Oh, Hi There

I thought I'd give this blog thing one more try and January 1 seemed as good a day as any.  Here's a summation of some of the things that happened in 2019.

 

From February 20 to May 30 I underwent:

• 1 chemo port placement surgery
• 8 sessions of chemotherapy
• 1 lumpectomy surgery
• 20 sessions of radition
• Resulting in the complete and utter destruction of one triple negative breast cancer, as well as the loss of all my hair, fingernails, toe nails, and about 40 pounds.  The fingernails are back, but the weight and hair are a work in progress.

I also lost two wonderful friends from the barn this year, one to epilepsy and the other to lung cancer.  Both were way too young to leave us and I miss them very much.

On a happier note, somehow I managed to keep knitting through all that cancer stuff.  Frankly, I was shocked when I realized just how much I was able to accomplish because I would have put my finishes at a much lower number.  I completed 70 projects between January 3 and December 31, both small and large.  A list:

• Ravelry says I used 22,988 yards of yarn, but since I sometimes estimate, it's probably between 23,000-24,000.  Whatever.  I made:
• 1 large and very warm blanket
• 2 baby hats
• 4 baby sweaters
• 2 women's cardigans
• 12 star shaped Christmas ornaments
• 1 Christmas stocking
• 24 coasters
• 5 cowls
• 2 pairs of fingerless mitts
• 19 adult hats
• 1 lace scarf
• 7 lace shawls 
• 4 women's pullovers
• 3 scarves
• 11 washcloths/dishcloths
• All of the above can be seen on my Ravelry project page

Jim and I took two vacations this year.  The first was a long weekend to Hilton Head before I had my lumpectomy.  I figured if they were going to cut me open, I deserved a trip to the beach first.

The second trip took us three places we had never been.  We started in Pismo Beach, California for the wedding of Jim's oldest nephew.  Most of his family was able to come, except for his mom because the long trip from Connecticut would have been too hard on her.  The weather was beautiful, as was the wedding, and it was nice seeing family.

The next stop was at Sequoia/King's Canyon National Parks.  We stayed in Sequoia and spent most of our time there, but the whole area is just beautiful beyond belief.  It's impossible to describe how BIG those sequoia trees are, and it was interesting being there at the end of October when it was abundantly apparent why California is called "The Golden State".  Driving from Pismo Beach, through the Central Valley, and up into the high mountain ranges brought such a contrast of scenery, but gold was definitely the dominant color.  We spent just over a week in the parks and had a wonderful time, hiking and driving.

The last stop was a few days' visit to San Antonio, Texas.  Jim was there for a conference, so while he worked, I played.  I was able to visit the zoo, botanical garden, and and art museum.  We stayed on the Riverwalk, not far from the Alamo.  I loved the inexpensive bus system that took me every where I wanted to go with no fuss.  

It's been a long year with, I sometimes feel, more downs than ups, but on the other hand, I faced a very serious health  crisis and I'm still there, breathing, riding, and making trouble.  I'm back to my usual six mornings a week horseback riding, I've read a lot of books (audio, Kindle, and dead tree), had wonderful vacations, and enjoyed my life with my family and friends.

I can't say enough about the people who surround me, both near and far, because it's them who got me through this year.  Visits, phone calls, emails, texts, bringing dinner food, cookies, and continually telling me that I was bad ass enough to kick cancer to the curb, which I did with relish, and only with their help.

Obviously, I don't know what this year will bring.  I'm not going to say it will be better or worse, because it will, of course, be both.  There will be knitting, horseback riding, kitty cuddling, shopping, washing and house cleaning, and all the other minutia of life.  And through all that, my family and friends will continue to be my strength.  They are the only thing that really matters.  Thanks to all of you for being here for me in 2019.  Let's kick some more ass in 2020!!!!  Socks and Gracie agree.

Comments

[Lorette]

Oh boy, you’ve had a year. I’m glad the cancer is gone. I’ve had way too many friends with cancer diagnoses in the past year or two.

I’m happy you are still with us and blogging!

[Janice in GA]

So happy you're still around, and still so sorry I missed the health stuff while it was happening. :(

May 2020 do us all a little better.

[Robin]

So glad to see/read your post! Happy 2020 to you and good riddance to 2019! And, I think being a badass comes in handy at times! Keep up the good work!