March 31, 2006

Knit On...

This weekend I'm heading to Buena Vista with my mom, our friend Jan, Michelle, Cynthia, Jeni, Marilyn King of Black Water Abbey Yarns, Judy Pearce (our lovely hostess!), and a couple other women that I don't know. It's going to be so fun and relaxing! We're staying at a bed and breakfast called the Liar's Lodge and we'll be taking a color work class and a cabling class, needless to say, I'm excited!

This is just what my mom and I need right now. My family has had some rough news recently. My Dad has struggled on and off for the last 14 years with Prostate Cancer. In recent years his PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels have been rising, which they shouldn't be, since he has no prostate. He's been on medication but these levels have kept rising and in the last 3 months his numbers have quadrupled. This is a sign that something else is going on in his body. He'll be speaking with his doctors in the coming days and weeks to try and figure out what is going on. I'd apprciate all your prayers that the cancer wouldn't be back...and that the doctors would be able to figure out exactly what is causing this rise in his PSA, and that it will be curable. Obviously, we've been dealing with this in some form or another for the last 14 years, so I'm kind of used to it, but at the same time I never like to think of my Dad being sick. My family will do what it always does though, rally together and be there for each other. I debated on whether or not to share this with people who read my blog...but I talk about everything else that goes on in my life, I might as well share the tough stuff too. Thanks for listening. I'm going to take the advice of Elizabeth Zimmerman to knit on, through all joys and crises.

Mom&Dad_BW.jpg
This is one of my favorite pictures of my parents, aren't they so cute...and isn't it evident how much they love each other?! I love that.

Posted by Stacey at March 31, 2006 11:41 AM
Comments

Oh, sweetie! I'm so sorry to hear that. I will definitely keep all of your family in my prayers. Take care and try to have a relaxing weekend with your mom.

Posted by: Wanda at March 31, 2006 11:58 AM

Hi Stacey,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know we don't know each other very well, but I do read your blog regularly and feel sad about what you are going through. I am sure it is a really difficult time in your life.

I will pray for your father.

Posted by: Marisol at March 31, 2006 12:31 PM

Prayers for your dad's health - hugs!

Posted by: Stasia at March 31, 2006 12:39 PM

Sending prayers for your dad, and your family in general.

Posted by: katie at March 31, 2006 01:03 PM

Dang! That's not so much fun, huh?! I'm thinking and praying for you all...your Dad is such a cutie!

Posted by: Bookish Wendy at March 31, 2006 02:12 PM

Your parents are a lovely couple, obviously still in love after all this time. I'm thinking positive thoughts for your dad's health.

I hope you enjoy your retreat - it sounds like fun!

Posted by: Jess at March 31, 2006 03:25 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Stacey- I definitely know what that feels like, and I hope that the doctors are able to give you some positive news.

Posted by: Cathi at March 31, 2006 03:39 PM

I can't tell you how much your dad resembles my dad. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

Posted by: Allyson at March 31, 2006 04:08 PM

Your Dad, you, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Kim at March 31, 2006 07:35 PM

Oh this made me almost cry. They look so happy. I will keep him in my thoughts.
xo

Posted by: Scout at March 31, 2006 08:16 PM

Your parents look so happy entwined with each other. HOW lucky you are! What a fantastic relationship they must have.

I keep you in my prayers. My goodness you've dealt with this for a long time. Keep knitting. Tell them your blog readers are praying for them.

Posted by: kathy b at March 31, 2006 08:23 PM

Your parents are wonderful, seperately and together ... I love the picture.

I will keep your dad and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Ruth at March 31, 2006 08:27 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

Posted by: michaele at March 31, 2006 08:31 PM

That is a beautiful picture! You are blessed :)

Posted by: empress at March 31, 2006 08:54 PM

You are all so blessed to have each other. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Posted by: Jodi at March 31, 2006 09:01 PM

Stacey,
It is a great picture of your parents. I can see both of them in you. I will keep your family in my prayers. Have a great retreat.

Posted by: knitteriam at April 1, 2006 05:27 AM

Hi S.
I have never commented before, but I just love reading your BLOG!!!
I Just went through a really severe cancer time with my mom, there is nothing like it when a parent is sick. My friend taught me how to knit right around the time my mom got diagnosed. I am just so thankful for knitting coming into my life, it was my prozak and I don't know how I would have got through with out it =-)
Praying for YOU and your family.

Posted by: Leah at April 1, 2006 06:13 AM

Stacey, I have you and yours in my prayers always! Keep up the knitting. If you need a listening ear mine is available.

Posted by: sharon at April 1, 2006 08:13 AM

Your parents seem like such awesome people. I wish the best for your dad.

Posted by: Laura at April 1, 2006 11:11 AM

Wow, tough news! I'll be sending lots of prayers your way ... my FIL passed away from prostate cancer, after struggling off and on for 10 years with it ... good luck to you and your dad!!

Posted by: Jenifer at April 1, 2006 11:14 AM

I am sending all positive energy to your dad to help him fight. All the best to him and your family!!

Posted by: Eva at April 1, 2006 12:12 PM

I sure will pray. Your family is so precious!

Posted by: Wendi at April 1, 2006 07:38 PM

I, too, am so sorry about your dad. I always love to hear you talk about your family because the love is obvious. Your father is so lucky to have such a family standing by him now.

Posted by: Dorothy at April 1, 2006 10:36 PM

I am sending up many prayers of good health for your dad.

Posted by: jae at April 2, 2006 06:19 AM

Oh Stacey, I am so sorry to hear this. My grandfather passed away from prostate cancer and it was one of the most difficult things I've had to go through. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by: andie at April 2, 2006 10:24 AM

I hope all is well with your Dad, I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers ((hugs))

Posted by: Amanda Cathleen at April 2, 2006 11:09 PM

Stacey, your stories about your dad remind me of my own dad! Your dad sounds so sweet and thoughtful, I'm so sorry that such a nice guy has to go through such an unhappy time. I hope that he has a smart team of docs who will work their hardest to figure out what is going on! I'm crossing my fingers.

on a happy note, I covet your stash! :o)

Posted by: mia at April 3, 2006 05:43 AM

Stace,
I know this has been said a dozen times over, but I am sorry to hear your dad's health is in question. I'll keep him in my prayers! My dad is very special to me too, so I can't imagine how nervous you must be.
Knitting is a great distraction.
Fondly,
kelli

Posted by: Kelli at April 3, 2006 10:34 AM