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Knitting Pipeline is sponsored by Quince & Co. and Knitcircus Yarns

Monday, January 28, 2019

Episode 323 A Necessary Break


Listen here or use the handy Flash Player in the sidebar.
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

24 comments:

Ruthanna said...

So sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you, your family, and for your doctors.

Jane said...

I am sending love, healing, and prayers your way. Take good care Paula. The community will be here as you need us.

Anonymous said...

I'm sending much love and support to you and your family. You have brought so much joy to me through your podcast. You are a bright spot in this world. God blesses you!

Carol morrison said...

Prayers for you all the time!

Karen said...

Ohhh my goodness Paula. I have been listening to you ever since you started. You are in my prayers. I look so forward to your wonderful podcasts.

Suemwitkin said...

I am so sorry, Paula. You will be in my prayers. You have been such a light of joy and hope to so many of us, both with you knitting podcast, but also with you friendship, kindness, inclusiveness, and good humor. Now we will be sending all that love back to you. Your knitting community will be holding you close. I am sending love to you , Bob, and your family. Suemwitkin.

Spindrift said...

Paula, I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. I know that prayers and a positive outlook were so important in helping my husband overcome lymphoma twice. It is a long and arduous road, but you have such a caring family and so many friends supporting you and Bob. I’ll be sending you energy and strength, and I’ll continue to follow your progress as I have over the years. Take care of yourself first.

Laura (Spindrift)

Mary said...

Paula, so sorry to hear this. Sending good thoughts to you and your family.

ypsiknitti said...

I will be praying for you and looking forward to good news!

Carla said...

Oh Paula, I just read the news- I am sending you all my love and healing thoughts. I wish I was closer so could bring a meal or 2 - YOU got this and can beat it - lots and lots of love xoxoxo Carla

Martha said...

Sending you love, my dear friend. Our friend Lisa M, tells her patients that you only have to be strong enough for the day. Will keep you close in my heart. xxoo to the moon and back.

Unknown said...

Paula, sending healing thoughts to you. I had a devastating cancer diagnosis 7 years ago that I overcame. Stay positive and strong. I found so much strength and courage from family and friends. Surround yourself with that love.
Emily (MLES)

Unknown said...

Giant hugs and prayers, Paula.
If you have any question about your care, I would highly recommend MD Anderson in Houston, even if just as second opinion. They do amazing work there, promptly, and with great kindness to patient and family, including extended family.
💕Sue

Janicke Johansen said...

Dear Paula, I was so sad to hear your news! I hope that all the joy you‘ve offered us comes back as giant wave of strength and support to help carry you through the turbulence ahead. Best wishes to you as well as your gentle husband. Love, Janicke

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear what’s going on with you. I am a cancer survivor and the key word here is survivor. You and your family are in my prayers always. You will see those precious granddaughters grow up. Carolyn

Linda C said...

I am so sorry this is happening to you. You are such an inspiration. Please know you are in my thoughts. I feel like a very dear friend has shared some very difficult news. Love and good thoughts to you and your family.

Ruth said...

I will be praying for you and adopting the scripture you recommend as you begin treatment.
My dear friend Barb went through treatment that sounds similar to what you are describing for her journey with ovarian cancer. Following treatment we ventured on a long trip west and have celebrated her being cancer free following each three month followup visit.
So glad you have Bob, your sister and good friends as you face this fight!
Ruth

Unknown said...

Such hard news! Thank you for sharing it. I’ve been meaning to send you a note of thanks for your delightful presentation to the Madison Knitters Guild last year. It was great to see you, if only briefly.

Your determination, family, faith, and the power of knitters will carry you through this challenge. I will hold you and yours in my thoughts.

Sylvia (Liamsmommy)

Lee said...

Dear Paula, I’m am very upset to read this and admire your strength and amazing attitude! I will say many prayers for you and will hold you in my thoughts. ❤️

Unknown said...

Paula, I'm very sorry to hear your sad news. I will be thinking of you as you go through your treatment, and wishing you healing.

As soon as I read your chosen Scripture passage, music began playing in my mind: I sing in a church choir, and these same verses (in an older translation) are set in one of my favorite anthems. I found a YouTube link if you'd like to listen to it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5ohZQCfj4

"Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice! Let your softness be known unto all men. The Lord is e'en at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in all prayer and supplication let your petitions be manifest unto God with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu. Amen."

Karalee

Unknown said...

God bless you Paula. My daughter had anal cancer when she turned 40. She is doing well three years later. You are strong and have thousands of people who love you. My prayers are with you and your family.

GML said...

Praying for your recovery from the other side of the globe. God Bless you

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About Me

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I play the Great Highland Pipes, knit, observe nature, and read. My name on Ravelry is PrairiePiper. Find me on Instagram as KnittingPipeline.