My Grandmother’s Story

In 1968, my grandmother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and became a grandmother for the 14th time. She had a mastectomy and radiation treatment, which prevented her from holding her newest granddaughter – me.

Even then, her love was felt in every stitch of her art and every lesson she passed down. She showed us not only how to survive but thrive. She lived another thirty wonderful years. I am so grateful for that as she was always teaching me about art and life.

My Diagnosis

Fast forward to 2024, I went for my annual mammogram (a must given the family history). I did my routine breast exams but never noticed any abnormal lumps or bumps. One nipple was a little lopsided, but maybe it had always been that way. I didn’t think much about it until the tech asked.

That day, I was told I needed to come back for a more extensive mammogram. That was followed by a pair of biopsies, genetic testing, more testing, and a diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. It infiltrated about 30% of my left breast.

After two surgeries to get clean margins, I was given a few weeks to heal before beginning radiation. Once that was complete, they started me on hormone therapy for at least five years. The medicine makes me sick every day, but it’s better than the alternative.

Living as a Survivor

I learned that breast cancer cells can appear anywhere in the body after you are diagnosed. A friend of mine was diagnosed at the same time and cancer had invaded half her organs – it was all breast cancer.

I lived in fear that they didn’t get it all the second time… That fear subsided a little after my mammogram a year after the diagnosis and six months after the surgery.

I was fortunate. They caught it early (it only had a year to take hold). My family was supportive. My doctors moved quickly. I was decisive – I wanted it out as fast as possible. I had my grandmother’s determination, genetics and faith.

They say I am a survivor.

You are a survivor the day they diagnose you.

And you are always in fear of it coming back. But I know my grandmother beat it for 30 years. So, I had good genetics on my side.

The Project: Pocket Packers with a Butterfly Twist

As I stitched this bag, I wasn’t just piecing fabric—I was remembering the transition from fear to hope. That’s why I added the butterfly. Butterflies remind us of transformation—something every breast cancer survivor knows deeply.

As I worked on this project, the events of the past year and a half kept coming to mind. I thought about sharing how wonderful the pattern is (and make no mistake it was fun to make).

If you’d like to add a butterfly to your Pocket Packers, simply add a 2 ½” wide strip of mesh folded in quarters (like the handle). This creates a sturdy base to attach the butterfly. Mine is 3-D appliqué with a few specialty stitches from my sewing machine—the kind I don’t use as often as I should. I’ll share the butterfly pattern and tutorial in May 2026 as part of Lupus Awareness. (Drop a comment if you are interested)

My butterfly is an embellishment on ByAnnie’s already wonderful Pocket Packers, which made this project both practical and meaningful.

Check out the other projects that are part of the SewPink Awareness Campaign.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’ve been putting off your mammogram, let this be your reminder: schedule it today. Do it for yourself, and for all the people who want thirty more years with you — just like I had with my grandmother.

Happy Quilting