Friday, September 07, 2018

Health Issues

This last week has been a bit of a blur and one that I would not wish on anyone. I have debated whether to blog about it or not, but ultimately decided that I would simply because I need to call on all my friends to be my support and to give me hugs. I have been diagnosed with a fairly rare form of cervical cancer. Last week Friday I went to my Gp and since then have undergone ultrasounds, CT Scan and this morning an MRI and X-rays and blood test, and a discussion will be held next Tuesday as to what will happen next. There is no doubt I will need an hysterectomy and  be blasted by everything that 21st century medicine can offer- in that regard I am in  good hands with either the Women's hospital or Peter Mac performing the surgery and further treatment and I will be guided by their expertise  with this type of cancer.

These rather sinister matrons greet you as you walk into the Women's Hospital. I know what it is meant to represent but I did not find it very cheerful at all.

So why do I need you, my friends? As many of you know I am not married and do not have a partner and as a migrant from a small family do not have much family in Australia. My parents are elderly with their own ailments ( they are also separated and live in different areas) and have other issues, and my daughters are just beginning on their journey in workplaces and study so I feel I cannot lean too heavily on them though of course they are supportive. I am lucky I have many friends here in Australia and overseas, and I would like to ask you to continue to contact me as you always do, that you send me a hug from time to time, that you not shy away from what is happening- it happens to many women and men. If I need help I will ask . I will  mention what is going on from time to time, but do not intend to talk of things too much.

I will continue to sell my hand printed fabrics and of course my book, which is still available. And of course some of my quilts are for sale. As I am self employed I am reliant on this income to keep me going and hope you will continue to provide your support as you have so generously done in the past. The next six months will be rocky and hopefully also full of recovery and healing, and I will try my best to keep up with things. But obviously  there will be things that have to go by the wayside.

The Traveller's Blankets are going to be exhibited at Pour L'Amour du Fil in Nantes in April next year so the goal is to be well by then, well actually earlier than that as I have other commitments which I  can't drop as they are part of my income stream but that is not until next year late February. Meanwhile I intend to focus on getting well and small things like hand made books which is something I have always wanted to do, and no doubt some hand stitching and maybe a new linocut or two. I am not expecting too much but do want to have some thing to do in case I feel well enough to do them.
This quilt is sold.
This is a fully hand stitched piece form 2002, a proto type of Traveller's Blanket. It measures around 110-120 cms squarish and is for sale for $3250. It is entirely hand stitched. I ummed and ahhed about whether to include it with my current exhibition of Traveller's Blankets but decided not to, as it did not really fit in as a journey or something to do about travel. Email me if you are interested in purchasing it, my contact is in my bio.

And a small hand made book I have been working on incorporating an early linocut print of pine trees and my fascination of trees. I intend to make a whole tree book as I seem to have made quite a few linocuts incorporating trees.

42 comments:

Linda said...

I wish you a safe passage and see you on the other side ! , Nantes is a great thing to look forward to , love your work and am sure you will still be producing great ideas during this enforced break.
I had a brush with cancer too and fifteen year later still trucking on
I am working on another travelers quilt for my son , so your inspiration carries us on , will you be listing things for sale ?
Warm wishes and a hug Linda

Saskia Weishut-Snapper said...

Dear Dijanne, I wish you a lot of strength. And support.

Denise said...

The cancer journey is long and arduous and one comes to a place of new normal. I wish you well on your journey and.my thoughts are with you.
Denise

Francis said...

Dear Dijanne, ik wens je heel veel sterkte. Ik hoop nog veel werk van je te mogen zien. I wish you a lot of strength.

Rachel Biel said...

Oh, Dijanne... I am so sorry to think of you going through this. I do hope that you have enough people to help you with whatever you need... I've had several friends go through different kinds of cancer and thankfully, most are well. But, it is the little things that get you down the most, so I hope you have a neighbor or someone close by who can run over when you need someone with you. My heart is heavy for you, but I am glad that you have access to good care and that you are being positive as those two are key to healing. You have an international family and we are all rooting for you!

Meg Owen said...

Dear Dijanne, so sorry to hear this bad news - my very best wishes and hopes for your recovery. Xx

Darian C said...

Dear Dijanne. I send good wishes and hugs for the future. You have inspired me in many ways and my travelers blanket is progressing slowly (2018 online class). I have your book and some lino cut prints purchased in Canberra. All the best xx

Olga Norris said...

Something familiar is always essential on a scary journey. Hand stitching can be such a boon during difficult times. I know from my own experience.

Do not shy away from telling what you need to spill out on your blog, because at the very least it will help you - and certainly will not put us off.

I am always lurking here, and will make sure that I comment more so that you can see me in the shadows. You were my first commentor when I started blogging, and are always special.

Every journey is different, and yesterday all day I was compulsively reading Kate Davies' Handywoman about how she has handled her stroke. https://www.handywomanbook.com/ It was knitting which helped her.

You are much loved and admired. Good luck with every step on the journey.

Jo said...

