Tree Dedication

Today a group of Joyce's Chemo Cap Project went to Bill's and Scott's to deliver a tree that we dedicated to Joyce's memory. It's a Red Oak tree and will grow to be a beautiful tree in their yard. Vivian read the Certificate of Dedication from the City of Allen. Lena, Wadad and Vivian made little caps to hang on the tree. Because of the storm and possible snow coming to our area, the tree planting will be done after the storm passes.

Another Thank you

Here is a note that Vivian received and Vivian's answer to her.

DEAR VIVIAN, I AM A FRIEND OF JOYCE THAT YOU HAD SENT A CHEMO CAP TO.
I AM LETTING YOU KNOW THAT I AM DOING WELL AND HAVE MADE A GOOD RECOVERY. I NOW HAVE A FRIEND THAT WILL BE GOING THROUGH CHEMO. I WOULD LIKE HER TO HAVE A CAP. I WILL SEND A CONTRIBUTION TO COVER YARN AND MAILING COSTS. SO I NEED YOUR MAILLING ADDRESS. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO KNIT BUT I HAVE NAURAPATHY IN MY FINGERS. I SHARED THE STORY OF YOUR CAP PROJECT WITH SO MANY. I ENJOYED MY CAP AND I KNOW MY FRIEND WILL TOO.
SINCERELY, ROSE MARY F

Hello, Rose Mary. I remember sending the cap. We are so glad that you are doing well. We would love to send a cap to your friend. What color would she like? Also would she like one to sleep in and one to wear outside?
Just give me your mailing address and I will send the caps to you. Our project is all about giving the caps that we make to the people who need and want them.
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A Wonderful Thank You and New Knitter!

It's so wonderful when we hear from someone that found us on this blog and respond so graciously. We are so happy to have you knit caps for us, Betty! You're correct that the 'cappers' love and appreciate the caps made for them. And we appreciate those that can make the 'cappers' happy! If not for the knitters and crocheters and all the others that contribute by donating yarn and money, rolling the yarn into balls, tagging the caps for us and delivering the caps to the oncology centers, none of this would be possible. Joyce didn't realize what she started and I can feel her presence with every cap that is made and delivered.
Here is the letter that we received from Betty!
Please click on the letter to read it.

Wendy's Comment regarding Wendy's Story

Just wanted to add a few things: I wrote this story to update my facebook page for just a few friends that I had not been in touch with. I had not seen this site until after my dear old friend Jan had posted my story (with my permission).

After reading how many people are being blessed by these wonderful caps, I feel very humbled to even have it included with all of you.

What a great tribute to your friend, Joyce; she must be grinning ear to ear from heaven as she cheers you and all of these wonderful people on. May God bless each and every one of you.

~Wendy

Wendy's Story

Wendy told her story of her recent cancer. It is quite interesting and informative. Her story shows that you should have anything unusual checked out. If a doctor shrugs it off and you feel that something isn't right, feel good about going to another doctor before you, too, shrug it off! Here is her story:

Well, let me start in the present: Recently, I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer...then had my thyroid removed (1-20-09) which turned out to be 5 tumors and some lymphnodes that had cancer too.

While I was in the hospital, my calcium dropped to dangerously low levels...as in my feet and hands went numb, my stomach...then my face started twitching at which time I hit the nurse button, I grabbed the phone and called my husband to say, "I think I am dying, I love you, good bye"...lol...Seriously, they kept me 9.9 days. arghh.

Today (3-13-09), I received 2 big radioactive iodine capsules to kill any remainder thyroid cancer cells. So things should be on the upswing right? I should add that the radioactive iodine pills (2) that they SAY don't make you sick, did make me sick: very nauseaus and my face and neck are very swollen. But no pain, no gain.


