Looking back, 2010 was a rough year for me. On my birthday, Jan. 7th, I had to have breast biopsies on both sides for lumps. Then on Jan. 11th I got the results that I had breast cancer on both sides. WOW What a wake-up call. I have spent the last year fighting the cancer through surgeries and chemotherapy. I can say that so far I am winning this battle and I hope to keep it that way. I had surgery on Mon. Jan 3rd, 2011 to remove my ovaries and the hormones that may have helped produce the cancer. I have one more surgery to go to replace the expanders and have implants placed on both sides so I can still look like a girl.
As for my jewelry business, 2010 was another great year. My jewelry and customers helped keep me going throughout my battle. It gave me a purpose and something to occupy my mind through all of it. My sales were up considerably from the previous year. I hope this trend continues with another great year in 2011. I am going to learn some new techniques that I hope will allow me to create some new great pieces.
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow jewelry artisan and breast cancer survivor I wish you the very best. I came across your jewelry and had no idea about the breast cancer until I read further. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late February 2010, and had a left mastectomy on 3/30/10. My one year anniversary is approaching. I thank God for early detection for me and the help of wonderful medical experts who worked as a team. God Bless You!
Your jewellery is beautiful. I too am a jewellery designer but never seem to make enough time for it all. I also have health issues, but not nearly what you have faced in the past year. My prayers are with you for a healthy future. God Bless, and keep on being creative!
ReplyDeleteLori
Houston, TX