Hi......it's me......

I actually sat here staring at the keyboard for 10 minutes unable to compose my thoughts.  I wanted to come on and give a quick update, yet felt that "quick" seemed so inadequete at this point.....I want to thank everyone who has left me messages, emails and personal notes. I also want you to know how much the support has lifted me in comfort. Never underestimate the prayers and love of bloggers in a crisis I always say....well, I guess I really didn't always say that. But, I can know bask in the truth of it.

On Thursday, I found out that I have stage III breast cancer.  I will meet with my onocologist on Monday and have further tests to see if things have ventured further out of the neighborhood of my breast and lymph nodes.  My hope is it hasn't.   This will be the last of the "waiting game" hurdles I have to cross, before my fight begins.

In the meantime, after some tears, shock and despair, I have deciding that I will kick cancer's ass in the showdown of all showdowns.  I am determined not to let this diagnosis stop me from living my life, laughing with my children, and making fun of reality shows. I received a book called "No Place Like Hope" and I bought the book "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor".  They both embody the place where I want my mind to be right now.   And, athough it sounds trite, laughter really is the best medicine for me right now.  That and crafting.  Aside from spending time with my kids, working on art in this moment has never felt more right.  I still plan on doing my art fair on December 7th since I most likley I won't be starting chemo until after that. 

So with that said, I will be back soon to blogging.  I have some picture of our presurgery "night of a thousand margaritas" dinner. As well as some funny stories about my pre op experiences......no one can make me laugh harder than my best friends Annette & Gail.  They had me cracking up before, during and after.  Who else would sit with you the day after surgery and watch Quacker Factory and Real Housewives of Atlanta for three hours straight and make you laugh so hard you pull a stitch.....

Laughing, crafting and being sarcastic is still a part of who I am.  I refuse to let anything invade my body and take that away from me.  Never.

I'll talk to you soon.....Karin

Comments

[Heather]

Oh I see you were naughty and got on the computer but I am glad to hear from you. I hope you are feeling a little bit better than yesterday. I am thinking of you constantly. I will talk to you next week. Love, Heather

[Kerryanne English]

Hi Karin,
I'm so glad to hear you being so positive. We are all here for you to support you and give you strength. Art really is the best medicine...well, after hugs from your boys of course.
Keep smiling & huge squeezy hugs for you,
Kerryanne

[MizSmoochie]

You are one helluvan-amazing woman! I'm glad to hear you're doing what you enjoy the most... I also think about you and your family often.
Much Love

[Carolr]

My thoughts will include you as well as prayers for your comfort and peace.

[Jeanne]

Hi Karin ~ I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy and thrilled to see you back at the computer, blogging and making us all laugh once again. (Hey, shouldn't that be the other way around???) You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, humor and prayer will get you through ANYTHING. And no one has a more wicked sense of humor than YOU! I wish I lived closer so I could come and watch some reality TV with you...how were the out-takes of Judge Judy? Or haven't you had time to watch those yet. I can only imagine how crazy JJ is when she is uncensored! Talk about a laugh-a-minute! Thanks for taking the time to write a post for all of us groupies out here!
Sending you much love and prayers,
xo
jeanne

[SONIA]

YOU ARE A VERY COURAGOUS WOMAN. I ADMIRE YOU VERY MUCH. I KNOW YOU CAN KICK CANCER'S ASS. GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE BACK TO CRAFTING AND TO MAKING US LAUGH. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU.

[Lynn]

Good of you Karin, yes, kick those cancer cells in the butt and outta there :)
I agree about the laughter too, nothing like it! Take care, and big hugs.

Lynn

[Nerissa]

Karin
Your post put a huge smile on my face. Your energy is so contagous! I'm praying & thinking of you daily.
:) Nerissa

[Becky]

I know you will beat this. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. So glad to hear that you are doing well.
Hugs and Love

[Michelle May]

Laughter, crafting and being sarcastic. Yep, all the things I love about you. You go girl. KICK IT HARD IN THE ASS!! We all have your back and your hand in friendship.
Hugs and prayers,
Shell

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

Yippee, so excited to see your post this morning. You are going to kick butt I have no doubt! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Keep laughing, keep crafting, just keep being you!

[sherry]

So good to hear from you...and laughter is the way to go...you must laugh, you must keep living.

Stage III is a # and a guide for your doctors...remember that. I'm keeping you in my prayers that nothing has travelled...I remember that "fear" too Karin...it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. And you will kick cancer's ass...that's the spirit...that's the way to look at this.

Life goes on. Keep living it!!

Much love to you and your family.

[Alexis]

I have a strong good feeling that you are going to well. My mother is in her fifth year of remission from stage IV ovarian cancer, and your spirit reminds me of hers.

My thoughts are with you.

