Sunday, February 24, 2013

Hey y'all, I'm afraid I have some bad news.....

which will explain why I've been so long getting back here to my blog.  Back on the 7th of January I went to the doctor because for a number of months I have had a knot at the back of my jaw, in front of and below my left ear.  I thought maybe I might have TMJ because it was painful (of course, I really don't know much about TMJ), but the doctor's PA told me "no, it's not TMJ...it is a parotid mass and I need for you to have a CAT scan tomorrow".  They scheduled it for 1pm...I went and my hubby and I stopped and picked up Taco Bell for lunch and just as I finished mine, the phone rang and they wanted me to be back at the doctors office at 9am the next morning.  When I got there she said that it was definitely a parotid mass and there was a possibility that it could be cancer and she wanted me to see an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist that afternoon at 4pm.  He looked at the scan and said that it was cancer but he needed to know what type cancer cells were there, so he scheduled me for a biopsy at 12pm the next day.  To make a rather unhappy long story short, I have stage 2 cancer of the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands and after several other doctor's visits it was decided that I would take seven weeks (35)  of radiation treatments.  This past Friday was my 10th treatment...............10 down, 25 more to go.  My chances of beating this are 70%, and that is pretty good odds!  Please include me in your prayers!!!!

Needless to say, since we had just moved into our new home prior to Thanksgiving, I'm still not completely unpacked, so I have stored the unpacked boxes in our guest room until I am feeling better.  Prior to finding out that I had cancer I had pretty much got my craft room together and taken a few photos.which I will share with you all today!  And in a few days I will have a card to post that I am making for my sister's birthday which is March 30th.   By the way, she is battling breast cancer that was found when she had a heart attack back in November...........so we are good support for each other!  Here are the photos of my Craft Room/Den in our new home............later when I get everything finished, I will post more current photos.







Since taking these photos, I have made a few minor changes that you will see in the photos that I take when I am completely finished.  I am actually using the Master Bedroom since it is so large.....much larger than we need just to sleep in.  I have been collecting the Jet Max cubes for quite some time and some of those is what I used to make my craft desk and I had a piece of glass custom cut to fit the top.

Well I can only say how fortunate that I am to have such a lovely new home and craft room to be sick in!!!  Thanks for stopping by and please come back by in a few days to see the card that I'm making for my sister, it's been so long that I am almost out of practice....LOL!!!


18 comments:

krafting kelly said...

Wow, Pam, that's big news. You craft room is gorgeous, and I hope your treatments go well so you can truly enjoy it soon. I will keep you in my prayers!

Rhoda said...

Pam, I've been wondering about you and I haven't seen this post come through in my blog subscriptions yet. I'm sorry that you are going through all of the treatments right now. That's gotta be rough. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I really like your crafting room. It is so gorgeous! I would love to work in a room like that too! take care of yourself first!

doodlingdebbie said...

Pam, I have missed you but figured the big move was keeping you busy. I will keep you in my prayers. Please know, you have "sisters" like me on the www whom will walk with you in thought, prayer, and a shoulder to lean on if you ever need us. I'm only an email or phone call away. I know radiation is no picnic. Twenty-five left to go. Twenty-six prayers will go up.Your craft room looks soooo... super nice.I can't wait to hear how much you enjoy it when you get through all of this.Caring hugs being sent your way, Debbie

Barbara said...

I've also missed your talent around our hangout, and wondered how your unpacking was going. I know you'll cross that finish line a winner, and please know that we are all in your corner cheering you on! You have my very best wishes, and I hope you get to enjoy that gorgeous new craft room to its fullest very soon! Hugs!

Crafty Tazzy said...

Pam Tazzy here from Uk scrappers.... You will be in my prayers hunny!!! 70% Is pretty good odds hunny!! Mine was only 50% x50% 14 years ago!! when things where Not as Advanced technology as they are nowdays!! My Cancer was not where yours Soon to be gone has affected you xx Mine took 2 months to be diagnosed !! So things work much quicker nowdays!! and That is good!!! You Keep POSITIVE hunny!!! You have a Fantastic Craft room to Recover in!! As Im a Survivor If you want to chat Message me anytime hun!! xxxx

Mz Daisy said...

Pam, You have been missed. You are one of the ladies that always impressed me and helped me so much when I was learning how to use my Cameo. I am so sorry to hear that you're having to fight cancer. My prayers will be with you in this difficult time. Your craft room is gorgeous...definitely something to look forward to on days you're feeling better. Sending Hugs to you across the miles.

Tine said...

Pam. You will certainly be kept in my thoughts & prayers. Medical treatments are progressing all the time and keep these positive thoughts with you. Take care of yourself. You will want to get back to that fabulous craft-room. It is a great space just waiting for you!
Tine (Addie24)

Carolina said...

Hi Pam, so sorry to hear about the bad news...thinking of you and wish you all the best, hopefully treatments will work!

susannah said...

hi pam,

sending hugs and prayers for a speedy recovery,so you can fully enjoy your craft room

susannah

Barb911 S/E MI said...

Pam will be keeping you and your sister in my prayers.

We have a lot of cancer in our family. Thats why we fight the fight and walk the walk in the Relay for Life. We call our Team Family Ties.

Unknown said...

Pam, sending you hugs and prayers...I missed you too but thought you must be busy creating! I fought thyroid cancer 10 years ago ..the treatments are so good nowadays...I wish you love and luck my friend xxYou know where to find me if you need a hug and a shake xx love debby (Ekimdnabed)

Anonymous said...

Pam...Sending you thoughts an prayers from SAS! We miss you and know you will be back soon!

Hugs - QuesMom...

Anonymous said...

Pam, sending you thoughts an prayers from SAS...I know you will be back soon...

Hugs - QuesMom

Anonymous said...

Pam,
Keeping you in T's & P's, stay strong. Your room is great, glad yo a good place to keep spirits up.
from Penny,Penster SAS Sister

Anonymous said...

I have missed your updates and like others thought the move was the reason, such enormous news I hope the treatment treats you kindly and that you and yours find strength, your craft room is so big and airy its wonderful and I am sure you will spend wonderful times being creative there when you can xx

Paper Zen said...

Hi Pam, I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. I knew only something that big could be detaining you from crafting. Your odds are very good and you're lucky to have sharp doctors who took action quickly.

Your craft room is a dream!!! It's wonderful you have such an inviting space to look forward to being in.

Sending healing thoughts and hugs your way,
Cecelia

Tiffmc said...

I just came across your blog from a link and I am so sorry to hear of you and your sister's latest health news but you both will be in my prayers.

Today's verse in the Bible app reads, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

May God continue to bless you and your family and keep you under HIS wing. Btw, I love your craft room!

Anonymous said...

Just checking in to send you hugs, hoping all is going well for you during these hard times x