Tuesday, November 16, 2010

With a Heavy Heart




Dear friends...this is most likely one of the hardest posts I have ever written. My dear friend Phyllis, who is undergoing treatment for lung cancer, has been told that the rigorous chemo and radiation she has been subjected to is not working. Her doctor has told her and her family that their is nothing more he can do. God, how I hate those words. 
My heart is breaking for her husband and beautiful daughter Crystal. I cannot keep the tears from staining my keyboard when I think about this warm, vibrant and guiding light going dark. Phyliss and I were going to be future mothers-in-law together. My son Sean and Crystal have been dating at least 9 years!
I want to scream..rant..and throw things at this monster we call cancer.

I have decided that in order to spend as much time as possible with my friend, I am going to be closing my Etsy shop for a while, turn the sewing machine light off and back away from my online presence. I have thought about this decision and I have to do this...she is my friend. I need to be with my friend.

I know you will understand and hopefully in the future I will return and you will remember me and come visit again. I will miss you and all your creativeness and inspiration. 

Please keep good thoughts for Phyliss and her family and I hope to see you here again when time allows.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season...

P.S......Some friends and I are going to surprise Phyliss tomorrow and decorate her house for the holidays...she LOVES Christmas! I think that will put a smile on her face.

Until next time...be kind and stay creative

21 comments:

outofthedark said...

What sadness! I will miss you but know that the time you devote to your friend is the most valuable and worthwhile decision. Wishing you many more dear experiences with her. xo

Biba said...

What a wonderful friend you are. You are all in our prayers.

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

I am so sorry to hear this. It is always difficult to deal with but with a good friend like you I am sure it will help in the time ahead. I think we set aside all the stuff we think we need to focus on the really important things like spending as much time with the ones we love as poss.

Sending positive energy your way and wishing Phyliss well.

Take care, T. :)

Sweet Birdy Love said...

Oh Janet, I am so sorry to read about Phyllis, but she is so blessed to have a friend like you.
I am sure in the time ahead you will share many memories, much laughter and no doubt some tears, but spending time with her is the most important thing you can do.
None of us will forget you whilst you are having a break from blogging, we will all come back and visit you.
Take care of yourself too, I will keep Phyllis and her family in my prayers.

Claire XX

Lisalulu said...

you are a wonderful friend. I know this would make Phyliss happy! see you on the happier side

Wanda..... said...

Such a sad time for all of you! Life can be so cruel sometimes...my brother-in-law has been told the same. Phyliss has a very good friend in you, Janet! Mt thoughts are with you!

Leslie said...

Heavy heart indeed. My prayers are with your friend, her family and all those who love her. Taking this time with her is an excellent decision. Have fun w/the decorating, what a special gift to her and to all of you to who will have the experience together. Joy, peace and hugs to you. <3

Bits of Fiber said...

Dear Janet, I'm so sorry to hear that! I totally understand you wanting to be there for her. With your great happy attitude you'll make Phyllis and her family feel better about the situation. I hate cancer too ... with my best friend fighting that battle for 15 yrs now and my dad who's just gone through chemo it's an awful thing some of us have to deal with. I'll be thinking of you, your friend and the families and pray. Luv and stay strong.

Lori P said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. You are absolutely doing the right thing. Spend time with her. You will never regret it.

Annette said...

The people we love and the relationships we have with them is the most precious thing in the world. Not only will I be praying for Phyllis and her family, but I'll pray for you and her dear friends also. Go make memories, laugh, cry and just be. We'll be here when you get back my friend.

Gretel said...

Oh Janet, I am so very sorry, how awful - there isn't anything good about this, except that I know you and her family and friends will make her last days very precious. I'll be keeping you and her in my thoughts. xx

Aprons and More said...

Janet..I am so sorry. Cancer is a horrible disease. This was given to my mom when she was in radiation treatment last year. She kept it by her chair, taped to the wall, where she could see it.

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit

Spend as much time as you need with your wonderful friend, forget about us. We will be with you in spirit, holding you both in our hearts.

Katy ♥

Atelier Conti said...

Dear Janet, you will be sorely missed, but how fortunate for both Phyllis and you that you will be able to spend this time together. The end of life can be so sweet and momentous. I wish you and your friend a loving and joyful experience, even despite the poignancy of leaving this wonderful earth far too soon. Life has such meaning and so does the passing on from it. I love Katy's list of things cancer can not take away!

Julie said...

Janet,
I'm so sorry to hear about Phyllis. I completely understand your wish to be with her. I will check in from time to time on your blog to see if there are any updates on how you both are (completely understand if there aren't any, just want to say that!).
You sound like a wonderful friend. God bless you both.
Hugs
Julie

(www.madenglishwoman40.blogspot.com)

Jennifer Juniper said...

Oh Janet, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. Go and take care of your friend, we will be here when you return.

Audrey said...

I will pray for her and her family!

Kathleen Grace said...

I am praying for your friend and her family. Happy Thanksgiving to you Janet. You are a good friend and a loving person. May you and yours be blessed.

Hugs
Kathy

Joan - South Island, New Zealand. said...

Dear Janet, This is too hard and too sad. There is too much cancer affecting our loved ones. family and friends. Loving thoughts to you.

Jen Nemeth said...

Janet -
You are an awesome friend and I pray for Phyllis and her family.

Diane Cransac said...

Dear Janet, my heart goes out to you and your friend. Enjoy this time with her and store up those good memories. They are worth their weight in gold. I will be thinking of you and know that you have my sympathies.

Marion said...

Hello Janet
I haven't visited for a while, and was saddened to read your post.
It's something close to me too - two of my closest friends have fought breast cancer in the past few months. Hopefully both are going to be fine, and my son's girlfriend's Mum is currently being treated for bowel cancer, but that's another story.
I hope Phyllis has the chance to enjoy the holidays with her wonderful friends.
And that you and your family have a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Marion x