Day 32 of the Cuppa With Friends Project sees me using a mug that is now mine
I am very behind where I wanted to be that's for sure
but after a week of tests and general horribleness it turns out I have freakin breast cancer
which sucks hugely and it quite the unwelcome, scary addition to our lives here
but it is what it is and I am lucky to have access to great health care
and the prognosis is good so I am repeating that to myself at every opportunity
and it is easier to be positive when you are surrounded by the wonderfullness that is Phantom Steve and Sinus Man ... they have been scary amazing
so I am trying to think of the upsides, and while there aren't many, there are some
like having a great excuse for the house being a bombzone
the possibility of wearing a Cher inspired wig to the school pick up
when the inevitable hair loss begins, plus I will finally find out what the natural colour is!!!
and I can have leaving my prosthetic boob in unsuspecting places around the house
which will drive Phantom and Sinus nuts
Of course there are downsides as well
I am scared witless half the time
and spend the rest maniacally making lists about what I need to get organised
I have cried like crazy and drunk gallons of tea, but I think the shock is wearing off
plus it has played havoc with painting time this week
and will do so over the next few weeks as I have the final few tests before surgery
but as painting is my sanity saver
and the Cuppa project is something I am loving too much to not continue with it
so I am going to paint your cups and mugs when I can and post when I am able
and while I will miss visiting as regularly as I do now
I look forward to catching up with you when I do
I want to thank you in advance for your positive vibes and comments
and know they are all appreciated so much even if I can't always respond ...xx
106 comments:
Tracey- I want to send you a hug! Keep spilling your heart here and we will be here to support you. Your art is good for your soul and, of course, make and post when you can. Kancer is Poo Poo. Love to you, and I will be here :)
I'm so sorry to hear your news but glad the prognosis is good! Sending you good vibes and positive thoughts, Tracey!
That is terrible Tracey, I am so glad the outlook is good. It sucks, but I know you will be srong and you have the terrible two to support you and all of us here in blogland. Sending you hugs and prayers.
You are a beautiful, intelligent, and courageous woman. I am heart broken and angry all at the same time, but I can't get that damn image of your prosthetic boob lying around the house...tears of laughter in my eyes at the thought and feeling like a Tim Tam in your honor. Hugs sweet friend...whatever you need. xx
Dear friend, you know you have every ounce of love and support I can muster at this terrible news. You gave me such wonderful support and friendship last year and i know the thoughts of this wonderful art community will be with you. I shall be thinking of you and sending waves of support to you, and Dev will be sending them too. You are such a strong woman and you will come through this. Much love, Jez.
That wasn't something I expected to read from you this morning! What a f*****g bummer!!! As you say, the prognosis is good, particularly with all they do to this bugger of a disease these days. Keep drinking tea Tracey, we are here to listen.
Well this news sucks I'm sorry! :( However - it sounds like you're in really good hands, and the future is bright! :) Sending you big hugs!! xoxo
dearest tracey, in so sorry to hear about the "c". I'm sending healing light, love & energy. xoxo
(((hugs))))
Oh Tracey, what awful news, my thoughts and with you, it sounds like you are surrounded by positive and caring people who love you and that will keep you strong.
Sorry to hear your news, but you are strong and you will get through it! Stay strong, sending you lots of strong vibes. Valerei
This is shocking news. Glad you're in good hands and that you have a positive outlook. Sending you lots of warm happy thoughts Tracey.
Honestly I don't know what to say to your devastating news Trace, but praying for positive results. We are all here for you and if you wish to scream and shout thats OK as well. Hugs and love Annette x
I am sending a huge hug and healing thoughts to you. All strength to you as you fight to win.
smile, even with all problems you are inspiring
You already know how I feel and how much I adore you. Reading all these comments I can see you are so loved. Take us through your process, in your special Tracey way! Hopefully as a group and individually we can lift you up with support!!Do what you can when you can. I think I can say with confidence, we are all here for you!!
Much Love Giggles
So sorry to hear your news, but glad to hear it is treatable. We are all thinking of you and here to support you.
