Finished With Chemo

I'm happy to report that I had my last chemo treatment two weeks ago.  I didn't win the "prize".  It was quite a roller coaster last week and I'm glad that is behind me.  My body said "enough".  I have six weeks of radiation ahead of me and hope that will be the end of this journey.  I'm actually starting to unbury my studio so I can get back to the life of ART.

Just Checking In

Yesterday I had my third chemo infusion and today the Neulasta injection to boost my white cell production.  I’m half way through the four scheduled treatments, but since I am tolerating this stuff pretty well, Dr. said he will probably add on 1 or 2 more.  That’s my prize! 

After two treatments, I know the drill pretty well.  Days 2-4 after the Neulasta injection are the worst time.  After that, I will just have low energy level. 

If you should be interested in more information about my journey, you can visit my CaringBridge site.

I’m beginning to stir around in the studio and that feels good.  Next week, after Easter, I am taking a two-day workshop through Houston Area Fiber Artists with Sherrill Kahn and that should give me a lot of inspiration.  Now to collect the 2-page Supply List.  I will get to visit every drawer in the studio and office, I think.

Mammogram Reminder

I think its time I gave a bit of an excuse for my lack of posting for so long.  Nothing very creative has been going on at my house to report on.  A routine annual screening mammogram at the end of October high jacked my life.  I was it a bit of shock after that first report of POSITIVE and it seemed like there were so many mammograms, ultrasound procedures, biopsies, MRI’s, bone scan, and multiple doctor appointments, that I didn’t know what to share yet.

The three major holiday weeks, where many people don’t really work, made the diagnosis drag out for what seemed like forever.  I had a complete mastectomy on one side on January 14.  I’m recovering very well and feel very good.

Starting next week, aggressive chemo will be a part of my life for next 3 months, followed by radiation.  Bring it on and let’s get back to the fun and joy of life.

I was able to spend the weekend in Round Top TX at the fiber art show opening at Copper Shade Tree Gallery with my “bestest” friends and to make new friends.The show this year is better than ever. I hope you can see it if you are in the area.

I would like to remind all my readers to have a mammogram if they are due. I didn’t find it myself and even my gynecologist didn’t feel it.  It was found on a routine screening the very next week.

If you are interested in following my progress through CaringBridge, under VISIT SOMEONE type my full name with no caps or spaces.

The Art in Fiber 2013–“A View From My Window”

The annual fiber art show at the Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top will open this Saturday night.  Hope to see you there.

International Quilt Festival–Houston

First day for classes at International Quilt Festival. Two half day classes today with longarm teachers Jamie Walen and Linda Taylor. Both were excellent. One more class tomorrow afternoon - working on silk with longarm. Then it will be time for the show to open Wednesday night. I will have plenty of time this year to look at quilts and vendors. Not that I need to buy much of anything. Where would I put it?

 

 

Postcards

Linda Minton surprised me with a postcard portrait of my youngest Shih Tzu, Sophie.  I just love her crooked little smile and tongue. 

and this one from Connie Fahrion

Fruitti d’Mare

What I’ve Been Doing

I haven’t posted much lately, but haven’t been completely idle.  I got a chest from friend, Linda Teddlie Minton a couple of years ago that was that blue antique paint job probably done in 70’s.  I forgot to take BEFORE photos.

I had the idea to paint it black and stencil something simple on it in black.  My husband got involved and started sanding and filling, and more sanding and filling until it was shall we say much finer than when I got it. He did a beautiful job and, he got to buy more toys, er… tools to work with.

My daughter had purchased stencils to do this Indian Mother of Pearl Inlay style design.  She dared me to try it on the chest.  Upper right shows stenciled samples where I started working out the design.  I started working from outside border in and then from center out to fill the space.  This was much like putting a quilt together.

We worked on this for 3 or 4 months and are both very happy with the results.  He has a little desk all sanded for me and ready to paint.  We’re on a roll.