I Have Not Fallen Off the Face of the Earth!
I've been gone a bit here and there lately so blogging has gone by the wayside. I actually haven't blogged much this whole year. It's been a rough 2011 for a time but things are looking up. First of all, I have been having some medical issues to deal with. Back in January it was discovered while I was having a CT for something else that I have a number of cysts on my pancreas. Sometimes these cysts are harmless and sometimes they can turn into cancer of the pancreas so I was really thrown for a loop. Throw into the mix a torn rotator cuff and surgery for that, and a job that was doing me in physically and mentally and I was toast. It took me a lot of time it seemed to get hooked up with doctors here in NH with some expertise in this area and I found out in the months long process that I needed to be in Boston and ended up at Mass General. I have a team of wonderful doctors there who are worldwide experts in what is going on with me so I am where I belong. Right now my cysts are of a type that can be watched and I got some news yesterday that the cysts are stable after my second MRI. I'll have another in 3 months so keep your fingers crossed. If all goes well in my MRI's I'll be watched the rest of my life but if anything changes I'll be having some of my pancreas removed. As bummed out as I was about all this, I am so grateful that I had the original CT that incidentally discovered this. By the way, I had NO symptoms.
Along this unexpected journey I had to look at what was important to me and my spirit and I ended up resigning my position at work. So I am not working. I can not tell you how much better I felt when I finally made the decision. So I have been busy and I wonder how I ever had time to work! I get to babysit my grandsons on a moments notice, I can sew during the week, not just on weekends, I am going to the gym every day, so life is good.
Here's what I have been up to; I went to Cape Cod for a family reunion,
Boy, you have had quite a year. It is good to know you are getting the best help for your health and to be free from the stresses of work to give your body and mind all the rest (and exercise :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the new Fig Tree project. Enjoy those beautiful summer spots!
I'm glad you are in the hands of a good team of dr.s It makes all the difference. I finally dumped my radiation oncologist, well, I just never went back but I needed to see one and I got them to hook me up with a different dr and what a huge difference. Someone who finally looked at ALL the issues I've had. Anyways, LOVE the last photo, I wish I could retire, I just know I could keep as busy as a bee!
ReplyDeleteGlad things are looking up and you are having time for the important things in life (like family and quilting).
ReplyDeleteGlad you are on the mend. I know exactly how you feel after leaving a job. I made that same decision a few months ago and I feel soooo much better and am much happier now!
ReplyDeleteChris, I am so sorry you have had such a rough year, but am so happy to hear that things are looking UP! Congrats! on quitting your job and having more play time!! woo hoo! Your pic's are beautiful and looks like you've had a good summer. What part of NC did you visit? I'm in the central part.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that you are doing better! I am in the same boat as you are about not blogging much this year--I need to get back to it; perhaps you are my incentive! I too am in education, and am looking forward to being able to retire!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you are back and doing well. Giving up a stressful job can make a huge difference. Don't you find yourself wondering why you stayed in it so long? When I was in a similar situation that is what I did! You look fabulous in the wedding photo!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have had quite the time Chris but you are coming out the other end stronger. It is wonderful that your health issues have stabilized and that you are enjoying the change of pace in your life.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the three of you is really lovely.
Nice fabrics too. Nice to see you back blogging a bit.
Enjoy your time at the lake.
Warmest regards,
Anna
First and for sure -- it's so good to hear from you. I've gotta say you've got GREAT fabric taste. I lingered over what you purchased. Good on ya! ;) That Fig Tree pattern caught my eye a week or so back so I'm really going to look forward to seeing this one!!! And you know, I'm glad you are in this new place but golly this was and or - is - a scary post to read. I thank you for sharing what's been going on but gosh friend, I sure wish I could hold you. Or maybe I need you to hold meeee!
ReplyDeleteThe lake looks so relaxing. I love the picture of you and the bride and your sister - you look beautiful!! Take care of yourself and you're in my prayers with that pancreas. Big Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from you and that things are looking up. They say stress can make health issues worse, so I'm glad you were able to make the decision to resign. We'll keep you in our prayers going forward.
ReplyDeleteWow...lots of changes going on in your life, but sounds like you are handling them all superbly. love your quilt in the previous post.
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