Avoidance tactics

1 minute read time.

Yesterday's pre-appointment bag making was frantic. The usual gentle chug of the foot peddal became a whir in short bursts. It was more of an avoidance of thoughts than determined machining. There was obviously something playing on my mind but I didn't want to acknowledge it. Seams weren't straight and unpicking was plentiful. 

My breastcare nurse is a treasure. The biopsy results from the last round of tests were good, the MRI discussion by the MDT on the other hand was not. one tumour that was initially measured as being 9mm on ultrasound, is now being reported as possibly 50mm. Lobular cancer is difficult to gage, as my plentiful scans testify. Because of the density of the breast tissue it's difficult to be certain until yet another set of biopsies are done. My first reaction was to laugh, I'm sure my nurse thinks I'm mad.

I had made my mind up very early on that IF it was necessary, I'd go for a double mastectomy and I wasn't the slightest bit surprised when my nurse suggested it might be on the cards - dependent on the next round of biopsy results. I say whip 'em off and have some peace of mind. With Mother dying younger than I am now, I have no qualms about the surgery. 

So the bags. I have four needing finishing and only so much lining material left. With surgery, radiotherapy and possibly chemo ahead, I'm loathed to spend money on materials. Like many in similar situations, I'm forced to take stock of my finances. I think the time has come to seriously consider selling my creations. Plenty of friends and colleagues have asked to buy them, so I'm going to look into ways of making them pay. If nothing else it will be a good distraction. 

Below are a couple of new designs yet to be finished but soon off to market!

  

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Moonbat,

    I have taken the liberty of linking this blog page to an August Chemo Club (link) discussion in the breast group to get some feedback about your bags and see if anyone would like to contact you about them ?

    Not only would they be suitable for chemo days, they are smart enough to be used afterwards too :-)

    Good luck, G n' J

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Shucks, that's kind thank you Dreamthief!

    The feedback I've had from friends and my first few customers, has been excellent. The bags really are very heavy duty as they're made from furnishing fabric and can withstand a lot of bashing and dragging. I should mention that each one is unique, there will never be another like yours.

    I'll have a think about pricing as I don't want to make them unaffordable to those who'd like one for chemo. As long as I cover the cost of materials and postage, that would do. I get a lot of pleasure from making them and seeing them find a new home is lovely.

    Thanks again,

    Rachel :)

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    How beautiful. If you do have surgery, especially Mastectomy, you most likely will have drains in. I came home after my mastectomy and reconstruction with 2 drains in. I was carrying them round in a canvas shopping bag. Your long handled bags would be ideal for those. If I'd have been offered one of these I would have definitely considered buying one x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Oh Fifi, I wish I'd been here to help you earlier. I love a bit of colour and if they could bring a bit of cheer to someone in a similar position, that would be marvellous. I'm sure I've seen home made belts with pockets for drains, I'll investigate the Internet and see what I can do!

    Thanks so much x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Lovy bags. I agree the bags would be amazing for drain bags then recycled into shopping bags. I hated my canvas shopper after my surgery.

    Bags designed with the breast cancer pink ribbon would be an idea too.

    I know what you mean about payment. I make cakes for friends and family but hate dealing with the payment bit but then end up not making any money! X