I just wanted to echo here what everyone else has said. You have such huge support from all of us! I am in no doubt that your sense of humour alone will see you through!! :0)
Tracey I am so sorry to hear your diagnosis, both my nan and aunty are breast cancer survivours, and while your journey is different it may help inspire to know that my nan is a two time survivour and this last time she was 92 years old. Big hugs + love + laughter for this difficult time xx
Tracey, my dear.... I'm sending dragon (that's me!) vibes to you .. and many, many hugs. Keep laughing, crying and doing what you love. we will be cheering you on.
oxoxox
Big hug to you Tracey! Sucks big, big, huge time, but I'm just so sure you will pull through this! Your wacky sense of humor, beautiful mind and beautiful art are unique and so needed in this world! <3
sorry to hear this but I am hoping you have access to a local support network of women who have fought this battle and won
Devastating news for sure Tracey but I think you are the kind of gal that will pick your self up, dust your self off and move forward a step at a time. (We will be here cheering you on. Trust in that). Love to you, Sinus and Phantom.
Dreadful news but so good that you can write about it on your blog. Keep doing that, it can only help. Share your thoughts, fears, lows and highs with this vast array of women who will support you each step of the way.
Sending love to you and your family now, and prayers as long as is necessary and beyond.
Love
Neet xx
With all this love and support behind you I know you'll just knock this little 'set back' right where it belongs. Prayers, love and Damons coming right at ya! xxxx
I agree with what Giggle has said. This is such a strong community who are caring and supportive of each other. We are all here for you Tracey as are your lovely family. Stay positive and post when you can x
Hi Tracey, I am sorry to hear this news but I am so glad to hear you've got such an amazing support system in your family! I'm also glad to know that your prognosis is good and you've got good healthcare. I'm amazed at your ability to find humor with your remarks about a Cher-wig and prosthetic boob mishaps!:) That kind of mindset will push you through this, I am sure of it. And your art will be a great comfort and help to you as well. Not to mention all your adoring followers, which I am happy to count myself as one. All the BEST, Fran xo ((big hugs!))
Oh Tracey, I am so sorry to hear this news...but please know that I am sending you the BIGGEST hugs & praying for you!! I know I don't know you that we'll, but from what I can see you are a strong, positive & vibrant person...please know you have my support & prayers, always!!!
Oh Tracey! I'm so sorry to hear the news. However, you are strong and will totally beat this thing, with your fabulous loving family supporting you. Sending you prayers and healing energy. And a big HUG!
~~~healing vibes~~~ light and sisterly love your way. Here for you.
Praying for you! I'm so glad you have the wonderful support of family and friends to lift you up, encourage you, cheer for you and cry with you.
Dear Tracey ~
May the long time sun shine upon you
All Love surround you
and the pure Light within you
Guide your way on
(((Hugs))) and Love to you and yours all ways
oxo
well this sucks big time!!!
Huge hug( ) to you dear Tracey. It won't be easy to stay on the up side but I (as will all your supporters) will rain positive thoughts and healing wishes on you daily! XO
Big hugs to you Tracey! That kind of news sucks, but so glad you have access to good health care and hopefully a nice supportive group of people around you as well here in the blogosphere. Thinking of you hun.
So here I sit at work, tears in my eyes..first from your news then from reading all the supportive, loving comments. Just look at all that love pouring your way! Between your loving family and your loving blogging family, you are one lucky woman!
Scared probably doesn't begin to cover your feelings - I can only imagine how your brain must be swirling. If you can find a way to let your innate good humor rise to the top more often than not, it will surely make the process a little easier.
Like many of us, I have family and friends who have been diagnosed and beaten breast cancer - I'm sure you'll join those ranks! Sending all positive energy and a big virtual hug.......
Hi Tracey, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. It is not much fun as you so well know. About 7 years ago they saw something they didn't like on my mammogram and after several more tests took it out. I was lucky! Yet it was still scarey and I can remember that time well.
I know we have never met yet I feel like I know you so well. If you ever need to talk, I am just an email or Skype call away.
I know you know this, but we are all here for you. It is wonderful to have such a big loving support system all over the world. And your support system is huge!
So sorry for your diagnosis, but cracking up, thinking about the fake boob!!
Sending you love and wish you all the best during the process. I'm in loss for many words, so I send you many hugs instead.
