Things at Chez Van Zandt have been, well, not good lately. To put it mildly. We've had a family crisis, one that I now feel like sharing. Mostly b/c I feel like I have been able to sort some things out in my mind in the past week, and now I feel like I can share without feeling exposed and raw. And also b/c I know that everyone goes through horrible periods in their lives, and by sharing these experiences and how we get through them, we can get help and help others.
Almost 2 weeks ago, my mom went into the hospital with pneumonia. A few days later, she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Five days ago she started a rigorous chemo treatment (only a few more days of it to go, at least in this first round), and will be recovering in the hospital for another 6 weeks, most likely. She is young and strong and has wonderful doctors. She also has an overwhelming amount of friends and family praying for and thinking of her.
I am, obviously, consumed by this. I will continue to post here at the blog- its a good release and takes my mind off of things. And b/c of my newly hired employee, SSYC will stay open and orders will continue to be shipped every day. In fact, the success of SSYC is the reason I am able to devote so much time to my mom right now. I am so lucky to have a growing business that allows me the flexibility to do what I need to do to be with my mom. So I just have to say THANK YOU to everyone to has been a part of the success of this part of my life. If I had a normal 9-5 job, I don't know how we would be making it right now.
I have been doing quite a bit of knitting. I started a chemo cap for Mom. She requested blue to match her eyes. I'm sure I will be making many more, as her chemo will continue for several more months. So please feel free to pass along patterns that you have tried and that knit up nicely.
Your family and your mom especially...in our prayers for complete recovery and for peace for you all through the tribulation.
Blessings~
Posted by: Susie | July 30, 2006 at 04:52 PM
Best of luck to you and your mom. She's lucky to have a knitter/daughter like you around to keep her head warm and her spirits up.
Posted by: gina | July 30, 2006 at 05:11 PM
Alison! I'm so sorry! You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers! (My mother had breast cancer about 5 years ago, so I completely understand)!
As for me, I promise to continue to support you to the best of my finacial abilities as well! Off to order some yarn....
Posted by: Leah | July 30, 2006 at 05:30 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your mom.
A seperate email on the way...
Posted by: Heather | July 30, 2006 at 05:36 PM
Sending lots of good thoughts your way. That's wonderful you can be there for your mom.
Posted by: Alyssa | July 30, 2006 at 05:45 PM
Allison I'm so sorry to hear this! I'll keep you and your mother in my prayers. My mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgekins Lymphoma about 18 months ago and I remember how consumed I was by it. Enjoy knitting caps for your mom -- I'm sure she'll love them.
Posted by: amanda | July 30, 2006 at 06:35 PM
Oh, Allison, I'm sorry to hear that! Thinking of your mom, you, and the rest of your family.
Posted by: jess | July 30, 2006 at 08:07 PM
I'll be thinking of you and your mom...try to stay positive and keep smiling!
Posted by: Courtney | July 30, 2006 at 08:09 PM
I'm glad you could share this with us and I'm sorry about your mom. My thoughts are with you for a good outcome for everyone.
Posted by: Carole | July 30, 2006 at 10:50 PM
Praying for your family. Your mom is so blessed to have a daughter like you!
Posted by: lorinda | July 30, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Keeping you and yours in our thoughts; I'm glad SSYC can be a buoy to you in such a difficult time.
Posted by: Aija | July 31, 2006 at 01:38 AM
My prayers are with you and your family. Both my parents had cancer and my sister is in the battle of her life now too. All I can say is that prayer and knitting kept me sane. We can work alot of things out in our mind when knitting. I also got a lot of praying done while knitting too. Again, my prayers are with you.
Posted by: Terry | July 31, 2006 at 08:49 AM
Sending out good thoughts to you and your Mom - I am so sorry to hear that she was diagnosed with the cancer. I was glad to read (on the link that you gave) that 70-80% experience complete remission. those are good odds.
My Dad's cancer has been in complete remission for 10 years now - it CAN happen. This is what we will all focus on for your Mom.
Posted by: Teyani | July 31, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Allison, I am so sorry to read about your Mom's illness. All my best to her and all your family in this trying time. My Mom is going through chemo right now and has lost all her hair. She didn't want any knit caps though. She likes the cotton bucket type hats the American Cancer Society gave her. They gave her a wig also.
Hang in there Allison!
Posted by: Karen | July 31, 2006 at 11:12 AM
So sorry to hear about your mom, but she sounds strong and resiliant, and having family will get her through! Hang in there!
Posted by: Stacey | July 31, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Strength and a positive attitude can make SUCH a difference in the outcome of illness. Your family will make it through this rough time. Please know I'll remember you all in my prayers. *HUGS*
Posted by: Claire | July 31, 2006 at 04:09 PM
I've been praying for you since you mentioned sressful things going on. Glad that your mom has such strong support - that will help her so much in the long run.
Posted by: Sheri | July 31, 2006 at 07:34 PM
I am so sorry to hear about what you are going though. I can't imange how hard that must be for you.
I wish there was something I could do to help you out. I guess I can just send some hugs your way.
Posted by: Heather | July 31, 2006 at 09:26 PM