KNITTING FOR DISTRACTION AND PAIN RELIEF

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Hello to everyone x

I am 2 weeks past my op ( lumpectomy and sentinel lobe biopsy) and in pain. I find it hard to sleep because of the apple sized lump under my armpit around my biopsy area and spend a fair bit of the night awake.

However, I spend these wakeful hours and pained days creating a separate universe of knitting where I take myself to regulate my panicked breathing and calm my frayed nerves and self medicate with yarn.

I am a long time creative arts tutor and have always used knitting to help me combat trials and difficulties in my life. If I have a day without some form of knitting I know I my mental health is straggling.

Now that I have had to take a break from work I have been thinking a lot more into this and am beginning to compile a knitting book with a difference for breast cancer patients to help lead them through the journey.

Are there any like minds out there?

I would love to hear from you

Amanda xx

  • 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.