Saturday, November 23, 2013

Time to kick some butt.

Cancer's butt, to be more specific.

I know I've mentioned on the blog that I haven't been feeling well. Last year I was diagnosed with a rare, indolent (slow-growing) type of b-cell follicular lymphoma (my doctors all say that if you have to have cancer, at least it is a good kind). That's the bump that has been on my head. Well, technically, in my head, but the inflammation looks like a bump. The excisional biopsy last year had hopefully removed it all, but it didn't, and that was before I was referred to the fabulous team I have at Stanford. So we've been in the watchful waiting stage this year. Back in October, I began having a lot of pain on the left side of my face/head that was similar to the incidents I've had before with the tumor. My doctor trusted me right away, despite there not being a large amount of swelling.  An ultrasound showed a mass, two weeks later the swelling was definitely there again along with excruciating pain, and a biopsy confirmed the tumor. A PETscan last week showed the cancer hasn't spread anywhere else (yay!!). Next step is radiation for 4 weeks. I was supposed to start this coming week, but the PETscan showed the tumor is a bit closer to my eye than they thought, so they want to do a different type of radiation, and that'll probably start in another week or two (waiting for insurance to approve it). But my radiation oncologist is 100% confident that radiation will kill the type of tumor I have!

The hardest thing the past few weeks has been the pain in my temple/head area and the crazy amount of fatigue. Like sleeping 14-15 hours a day. With a fancy ice machine on my head the entire time I'm asleep (thank you sister! She invested in this crazy fancy ice mask machine that stays continuously cool after one of her sinus surgeries since it helps her migraines.....I will never tease her again for the funny looking mask! She's let me borrow it for the past month and it has been amazing!). You know it's bad when I can barely knit. They started me on a new medication that kicked in two weeks ago and seems to be helping a lot with the pain. When I met with the radiation oncologist two weeks ago, I knew I was going to need radiation. But the nurses had prepped me for 3-4 days. So I was a bit surprised to find out it would be 3-4 weeks because my tumor is different. I'll be honest, I was a bit stressed about that.  So what's a girl to do?

image

It was the first thing I saw at Nordstrom later that day, on sale, and so bright and cheery I could just hear it say, "F.... cancer! You got this!" A positive attitude and a fabulous handbag make all the difference, right?!

And what's a knitter who is too tired to knit do?

Yarn treats

When Interweave Knitting Lab was here a few weeks ago, I did a little retail therapy. I couldn't help it. You might not help it either, so be careful of these links....
  • Canon Hand Dyes (Amy is so fun and I met her a few years ago at Sock Summit, but I can't wait to collaborate with her next year! I fell down at her shop!)
  • A Needle Runs Through It (you guys know I LOVE Maria's bags! The Christmas one is my new fave! I always stock up at Stitches West!)
  • Knitted Wit (love love love) 
  • Sincere Sheep (love love love).
Fortunately, I've been feeling a bit better and the knitting mojo is coming back. Plucky Knitter bulky yarn certainly makes that easier too.

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So I'm thankful today for so many things....I'm feeling well today, I'm going to kick this cancer's butt, I'm going to use the extra week or two before radiation to get the holidays started, I have the best family and friends, Notre Dame won today, and I had time to blog. I've missed you guys! I even have another post or two that I think I'll share in the next few days....don't worry, this is probably the only post I'm going to mention stupid cancer in.... back to yarn, knitting, doggies, baby niece, and fun! I believe in prayers and positive thinking and I know you guys rock that, so I did want to share what I've been going through.

I know I've barely been around the blog and ravelry the past few months, so thanks for sticking with me. A little thank you appreciate sale sounded good too! So from now through 11:59pm PST on Monday evening, I'm offering you guys a coupon code for 50% off any of my IGK patterns that are $6.00 or less! Time for gift knitting right!  Coupon code: grateful

Now back to watching some football and knitting!!!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will keep positive thoughts & prayers for you!!
Glad to hear your feeling better! Please let us know how your doing!

Theresa in MI

Mari said...

Dammit Carrie!
You can kick this cancer for sure.
Let me know if you need anything, companion during radiation or Dr's visits.

Love you dudette!

Jocelyn said...

Oh Carrie, I had no idea you were going through all this. I knew you had health problems but not the big C.

Hugs to you, my friend. I am sure cancer will have no idea what kicked its butt!

Angela said...

Kick its @ss! Thinking of you!

Romi said...

Go kick *ss, girl! Sending love and healing juju.

gMarie said...

Yes, most definitely time to kick some butt! Will send great thoughts your way! g

Renee Anne said...

I had no idea you were dealing with all that crap! I thought something might be amiss somewhere (and I was guessing work, actually) because you haven't been blogging lately and, frankly, that's just not like you...but you seemed your normal, fabulous self when I met you a few weeks ago.

Here's to hoping things go well! And you're right, if you're going to have cancer, that's the one to have. It sucks either way but at least you can do something about this one!

Ruth said...

Prayers for you as you fight this fight. Good thing you are a Fighting Irish, right?

Stacey said...

Love you girl. Go kick some ass.

Laura said...

Sending you lots of good thoughts. You have a great attitude.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that Carrie. Best of luck with the treatment, stay strong and brave. You can do it!

joolee said...

Best wishes for a successful, quick and easy treatment for you. We went through long years of chemo and radiation with my nephew when he was 10-14. Your optimism will carry you through. Hang on to it. And talk about whatever you want - this is your place! We are all only visiting ;)

Jo said...

I hope all of your treatments are not painful or uncomfortable, and that you kick cancer's ass. I have to say - and I mean this to me irreverent, not classless - I laughed at the 'indolent' cancer. That's an adjective I had never heard attached to cancer before. Get better soon!