Ilona xx
Noooo! This nasty thing should only happen to bad people, why the nice ones?
Hold on to the positive, and know that someone in California will be praying for you. (And many other far places, I know for sure!)
I saw your cup in FB but didn't stop to see more.
Stay positive, cry, make notes and letters.. I know I have done that b4 every surgery.... but if the prognosis is good, just grab that thought and don't let go.
aw, sweetpea, I'm so very sorry to see this news. Sending you big cyber hugs, and lots of love and best wishes for as smooth a journey possible through your treatment, and a positive, successful outcome. xox
Tracey, my heart goes out to you in your diagnosis, which is scary. You said the diagnosis is good. I don't know what the treatment was that they suggested, but my sister didn't lose her hair at all, so it doesn't always happen. But your life is so much more than hair. I'm so glad you have the strong support of your loving family. I will pray for you that you will go through this ordeal with minimal discomfort and trauma.
Your artwork has given such joy and fun to hundreds of admirers. I hope you will find time to do something artistic even in your illness.
Sweet and lovely Tracey, I'm sorry to hear of your news. I am here for you any time you need to talk. My aunt, my cousin, my friend had breast cancer. It is scary situation to be in I am sure. I know you are brave, strong and you will get through this. Sending you my hugs and prayers. Keep expressing your emotions. Big hugs!
Talented sweet tracey, sending you virtual hugs and very real prayers. I was stunned to read your news and wish you love and light all around you.
Tracey, sweetheart I am sending you lots, lots of love, positive, positive and healing thoughts. XXXXXXXXXXX you will get through it, there is so much strenght and healing power in you.Keep strong and positive
You have so much love and support at home and here on the net, that I know you will get through this with flying colours. Laughter is the best medicine and I know you have plenty of that in your life. Still laughing about leaving the bazooka around to drive Phantom nuts and the Cher wig is pure genius. Sending lots of hugs.
Von oooxxxooo
Tracey, I'm so terribly sorry to hear this news, but so glad to know that the prognosis is good and that you have lots of friends out here to support you. I will be praying for you daily. ((((hugs))))
Tracey! So incredibly sorry to hear what you are going through right now. I literally spent the afternoon yesterday in the hospital waiting to hear how my mother's breast cancer surgery was going. She got diagnosed a couple weeks ago and within days it seems like your entire world flips upside down! I am happy to report that she is home and the surgery went well - waiting on final pathology. We will all be waiting to hear the same report about you - You are much admired and loved in blogworld!! BIG HUGS to you - and to Phantom Steve and Sinus!
well, crap. that really stinks.
please keep your positive attitude, keep painting and know that we're here for you.
sending positive thoughts your way....
:: sue ::
That just sucks, big time. Sending up prayers for you and the family.
Awe Tracie, I'm sorry to hear about the cancer. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated when you can.
So sorry to hear this news, Tracey. I'm glad you have Phantom and Sinus and all your online friends to support you. Plus lots of cuppas. And chocolate - never forget the healing power of chocolate! And your sense of humour (I can't wait to read about the adventures of the prosthetic boob!)
I'll be thinking about you.
I'm so glad that your prognosis is good, but I agree, this really bites the big one. Now, the real up-side would be if you could fit into one of Cher's costumes while wearing the Cher-like wig :) The prosthetic boob would be good to scare the cat with...Seriously though, you will be in my heart and my prayers every day. When I saw the cup and read your news, I cried with you. You have become my friend across the miles and have given me something to laugh about more times than I can count. I did have my son convinced that we had to trade in the Lancer for the mini-van. He looked so downhearted, I couldn't keep it up for long. I'm getting soft. I once had him believing for a week that the cat came out of the kennel barking like a dog :) Tracey, you are surrounded by so many people who care about you and want the best for you. Take good care of yourself and lean on them. Hugs, Terri
Dear Tracey, I understand how scary this is for your whole family. My mother had breast cancer diagnosed in 1989. She had one breast removed, did her therapy, and did not lose her hair. Five years later just when it should have been the "safe" zone ,"suspicious cells" were discovered in her other breast, so she had it removed. She is now 92 years old and leaving for a European Cruise tomorrow morning. This is just a "lump" (pun intended) in the road! You will be fine, a little lighter on one side than the other, but otherwise fine!
