Halfway Mark

Well this week I had chemo round six of my programmed twelve cycles, so I've hit the halfway mark. I'd like to say that it's a downhill race all the way from here, but we all know the chemo effects take their toll more as you go along, so I'm bracing myself for the uphill slog of the second half. Still, there's a mental boost for knowing that I'm counting down the rounds now. Still on full dose too which I'm pleased about.

So half way through the chemo should mean that my stars quilt is halfway done too? Well erm, no. I've done a lot, but all you EPP fans out there will know it's a slow process. I'm still loving doing it though and I will get there! Here's how much is done so far...



I've promised to raffle the quilt but it might have to be wrenched from my arms! I do love it so!



Support is coming in from all corners and I am absolutely delighted to let you know that the organisers of Festival of Quilts will be finding me space to show the quilt there next summer, hold the raffle and show off the other prizes. Isn't that exciting? Of course I will do my utmost to be there too, to meet you all and thank you personally for sending fabric, donations and good vibes.



One of my lovely friends Helen, from back when I did my embroidery degree has kindly donated another raffle prize - a workshop with her. Helen is Royal School of Needlework trained and an expert in all things proper with embroidery! Here's a link to her website to see more about what she does. A massive thank you to her for such a generous donation.

I checked in on my Just Giving page this morning, and I'm a smidgen away from reaching the £8000 mark which would be a wonderful milestone to reach. I know so many of you have already given and I thank you for that. I'm not asking for more from you, but if you could be so kind to spread word about the project, perhaps share it on your social media page or on your own blogs that would be just amazing. Please feel free to link to my social media, and/or this blog.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and support. I had been excited to write this post to mark the halfway point, but at my treatment round on Monday I asked about how my tumour markers were looking. They had gone up, not the best news. I looked at the nurse and she looked at me. I know that the marker blood test is a general test, not to be relied upon, dwelled on. She didn't need to say anything, I know, 'don't get hung up on the numbers'. You have to wait for a CT for anything definitive. Easy said, hard done. I think I sat in silence for the next two hours trying not to cry. My poor Dad who'd come to keep me company for the first part of the day got a very raw deal! Jamie collected me at the end of the session and I promptly burst into tears!

But, and it's a big but, I saw my oncologist yesterday for results of my CT that was done a few weeks ago.

And so far, it's clear. Things that were there are now not there. And there is no new spread.

I'm not naive. I know things can change, that it could rear it's nasty head at any moment. But I can't tell you how much of a boost this news has given me. On Monday I thought I couldn't face more treatment and the side effects that will hit me this weekend. The nurse asked me if I felt well enough to go ahead and in my head the answer was screaming no, but out of my mouth came a feeble yes.

After the CT news I feel able to face this with renewed energy. Bring it on, full dose. Side effects, I've got you covered. Let's do this.

Love Laura
x





Comments

  1. Great news on the CT! Yes you've got this and we're all behind you in all shapes and forms. Stars is looking fab. XX

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  2. Great news about FOQ! That's a deadline then! And good news but I appreciate its ups and downs. Hang on in there - the stitching world is rooting for you and that's some force! Xx

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  3. Well done Laura, it has to be one step at a time and so many of us are thinking of you. xx

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  4. I sure would like to be there and bid on that quilt next year and rip it from your arms!
    Hang in there, dear Laura. I'm glad you've got us, your parents and your Jamie to hold you in love and support. xoxox

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  5. Carole
    thank you Laura for sharing at this stage of your treatment. My husband is at the same point with chemo and it has helped me understand what he is not talking about. He is a big fan of yourself and Linda and looks forward to any arty projects I pass on to him from DMTV. You are an inspiration in all areas.

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  6. Thinking of you and sending a hug. You will get through this. Your strength is inspirational. Loving your quilt. There is so much of your journey in it that you could keep it xxx

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  7. Fantastic news with the new CT! You are definitely on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. Hopefully there will be more ups than downs ahead. You have a huge community cheering you on. The quilt looks fabulous! I so wish I could be there to give you a hug and make you some soup. Sending loads of love to you all. (I've been in your Dad's position and trust me, there is no other place he would rather be.)

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  8. Well done. Keep your pecker up. You will get there and the quilt looks wonderful.

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  9. You are one amazingly strong woman! I love your determination even in the thoughts of the blood text. So glad that the CT scan showed different. We are all in support of you. All of us. Remember that in your silent, introspective times. Sending love and warm hugs your way. BTW, your quilt is stunning!

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  10. There is a small army of us rooting for you in bad times and in good. The quilt looks amazing as do all the new Kemshall wardrobe additions and it's incredible that you have been so creative and productive throughout your treatment. You are an inspiration to all of us. Love and light :)

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  11. Sending + energy, love and good vibes. You CAN do this!!

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  12. Well done Laura on all accounts, you are such an inspiration. I personally have not sewn (been into the paint though!) since losing my sister in 2014 but your star quilt has inspired me to start again and I am making, yes, a star quilt! I made
    one and measured it and calculate that I need 256 hexagons - wow! Have made about 22 so far, it's not going nearly as well as yours. Keep up the good work and keep posative, we're all rooting for you! x

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  13. The quilt is looking amazing. Best wishes. xx

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  14. It is just gone 11pm, so sending you holding hugs and love ten times around the moon and back. You are an inspiration to hundreds of us around the world, yes, you can do this, Laura. The Ruby Star quilt is awesome, think that each diamond is one of us, and you are sewing us together!

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  15. I should think the ups and downs of bad news and good news might st be just as bad as the treatment.... but hang on to that good news Laura. You really are an inspiration. And the quilt is stunning!

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  16. Laura, I am glad for the good CT results. Still praying for your stamina and for more of the 'Things that were there are now not there.' Thinking of your family, too. Hugs and bigger hugs.

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