Sunday, January 21, 2007

Woohoo Cancer Free

Got the results back from my whole body scan and there is no sign of any cancer. So big woohoo there. I'd have been rather stunned if there had been, but I've certainly been wrong before. The doctor is waiting for the results of my recent blood tests before setting up my radioactive idodine treatment (to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue). Additionally, I'm back on synthetic thyroid so I should be getting some energy, tho it takes a few weeks. It's even a higher dosage than before, so maybe I won't be so shaky in the mornings.

I'm quilting on Hot Crazy Love - you can see the finished top above, which I completed in May 2006. These were blocks that I very easily could have made the same size, like Bonnie and I did with our recent crumb tops, but I wanted to play with a wonkier effect. These letters (L-O-V-E)were completely scrappy, not paying any attention to getting the letters dark and the backgrounds light, let alone the same color.

I'm quilting with orange colored quilting thread, outlining each letter and occasionally adding extra lines. Nothing exciting, but I like it. This is an easier way to quilt than an allover design, where I'd be hitting that many more seams. I'll do freehand fans all the way around the border where it will really show up gorgeously.

Cats have settled down and pretty much lost any fear or intimidation. Pokey is trying to climb into my Dad's lap to see what he's eating and curls up by his leg to sleep. Dad got to pet Howler last night too.

Book recommendation: Christopher Moore's A Dirty Job about a man who becomes Death's "Santa's Helper". I thoroughly enjoyed it. Try reading the excerpt on the link above and see what you think - I was totally sucked in.

Movie recommendation: Thank You for Smoking a very funny, black comedy. I loved it's anti-PC-ness and the value of thinking for yourself.

58 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

What great news! I have been checking and checking here to see if you had an update and this has really made my day. And your quilts are so bright - just what I need on this grey morning.
Juliann

jenclair said...

Love the bright, cheerful block! How appropriate to go with your excellent news!

Judy said...

Absolutely great news! Now all you have to do is the short time in the radioactive room and hopefully get back to normal and over to Paris!! I am glad that they put you back on meds. I felt really awful for you.

Quilting is coming along great. You have always had the tiniest of stitches! Glad the cats are settling down although, poor things will eventually head to Paris and endure the plane again. Poor babies. Take care of everyone.

Fiona said...

Oh Tonya, I am so pleased to hear your news - I had also been checking for updates. Hope you'll be winging your way to Paris in the not too distant future now.

Holly said...

Rejoicing with you, Tonya! Happy, happy, joy, joy :)

Darcie said...

You couldn't have picked a more perfect quilt to relay your awesome news to us, Tonya! OH HAPPY DAY!!!

sophie said...

Great, great, wonderful news.

quiltpixie said...

bigger happy dance than with a finished quilt! {hugs}

Shellie said...

Congratulations on the clean scan! Glad you're feeling well enough to get some quilt therapy in.

Joyce said...

Excellent news! I couln't be happier for you. Just love the quilt too and it expresses how we all feel for you.

Elaine Adair said...

Good news - I've been thinking about you! Hooray!!!

Love your HOT quilt - it's just grand, and the words are an extra level of 'wonderful'.

Go glad to hear your good news!

ForestJane said...

*applauds*

I've got a huge smile on my face. What great news for you!

((HUGS))

Unknown said...

Our whole family are doing a happy dance for you here tonight Tonya - hope the meds get you sorted out on the energy from really soon so you can get out and paint Paris RED!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

sorry that should have read 'energy front'

Dianne said...

Fantastic news, Tonya! So happy for you all, and I'm sure you're doing a happy dance today.

Gorgeous quilt, too, and really brightens up the day.

Thanks for the book recommendation, and here's one for you: Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. A young man joins the circus as the veterinarian, after tragedy strikes his life. Really enjoyable read.

YankeeQuilter said...

What great news!!! Paris is just around the corner....
Sio

Sweet P said...

Congrats on the terrifice news! Does that mean you'll be able to go to Paris soon?

I love the colors in your love quilt! Very bright. Very striking.

Gail said...

Your quilts are always so gorgeous. I love the brightness of this one. And congratulations on the results of your scan - that is very good news!

Malagueta said...

Congratulations on your fantastic news! And, on the way warm but cool quilt. Your work is always striking and original; I love seeing it.

Tracey in CT said...

Such great news! I'm sure you are greatly relieved!

Tazzie said...

Ohhh Tonya, that is entirely thrilling news. I'm soooo pleased that all our prayers have been answered!
Your quilting is looking wonderful, I just love this quilt ... hmmm ... I love the love quilt ... It was always going to happen!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Sassenach said...

Hooray! Now you'll be able to start moving forward...
Congratulations. I'm so happy for you!

Sassenach said...

I just checked the book link -- I thought Moore's name looked familiar. I've got "Island of the Sequined Love Nun" on my Amazon book list. I've never read him before, but must have picked up the recommendation somewhere.

