Dear Friends:
I've been handed a big bowl of lemons, hence the title of the newsletter. My intent is not to gross anyone out nor to invite you all to a pity party. I do want you, my friends, to know why I won't be at the shop much for the next few weeks. I also want to share some vital information with you.
I've been diagnosed with rectal cancer which has spread to at least one lymph node in my left groin area. A couple months ago, I developed what I thought was a hemorrhoid - a condition that I am more than familiar with. I didn't push getting in to see the doctor since I'd already identified the problem.
Since the diagnosis, I've learned that 90% of people with rectal cancer initially thought they had a hemorrhoid. 17% of Americans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in this country. Rectal cancer is especially common in women in their 50s and 60s. I know a bunch of you are in that age bracket.
I'll be undergoing chemo and radiation over the next few weeks. The cure rate is 70%. I'll come into the shop as much as I can. My "girls" have really stepped up to the plate and are having meetings to see how much they can get away with. Ooops, I mean what they can do to cover for me. ;-) Anything you can do to help make this bare-able would be appreciated. {OK, pretty tacky - but still funny!}
So that's the bad stuff - read on for some of the good stuff!
Hugs to all,
Teresa |