Kathleen said...

Carrie, I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this. I absolutely love your positive attitude, and I'm sending you lots of prayers and positive thoughts to help you most definitely kick your cancer in the butt!

Kaye said...

You've got this! We'll root you on from here!

Daphne said...

Holy crap, Carrie! I too am sorry you have to through all this, but you know, all your knitting buds, all your friends, all your family are with you, sending you hugs whenever you need them, and loads of positive, loving thoughts!

Shelley said...

My best to you, and hell's yes, you are going to not only kick cancer's butt, but make it sorry it ever dared to show up in your life! Stay determined!!!

SpinningLara said...

Sending you lots of ass kicking, cancer whipping thoughts and love.

If there is anything that you might need or anything that I can do for you, please let me know.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about the cancer--but your attitude is absolutely wonderful! You will kick its butt!

Thea said...

Sending all the healing and positive vibes I got! Your attitude is so awesome & inspiring, you'll kick this - and if you need anything I can give you in the knitting world, say the word.

Unknown said...

Follow your blog and knew something was amiss. Just finished Blackberry Brambles and was thinking of you for 2 weeks, so positive vibes were coming your way then! You WILL kick ass. A positive attitude is amazing against cancer!! Thinking of you.

dianne said...

I knew something was up, but did not guess this. I'm going to start calling you my fellow cancer survivor because I know you will be. Attitude counts for so much!

PS- have no guilt about the bag and yarn purchases. I may have bought a car…… :-)

Bonny said...

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers while I'm knitting Big Trees. Thanks so much for your generosity; may it be returned to you along with health and healing.

Jill L said...

You need postive thoughts and prayers so that is what you will get. Stay strong and take care of yourself.

Jill L

Amanda said...

Prayers for you. I'm so glad to hear that you were feeling well enough to to things that make you happy.

You've got this!!!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear you are going through this ordeal. I'm glad you have good doctors and a strategy in place to knock cancer on its butt. And I'm glad you are being good to yourself, very important. Truly, keep us posted. Support comes from many places, and the people here are behind you a thousand percent.
Sending positive thoughts and lots of prayers your way.
Knitsonplanes

peaknits said...

Well that just stinks! I'm sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well, but kicks some but, and know extra prayers are coming your way when you need them! Take care!!

Zonda said...

Hugs even more!! A good positive attitude helps and I should know ;) Thinking of you!!

Anonymous said...

"We will fight in every game
Strong of heart and true to her name"

Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way from a fellow Irish girl :) Your positivity is an inspiration. Now go kick some butt!

Commuter Knitter / ndjen04

Neuroknitter said...

I'm so sorry to hear this! Cancer sucks! I'm confident you will kick its arse to the curb (and beyond)! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and complete recovery!! You go girl!! xoxo

Marilyn (marilynknits) said...

Carrie I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I will be praying for you and hoping that you feel better and are on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Love you!

pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...

Hugs and prayers for you, Carrie! Go kick that lymphoma in the butt, hard! Sounds like you are in good hands, with great docs and family support. Love you!

Hilary said...

Oh my goodness, Carrie!! I'm a big pray-er, so you can be sure you'll be featured prominently until you've totally kicked this cancer's butt, which I know you will!!

And if you need anything at ALL, please do not hesitate to call on me. I know I'm a couple hours away, but it's an easy trip!

xoxoxoxoxo

Melissa said...

I'm so glad you've got good Doctors. They make all the difference in the world. Nice retail therapy. So glad the knitting is back. It makes being ill so much worse when we can knit.

Unknown said...

I am sending you the most positive thoughts for healing and happiest of holidays!

browncurls said...

Carrie - big hugs for you from Michigan. Thanks for letting us share in your struggles - we are all rooting for you as you fight your way through this. Happy yarnie wishes!

Unknown said...

Carrie,

I hope all goes well with the radiation and will envision your tumor disappearing and being gone!

See you in February!

Babs

Marisol said...

Oh Carrie my friend I am so sorry to hear this. I know you and your strong spirit! Kick it in the ass real good! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura said...

Rock that positive attitude! Big hugs, and sending love and good vibes your way.

Caffeine Girl said...

You go, girl! You can beat this thing!

Peppermint Mocha Mama said...

I get wrapped up in family and holiday stuffs to come back to my favorite little corner of the blogging world and find this... oh my heart!

I know you are a spunky thing and this cancer doesn't stand a chance against you. I will be praying for you, your family and your medical team.

Bless you, sweet and talented Carrie. You've brightened so many of my days - please let me know what I can do to brighten any of yours!!

brsmaryland said...

Good luck to you. You are certainly in good hands at Stanford.
I know there's lots of healing energies being sent your way to help carry you through.

joolee said...

Hi Carrie -

Do you mind me asking for the name of the ice machine your sister bought? My aunt has terrible migraines all night as the result of a neurological issue, and she sleeps on ice packs every night. I would love to know how to get her one of these and maybe some relief. Thanks and I hope all is well. Thank you for keeping us up to date. We are all fighting with you.

Alicia said...

Oh Carrie, I am so sorry to hear that you have to deal with all of this but I'm wishing you the speediest of recoveries! My mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer and we're starting the whole surgery/chemo process so I'm finding out how invasive the 'C' word can be to one's life. It sounds like you have a great team of doctors and are staying on top of things. Hang on to that positive attitude as it will totally help you kick cancer's butt. Hope you feel better soon.

Debbie said...

Carrie, I am catching up on your blog posts (started with the blogiversary one) and I'm so sorry you are going through this. Your positive attitude is so inspiring and I will be praying for your continued improvement. I bought a teatowel recently that paraphrased Second Corinthians 12, verse 9, and it has become my mantra -- "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

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