think-quilts

… is getting back in shape and loosing weight. Both of my oncologists highly recomend to get truly skinny, it’ll push my chances for survival over the long run way up.  But in sharp contrast to people who get immediate “rehab” treatment in case of a heart attack or sports injury, there is no “Cancer Rehab Program” available.  ZERO. Basically, you are on your own. Never mind of the impact of chemo or radiation, and despite the trouble many patients have going thru surgery(-ies). There is nothing beyond verbally expressed good wishes, and recomendations for a “healthier” lifestyle. What kind of lousy short-cut care is that, considered that the best long-therm outcome would very much be in the interest of patient and insurance.

So, I wasn’t happy with these vague guidelines. After looking around, I found a good special program at my local top-notch fitness club. It’s a fitness and weightloss program, mainly targeted to people with heart trouble, are overweight or obese and must loose weight. 
Two weeks ago, I started excercising and diet change, and my pounds are dropping rapidly. And for the fitness: I walk straighter and feel better, I surely get much easier rid of all the remaining drugs and their side effects, I have so much more energy, and -actually- utterly enjoy my workouts. This body feels so good after months of bedrest, pain, drugs and tiredness.

Hey, - and I’m working on a small art quilt which I started months ago with no energy left to finish. It’s coming back! Energy, it’s me, remember?

…radiation is over, - June 17th is the big mark. Although, my skin and the tissue underneath is still heavily “cooking”. I can feel it. But, being finished with major treatment is a huge relief for me.

It’s time to get back into creative mode.

Honor of walking the first round

 Next Sunday June 7th, I’ll walk the 5k Race for the Cure at Seattle’s Alaska Hwy, above the Waterfront with a georgous  panorama of the Olympic Mountains.

 Best of all, my husband and many of my friends will walk with me!

… means to lay on that radiation table every day! The good news is, after now half of all radiations, my skin is holding up nicely, - so far. 

And since my skin is still fine, I’m back at the fitness studio for walking and weight lifting. Little weight, many repeats. This seems to work for my lymphedema as well, the muscle work pushes the protein and it reduces the great tention in the tissue and under the skin. It’s not gone, but doesn’t get worse either. Weight lifting also strengthens both arms, shoulders and upper body muscles, also stretches the under-arm tendon on the left side, which was very much impacted by the two surgeries.
And the best is, it leaves me with the great feeling I’ve accomplished something important!

Can’t wait to be allowed to go in the pool for swimming.

…and still trying to get rid of the excess fluids in my body from the last chemo. Since Wednesday, I’m on radiation treatment, and after the first three sessions, when I’m on the table, my imagination goes: they bake my innerts by beaming me up from two sides… I suppose that’s not entirely wrong. Or maybe I just watched too much Starship Enterprise in my life…
But still, if it helps, bring it on! More of this next week. And the following week. I’m scheduled out for daily radiation until June 17th, - that makes 35 times!

…shall be the name of our group! And it means all kind of fiber art: Weaving, quilting, knitting and crochet, beading, felting and whatever you can imagine you could do with any kind of fiber or fabric.

Now, after we’ve found a official name, we’re up to organize a group show at the Good Sheperd Center in Wallingford (October).

Let’s work girls!

Gift to UW from Class 2007

…are here. Since I’m now on a double dose diuretics, I’m much better. But my lymphedema won’t budge, and the side effects from Taxotere are still far from over.

School of Fish

 … can you see the shark?

When I bought this pattern, it pictured some kind of a whimsical school of fish on a blue background, good idea, but 
- I immediatly saw all the fish in silks, shiny stuff and the surround in hand-dyed fabrics. I especially like the tropical water effect with the corals and sea creatures.

…like Chemo will take a while. Even I know that I don’t have to get another one, it’s quite hard on the body. One of the drugs of the chemo cocktail isn’t exactly a Martini, it causes a lot of fluid retention. I feel like a walking water barrel. My eyes are very watery, all joints hurt and the muscles are very stiff. If I had run a marathon yesterday, I’d know why I feel that way…

Today, I saw my radiologist. He is an extremly nice and comunicative doctor, also the whole radiology facility is a very pleasent place, as much as the cancer lets you forget where you are  
It was also the day when the ”mapping” of the area to be beamed happend, - now I have two TATTOOS on my chest. I always wanted a tattoo, but of course not that kind. Well, if it helps, I’ll hold up to it. For sure this will improve my changes for survival in the long run very much. Lets do it!

… and got a T-shirt with the same print  :-)  This means, - I hope -, the worst part is over. Although, several people keep telling me that radiaton 32 times isn’t exactly a “piece a cake”.

So far, I’m feeling not too bad, of course, no taste again. Not even a bland cup of tea is even remotly tasty.
Yesterday evening, I tried a friends recomendation of beer as a “sleeping aide”, - it worked! Hurray to my Black Pond Porter, Deschutes Brewery/OR. I love that beer  and it keept my night sweats in check.

Now, I’ll run over to South Seattle and pick up moving boxes. It’s time to clear the other house for the new owner. Finally.