A few months ago (10-2008), I went in to have 3 moles removed. One was a mole that I had on my nose my whole life...turned out be Invasive Malignant Melanoma. Yeah me :)...Had a sentinel lymph node biopsy done which did show that melanoma had not traveled to those nodes and was clear, so I should be good. :)

I could show you some pictures, but they are not pretty. Especially, when they cut my face open to fix the hole they created in my face...like 40+ stitches externally and 10+ internally. stretching from my eye down my nose over to my mouth...Can't even tell now, but you should see day 2, ha ha ha. Scary!

Moral of the story...ummm, seriously have your whole body checked by a qualified dermatologist, especially if you spent time in the sun as a kid and/or frequented tanners...AND...when they tell you it's nothing, go with your gut and be your own health advocate.

They told me the nodule they felt on my throat was no big deal too and to sometime, way down the road, get it ultrasounded... & the mole, same thing...looks okay, we'll just send it out just in case, blah blah blah... Who knew you could die from a mole OR low calcium?...so now you know, the rest of the story. :)

Questions We're Asked

Many times people will write or call us and ask how we make our caps, what kind of yarn do we use, what size needles we use and what size caps are made. In answer to the questions, first:
How do we make our caps? Our caps are knitted or crocheted. There isn't any one way to make them. The basic pattern is that we make our caps around 5 1/2 inches long before we start decreasing. We then decrease every other row starting by k2tog every 9 stitches, then 8 stitches, 7 stitches until we have around 18 stitches on our needle. Our basic pattern is the garter stitch. However, many people make caps with other patterns. I've made several different style caps. But, basically, I make the caps to fit me. I have a smaller head. We have other knitters that have other size heads. Everyone can't have the same size because we are all different in stature, weight and sizes. The main thing is that the yarn is soft for sleeping or wearing outside or even in the house. Which is the second question: We basically use I Love This Yarn (I.L.T.Y.). And, if anyone asks me, I tell them to get I.L.T.Y. We've used other yarns like airy, Caron, and Red Heart Soft. If you use a yarn that isn't really soft, you can wash the cap and use a softener. The cap will be soft. You do not want to use wool.
The third question is: What size needles? I knit with a 9 or 10, others use a 11. Some knit with a 10 1/2. It depends on what you want to work with. You just adjust your gauge. I don't know how to use a circular needle nor do I know how to end a cap with four straight needles. You knit with whatever you are comfortable. I like fast patterns because I can get more caps with simple patterns. You can add buttons, ribbons or flowers. It depends on what you want. Remember, the caps are going to many different people. What you like, someone else may not like. But, we've never had a problem with people taking our caps and being happy with them.
We will not charge anyone for our caps! That is the only rule we have in our group. We may differ in patterns, yarns, styles, knit or crochet (which I cannot do, by the way) but the one thing we adhere to is that we give the caps to those who need them and a smile on their face or the thank you that they tell us is all we need.
I hope that this answers any questions you may have regarding our beautiful caps.

Thank You's From Cappers

Dear Joyce's Chemo Caps,
I am a breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy at UT Southwestern's Simmons Comprehensive Care Center. Just this week, I lost my hair.. One of the wonderful nurses at the clinic showed me your chemo caps and I was absolutely delighted. I picked out the most beautiful, soft, warm, pink cap that is so comfortable. I wear it all around the house and I just love it. My cap makes me smile and brings happiness in an otherwise dreary situation. Thank you for providing such wonderful caps.. You are such a blessing to others!
God bless,
Heidi De Diego
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Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for the chemo cap I picked up at the Plano Texas Oncology site about one month ago. I saw it in the basket and I picked it up and was so happy to have it.
It is very comfortable and I like it a lot. I wear it more than anything else. it came at a very good time.
In case you are wondering which one it is, it is a dark pink with a light pink band around the face. it is pretty and I enjoy wearing it.
Thank you again, you are very kind and thoughtful to do this. Next week when I have my next chemo treatment, I will be halfway done. I am very thankful to have a chance to recover from my breast cancer. I still will have to take herceptin treatments for a year, but they don't make me sick like the chemo does.
I am sorry that you lost someone dear to you. Your ministry touches my heart and I pray for you and your family.