Tracey,
Hang tough girl! last November i had to go in for a biopsy. The funny thing was, I had had a HUGE lump for a few years. Ihad my check ups, and there was "nothing to worry about" according to the Doctors. Just fibrous tissue. Well, then I noticed, that the lump had decreased in size, to the point that I can no longer feel it. But now they were wanting to do a biopsy? Glad to say that it turned out to be nothing. I am not doing a very good job of it... just trying to let you know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I will think TONS of good thoughts, and say prayers for you. Oh and when you are feeling down and really need some encouragement, check out Micelle Ward at http://www.whenigrowupcoach.com/. She is a survivor and she is full of kick ass attitude. (DUh, you probably already know her)
Be good to your self, screw the housework, and BELIEVE!
Tracey, sending best wishes and loving thoughts to you and your amazing family at this difficult time. You have no idea how your amusing tales and beautiful art brightens my days.
Roslyn
Oh my gosh Tracey, well, you have the freakin right attitude and a supportive family and today, cure is the word. So I am going with cure and 100% recovery and support. Hugs...Corrine xox
O.M.G.!!!! Please know I'm sending you buckets & buckets chuck-a-buck full of well-being & wrapping you & your family in gentle warm fuzzy purple hugs. Much love to you my favorite Tracey with an "E". *mwah*
Don't know what to say .... but know that I am thinking about you.
Sending love, light and healing thoughts.
Oh so sorry to hear this news. Know that I am praying for you and trusting that it won't be long before you will want to frame that piece of art as your trophy of victory. "Fight like a girl" as they say. Know that you can say anything you need to say right here as you go through this and we will all be behind you.
You have support at home and here in cyberspace. We love you and all this good healing energy from all these people will carry you through. When you forget to laugh--give yourself a swift kick. Sometimes that's the only thing that pulls us through anything and everything. I love this painting!!! You will need a special victory spot to hang it. Love and hugs!! :)
I'm crying. I'm so upset for you. My friend went through it a couple of years ago. She is back to her usual gorgeous self again and so will you be. Am sending you a mega bucket load of positive vibes. Shit girl, you'll be needing your big girl pants now, no more wimping about. Well your SUPER CYBER BUDDIES ARE 100per cent here for you.. :D xxxx
You'll be needing your big girl pants girl and no wimping about. I'm crying, I'm so upset for you. My friend when through it a couple of years ago and is back to her usual gorgeous self and you will be too. YOUR SUPER CYBER BUDDIES are HERE FOR YOU.....XXX
Tracey,
I too am still in shock. Please know that you will have all the support and love that we can possibly send you. As we have been dealing with Cancer with my son for the last 5 1/2 years, his is Leukemia, we have some very good 'coping' info and are here if you need us for anything. Please keep us posted so we can send you all our love!
Tracey - life is too full of unwelcome cuppas - this is a big one. I'm glad the prognosis is good, but it's a scary time of stepping into a mostly unknown zone. I will pray for your peace and health because that's what I do. I'm beyond glad that you have such a supportive family.
My breast and heart ache for you. I am glad to hear that the prognosis is good! Modern medicine does preform miracles.
I really think your family support, friends positive energy and your crazy sense of humor will get you through this, as well as drawing when you feel like it.
I just walked one friend through her breast cancer, treatments, double mastectomy , hair loss, wigs, mood swings, etc, she is now cancer free and her life is pretty much back to normal. Just saying there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Sending hugs, tissues, and more hugs!!! And tons of positive thoughts and prayers. Visualizing everything working out fine!!
