Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all and Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate Christmas. We did it--put up a tree--was too sick last year. So grateful for healthy holidays this year. Did not do any other decorating d/t fatigue. Am having the small family for Christmas today (my hubby's) Going to the large family for Christmas tomorrow (mine) Not cooking, but planning a great day. Happy knitting!!

Snow at the Ponderosa

My Hubby, many years ago, put a sign in our front yard. It says--Tyjeski's Polish Ponderosa. So here is the snow we got in the last 2 days. These pics were taken this morning pre plowing and we have gotten more since then.

I know that it has been a long, long time since I posted. I remain in remission which is a good thing. Hope to show you some knitting soon. Even though I have not posted--I do read your blogs. Happy knitting to all.

Make Some Lemonade

And when life gives you lemons--well then make some lemonade!!

Hi all--I have been trying to wait until I am not so tired to write this--but I don't think that day will be here for a while--so here goes. In case I haven't told you all--the lung cancer is in remission. That is a good thing. The MRI of the brain did not show any signs of cancer, but since small cell lung cancer almost always metastisis to the brain--we are going to start a course of preventative radiation to the brain. That will start today. It will be generalized--milder than if treating actual cancer--and only 15 sessions. Continued prayers will be appreciated. I guess that is why I am writing this today--because I know from past experience that the radiation will probably wipe me out. I figure the preventative radiation will be better than being told in a year or so that I have brain cancer--so I am going ahead with it.

Well--after the remission was announced and my blood counts were normalized I figured I could hug and shake hands with my friends. Now we all know that handwashing is the single most important means of preventing infection. So that was a big mistake on my part. I may be getting better--but my lungs are not yet healed. Within 2 weeks of shaking hands and hugging I caught a really bad cold--had it over Easter weekend. By April 29 I was in the hospital with a really bad case of pnuemonia. Was there till May 3. Came home on oxygen, inhalers, antiobiotics, prednisone--only 4 more days of the steroids--woohoo. I do not like that drug--but won't complain as I am breathing pretty well.

Lots of people tell me I look great--I work hard at that. But I don't want anyone to think this was a picnic. Cancer Treatment is very difficult. But I have a God who has given me the grace and the dignity to handle it well. I have been able to do it without whining--and that is really good for me. I have had the support of friends and family--and you know who you are. A wonderful husband--couldn't ask for a better one. And we are beating this thing. Happy knitting to all!!

Good News

Hi All--got good news from my radiologist today--I am cancer free. Now if I could get over this cold and quit coughing--LOL. He is going to schedule an MRI of the brain to check for mets. If there are mets of course they would be treated. If not he will do a preventative mild radiation to the brain. It is time to celebrate here. Love ya all and thx for all your thoughts and prayers. Happy Knitting

Happily Knitting

Well--I learned something new a coupla weeks ago. Fair Isle, Stranded knitting--and it is so so easy. I am already making my second pillow and hope to do some hats soon. The pattern is called October Fair Isle Pillow (Ravelry Link) from KateJacksonKnits. She is a designer on ravelry and owns my favorite LYS in Chardon, Ohio called Knitting on the Square. She is also published--but can't think of where right now. I know that Vogue knitting has published her, but not sure who else. KotS is the best little yarn shop I know where you can go and knit, knit, knit. I have made great friends there. And my Mom and daughter love to go also.

I knit about 20 Chemo hats and donated them to the Look Good Feel Better program for women that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.The pattern can be found on this page by scrolling down. It is called the Saturday Afternoon Hat--and if you have ever made hats, you know they go pretty quickly. I made the 20 hats in 2 weeks.

I will not have any test results until next week. Happy Knitting.

Quick Update

Thought I'd let ya know that I saw my oncologist today. I will have a CT scan on April 5 and will see him again April 14. When I know--you will know.

Dishcloth Swap

I participated in a dish cloth swap on Ravelry--I love Ravelry! First swap I have ever done and it was great fun to get to know someone else just a little bit. Thank you Kay for all the goodies. two dishcloths, tea, chocolates, a little purse, stitch markers, and an Atlanta key chain. The cloths are a paw print and a shamrock. Happy knitting to all.

Child's Fingerless Mitts

Just thought I would toss this little pair of fingerless mitts in as part of my knitting. I modified the pattern for Maine Morning Mitts found in The Knitter's Book of Yarn. I used a double knit yarn and size #4 needles. Knitted 3" to the thumb gussett and a total of 6" for the length of the mitt. Otherwise I followed the pattern Ravelry Link Happy knitting to all.

Yes--Some Knitting

The little bag is made from a pattern called The Gelato Bag by Fiber Trends. It is made from Paton's SWS Color Natural Denim. The striping is very subtle, but it is there. Ravelry Link

The sweater is called Mandarin Jacket from the book Knitting Simple Jackets. It is made from Cascade Ecological Wool color #9451 a green heather. Ravelry Link.

So between not feeling too well there is knitting getting done. I also knitted a few things I gifted before taking pics, alas.

My chemo was postponed till next week d/t low blood counts, but things are looking good. Happy knitting to all.

A Contest

For a cool contest--go here.

Update

I know, I know--it has been way too long since I updated. So--here goes. December was not a good month. I got radiation twice a day for 3 1/2 weeks--Nov and Dec. Went to the hospital twice with really low blood counts and dehydration. One was a 4 day stay and one was a 1 day stay. Radiation is done and I am doing much better now. I have only 2 rounds of chemo left to do. For now, things are looking good--but will not know for sure how effective everything is until after the chemo is done and they do another CT Scan. Please keep up all the thoughts and prayers. They continue to work. And thanks to all for the thoughts and prayers. BTW--the holidays were great!

We are getting way too much snow--right now we have about 2 feet on the ground with tons more expected by the end of the week. And it is cold, cold, cold. And I am getting some knitting done--will post about it later. Some were gifted before I took pics. Happy knitting.