1.04.2011

My Mama.

                                           
(Thanksgiving 2010-sans oldest son and d-i-l )

Hello Dear Readers....I wanted to let you know we found out Jan 2nd that my mother's cancer has returned.  She is Stage 4 and considered terminal.  The breast cancer she battled 4 years ago metastisized to her breast bone.   They meet with the oncologist today to discuss treatment to control the cancer as much and for as long as they can without diminished quality of life.  There is possibility for a radical surgery to remove the sternum, and she'll do chemotherapy...but there is no 'getting rid' of the cancer at this point.  

We are all devastated. And terrified.  

In light of this, I considered taking a break from blogging as I obviously won't have much time (or inclination) for decorating and makeovers. I'll also be travelling quite a bit to Indy to be with my Mom and Dad. But I receive so much life from the blogging world....the creating, the documenting, the sharing, the visiting and getting inspired...it seems dumb to stop doing something that brings me joy.  And my mama like to read it too :) Besides, I know I'll need some 'escape' time now and then.  A bit of fluff can do amazing things when you're slogging thru.

I'll try to keep up with as many of your blogs as I can, but my commenting might be a bit irregular.  I know you understand.  I also want to keep as much normalcy around here for the kids as I can, and I don't want computer time to eat away at family time.  I've gotten kinda bad about that....and stuff like cancer tends to turn your heart towards your family.

I do plan to post short updates on my facebook page.  Easier than doing a whole post some days.  Also, I had recently revived my personal blog to document some changes I'd started in my life regarding getting myself healthy again (which is now Priority One so I can deal with the stress and be capable of 'being there' for my family!), and that will become a place I process as I walk thru this season of the unknown and scary.  I'd like to keep ::cottage instincts:: what it is (mainly goofiness) and not bog it down with a ton of personal stuff.  Feel free to join me over there if you're interested.  I can't promise it won't be kinda deep and/or depressing at times, but it will be the real me....which means goofiness will probably be cozied right up with the raw and uncensored:


To meet my beautiful mom, your can read a post she wrote about her sewing adventures here.   To see her decorating adventures go HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Our family covets your prayers and positive thoughts as we journey thru the valley of the shadow of death.   

cindy

Edited to add for those who've asked:  My Mom's name is Susie.  

79 comments:

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

I love you darling. Let me know if you need ANYTHING.

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Oh Cindy!!! I'm so very sorry to hear. My prayers are with all of you pronto.

When in a place of distress, removing my creative force would have finished me off. I hope you use your passion to it's full potential when needed. I'm glad you thought that one through. xo

Donna

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Oh Cindy ... my thoughts and prayers are with you, your Mom and your family.

Karen Sabrsula said...

Cindy, You are a very inspirational person, and I pray for strength and inspiration to guide you and your family through this difficult journey.

Sommer said...

I'm so terribly sorry to of this news. I hope for peace and strength in your family during this difficult time. Cherish your good times and fond memories for many of us do not have mothers to love.

{northern cottage} said...

my prayers and thoughts and love and heart are with you now and in the days ahead. Mamas are VERY special parts of our lives and I'm thinking of you!

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Oh, I am so sorry sweetie! I know how much your mom means to you. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are going through. If you ever need ANYTHING let me know. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

My Not So Simple, Domestic Life said...

I'm so sorry to hear your news. I will be praying for you and your mother.

{ amy } said...

God bless you & your family Cindy. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I'm so sorry to hear this horrible news. I will be praying for your mom and for the whole family.

Shannon said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mom Cindy. It seems so many people we know are fighting cancer these days. Prayers for you and your family.
Shannon
www.akadesign.ca

Anonymous said...

Cindy,

You and your beautiful mom are in my prayers. I will add your other blog to my daily hop. (((hugs)))

Your Friend,
Deborah

Heidi said...

I'm so sorry your family has to go through this difficult trial. I'll pray that you all may be comforted with His love through it all.

Unknown said...

