If you were very observant you may noticed that one of the sock patterns I listed for this month was Pink Ribbons. Yes, breast cancer is the second major health concern for me in less than two months. I went for a routine screening mammogram in mid-June which led to a diagnostic one followed by a recommendation that I have a core biopsy done on "a small cluster of tightly packed mildly pleomorphic calcifications" which was described as suspicious. Terrified much? Oh, yes. It was two weeks from the time I was told I'd need a biopsy until I heard the results. And the results was no cancer but a spot of atypical hyperplasia which could become cancer with a recommendation that the entire area be surgically removed. There's also a 2%-15% chance the final pathology report might show cancer. I'm not done.
In the past two weeks I've done a lot of research on biopsies, kinds of breast cancers, and about different treatments including surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. And I did a lot of serious thinking. I learned a lot; most of all, I learned about myself. Breast cancer means having to make serious decisions based on people's opinions, scientific literature, and balancing risks of some treatments with those of other treatments or no treatments at all. How much do I want to live, no matter what, and for how long? How important is my quality of life? How much of a risk taker am I?
So I am making these socks designed by Lisa Lloyd. The pattern is free. You can find it here. It seems that the server is a bit wonky, however, and the pattern comes and goes. If you want it and can't access it, please let me know and I'll forward it to you as a file. I am modifying the ribbon part of the pattern as described here.
And if you're a woman over 40 and you haven't gotten a mammogram in the past year, then get one. It could save your life.
Very scary stuff indeed! I hope everything works out for you and that your road to recovery is as quick and painless as possible. Hugs and Prayers to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm a semi-regular blog reader and sock knitter. A good friend is currently being treated for breast cancer. I will make her these socks - Thanks for the pattern and reminder. Sending prayers and healing energy.
ReplyDeleteI'm in complete empathy for your scare and pray that everything turns out for you. I'm on the 6 month plan with my mamograms which is no fun, but the alternative isn't very pretty. So far, just suspicious areas of "density" they are keeping a close eye on. Thanks for posting the link to the sock pattern, I know several who will appreciate a pair.
ReplyDelete