I don't call this blog Creative CHAOS for nothing........
Nope. No siree......If I can't find the chaos, it comes looking for me!
Now....I know many of you think that I really did run away with Count Chocula. And, frankly, that wouldn't be so far off the mark if Target would actually carry the cereal. They didn't this year and I'm going through serious withdraw.
Actually, the truth is that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I just found out last Thursday after 6 looooong days of waiting. Note to self: do not get a biopsy on a Friday at 3:30pm. Like my best friend Gail said, I couldn't have waited longer if I would have gone in and requested the longest wait myself. "um, yes, I would love the appointment that would give me the absolute maximum heart wrenching wait time.......Friday at closing time? Perfect! I'll take it!" Seriously, my wait time could only be surpassed by an appointment on Christmas Eve at 5:00pm during the annual office ski retreat.
So, now, I realize I am offically part of a statistic. And, unlike my usual disorganized self, I managed to do this during breast cancer awareness month. I've never noticed more pink ribbons in my life than the 6 day wait for results. There was one on my milk carton and everytime I opened the refrigerator door I was reminded that I could very well be the 1 of 8.
One of the people I have to thank for my even getting to my annual mammogram is Melissa Francis. I don't know if you remember, but I had taken a class when she was in town at Paper Tales. She is a breast cancer survivor herself and did a whole talk on it before getting started. So I carried that little voice in my head until I finally made my year and a half late appointment. Thank you Melissa.
My surgery is scheduled for Nov 7th and I will be doing chemo after that. I will be around popping in out when I can........ and in usual Chaos fashion trying to find the funny in my life. I'm actually trying to get as much done for the North Park Mafia Craft fair as I can while I'm feeling good. It keeps my mind busy .....plus..... I paid good $$ for that damn table. I don't care if I have to send Cosme out to hawk my Christmas snowflakes......it's going to happen!
Also, thank you to all that have sent emails to me wondering where I've been. It means alot to me. So, although I wish I could say I ran off with the Count during a mid life chocolate crisis..... I will be back to crazy crafting chaos in no time......Talk to you soon! Karin
hey there sweets,
my heart just sank!
im so sorry for your boobs, your body.
You have the best attitude towards life, i know you will get through this! you are so strong!
Please remember we are ALL here for you! the good days and the bad!
just let it out!
i will be thinking of you often!!
now get that crafty stuff ready to shlep to the craft fair!
oxoxo,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | October 29, 2008 at 02:54 PM
So sorry to hear all that you have been going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Gina | October 29, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I wish you the best of luck and the best of health!
Posted by: Alexis | October 29, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Karin! I'm so sorry! I'm sure you caught it very early and you will be back to your fabulous self soon!
I had a lumpectomy in April. Everything's good and you will be too!
My mom is in the hospital with ovarian cancer (we found out last Tues) and her chemo will start in a few weeks!
Lots of hugs and prayers go out to you and your family!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 29, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Keep blogging. The support here will hold you on even the yuckiest days...
I will be checking on you and sending lots of love...
Posted by: karibeth Miller | October 29, 2008 at 03:16 PM
May God be with you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Sounds like you have a great attitude! That will certainly be an advantage in the coming times.
Posted by: txscrapaddict | October 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Just want you to know that lots of positive thoughts & prayers are with you.....
Blessings;
~Becca~
Posted by: Becca | October 29, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Karin....
Make sure you keep your sense of humor and you find one thing in your day to be greatful for...it will help. Enjoy those beautiful boys...don't focus on your distraction as a mommy, focus on how cute they are, how funny they are...etc... And let people help you! I don't know you but feel like I know you a little through your blog and love your spirit, your sense of funny in the ordinary..... I would love your real addy, if you can please email it to me...karen in Gardena, CA
kben1334@sbcglobal.net
recycledrita.blogspot.com
Posted by: karen | October 29, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Hi Karin
Hi from one of the lurkers. I love your blog, actually yours is my favorite.
I have never posted, but just want you to know that my prayers and lots of good mojo (it's powerful stuff used on one of my Yahoo! art groups and works every time)is coming your way.
Keep your positive attitude and I'm sure you will come through GREAT!!
Cheers
Gwynn
Posted by: Gwynn Thoma | October 29, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Karin,
Another lurker here. I am sending a ton of positive energy and am thrilled to hear your positive tone and wonderful attitude toward life. I believe that will get you through this.
I'll be following along whenever you can post and will continue to think of you and send you the best of luck as you fight this.
Posted by: Vicki | October 29, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Karin, nobody's blog has made me laugh as hard as yours does. And it doesn't look like you are going to let cancer keep you down at all. Thank goodness! I will be keeping you in my heart and prayers, sweetie. (Please keep us posted - as you are able - on how you are doing.)