Hey Cindy, been missing you :) I'm so sorry about your mom. I've gone through this cancer thing with my mom. It is not any fun, but God will give you peace and mercy through it all. We will pray and think of you all often. Let me know if you ever wanna talk.
Blessings
Becky C

Gail said...

Cindy, I so sorry to hear about your Mom. I know how you are feeling right now because I've been through it....it's so hard. You're in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers and I'm wishing you and your family strength and peace through this difficult time.

Gail

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I am so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers for your Mom, you and your family. (((hugs)))

Cassie Bustamante said...

there is not a single word in the dictionary that could describe how sorry i am, cindy. stop apologizing for not commenting as much, or being much of a blogger right now, and go spend quality time with your mom and your family. i will be praying for you all. your blog friends love you and will be here fro you when you are ready for us.

Richella Parham said...

Oh, I am so sorry. I hate cancer. What a cruel, terrible disease.

But you do not journey through the valley of the shadow alone. You know this, of course. But it bears repeating.

My mom died 11 years ago now--there's something about it that's so jarring, somehow. I won't say "I know how you feel," but I think I do know a little of what you're feeling. And you have my prayers.

Take care, dear woman. Blog when it helps you. And by all means let us know how we can pray for you. When you can get back to "regular" blogging, we'll be waiting with open arms.

God bless you all.

Suzanne said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Cindy. I will be praying for all of you, that you have the strength and wisdom to deal with what is to come.

Let me know if there's anything I can do, or that we (bloggers, as a community) can do for you. Certainly you know we've got your back.

Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

Tracy Wills said...

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about your Mom. We will all be praying for all of you.

Cara@HomespunKitchen said...

Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear this:( I will keep your mother in my prayers, what is her first name?

Blessings,
Cara

Sami said...

All of you have been added to our prayer list.

God Bless,
Sami

Erin said...

Cindy,

I just popped over to do some blog-reading while I eat a late lunch and was floored to see the post about your mom. I know we've only traded a few emails, but my heart truly goes out to you, your mom and your family. I wish for you as many days with your mom as is possible.

Hugs,
Erin

Elisa said...

We'll be praying for you. HUGS!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I'm very sorry to hear this. I will keep your mom and your whole family in my prayers.

Crafty Sisters said...

I'm so sorry about your mom. I will keep you in my prayers. It's so true how you said that moments like these make you turn toward your family- focusing on what's important. I will keep you in my prayers.

Noble Vintage said...

I'm very sorry you have to start out the new year this way. That is just devastating. You will be in my prayers. I wish I could ask if there's anything I could do to help, but not being close by, I don't know what. I hope you feel the love and support of your blogging buddies as well as those who know and love you best.

**Anne** said...

Thinking of your mum and your family.
Take care,
Anne xx

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh hon, I'm so very sorry. Be with your family. Love the ones you're with. Because none of us knows...
Brenda

Leanne said...

I'm so sorry Cindy. What a terrible time for you, your Mom, and your family. Take care of everyone, but take care of yourself too. Our prayers are with you. Big hugs!

Susie (aka Three Boys Farm Mama) said...

So sorry to hear about your mom (who shares my name). Take good care of yourself as you go through this with her and your family. Be good to yourself...I only say this because I know you'll be good to her!

Sending blessings your way from my "cottage" in Northern CA.

Susie

Claudia said...

Cindy, I'm so very sorry. You are in my thoughts as you navigate through this. And your mother is in my prayers. Don't worry one moment about commenting. Take care of yourself and your family.

xoxo
Claudia

Connie in Hartwood said...

Cindy, dear, I am praying for peace and strength for you, your lovely mom, and everyone else in your family. Cancer is evil, and I am so sorry that you are facing it again.

Polly said...

Oh Cindy, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother' struggle with cancer. She will certainly appreciate having your help and it will mean the world to you to be able to be there for her, with her.

Take care friend! Praying for your family.

Hugs ~

Polly

pearlspaisleysandpetticoats said...

