I spent most of last spring and summer on the couch. I had been taking an oral chemo, and it wiped me out. Then they found out my cancer had spread to my liver while I was on this drug. So my oncologist had me get a port, and try an infusion of another chemo. That didn't go very well. I had an allergic reaction to this chemo. They dosed me up with antihistamines and steroids, and I had 3 more infusions. It turned out this drug wasn't working either. So I am now on another oral chemo, 3 pills twice a day. Fingers crossed that this one will work. We are not looking to cure my cancer, but slowing it down will give me more time.
I feel pretty good on this chemo. Stomach problems once in a while, dry eyes, and a side effect I had never heard of: hand-foot syndrome. My feet started first with blisters, skin pealing and redness. The skin has gotten really thick and dry. I have tried different lotions, salves, and creams. None of them make a difference. I have it on my hands too. Swollen fingers, dry thick skin, and I have lost my fingerprints. My fingertips are so thick and dry, I don't think I will be cross stitching for a while. But I am quilting again!
I am making another Rolling Waves quilt for my nephew's high school graduation. I chose something simple to see how difficult sewing and cutting would be with my hands as they are. This is a simple quilt made only of nine patches, but there are about 270 nine patches, so it will take me a while. I made the same quilt back in 2017, but this time I'm only using two colors. I wish I had chosed batiks because many of the nine patches are teeny tiny, the little squares being 3/4 of an inch. I think batiks give a crisper press than regular quilting fabric does. I think using batiks would have improved my piecing accuracy.
Here are 16 of my double nine patch blocks:
5 comments:
I had no idea, Laura. I hope your new chemo drug will allow you to spend more time doing the things you love. The hand/foot thing doesn't sound like fun, but I'm glad it doesn't stop you being creative.
Oh gosh, you have been through so much. I do hope this new chemo pill gives you some remission--if only for a period of time which you seem to be expecting. I love the color choice of the white and orange for your nine patch blocks. They are so small that you need some big white or orange blocks in between. That will take up some of that space. Now I need to go back and see your previous rolling waves quilt in your archives. I'm glad you are well enough now to get back to some sewing. I wish you only the best. Maxine R.
Laura, I am so sorry to hear this! Praying that this combination of chemo works for you, and that the hands and feet heal up when it’s over. May the time you spend quilting and with family be a balm to your soul, and May the Lord uphold you and carry you through this season.
So glad to hear from you Laura and hoping for the best for the new drug. Hope that your fingers and hands will cooperate so you can keep sewing - your blocks look like a good start!
You have been on my mind often in recent weeks. I join with others in prayers that the new chemo gives you more time. I've not heard of the hand-foot syndrome, so hope you find some ways to give you some relief. I'm so glad to see you quilting again. I marvel at your patience to do such small pieces as with the Rolling Waves quilt!
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