Posted by: DonnaG | October 29, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Oh sweetie, this post has put a lump in my throat. How cruel life is sometimes.
I'll be thinking of you during this trying time and look forward to keeping up with all your news on your blog. Remember...all your blogging buddies are right here for you.
BIG cyber hugs,
Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | October 29, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Karin~
Girl, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know you are a strong girly and will do just fine! I am praying for your speedy recovery and keep us posted on your crazy chaotic life!
We all LOVE you!
xxoo
Analise
Posted by: Analise at Sugar*Sugar | October 29, 2008 at 05:08 PM
You still make me laugh through all the "sucky" chaos. You are such a gift, a treasure and I know you will kick this in the ASS!
Hugs and friends,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle May | October 29, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Karin, I am so sorry... and so thankful that you listened to your little voice to take you to the doctor. I know if there is ONE girl in this world that can beat this, it is YOU!! You are always upbeat... kind... compassionate... fun... and most of the bestest MOM! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad to hear you so positive. THat is what will help you through this.
xoxo Heather
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | October 29, 2008 at 05:39 PM
I know I already told you this but if there is anything you need!! You know I am here for you.
Love you!!
Posted by: Heather | October 29, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Sending you lots and lots and lots of LOVE!!!!
Thinking of you non stop!!
XOXOXOXOXOXO Jenny & Aaron
Luv you!
Posted by: jenny holiday | October 29, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Hi Karin
I'm crushed to hear your news. I'm sending you lots of good thoughts & prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I mean that!
Love & hugs
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | October 29, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I'm thinking all of the good thoughts and well wishes that I can...... big hugs -- and don't stop being your positive, funny self!
~martha
Posted by: martha brown | October 29, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Karin,
Your name is tops on my prayer list. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Lifting you and your family to the Father,
Miss Sandy
Posted by: Miss Sandy | October 29, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I don't know exactly what to say......I can't even imagine what those 6 days were like:( Karin, you will be in my nightly prayers and in my thoughts during the day!!!!! Your humor has cheered me up so many times when things weren't so good.....I wish there was something I could do to make your recovery a little easier!!!! I really mean that! If you even just need a shoulder or an ear....I am here for you! artful hugs, Linda
Posted by: Linda Harre | October 29, 2008 at 06:34 PM
I come to visit you from time to time, and I love your blog. I'm sincerely sorry that you have to go through this. You be in my prayers. Kindly, Jessica
Posted by: Jessica (Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!) | October 29, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Think positive Think Positive Think Positive Think Positive
THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS ONLY!!!!
Diane
Posted by: Diane ( Crafty Passions) | October 29, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Babe...just reading this after being away for so long...you listen to me girly...YOU WILL BEAT THIS...and we are all going to rally by your side and ride this out with you. I'm thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers every day. Believe in the power of prayer Karin! You deserve nothing less than a complete healing. You will beat this. Love you sweetie!
smooches,
C.
Posted by: Cris Cunningham | October 29, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Keep up the great attitude, it is impressive and I know will carry you through! You have a lot of living to do and crafting as well. I will keep you in my prayers! I have family members dealing with the same stuff at present so you will be fresh on my mind!
xo Molly
Posted by: Fleur de Bee | October 29, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Karen... I just heard.... You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
ox
Joy~
Posted by: Joy *The Vintage Rabbit | October 29, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Karin,
Hang in there honey! There is just no other way to say it "Suck It Cancer!" I have been lurking for awhile and I can tell by your writing that you have the spunk to make it through this challenge. You must know you have many cheerleaders out here in blogland to give you a boost when you need it. When all the treatment is done you can run away with the Count!
Hugs, real tight hugs,
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Wright | October 29, 2008 at 08:00 PM
...Much love to you... and a jillion hugs too.
Posted by: MizSmoochie | October 29, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Karin- I'm so sorry to hear your news, but I love your positive attitude- sending thoughts & prayers for you and your family (and Count Chocula).
Posted by: Beth Leintz | October 29, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Darling girl....
Praying for you incessantly, cheering you on constantly, and loving you more than words can possibly say.
One of my favorite verses is this: "Now faith is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of things not seen...." Know that all of us are hoping and keeping the faith with you and for you.
~ adair
Posted by: alice adair | October 29, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Oh my gosh.....The only thing I can say is I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers....and I'm going to schedule that mammogram that I have put off for two years.