I am so sorry to hear that her cancer has returned. It is hard enough to hear that someone has cancer, but to hear that is has returned and is worse this time. I don't even know what to say, that is such a heart wrenching situation to have to go through. I can't even imagine what your family is going through. Be strong and let how much your care for each other pull you through.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear this news.
Cancer is a very lonely disease.
I pray for the treatments she is going to have. I pray she will be kept comfortable and will always have family with her.
I am a two year survivor.

Ellen said...

You and your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love & family are the most important things in life, so please do all you can with your mom & your family. We lost my mom after 5 1/2 years to metasticised breast cancer and I'd give up anything to spend 10 more minutes with her and tell her one more time how much I love her. Seize the day dear!

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers and you go down this difficult road. I hope you just do what you need to do to get through each day without guilt. I pray your mom can be comfortable and they find a treatment that can allow as much time with her as possible. I lost my mom 11 yrs ago tomorrow. I was only 29.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Oh Cindy, I am so sorry. Keeping your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

kelly said...

enjoy your time with your mother, it is priceless.blogs will always be here.

Little Red Hen said...

Cindy! I am so sorry to hear about your mother! I am in the boat with you as my dad is in Hospice right now, he was a stage 4b. It is a very frustrating time. Know that you have done all that you can do. Please allow yourself to see the beauty in dying, you will not regret it. Take the time with your family. Mostly, allow yourself the time you need to grieve. It is okay for your children see you cry. They will appreciate knowing that it is okay to be sad and to cry with you!

What Cancer Cannot Do

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

We are here when you need us! Take our thoughts with youon your journey!

Tami

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Cindy, my thoughts and prayers will be with you, your beautiful Mom and the rest of your family...I have been where you are, though it was my sweet daddy...it was as if I was in a fog some days...your faith will keep you centered...your creativity and spirit will keep you grounded....if ever you need anything....just reach out....we will be here...

Lou Cinda

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry that you and your family received bad news. I'm praying for Susie and all of you. Becca

InMyOwnStyle said...

Hi Cindy-

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family. Moms are so very special and now is the time to spend it with her making every minute count. We will all be here to support you whenever you need to connect and reach out.
My best- Diane

MamaMonki said...

I will be praying for your mom and your family.

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

I'll say it again~you just do what you need to do. We'll all be here, happy when you post and understanding when you don't.

Unknown said...

Cindy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish for you moments of peace and moments of joy and laughter as your family pulls together at this difficult time.

Amy Kinser said...

Cindy, I am so very sorry. I will begin praying for her and for your family.

I know that God will carry you through. I also know it will be so hard.

Again, my friend, I am sorry.

In Him and through Him, Amy

Cathy Cobblestone said...

Oh Cindy - dang it. I hate this for you all especially your sweet momma. There is nothing to say except I'm sorry - I'll pray for Susie and I'll pray for your entire family. We are sadly going through the same thing with my father-n-law. That is why we have made such drastic changes in our lives - trying to simplify - focusing on those things that are most important - family being at the very top of that list. I'm sorry my friend - I will not foget your troubled heart. Love and prayers, Cathy

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

My heart goes out to you, your dear mother, and your family. Blessings to you all.

Unknown said...

Just want to let you know that I am thinking of you, your Mother and family.

Gloria said...

I will pray for Susie. May the good Lord bless her and be with her through all of this.
Blessings,
Gloria

Tami / Maddie Lumpkin said...

I will be praying for peace and blessings for your beautiful mother ,you,and your family.Asking God to wrap his loving arms tightly around all of you. Hugs,Tami

Unknown said...

Cindy, I am so very sorry to hear this, and I will certainly be praying for your whole family.

As a little ray of hope, a few years ago, I had a friend who was diagnosed with the same thing, and in addition, it had spread into her ribs. She was stage 4 and they told her there was nothing they could do. Since they were not willing to treat her, she put her business on hold, and decided to travel around the world for a few months. After a few months, she returned home, telling her doctor she felt better.

