewing, take care!!!

Francisca

Belinda said...

May the Lord bless and be with you on this journey.

Inger said...

I will pray for you.
Hugs

Inger

JessicaSews said...

You and Hubby are in my constant prayers.

picketsews said...

If God brings you to it he will see you thru it. Stay strong. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope the next six weeks are behind you quickly. God Bless.

Laura said...

Hugs to you Kaaren! You'll be surrounded by many prayers and well wishes the entire time!

Kimberly said...

Oh, Kaaren... I'm sending prayers and hugs from BC for you! Your projects are beautiful and a great idea to keep your hands busy. Blessings, Kimberly

Anonymous said...

Kaaren,

Good luck and speedy recovery, I am so sorry you need to be away from home so long.
JayneCT

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