[Chelise]

Karin,

Know how dearly loved you are by an amazing community of artists. We are here for you if you need anything at all.

xoxo - Chel

[Beverly A Sams]

I hope this gets to you as I'm not sure I have an account in TypePad...see I have what's called Fibro fog and it's in full bloom right now...can't remember what I did 1 hr ago...no it's not Alsheimer...although my hubby thinks it could be. hehehe!!! I've been reading about you, and have to say I hear such strength behind your words here in this post. I will, like everyone else, add you to my ever growing prayer list...thank God HE know's all the needs of each one...yes, fibro fog gets in the way of that too!!! Seriously I want you to know as you go forward in this fight I'm among all your friends who are here for you!!! (gentle hugs) Bevie

[Kathy Jacobson]

Oh...it's so nice to hear from you, you are always on my mind. Yes, keep laughing and crafting and loving that beautiful family of yours.

XOXO

[Susan Tuttle]

Hi Karin,
Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and sending lots of warm cyber hugs. I can feel your incredible strength and admire it so much.

Susan
xoxox

[Carolyn, a Jersey Girl]

Karin~left you a long message on your ZNE page. You can do this. I did it four years ago and I know it is possible. And yes, the attitude of I'm gonna kick some ass is the best one you can have. There will be days that will be painful but knowing that you are loved as a sister even by those you don't know yet, will mean a great deal in the days ahead. I went through two rounds of chemo and 3 1/2 years ago went into remission from BC that was one step away from stage 4. I was only given a 40% chance of survival...guess what, statistics lie, so don't listen to anyone or anything but your heart and BELIEVE that you will survive!
Love and prayers,
Caar

[txscrapaddict]

Keep up the fight! My thoughts ans prayers continue for you and your family! God Bless!

[Tina]

Welcome back Karin~
There isn't a cancer cell out there that will survive your incredible strength and hilarious sense of humor and positive outlook! Each time you laugh or think a positive thought you're sweeping out the bad and bringing in new fresh perfect and strong cells that will flourish and bring you back to even better health than before.
Keep visualising youself in the cancer-free zone,Dear Karin and we will all do the same.
And that's a promise!
Creating and laughter and love will pave the way for an even more meaningful,happy future.
Thoughts and prayers,Luv~
Tinaxx

[ArtsyMama]

So good to hear from you!! Your spirit is contageous and you make me want to go out and enjoy life even more. You rock...and you will rock this cancer. Love and hugs coming your way. Love getting the updates, thanks. You are always in my thoughts.
xoxox
Kari

[deezie]

Karin,
I just adore how you write. Keep it up:) I have been praying for you everyday since that day I read your blog and read that you had cancer. You are so positive. I just know if anyone can beat this you can. Keep up the crafting and laughing, its you!!!
deezie

[Dana]

Hey sweet friend! It's so like you to crack us up and give us the gift of laughter when you are the one dealing with life... you are an inspiration and I am so happy to be able to call you friend. Will try to give you a call again this week!

[Sally Smith]

You go, girl!
Sally

[Becky]

What a beautiful and positive place to visit. I am sending you positive energy and BIG HUGS for a speedy recovery. You have made me smile. I admire your strength in adversity.
XXX
Becky

[Donna Cook]

greetings from a ZNE friend.....prayers heading your way!!! Go kick some butt!!!

[melanie]

There are a lot of people around the world thinking good thoughts for you!

Last year I lost my mother, who also went by the pen name "Creative Chaos" (www.vickieenkoff.com) and she had chronic health issues for the few years before she died- I know the connection to all her art friends via the web kept her going for as long as she did. So keep us all updated so we can continue to send healing thoughts.
Melanie

[Lorrie]

I haven't been here for awhile and was surprised to find out about your cancer. Your attitude is great - and laughter + crafting sounds like a WINNER of a prescription.

prayers and blessings to you,
Lorrie

[Lori]

hello you:) it's so good to hear from you and see how determined you are to survive and kick ass!!! i have no doubt that you will...keep thinking positive thoughts and laughing, i will do my part by keeping you in my prayers!!!

[Carrie]

Karin,

I just read about your diagnosis in a ZNE We Care e-mail. You are in my prayers. A little over a year ago you made a custom collage for me after I saw one on your blog with the same quote. The quote is "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." by Harold Thurman Whitman. Every day through this trying journey ahead of you, do what makes you come alive. Each day is a new day for living.
Perhaps you've read Deena's story. She's a ZNE member who is battling cancer. Her wonderful, encouraging blog is http://deenasstory.blogspot.com

Prayers and blessings,
Carrie

[thrifty_misspriss]

there's no time like the present to kick ass! So happy to see you are up and about. We are all here for you!

