KNITTING FOR DISTRACTION AND PAIN RELIEF

Ooohhh …! I am a very basic knitter, so not at your level, but think think this is a fab idea, and hope that you achieve your goal. I would support it by purchasing. Good luck!! 

Thats bizarre... I was replying to your post at the same time!

Hi Amanda 

I've just had a lumpectamy and lymph node removal and I also got a large apple sized lump they call it a seroma I managed to get it syringed Fridayat the mermaid breast clinic they removed 240ml 13 syringes full not nice but I felt much better not sure I will have to get it done again but I find a warm wheat bag placed under the armpit helps. Wish I could knit I don't have much patience wishing you luck in your journey X

I was diagnosed at the beginning of December and had a mastectomy in January. They say that, as far as they can tell atm, they have got all of the cancer and I am on AI's for 5 years+. I have been off work since diagnosis and am likely to be for a few months yet due to reactions to the AI's and my wound taking its time to heal. However, like you, being creative has really helped ... I knit, sew and crochet but have mainly crocheted during this time. I have made Christmas Angels, socks for the entire family, hippos, goats, meerkats and am working on a shawl atm. Would just love to see your book ... it sounds an amazing idea! Xxx

Hi Calm knitter

                     Like you I turned to knitting as my go to for help. I while ago I needed the help of the PDSA for my dog as due to my circumstances I couldn`t afford the vet bills. He was completely off his back legs suddenly and couldn`t walk at all. PDSA was a total lifesaver for him and he now (as long as he has his daily medication) runs round like a complete loony. During a conversation with the vet I hit on the idea of knitting doggy sweaters as the security they provide for the dog itself helps with reassurance. I know knit about 15 sweaters at a time in different sizes and send a parcel each time. The vet loves receiving them and they are all so overjoyed at the diference such a small thing makes. I have also considered making them for cats and kittens but am struggling to find a pattern for them. Your book is a great idea and i wish you all the luck wth it.  Happy thoughts coming to you.

I have several crafty hobbies, but am 6 weeks post therapeutic mammoplasty, and 4 days post axillary node clearance and am finding it difficult to do many of them at the moment, Knitting is one of the few I can do, which is a big relief as I also find it very relaxing. Annoyingly I can’t concentrate enough to do complicated patterns at the moment, so am just going with the flow, and using some of my homespun wool to make a table runner, just a simple pattern that will then be felted. 

Your book sounds very interesting, good luck with the project. 

I do a bit of sewing as a distraction. Just decorating a bag to carry my phone in case I am ready to dance again for Pride. Even trying a jigsaw which I bought for my son.  300 pieces only, quite challenging though. Everything is harder at present. When I saw what you wrote Carrie I wondered if I met you on HV training?  

Most likely not, as I’m not sure what HV training is  :)  

Ok not you then. I knew someone who used to spin her own wool. I had all the lymph nodes removed. Not easy in the early days, gets better each week as swelling goes down. 3 mths ago now.