Dijanne,
Stay positive, my daughter had the same diagnosis three years ago. She was so positive that she just wanted the surgery, chemo and radiation over and finished, so she could get on with the rest of her life. She is now cancer free and still refuses to let anything get her down. Her advice to me was "Worry is a waste of time, it steals your life away". My thoughts and positive thoughts are with you on your journey.

Fran C said...

I wish you well with your journey through cancer keep a positive attitude. Wish I lived near you to help at times, distance is a curse. Hugs and love to you Dijanne.

ann vanherle said...

Ik weet dat je een sterke vrouw bent maar niet al min ik hoop dat je de komende tijd veel steun krijgt. Ik weet wat het is ziek zijn en niemand laat nog van zich horen. Veel sterkte en blijf je volgen

GROETJES

Claire said...

Hi Dijanne,
So sorry to hear about your bad news. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Lyn W said...

Dear Dijanne, so sorry to read this news. You are a strong person and I wish you well for your treatment. Let me know in a while when you are back in Gellibrand so I can pop down for a visit. X

Penny said...

Oh Dijanne all I can offer is a virtual hug and hope all goes well. I wish I was closer but as you know things are not good here but happy to listen if you need me.xx

Marion Shaw said...

Oh Dijanne--I am so sorry to hear of your news! It is a rocky road but I send hugs and prayers for you at this difficult time. You have so inspired me with your work and blog and I hope you can continue on your creative journey to give you strength and healing at this time.

Unknown said...

Dijanne - Just popping my head over the garden fence to say hello, long time no speak, and sorry to hear of your news. You always struck me as a very determined individual with great courage and bucket loads of determination I am sure you can beat this monster. I am always lurking over the fence if you need a chat, laugh or cry. Wishing you all the powers of quick healing that there are out there. Emma (Cooling) xx

Sharon Richards said...

Wishing you the best as you start on this journey. May you have all the local support you need as well as the distant thoughts and prayers from those of us who live far away.

Sharon Richards, Flagstaff, AZ

Mary Palmer said...

Hi Dijanne, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Wishing you strength and a continued positive outlook. If I can ever help in any way, please let me know. Hugs from Ireland, Mary Palmer xx

ParisMaddy said...

Dear Dijanne,

Sending you good wishes of positivity, bravery and strength as you navigate this unwelcome phase, just a page in your beauty filled journey, but pages are meant to be turned. When my sister went through this operation she had a mantra she’d repeat to herself, This, too, shall pass. Best wishes, Madeline

P.S. Laura K.,Another Uber talented artist is recovering from colon cancer and is working on a charity quilt as she goes through chemo.

Marie Claire saint maux said...

Courage Dijanne la "traveller's" à encore beaucoup de choses à transmettre

Laura said...

I just found your blog and wanted yo wish you strength, healing, and support. You are clearly not alone. Hang tough!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing with us Dijanne - it must have been a hard decision to do so.
I wish you peace and strength through this journey and I look forward to positive news as you recover. ��

Unknown said...

Dear Dijanne, I am so impressed with your decision to share your news with us. Too many people do shy away and feel they cannot or should not do so. You have many friends and admirers in the textile sphere who, if they are like me, feel honoured that you chose to share with us. I wish and hope that you come through this with not only your health but also your wonderful attitude and approach to life still intact. I am a retired doctor so I know this is not an easy journey you are on but I also know that with Peter Mac you could not be in better hands anywhere in the world. I will definitely keep in touch and look forward to hearing about your progress as well as sending you pictures of my blanket that you inspired as I slowly work my way through it. Christine Ewan (from the Berry workshop)

Artemis said...

Hi Dijanne, I have only recently found you and your blog. I love your work and I felt sad to hear your news. I send you lots of loving thoughts for your journey to recovery. I will be sending you healing love all the way, would like to hear how you go and how I can do anything to support you, even from a distance.

Dentellebleue said...

bonjour Dijanne, moi aussi je suis fière de toi qui a décidé de partager ce qui t'arrive. Compte sur nous, toutes tes admiratrices, toutes les personnes a qui tu as avec tellement de coeur et de générosité fait partager ton art, ta culture et ta grande humanité.
je te souhaite beaucoup de courage, mais surtout de vivre un jour à la fois, sur la longue route des soins et thérapies diverses mises en oeuvre pour combattre ce fichu cancer, qui touche, comme tu le dis, tellement de gens, hommes et femmes. Ce n'est absolument pas le moment de te lâcher, et toutes et tous, nous croisons les doigts pour toi, nous t'envoyons des ondes positives et ne doutons pas que même si ce chemin de vie est difficile, tu sauras en voir le bout et nous aurons énormément de joies à te retrouver l'an prochain à Nantes. Plein de grosses bises, Dijanne! Amitiés de Ginette

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear your news and wish you all the best for the treatment and recovery.just today I heard my nephew has been given the all clear from Testicle cancer and hope you will get given goods news like in the very near future.
Please share what you need to ,
I may be going next year to Nantes not sure yet but I will hope to catch up with you there and see you healthy
Jenny

Barbara Macey said...

Very sad to hear your news. Your strength will be an asset during the difficult times ahead of you.

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