July 01, 2008

An update.

I've been putting off blogging for some time now because I didn't know how to write what was going on with me lately.

It's been a rough couple months here for my family and I. In the beginning of May, my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer.

She had been having headaches and vision problems for a few weeks, but chalked it up to sinuses and a concussion.

One day, she was on her way to the office, and she ended up geting into a car accident. She didn't see the car that she hit, even after she hit it. That's when she realized that there was something really wrong with her.

My dad took her to the hospital here in town, and a later that night, she was transfered to a teaching hospital in Pennsylvania.

We learned that she had a brain tumor, and shortly after that, they preformed brain surgery. They couldn't remove all of the tumor.

Since then, we have learned that it is brain cancer, and she started treatment. She has a period of radiation and chemo, and once that is finished, she has more chemo.

The radiation is five days a week, so every morning during the week, my dad and her head up to Pennsylvania for her treatment.

This whole thing has just been mind blowing and life altering, for all of us. I never thought anything like this would happen to my mom.

My mom can't do a lot right now. The tumor affected her vision. She can't drive, she can't write, there's just so much she used to do that she can't. Her short term memory has been affected as well. She's not the person she used to be in a way. She used to be independent, and now, she's relying on us for so much more than she used to. She feels sick a lot as well. She has her good days and her bad days. It breaks my heart to see her like this.

I wanted to do something for her. Something more than just step up and help take care of the house and of her. I wanted to give her something that would keep her warm on her daily visits to the hospital and to the doctor's offices. Something that would comfort her. I decided to knit her a shawl.





The pattern is the Seraphim Shawl by Mimknits. The yarn is Posh Laura, and 80% merino/20% cashmere blend. And the shawl, it's everything I wanted it to be. A comfort shawl. My mom loves it and uses it well.

19 Comments:

Anonymous Becca said...

I'm so sorry that your mom is sick. I hope that she returns to health swiftly.

The shawl is absolutely lovely. I can see how your mother would find both physical and emotional comfort when wearing it.

7:07 PM  
Blogger Dave said...

The shawl is beautiful, and I'm thinking good thoughts, for all of you.

7:50 PM  
Blogger Renee said...

Oh Helena, I'm so so sorry to hear about your mom. The shawl is beautiful and I know she will cherish it. Love & Prayers, Renee

2:52 AM  
Blogger Wendelene said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I've been through a similar situation with my nephew. It's so frustrating when you want to do so much, but there's nothing you can do!

3:06 AM  
Blogger andrea said...

i am so sorry to hear this. my mom was diagnosed with ALS a couple months ago and it is mind-blowing how much it changes everything. she isn't the same person she used to be. my prayers will be with your family right now. beautiful shawl...thinking of making one for my mom also...

6:56 AM  
Anonymous luckylily said...

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts are with her and the rest of your family. The shawl is beautiful, I'm sure she cherishes it.

7:59 AM  
Blogger Wannabe said...

Thinking of you and your sweet mama.

What a beautiful way to comfort her.

9:26 AM  
Blogger Gina said...

I am so so sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember how devastated I was when we learned my Hubby had a brain tumor. Fortunately for us it was benign and only left him with no hearing in one ear .. a droopy eyelid ... and poor balance.
I pray your Mom will come through this just fine. I know the beautiful shawl you knit her will give her tons of comfort.

10:13 AM  
Blogger Jordana said...

I came to your blog through Ravelry and am so sorry about your mother. I can't imagine what it must be like to go through such a thing, for both her and your family, but I am sure the shawl and your knitting has brought much comfort.

1:19 PM  
Blogger Cassy said...

Your shawl is beautiful and I wish your mom good health.

3:24 PM  
Anonymous lise said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Your lovely shawl will probably make her feel as if you are always there to give her a hug. I just want you to know that I beat cancer 18 yrs ago...I hope the same for your mom. I will keep her in my thoughts.
Take care, Lise

5:08 PM  
Anonymous yarnbeans said...

I am so, so sorry. My thoughts are with you. The shawl is lovely and I'll bet it brings your mother peace and comfort.

9:16 AM  
Blogger Good Yarns said...

I understand. My dad had a brain tumor, too. I love that you knit her that gorgeous shawl and I am sure that she wraps herself up in your love and comfort when she wears it.

9:07 AM  
Blogger Rositta said...

Oh Helena, I have been wondering where you were. That is the most devastating news, I feel so sorry for what you are going through. I will send prayers your way for both you and your Mom. The shawl is beautiful and I'm sure she will cherish it...lots of hugs...Rositta

5:30 PM  
Blogger Diana @ Photodee said...

The shawl is AMAZING!!!! I am sure your mom uses it well! That is some good medicine! You are both in my thoughts and prayers!

4:51 PM  
Blogger Andrea said...

I'm sorry that you and your family are going through such a hard time right now but it sounds like your mom is strong and ready to fight. Good luck and stay positive!

11:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your mum's comfort shawl is absolutely beautiful - so sorry to read what your family is going through. Lots of prayers winging their way across the Atlantic. AbiS x (Posh Group on Ravelry)

7:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

**hugs** so sorry to hear of your family situation.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.
The shawl is absolutely stunning. Great wonderful work on this piece and given to a wonderful brave woman.
~orions

5:02 PM  
Blogger Angela said...

What a difficult time you are going through!!!! Sending wishes for the very best outcome possible!

9:33 AM  

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