Out to Lunch 2.0 in #SewPINK Initiative...

 ...so honored to be part of the byAnnie.com LLC #SewPINK Initiative this year...a bit of my why.

Having no family history of breast cancer, I choose to do a mammogram every other year. The pandemic year was supposed to be my year to schedule--but I didn't. Then in 2022, at the insistance of my husband--I scheduled and went in for a mammogram. Only to be called on our 37th wedding anniversary of a suspicious area that needed to checked into.  After lots of hurry up and wait came the cancer diagnosis. Then more waiting until the meeting with the breast surgeon. There we found out the tumor was small, non agressive and treatable. What an answer to prayer!! We choose to go the lumpectomy route. Radiation could be done right in the operating room--who knew they could do that?!?  No lymph node involment. After testing the tumor, no chemotherapy was needed. Since the tumor was hormone positive--ER+ PR+ HER2-, I would need to go on a hormone inhibitor--Anastrazole--for 5 years. Such amazing new treatments have been made!! It might seem simple to just take one pill a day--but oh my--I call these little white pills my Brutal Blessings!! The side effects of the drug can be brutal--dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, interupted sleep, constipation and snarky moods just to name a few!! But the fact that I love my family and want to be here to see my grandkids grow up keeps me taking them and looking for ways to deal with the side effects!! One thing I want to stress to anyone taking any of these medications is to pay close attention and make a list of the side effects--then when the pharmacy tells you that the refill is from a "new supplier" and the pill might look different--but it's still the same drug--make a new list of the side effects. I have had 3-4 different suppliers in the last 2 years--each one with a different set of side effects--some almost made me quit--but after reviewing the lists with the pharmacy we have settled on a supplier whose side effects are ones I can manage. I say all this to encourage those struggling with a hormone inhibitor to pay attention and don't be afraid to be your own advocate!!! 

The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

• Breast Screen (Australia)
• CDC.gov (US)
• Komen Foundation (More info)

Such a fun array of colors and supplies!! The byAnnie.com products in the color Lipstick were an amazing match for the selection of pinks from my Signature Fabric collection--Peace and Love--with Island Batik fabrics.

Such great texture quilting on the Soft and Stable with the Superior So Fine! thread.

Looking good!!

I had never tried this step in the binding making process--but let me tell you--it really works well!!

The carrying strap was quite easy to make too!!

In love with the finished product!! I chose the Out to Lunch bag because after the cancer diagnosis, my husband and I decided to change our eating habits. We cut out all processed foods and no refined sugars. I do love to cook, so our meals are still delicious--lots of fresh fruits and veggies along with seafoods and meat--we are farmers so we eat what we raise. By adding in exercise--walking 16 miles a week--that also helps with reducing some of the medication side effects--I have lost over 65 pounds since the diagnosis and my husband is right at 35 pounds. We acutally feel better at age 60 than we did at age 50!! 

This is the blessing part of the breast cancer diagnosis--we have chosen to embrace each day with joy!! Live life to the fullest. Praise the Lord for each new day to serve Him in all that we do!!

Click photo for video to see inside the Out to Lunch bag!!

Thank you for stopping by--and please take care of your breast health!!