If you like dark humor, I recommend the video series "Dead Like Me." Girl dies (in a most unusual way) and becomes a Grim Reaper. There's some depth to the plot lines, too.

I also recommend The Reaper by Peter Lovesy. It's about the rector of a small church in England who is also a serial killer (you know this immediately, so I'm not giving anything away). It's horrible, terrible, great fun.

Candy Schultz said...

Sooooo glad about the lack of cancer. Hope you get back to feeling more normal really soon. Quilt is beautiful.

Carol E. said...

Great news, Tonya! Hooray!! We are all jumping up and down with joy and relief.

SuBee said...

Ooohh, WONDERFUL!! So many prayers heard! Congratulations!

Mary Johnson said...

Wonderful to hear your good news. I hope that you can finish up your treatment and join your husband in Paris quickly.

Clare said...

Fantastique! Oh Tonya, the relief!

Quilt is gorgeous - being dragged out of the door by D.H so big hugs.

x

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

That's absolutely fabulous. My only concern is how the 'heck' is anyone going to keep up with you now??? LOL tracey
Love your fabulous work, as usual. I am even starting to see your influence around the web-what homage!!

Lily Mulholland said...

Fantastic news Tonya. Wonderful.

And great to see your love quilt again - it is gorgeous. And have we been waiting since May 06? Can't believe it's been that long! Seems like yesterday!

Lucy said...

CONGRATULATIONS with the good news Tonya !!! that must be a relieve for you..
And I have already a idea for your letters. Now I only have to work on them :-))

Unknown said...

Great and wonderful news! One step closer to Paris...

I like the ambiguousness of the Love quilt. Looking at the first picture you kind of think maybe you see letters in the blocks? Then you go in for the closer look and see. It's good to keep 'em guessing a bit.

Laura said...

Tonya - Great news! So glad to hear it. You are the first person I checked on went I got into work this morning. Been worrying about you! Glad all is okay!

KC Quilter said...

Fantastic news, Tonya!!!

Lois R. said...

Yippee! Glad to hear the good news! And the quilting looks great!

Patti said...

Congratulations on the very good news - I'm so very glad for you. I hope this means you'll be joining your hubby pretty soon.

His Office, My Studio said...

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the bright colors, fabrics and design.

Laurie Ann said...

Excellent news! FANTASTIC!!!

Maya Madhavan said...

That is great news! Congratulations!!

"Thank you for smoking" - I've read the book and thought it was very well written.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh Tonya! This is WONDERFUL news! I"m so glad it all came back good! And I love what your quilting on your Love quilt so far!

Hanne said...

I am so happy for you Tonya! The cheery colours in the quilt compliment the news to the full :-)

Linda C. said...

Great news! And, time to quilt . . . don't recommend the path to that, but enjoy it. May your needle always be threaded!

Finn said...

Hey Ton, best news EVER!!! If you had to go through this nasty piece, at least you get the reward of that good news!
I'm looking forward to you with more energy again..*VBS* Love what you are doing with the Crazy Love...LOL, seems perfect to me. Hugs, Finn

Unknown said...

tonya, i have been reading your blog for a year now and my heart went high when I read the big good news. You made my day. Say Hello to my home country when you get there!

bingo~bonnie said...

Tonya that is GREAT to hear that you got good results back from your whole body exam!!! I bet you felt like skipping as you left the Dr's office! :) :) :) ~Bonnie

Carol said...

Congratulations on the good news for your health. That's wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Thank the Lord! I'm so happy it wasn't cancer!

Great colors!

sewprimitive karen said...

Wonderful news, Tonya, aren't you relieved...maybe your husband won't have to miss those darling kitties too much longer :-). Hello, Paris.

Samantha said...

So glad to hear Cancer-Free! Love that hot crazy love top!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! That's great news.

Carmiña said...

Congratulations Tonya I'm very very very happy for you.

Susan said...

I haven't been doing much blog reading, but now I'm happy to hear that you are cancer free! The love quilt looks good, and I can just imagine the fans in the border.

Passionate Quilter said...

oh happy day! my heart burst into smiles when I read that! now get the meds right and move on to Paris!

Anonymous said...

Oh Happy Day! I expect you'll be jetting off to Paris soon then. I love the fact that when you first look at your Love quilt there's only the suggestion of letters, and it's only on closer inspection you can see them - kinda like asubliminal message :-)

Shelina said...

So happy for your good health news Tonya. The love quilt is great. I have a tshirt that has the love stamp on it. The one with the letters the way you have them on your quilt.

Rae said...

So glad to hear that you got a great report on being cancer free.

Love the LOVE quilt. It gives more depth when the letters aren't so obvious. I think anyway.

How is your (step) mom doing? Better I hope.

cher said...

terrific news - both the cancer free part (of course!) and that you are quilting crazy love. sounds like you are getting close to getting over to Paris...in time for spring..hurray!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry I'm just getting around to this post! Horray! God is good, all the time.

This quilt is amazing, and I love the quilting.