You have a huge community of support here and lots of prayers to lift you up.
xxoo
Robin
Posted by: thrifty_misspriss | October 29, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Oh Karin,
My Aunt had breast cancer and yes she is a survivor. I will pray for you! Blessings, Denise
Posted by: Denise Elizabeth | October 29, 2008 at 08:48 PM
First things first. I want to send (((big Hugs))) You are so wonderful and I have enjoyed reading your blog you have a certain way of writing that makes us all feel like we have known you forever. All I have to say is you go and Kick Breast Cancers ASS!! You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
hugs, MAria
Posted by: Maria Rodarte | October 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Karin!! Oh my gosh! I am so very sorry to hear your news! You be strong and you hang in there. Bless you and your sweet family. Take care of yourself. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | October 29, 2008 at 09:15 PM
I will be praying for you.... fellow blogger:)
A wake up call for us all to not wait... and get checked today.
Hugs to you and your family at this time.
kayellen
Posted by: kayellen | October 29, 2008 at 09:15 PM
WOW KARIN!! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. YOU ARE A STRONG PERSON, AND I KNOW YOU WILL BEAT THIS. I AM SENDING YOU HUGS.
Posted by: SONIA | October 29, 2008 at 09:17 PM
oh karin...what a way to start off your week! I am praying and chanting and burning candles, contacting outerspace, cleansing my chi...anything I can do to help you beat this! We will all stick with you, the power of women united can accomplish anything! you are strong and beautiful both on the inside and out, and have a wonderful soul, this will be your trial, but you will suceed. My heart is with you, let it be strong for you, when yours is not....
love and hope, xoxo Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany~shabby scraps | October 29, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Hi Sweet Karin,
Your spirit and grace are so inspiring. Please stay strong and positive and know we are all thinking about you and are here for you ~
XOXO
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Jacobson | October 29, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Please know that we're thinking about you and like Michelle said, we'll hand deliver any creative goodies you think you may need! Take Care - Diane (Paper Tales)
Posted by: Diane | October 29, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Oh dear Karin. . .I KNOW that you are going to get through this with the most amazing humor and positive attitude possible under the circumstances. A matter of fact, I bet you will be able to write a book! You have the most amazing family, friends and all of us in Blogland that will be here for you every moment. I am sending you uplifting thoughts and hugs! I think you may have really freaked out the Count though! Hope that made you giggle. . .
Smooches, Kim
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | October 29, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Karin,
Another blogger friend sending you big (((HUGS))) and healing thoughts. Stay strong and positive!
XOXO,
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl | October 29, 2008 at 09:49 PM
My heart and prayers go out to you, love your positive attitude!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 29, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Sending you tons of hugs, love thoughts and prayers. You are a wonderful woman and one of my favorite bloggers and artists. Stay strong, and remember we are all here for you!!!
More ((((((hugs))))))))))
-Jenny
Posted by: thepolkadotpixie (jenny :-) ) | October 29, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Hi Karin, how devastating for you. Just want you to know I am thinking of you, praying and sending very strong positive thoughts your way. Take Care funny lady, funny ha ha that is . . . Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | October 30, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I am literally in tears here. I am so sorry to hear this Karin. You have an amazing group of bloggers/friends here to help support you through this and I know you are gonna KICK ITS BUTT!
Big hugs to you sweet lady and YOU and your FAMILY will be in my thoughts and PRAYERS!!!
Posted by: Monicaa | October 30, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Karin,
You are in my thoughts and prayers! I am yet another lurker who loves to read, laugh, and be inspired by your wonderful creativity and attitude. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery!
Posted by: J. Harmon | October 30, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Karin; usually your blog makes me laugh so much. today it makes me so sad. I can only imagine how hard it was to wait all those days and then get the news that the biopsy was positive. I am so very sad that you have to go through this challenge. I am so very glad you had the mammogram and caught this nasty thing before it got worse. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have blessed so many with your fun times, I hope we can be there for you in your rough times. Hugs and love. S
Posted by: sherri | October 30, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Oh Karin....that just sucks!!!! Truly ruly why is always the nicest girls on the block that get all the crappiest things dumped on them?? I hope you can stay super positive but know that you really need to have a good howl too, let it out you deserve at least one good day of feeling that life is unfair and you are sick of being positive!! We will be positive for you and i am personally throwing a hissy fit on your behalf before sending lots of big kiss noises and cuddles your way....Kiss Noises moi moi moi Linda
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | October 30, 2008 at 02:34 AM
I am thinking about you, my friend. You are loved so very much.~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | October 30, 2008 at 02:53 AM
Karin, i am so truly sad to hear this...i know you are strong and you will get through this...i will be praying for you and your family!!!
Posted by: Lori | October 30, 2008 at 03:10 AM