Just recently I had some bad news. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 1 November 2021. This came as a massive shock as I have no family history of breast cancer and I am a pretty fit and healthy 52 year old. I breastfed my children for a long time, which is known to reduce the risk of breast cancer. I have regular mammograms. I thought I was safe.
The only reason I could think of for this happening was that I have had a lot of stress in my life for the past few years. I am not able to go into detail for legal reasons, but in a nutshell, I experienced domestic violence in a relationship, which I ended 3.5 years ago. Since then my only option has been to turn to the Family Court to try to come to a resolution with my ex-partner, a process which has taken up countless hours of my time and been extremely emotionally and financially draining. The court process is ongoing.
The other reason, of course, could just be the (bad) luck of the draw. One in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer by their 85th birthday, making it the most common form of cancer in women (source).
I have thought a lot over the past few weeks about whether to post about my diagnosis. This is supposed to be a sewing blog after all. In the end I thought that if it helps someone then it was worth it. I was also inspired to write after reading about another woman's experience of breast cancer in Josie's Journey. Always being one to want all the information, I devoured her blog when I found it and it helped me a lot.
I will try to keep up my blog as I progress through my treatment. If you're here for the sewing, then just stick to sewing-related posts. I may share some medical pictures that might not be for everyone. I'll see how brave I feel when the time comes!
I'll post more details about my diagnosis in the next post. For now, I would like to get back to sewing talk temporarily...
After the shock of the diagnosis, I wanted to be purposeful and practical in my sewing. I haven't done much sewing for myself over the last few years and I was really missing it. I had seen the Tranquility Gown by Madeit Patterns on Instagram and thought it would be a nice thing to make for my impending hospital stay. It wasn't until I had a good look at the pattern that I realised it had been very thoughtfully designed for breast cancer patients. It doesn't have a tie at the waist, so as not to be uncomfortable near possible surgical sites (the breasts, but also the tummy and other areas which may be involved in the reconstruction process). It also has an optional vest insert with pockets for the temporary plastic drainage tubes that are often present after breast surgery. This contains them nicely, rather than having them trail behind you. I am really hoping this works well - I will report back.
Madeit Patterns offer this gown for no charge on their site, but they would like donations to be made to breast cancer charities if you download the pattern. I really think they are wonderful to have designed this beautiful and specialised garment and made it available in this way.
I found this cotton fabric in my extensive stash. I think it may have come from the Remida recycling centre. It is a good weight and I hoped the print wasn't too old fashioned! In the end I really like the floral. I think the modern shape of the robe compensates for any old-fashionedness in the fabric.
The front band scoops up around the back neck and is joined with snaps at the front. I hammered on copper press studs for added strength.
I made the vest insert with cotton jersey fabric and edged it with bias binding made with the floral fabric. This picture shows the pockets for the drainage tubes, which are on both sides) and the buttons which attach it to the main gown. The photo is taken on the mannequin, so not the best picture.
I really love this gown and am very much looking forward to test driving it in hospital. Thank you to Madeit Patterns for this beautiful pattern.
12 comments:
Wishing you the best of luck. The gown sounds perfect for your needs, and it's stunning fabric too.
My thoughts & prayers are with you on this journey. My mother & best friend would have loved having a gown like this while healing. Your gown will be a comfy old friend when no longer needed. Following & thanks for sharing.
From a woman who has had BC 3 times, ending in a double mastectomy. I wish I had seen this pattern a long time ago. You have done a beautiful job and the pattern on the fabric will give you happiness. Here it is day surgery, so no hospital stay, but there will be lots of days that you will just not want to put on real clothes. The pockets for the drains are a nice touch, but bit of advice. Get a few lanyards to hold your drains, when showering. Good luck in your journey.
Thank you for the lovely comment Louise
Bubbieone thank you so much for the practical tips, it's hard to find recommendations from people who've been there. I hope you are going from strength to strength now in your journey x
I'm having problems directly replying to comments. Thank you to the Anonymous person who left the lovely comment above
I have missed all your posts somehow! I just linked through from Fadanista's blog and saw the most recent post. I haven't read it all yet, I'll need to do that with a tea and lots of time. I want to say I hope you are well and things are looking up. I've not known of this robe but I think yours looks terrific. Best wishes to you.
Just saw this post. The madeit pattern is no longer available though :(
I know, it’s such a shame. If you send me an email I will send you the pdf pattern. My email address is madebymeggipeg@gmail.com
I just saw the beautiful tranquility gown you made as I was searching for sewing patterns to help me in my new diagnosis or breast cancer at age 72. I have been helping my husband for the last 4 years on his journey with prostate cancer. Now we will truly journey together.
Would it be possible to receive a .pdf of the pattern? I am a sewist and plan on making several 'heart pillows' for my cancer team to share.
I pray your doing much better. I have a lot to learn. God Bless
cstromatt@mcdowellstromatt.com
I have just found your post. I hope you are doing well and this beautiful has proved useful during your treatment and recovery. The print is certainly not old-fashioned, it looks great and very stylish. I have a friend who has just been diagnosed with brain cancer and I'm looking for practical ways to help. This robe would certainly be useful. It's a shame the pattern is no longer available.
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