Well, folks, here we are. Life has thrown me a curveball that not even a master pitcher would be proud of—uterine cancer. Because, you know, when your family tree is practically a who’s who of cancer survivors (and those not so fortunate), why not me too, right? My mom, grandmother, several aunts, and cousins have all had the pleasure of dealing with this charming guest. So, naturally, I was on the “high risk” list. Front row seats, backstage pass and all.
The fun began a few months ago when I found out I had an aggressive little invader. Stage 1, and before I could even catch my breath—boom! Stage 2. It was like cancer was in a rush, and all I could do was sit there, waiting for the next test or imaging result, playing the least fun game of “Hurry up and wait.”
Eventually, my surgeon gathered enough clues to make a move. Radical hysterectomy on the board, checkmate for the uterus, ovaries and cervix! Six weeks of recovery followed, which I can now summarize as: pain, discomfort, weakness, and a completely legitimate excuse to avoid housework. (Silver linings, right?) Yes, my house is a mess, but guess what I was allowed to do? Be creative!
After a few days of laying around like a decorative throw pillow, I pulled myself up and found solace in designing and building new dolls. I know, most people might turn to, I don’t know, Netflix or puzzles—but no, dolls are my jam. And let me tell you, those hours spent pinning, gluing, and bedazzling my way through sequins, diamonds, and luxurious fabrics were exactly what I needed to keep my mind off all the medical jargon and waiting rooms. It was therapeutic in ways I can’t quite describe—almost like building tiny, fashionable armies of support, one sparkly accessory at a time.
During those six weeks, I crafted some of my best work—probably because I had the perfect excuse to pour every ounce of stress, fear, and hope into these designs. Now, as I step toward what I really hope is a cancer-undetectable future, I’m excited to release these special creations into the world. Each doll, adorned with sequins and shimmering hope, is a reminder that even in tough times, creativity can be a light.
So, keep an eye out for these new dolls—they’ve been through the wringer with me, and I can’t wait to share them with you. In the meantime, I’ll be over here, not cleaning my house and hopefully staying healthy for a long, long time.
Stay sparkly, friends! ✨