Monday, April 15, 2013

Getting personal

As most of you know, I am a fairly private person.  I don't usually share much about my daily life unless it has to do with my 3 lovely furbabies.  Today I want to share something personal.

I went for my annual mammogram a few weeks ago, and as I was getting back to the studio, I got a phone call to come back in for an ultrasound.  I went for the ultrasound a few days later and it got rather intense
after about a half an hour.  Luckily, the team at the radiology department saw the look on my face and took
pity on me.  Rather than schedule a biopsy at a later date, they all skipped their lunches and took care of it immediately.  Long story short, everything is fine.  I spoke with a surgeon a few days ago and, after yet another ultrasound, she and the radiologist have decided that it's a whole lot of nothing.  (My brain is thankful even if my pocketbook isn't!)

The reason I'm telling you this story is twofold.  First, I want to thank all of you for your kindness.  I really didn't tell very many people what was going on.  It's hard to keep appointments and deadlines when you add those pesky doctor visits into your schedule, though, so I did mention it to those of you who got the short end of the schedule.  I found, through the process, that everybody has bumps in the road.  It helped me a great deal to know that I'm in good company.  Even those of you who didn't know there was anything amiss - you kept my brain right where it should be:  creating beautiful finishes for your lovely works of art.  I couldn't have gotten through it without a busy brain.

Second, I want to beg all of you to pay attention to your bodies.  I know we all dread pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopies, but having those invasive yucky tests is a small price to pay for early detection.  Please don't skip it just because it's yucky.  Schedule it.  For me.

Now... The good stuff!

I recently completed the most lovely set of cross stitches you've ever seen.  They were patterned after an
antique set of playing cards and each was a confection in and of itself.  I've made the photos extra large in hopes that you could see the incredible bead work on each one. Yes, Megan.  We make an incredible team!








22 comments:

Carole said...

Absolutely mind-boggling! Stitching is fabulous and, of course, the framing is gorgeous....You're right on, you two make a great team!

Phyllis said...

The framing is wonderful!
I'm so glad everything turned out okay for you. I just had outpatient surgery Fri. following my biopsy the week before. I already had the mammogram, went back for another more detailed one to check some calcifications. There were precancerous cells found on the biopsy, so surgeon needed to remove more tissue. Just got the call today that all the cancer cells are out and it was noninvasive. A big relief! So glad it was caught early. Those mammograms are very important!

Christina said...

Sorry you had a such a scare, glad everything turned out well.

WOW, such lovely work and the beading is amazing.

Mouse said...

glad you got sorted out real quick and as you say it is sooooo important to get checked so that things can be dealt with earlier ((HUGS))) and wow those cards are gorgeous ... never seen those patterns before , brilliant for a casino ...lol :) love mouse xxxxxxx
ps give the furbabies a scratch from me too :)

jeffsrose35 said...

I have recently had this scare as well and it shakes you to the core. I truly believe the Lord has given us a shake to let us know how truly blessed we are!!!!! Enjoy the little things.

Katrina said...

Jill, so glad you are ok and thanks for sharing!!!!!!

Cari said...

I am so very sorry about your personal scare and so very, very glad that everything turned out the way it did. Thanks for reminding us to take good care of our bodies.

Love your work on the playing cards. Amazing stitching and AMAZING framing...as always.

Hugs

Elisabeth said...

So very glad you are ok.Been cancer free for 10 years ,and it was found thru mammogram

Christina said...

I'm so sorry you've had to go through this Jill. I had a similar situation at 35. I found a lump and after a very scary two weeks was given the all clear. I found it very difficult to sleep/eat/be positive. It's alarming how many women have to go through this. We were the lucky ones. Glad you're ok.
Those cards are simply stunning!

PegC said...

So glad for your good news. And for the tremendous talent.

Jane in Wisconsin said...

Absolutely beautiful framing! And most importantly you are healthy and well! Huuray!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I'm happy that everything turned out well. Always say, better safe than sorry!

What a beautiful set! The stitching is outstanding, and your framing is perfection, as usual!

Jannie said...

Jill - I think most of us have had that scare. I know I have. I'm so glad we have these lovely people fighting the good fight for us. Thx for sharing. It takes some of the fear out of the process for us. I LOVE the pieces you framed! They are fabulous, really. Take care! So glad you are ok.

Anonymous said...

Jill, glad everything is okay. It's terrible worrying and waiting. I just had my third surgery on my left breast. Thankfully, everything is okay for me too. Yes, those yearly tests are worth a little discomfort. Take care. Catherine

Anonymous said...

Jill,
I had a similar experience at 34, right after my son was born, and just to be safe we went ahead with a biopsy. Thankfully, all was well, but I do know the scare you're talking about. Thank you for sharing with all of us. You are right, it is so important to listen to our bodies. No one knows them as we do, and we have to be our own best advocate! Peace and blessing to you, dear friend!
Hugs,
Tracey

Lisa said...

I am so glad that everything was ok. It is important that we do listen to one's body. We push and push ourselves to the limit all the time, trying to do everything that we possibly can. Sometimes we really need to stop and take care of ourselves!
Beautiful framing and beautiful stitching!
Take care!
Lisa

Maajo said...

I'm glad everything is okay. I love your stitches and frames - such a wonderful collection! :)

Wendy said...

More lovely projects you're sending home to their owners!

I'm sorry that you had a scare, but I'm happy that you get checked! My mother-in-law never goes to the doctor for anything, both her mom and grandmother had double masectomies. A DR I had found a lump and had me go in for a mammo/ultrasound - it was gone by my appt time, but rather be on the safe side and go in for it!
Take it easy, Jill!

Astrids dragon said...

So glad everything turned out fine, but so sorry you had to go through all the worry. I go every October, so far so good!

The cards are stitched beautifully and your framing is just perfect, they all look amazing!

Patti-Rocky Mtn Stitcher said...

Yay on your results. I have the BRCA gene so Im in the MRI Mammo every 6 mths UGH My sis chose the Angelina Jolie way out but I havent gotten taht far mentally with it. Seing all your framing still takes my breath away . If I get my Gatherers completed I wil be hollering at you :)

Anonymous said...

What a trooper! You have been working double time to feed my Jill Rensel mat and frame "jones". Shame on me! You are truly a remarkable woman! I will kep you nod your husband in my prayers! You'd make an excellent Army wife! Your greatest fan! NBaur

MysteryKnitter said...

I am sad you had to go through all that. I am glad all is well, though. Scratch your little furry friends for me.
The stitching and framing is awesome! I mean the cards.