Big hugs, love and prayers to you! xoxo
OMG!!! Just heard the news via Tracy (Gourdess) on FB so rushed on over here. What a shock! My heart goes out to you, Trace!! The prognosis sounds good and the positive feedback on breast cancer in the comments gives me hope and every confidence that you will beat this horrible disease. Your wonderful sense of humour will serve you very well in the trying times ahead. I will be sending you lots of healing vibes and well wishes. I'm sure Sinus and Phantom will take very good care of you. Know you are loved by many. ♡♥♡
OMG!!! Just heard the news via Tracy (Gourdess) on FB so rushed on over here. What a shock! My heart goes out to you, Trace!! The prognosis sounds good and the positive feedback on breast cancer in the comments gives me hope and every confidence that you will beat this horrible disease. Your wonderful sense of humour will serve you very well in the trying times ahead. I will be sending you lots of healing vibes and well wishes. I'm sure Sinus and Phantom will take very good care of you. Know you are loved by many. ♡♥♡
Oh Tracey, so sorry to hear the news. If there is anyone in this community who can kick this cancer's butt - it is you! Just keep throwing your sass at it and chase it right out the door! You are an amazing, strong, talented woman! Sending prayers and hugs your way - and sending positive thoughts for healing :)
Oh Tracey, such news! :( My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful treatment and speedy recovery!
xo
EVA
Dear Tracey, I was struck and disturbed when I read your news this morning and I thought of you all time since then. I can imagine how awful it feels to face this unwelcome cuppa now suddenly and unexpectedly ... quite apart from all the bizarre and unwelcome fancies going round in a head now. I also would like to let you know that I am with you in my thoughts and that my two neighbours are cancer survivors too and that both of them have benefited from this experience. (By the way I love the idea of Tracey wearing a Cher inspired wig!)
Positive thoughts and prayers are headed your way, Tracey. You have made it into our hearts with your upbeat way of looking at the world. I hope now your blogging friends can give some of that back to you as you walk through this challenging season. We're cheering you on, my far-away friend!
My prayer for you is one of my favorites by St. Augustine: Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, . .
May you feel lifted up by the prayers of others.
I am with everyone else. Big hugs and prayers your way. I will keep a candle going for you as well.
A shinning light of positive energy.
Nicole/Beadwright
I am so sad to read this post but you are such a strong person - you've shown this already by the way you have written this post. You and your family can get through this.
Much love
Karen x
Oh my! I did not expect this. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. But I can see your spirits are up and I'm sure you're going to show this cancer hell. I'm sending your positive vibes to get better quickly.
...biggest hugs to thee dear kindred neighbour...
Oh, i am so truly sorry to hear your news. I wish we could all do something for you, but you seem to have a wonderful attitude! Hopefully knowing so many people are wishing the best for you will help! Take care of yourself!
Sending you so much love!!!
OMGoodness - sending you mega, MEGA cyber hugs. I came over from Vonny's Blog to send you my best wishes and heaps of strength through the airwaves :-D
Best wishes
IKE xx
Popping back with another cyber hug for you this week.
Keep your chin up there are a lot of prayers out there.
Blessings
Neet xx
Praying that all goes well for you as you start this journey.
Sandra
Praying that you get through this and are a stronger person for it.
I will keep you in my thoughts x
Humungous cyber hugs coming your way, you have heaps of people who will listen when you want to rant, so keep your chin up and fight back. Annette
Healing hugs sent your way...may strength and love surround you! You are a courageous, talented woman...and your dear family will be your support. keep smiling!
Thinking and praying for you!!
Hi Tracey, I am so sorry to hear from your illness. I want to wish you well and I do not know if there are more comments with my info... I have been looking a lot into curing cancer alternatives to the chemo and such. It seems you can cure your body by changing your diet and using some alternative foods... more and more is known and I would love to share that info if you are interested. Love Anne Marie
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a wonderful and uplifting person. Mountains of ((((Hugs)))) and lots of Love. Blessings, Janet PPF
Sending you healing thoughts and prayers Tracey.::hugs::
Tracey, I only just found out via Marji's blog. I've been missing from blogland for a few days and bit sure how I didn't see your ost. I'm so sorry to hear your news but I know that if ever there was a correlation between positive mental attitude and beating this insidious disease then it's right there in your post. You have so many positive thoughts winging their way to you from all over the world right now. Xx
Shit, damn and fu...k!What a shock- you know we are all sisters in this together as this shadow hangs over us all. My sister-in-law is a 12 year survivor, and you will be too! Keep painting -it will keep you strong and if you need to vent or shout or laugh -email me anytime, I am always 'here'.
