The saga continues...

Well,

It's been 3 months since my first visit to a cancer specialist concerning a lump in both breasts. The first time, he did a quick manual exam and sort of blew me off, saying it was "nothing to worry about." I was so dumbstruck by the entire experience that I didn't press him about it, but for the past 3 months have been wondering why I wasn't more aggressive about finding out what's going on.

I started 2 days ago psyching myself up to go in and be polite but forceful about getting the necessary tests. I rehearsed in my head a hundred times how I was going to say that I'm sure he was probably right that it's nothing to be concerned about, but with all due respect (that always seems to soften things a bit), how could he be certain without doing any tests? The dr that walked into the exam room was like a different person. He was gentle, kind, understanding and very supportive. This time (since the lumps were still there and I guess given a family history of cancer), he took things a lot more seriously, and it was he who suggested a biopsy. I felt so relieved that at least I would know something more concrete.

Not to leave without another surprise though, what I thought was going to be a needle aspiration done in his office is turning out to be a "bilateral lumpectomy" of both breasts! I'm sure that sounds a lot worse than it actually is, but it's hard forcing myself not to freak out. His nurse has cautioned that I'm not going to feel like doing much of anything for a few days - especially because he'll be removing tissue from both breasts, and that's okay - I can use a few days off (I'm self-employed and haven't had any extended time off since my hysterectomy nearly 2 years ago!), but I just have one post-op question (other than the obvious about the results of the pathology report)... How soon will I be able to KNIT?!?!? " :)

Blazin' Along

Just when I thought I knew what I'd be working on next, a wonderful surprise comes along.

I just happened to click on one of those little "next" links in one of my webrings and stumbled onto a Knit-Along (KAL) which just happens to be starting this weekend! While I've never participated in one before, this project was too beautiful to pass up - especially since I think I'm going to need plenty of moral support!

I have a wonderful pistachio green angora/lambswool blend that I bought last spring on ebay. I'm going to swatch it tonight and hope that I can make gauge. If so, I'll be Blazing Along with the other ladies. If you're interested, visit the Blaze Knit-Along blog

Blaze

Knitting Ministry Update

It's been a few weeks since I've posted, but I've been busy knitting nonetheless. I've finished the Grace Cardigan at last and am almost finished the Vittadini turtleneck. That still leaves plenty in the queue though! And of course, I'm still adding to my stash. I just can't seem to knit it up fast enough! :)

Wednesday night was the first night of the new Knitting Ministry at my church. I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but I felt very strongly led to do it, so I figured that it was the right thing to do and as a result, things would turn out as they should.

Well, we started with 6 VERY enthusiastic ladies, and 4 more who are committed, but had prior engagements on opening night. I ended up having to teach all but one, but that wasn't nearly as overwhelming as I feared it would be. Everyone was in a wonderful mood and there were plenty of laughs to go around.

I think everyone will be furiously trying to get the hang of things in time to knit at least a few scarves for Christmas. Then, they all seem to be looking forward to joining me in some charitable knitting projects as well. Preemie caps and chemo caps seem to be the most popular. I've already connected with a wonderful woman who spearheads a much much larger charitable knitting project in this area, so I'll be working with her to identify specific needs and making things happen. Wish us luck!

Slubby Nubby Cardigan

Today my friend Nim and I went to the Fall Fiber Festival in Montpelier Station VA. The drive was relaxing, the scenary was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the conversation was delightful. It was a perfect knit-lover's day!

We were determined that we were going to buy some yarn, and secretly hoped we'd find something suitably divine to commemorate our outing. We both fell in love with a wonderful nubby hand-painted yarn in a stylish cardigan. The yarn came from Dancing Leaf Farm in Barnesville MD.

Here's my darling friend Nim modeling the sample. Doesn't she look great? She bought that colorway and I bought one with yellows, oranges, greens and taupes. We're planning to conduct a two-woman knit-a-long during our bi-weekly knit-ins at Starbucks. Here's hoping I can wait that long! :)