[Denise Elizabeth]

Hi
I've been thinking of you! Hoping and praying for you! Nice to see your post! HUGS
Denise aka Hope ;)

[Jean Eakin]

Prayers and thoughts are with you. I love your amazing spirit.
Jean in Virginia

[JoAnnA Pierotti]

Dear Karin,
Not sure if you know me, but I've been with Chel, ZNE, from the beginning. Oh my gosh, my heart is (can't even explain) but so with you. It was two years ago this month that I was told I had breat cancer, and at Thanksgiving, it will be two years since I lost my breat. Then I found out I was in Stage III. I'm at a 50% chance of recurrance, but ya know what....????...they can SHOVE IT!!! sORRY,,, just came out! If you need a friend honey, I'm so there for you!!! It seems like yesterday for me, it really does. It's all very clear. Please let me know. I want to be there for you if you need me. If not, I so understand. I do. I'll be praying for you, I promise. CANCER SUCKS, but what is better....WE CAN OVER COME...WE CAN...I'm still breathing :) and the best advice I could give...keep the sense of humor...even if your friends and family can't handle it...it's the best medicine.

blessings to you,
JoAnnA Pierotti
Mosshillstudio

[JoAnnA Pierotti]

guess I like to call my breast breat..hey, I like that new name..lol

[Christine]

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. You will kick cancers ass! You are a courageous and brave woman! Keep up the fight!
Christine

[Diane]

So good to hear from you. You're so stong - I just know you'll beat this. Diane (Paper Tales)
p.s. How about that NeNe, can there be a bigger train wreck?! Just think, the Orange County girls will be back soon and then New York Housewives, you'll have plenty of good tv watching during your recovery!

[Stephanie Wright]

Hang in there honey! Imagine that every time you giggle those f~in cancer cells are being shattered into oblivion! I said it before and I'll say it again SUCK IT! CANCER!
Wishing you speedy thorough treatment with complete healing.
xoxxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Stephanie
Quacker Factory, your friends must be awesome!

[Cindy]

Karin,
Sending you cyber love and hugs gurl! Positive attitude will carry you through and I know you will find the humor in all, as you always do! I've worn it on a Tee and I'll say it again, "Cancer Sucks!". Kick its ass babe!

c

[Sandra]

Karin,
BLESS YOU! You are a trooper and I swear the best medicine is friends and laughter! I am keeping you in my prayer bank and know that you will beat this horrible disease. Please know I am with you and cheering you on every step of the way. You have such an incredible gift of seeing life in the most interesting ways and I know you will see this through. Keep on blogging because we all love your stories and keep a cheerful heart and most of all, know that there are so many of us with you every step of the way. Stay strong and most of all stay as happy as you can be!

[Allie]

Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto! After having read all of these comments, I don't know what I could add. Wrap yourself in the love of your friends and family, enjoy every moment.....and Kick Ass! I'm a firm believer in the strength of the mind and soul. You sound strong and confident. So glad to see you posting!! :D
~Allie

[beki]

I'm praying for you, Karin. You can do this - you WILL kick the big C's ASS!!!

[Kim Caldwell]

Thinking about you today as you start the fight. Sending funny jokes and thoughts your way. Hang in there girl - you are a rock star!!

Hugs, Kim

[Karla]

Karin,
Continual thoughts and prayers are with you. You are definitely going to kick cancers behind. I pray God gives you strength and that your good humor will help you through this.
Hugs,
Karla

[Sharon Krosch]

So good to hear from you Karin!! Right on girlfriend...kick the crap out of it! I've got your back with prayer. Lots of love & hugs~Sharon

[Donna]

So glad to read your familiar voice! You WILL kick Cancer's butt!!!!! Go ahead and "craft" the hell out of it :)
Lots of hugs to you and your family...
Donna

[Oh Merci]

Hellooo Karin :)
I think that we will all be "kicking" with YOU :) I feel like making a pink and aqua pillow and kicking it too bits!!!
I ahve to say, is there really anyone more funny than YOU! I do not think I would be able to make it out of the room with you three there!!! Now that is a great New Years Eve gathering!!!
Lots of HUGS and LOVE to you and All of your loved ones!
Hugs,
Mary

[Angela De Benedetto]

Karin,

Hang in there, girlie. You've got tons of folks pullin' for you. I admire your spunk and positive attitude and those two elements are crucial to fighting any battle.

Wishing you much health.

Ang
(a fellow Lolli)

[Linda Harre]

Karin......Your attitude is exactly what I hoped for you!!!! This cancer is curable and we know that by the figures:D You are so full of life, this disease doesn't know what it got itself into:) You are at the top of our prayer list and will remain there until you have kicked cancer's butt!!!! Hugs from St. Louis.......Linda

[Kristie Wenzrel]

I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.