Hugs and lotsa kisses xxxxxx
jossross@yahoo.com
Tracey, I just now found out about this via facebook. I'm so sorry to hear this, my friend!! I KNOW all about the scary thoughts and craziness after having just gone through a cancer diagnosis myself (with the big 'ole cyst on my head!!) Stay focused on the positive, but let yourself cry whenever you feel like it!! Don't hold it inside. Take it one day at a time and repeat positive thoughts such as "All is well...I am safe...all my cells are being restored to the perfection in which they were created." These are just some of the positive affirmations I repeated to myself every day!! Write to my anytime, if you feel like it. The love, prayers and support of family and friends is everything! I know!! Much love to you and you will be in my daily prayers! xoxo
Oh dear, words cannot begin to express my sincere wishes that you jump over this hurdle with flying colours. The great majority of women do...so pack up your sense of humour and carry it with you through the upcoming trials of tests and treatments. I'll be sending good vibes your way. Love.....Jo
Oh Tracey if anyone can beat this I know it is you!!! I am sending all my positive thoughts and big hug through cyberspace to you......you are in my thoughts.
Tracey, I am so sorry to hear your news. I wish you didn't have to deal with this, but I'll be thinking of you and sending you good thoughts and good energy...
Don't really have the right words, but I am sending love your way--
Hullo Tracey a fellow Aussie here mate.. and been told by Neet your need of prayer..and so popped over to read of it myslef.. sorry to hear but glad that your next post has such positive news on prognosis and pray that continues that way and yes even when it is negative it can turn for the good in longer run. It is so much better these days may not make it any easier but result is better so that the main bit..
I will keep an eye on things ..
....and also LOVE your images exploding daughters head an all!! hugs and prayers, Shaz in Oz.x
I suspect only you could make me smile in a post like this. (Visions of boob falling on people who least expect it!)
I'm so sorry to read this Tracey, please, please keep this positive mood set in mind, I've had a lot of experience within my family of this horrible illness and I swear the positive attitude makes all the difference. Sending you so many good wishes I can't even put it into words. x x
Oh, Tracey..I'm just seeing this post now. I am shocked, and have no words to express how sorry I am to read this today. Humor will get you through this difficult time, and we all know you are such a funny girl. Sending you a giant virtual hug from far far away, and lots of love to you and your family. <3
Please keep the love flowing from your fingers to the paper and sharing your Gift with us. You are in my prayers and my heart. God Bless. Many Blessings, Janet PPF
wow.. I've missed a few posts. So sorry to hear all this. They say laughter is the best medicine.. So at least you have a family to laugh at...oops.. I mean with. :) Love your cups. I am sure you will still be cranking out cups when you recover.. probably in your sleep. :) Will be thinking positive thoughts for you.
I am so incredibly sorry i missed this post! I had no idea & now feel like a tool but I believe that by now the situation is more or less under control?!? My stepmother had bladder cancer 6 years ago so in a vicarious sense I feel your pain - she ended up being OK - it is a daunting thing to be confronted by the mysterious and frightening breakdown of one's own body - the worst sort of violation! But you are lucky as you say and we pray that many more blog postings and lovely art come out of Tracey yet! Much love
It changes you forever, but many positive things can come from going through this. You will come out of this stronger, with a new appreciation for life and all that is around you.
I am a four year survivor. I am praying for you.
Hi Tracey I saw your hydrangea on Darnell's blog and she said about your news so I hopped over to show support ( sorry no pun intended ) I bet you get a lot of that under the circumstances, you have a brilliant attitude and I laughed at the thought of leaving your prosthetic boob lying around, but hey you may not even need one they do lots more lumpectomys now with great results. Not sure about the wig though my boss had the same she looked great bald.
Keep up the great work and keep painting
Janet visiting from WOYWW
Hello. Have come over from WOYWW via Darnell's blog. I trust that all will go well for you in the days, weeks and months ahead, as you go through tests, treatment and recovery. May God grant you His peace in the midst of the chaos. Rest in Him - the Bible says "Underneath are the everlasting arms"> He will help.
Margaret
I came here from Darnell's blog and just wanted to offer my prayers and support.
I didn't know, I'm so sorry, Tracey. You and yours are in my thoughts ... xx
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