Episode 323 A Necessary Break

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I have some difficult news to share with all of you. I am recording on January 15, 2019; however, I don’t know when I will release the episode. I have not felt well for a few months and what appeared to be kidney stones is something far worse. On January 7, 2019 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and it is metastatic. We will not know until I have surgery how far it has spread. After surgery, a treatment plan will most likely include chemotherapy and radiation. (see update below) You have been with me for 8 and a half years now and we have built such a splendid community.  I treasure all the friendships, not just between you and me, but among yourselves. That has been the greatest joy of the podcast! I plan to keep the podcast going, possibly with short episodes now and then. It is important to Bob and me to keep our life as normal as possible. My doctor encouraged me to stay active. I know this will be a long hard road and I am prepared to fight as hard as I can! I have two beautiful granddaughters and I want to see them grow to adulthood!

What will encourage me during my recovery and treatment will be to see our group boards active. I will be reading everything but possibly not responding as often as I do now. I will rely on our trusty moderators to fill in for me. Anyone can start a new thread if you feel like it. If you would like to be a moderator, please let Bronwyndp, PatFrag, or JanMarieKnits know.

My dear friend, Sarah, has set up a site for me on Caring Bridge. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paulaemons-fuessle. You will be able to read updates there. I may choose to update here or on my old blog. 

We are optimistic that surgery and treatments will restore my health. I am otherwise in excellent health which will serve me well during the healing process. I welcome uplifting comments especially if you are a survivor yourself.

When we found out the news and overcame the initial shock, I was awake the entire night. One of my favorite Scripture passages came to mind and I decided to adopt this passage as my guide during the surgery and treatments. My husband, my sister, and I say it together at least once a day. My friends who have come to visit say it with me. For those who feel comfortable, I ask you to adopt this passage as well. Knowing we are united in this way gives me joy and comfort.

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you, Friends, for your prayers and uplifting thoughts. Bob and I are doing very well. We are enjoying the beauty of nature around us. We have 14 inches of snow that brightens the landscape. The cardinals crowd the feeders. Sometimes there are 20 hanging around waiting for a perch. Since we are regularly adding suet, the Northern Flickers are frequent visitors. During my recovery I will have plenty of time to enjoy “The Bird Channel” right outside my window.

Update (not part of recording). We were not getting appropriate nor timely responses from the gynecological oncologist in Peoria. My brother (MD in CA) was strongly urging us to go elsewhere. My sister did some research online and found a specialist in Springfield IL. Within a few hours they had scheduled me for a consultation and ordered more scans. At the time I recorded the episode we thought I would have surgery followed by chemotherapy, followed by radiation. As it turns out, I will be starting chemo very soon to shrink the cells before surgery. Surgery will be in Springfield IL after 3 or 4 chemotherapy treatments.

My sister, Gayle, has been here for a week now. She is my sister, angel, wardrobe manager, researcher, personal secretary, and best friend in one beautiful package! Having her with us for the past week has been a blessing I cannot even describe. If you have seen our YouYube video from August 2018 you will immediately see that we are so much alike in many ways.

Another time we did not attempt to dress alike but sort of did.

Note: Retreat on February 15-16, 2019 will be happening as planned! Bronwyn, Sarah, and Molly can run it. If all goes well with my first treatment, I plan to be there for at least part of the time.

Ireland Trip is going as planned in May. You have a fabulous new leader stepping in for me. I know you will be excited and will have a great trip!

Love to all of you and hold your knitting close!

Paula