Group Hug!!

I know that many of you who read this little blog were a part of this, and I wanted to have a chance to thank you for your overwhelming show of support. This was a GIANT group hug! My daughter got the idea to see if she could get people to send me lots of cards to have after my surgery. She hijacked my facebook friends and as many of my blogging friends as she could reach. She asked them to spread the news. She had them send everything to her house. All this was happening before and during the holidays, when we are all overwhelmed with busy-ness anyway.

And boy, did you all reach out and hug! When they came to see me the Saturday after I came home, they made me shut my eyes while they carried things in. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I know how wonderful and generous quilters are, especially to one of their own. I have been a part of this community for a number of years and have participated in many such things and it always makes me feel so good. To be on the receiving end was an amazing feeling.

 I received cards, both funny and supportive. I got letters and some lovely little fabric and quilty gifts.

 There were store bought and handmade, both equally as touching and beautiful.

 They came from all over the world, which was truly amazing to my daughter and son-in-law. They had no idea of the reach of the long arms of the quilter's community.

And many of the children who touch my life, near and far drew pictures that were sent to me. That was most touching of all. So many rainbows.

My recovery is a long way from complete, but I will take these out and look at them any time I am feeling blue and need a pick-me-up. It reminds me of how much I am loved and how much I have to look forward to when I can fully participate in quilting again. I love you all and I thank you more than you could ever know for this group hug.
Love,
Charlotte-Grammie Q

Sorry Pantone, My Color of the Year is PINK

Pantone has selected Marsala as its color of the year. I have seen it and I am not impressed or driven to want anything in that color. My color of the Year is PINK!
Why pink you ask?
This summer, when I went for my mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, before you get too panicky over this, let me tell you a few things. My first reaction was "I don't have time for this!" Seriously. Too much to do and things going on to have to have cancer.

The ribbon a coworker gave me

 I am very very fortunate to live near one of the best cancer hospitals in the country, UNC, home of the Lineberger Cancer Center. My diagnosis was swiftly followed with lots of tests to determine the nature of this cancer. It is early stage cancer and seems to be restricted to the left breast and at least one lymph node.

The chef pants I wear to work

I was able to get into a clinical study for a drug that is usually used to treat late stage cancer. I am so lucky! There are very limited side effects for me on this medication and it is working at shrinking the tumor.

A t-shirt given to me by a friend who is a tattoo artist

 I still have to have surgery in late January. But thanks to this study medication, it should be a less invasive surgery. I will not know until after the surgery whether I need chemo or radiation treatments, but even if I do, it should be smaller doses than it would otherwise be. This is thanks to that study drug. I am so lucky!

A tie dye shirt a friend made for me...in pink!

 So, for now, I am sewing as much as I can and I am planning a few projects that can be done while I rest and recover. I have no doubts that I will be 100% by the spring. I am signed up for a 4 mile race in April that I ran last year. I will be there again.

A scarf sent to me by a wonderful friend

 I am telling you all this to let you know that I will be fine. I believe this. I may be down for a bit, but I am not out of the game yet. Attitude is everything. I have a great support system, great doctors and a wonderful family. I want you to know that my readers are very important to me and I want to share even this with you.

Even my post it notes are pink

May you have a beautiful, peaceful Christmas season, a Joyous New Year full of hope and I will see you all back here very soon.  XXXXXXX