He did more tests on her and told her that he couldn't believe that the cancer wasn't nearly as widespread as if had been before.
He told her it had a lot to do with her attitude. She said that everyday she would wake up in her hotel room, stand in front of the mirror and say "Today, you will not take over my body. I give another piece of you to the wind today. You will not define me."

Long story short, they were able to give her a radiation seed, and over the next few months, the cancer began to go away bit by bit. She went from stage 4 to being back at work 11 months later. Today, she still has some cancer in her body, but it hasn't grown in over 3 years. She will not let them cut her open, so she lives with it in her body. She said she only knows it's there because the doctor tells her so.

So, miracles CAN happen, even in her state of health. Tell her to will it away every single day.

I will be praying for the best outcome possible.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Wow! I don't know what to say. I've started and erased this so many times. All I can do is send a big ole virtual hug to you. I will most definitely keep your mom, you and your family in my prayers. You need to enjoy every last moment you have with your mom.

Becky said...

I don't know what to say, but I feel that I need to say something. I care and this makes me sad. That's how I truly feel. I know that there are no eloquent words that will really make any of this less difficult, so I'm not even going to try. I will pray for your mother, you, your children, and the rest of the family.

COTTAG3 said...

Cindy,
Thanks for sharing this with us. You, your mom and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I've been through this. It's hard. I tend to be a glass half full/positive kind of person and it helped. That "goofiness" will help you, your mom and your family through this journey.

Marianne said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear about your mom. That is not a good way to start of the new year.
Wishing you and your family lots of strength and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Hug, Marianne

Anonymous said...

I am soo sorry to hear about your Mom. Have faith and enjoy every second with her. I will keep you all in my prayers.
~blessings~
Kristen

Danielle said...

Cindy,
So sorry to hear of your devastating news about your mom. Cancer is such an ugly word and what it does to a person. You, your family and of course your mother is in my prayers. God bless.

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

Lifting all of you up to Him.

Elisabeth said...

You have a beautiful family. So sorry to hear about your mom. Thanks for all the blog fun and take care as you go through this difficult time.

Elisabeth

nickys nook said...

May God watch over and touch you and your family - my thoughts and prayers are with you

Anonymous said...

Dear Cindy,
I'm praying for your precious mom, you, and your family!
Love,
Velvia

Tania Pelletier said...

I'm so sorry to hear that sad news Cindy. I think you've made a good decision to continue doing what makes you happy and brings you peace and I'm sure your mom agrees.

You, your mom, and your whole family will be in my thoughts.

Tania

Miss Gracie's House said...

I am sorry, cindy...know I will pray for you all...
rene

Pam Kessler said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom and the rest of the family. Not sure what else to say, but I'll be thinking of you.

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

my thoughts are with you and your family. keep the faith my friend.

Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. said...

So sorry to hear this, Cindy. :(

There is just no describing moms and how important they are in our lives....

Wishing and hoping that your lovely mom makes it through this.

xoxo
Sarah

Tracy said...

I thought I remembered reading the post about your Mom before and I went and looked and I was in the comments. I am so sorry about your news and will definitely be sending prayers your way! Every little bit counts. Take care of you and Mom!

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Cindy, I am so sorry about your dear mother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Hugs,
Michelle

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. There seems to be so many battling this horrible disease right now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you my friend!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Wish I had some sage advice but that's not really what you probably need. Just know that you and yours are in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

Love ya

D

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I"m so sorry to hear about your Mother. My sister passed away in October from breast cancer that metastisized to her liver. There really are no words that I can give you - just take the time to do and say what you need to now so you won't have any regrets. It is such a difficult journey you are now on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Catherine @ van Breugel Design said...

Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You can count on my prayers for your mom, you and your family - now and in the days ahead.

Hugs to you my friend,
Catherine

PS I love your haircut!

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I am so saddened to hear this news about your mom. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Melancholy Specter said...

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. (((((HUGS)))))

Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and especially your mom Suzie. May the support of all those around you help you make the most of this difficult and frightening time.
I'm so sorry.

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