Sea Lemon

Done with my 12-week treatment of adjuvant TC chemotherapy ✅✅✅✅ On my last infusion day, a nurse gave me a surprise confetti shower 🎉 (yes I kept some pieces because I’m a sentimental paper hoarder)

Chemo was a trip—one that I hope to never take again, but don’t regret. Now I’m on a “break” before the next phase. In 2025, I’ll start targeted therapy for my BRCA gene and years of hormone therapy to reduce my risk of recurrence.

There are so many levels to breast cancer. It’s complex. Extremely personal and difficult decisions to make, which others may not understand. There is no going back to normal, but instead finding your new normal. It’s a process. Treatment is not one size fits all and options are always changing/improving (which is a good thing).

As I figure out my new norm, I look forward to new creative projects (and less hyper-fixating on cancer treatment). Thanks for all your kind words and support through this experience 💛

BC dx: 39/F, DCIS & IDC grade 3, ++-, stage 1, BRCA2+

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1 month ago | [YT] | 1,731

Sea Lemon

8 weeks post-op and ready to share why I’ve been absent:

In April, my routine mammogram showed suspicious calcifications, and after more images and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, grade 3). This is considered the earliest form of breast cancer (stage 0), not yet invasive. I had no symptoms, no lump—only tiny specks smaller than a grain of salt showing up on my mammogram, indicating abnormal cells were present.

To anyone with breasts—please don’t skip your mammograms. I know life gets busy (even I’m guilty of delaying appointments), but it’s so important to get checked regularly.

My great grandmother, grandmother and mother all had breast cancer in their 30s. Due to my high risk family history, I’ve been doing screenings since I was 28. As I approach 40 this year, I thought maybe it would skip me… but it showed up to crash the party at age 39.

During April-May, I had many appointments to figure out the right treatment plan for me. My surgeon ordered genetic testing which revealed I’m positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, giving me a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence (40%-70%). This helped me decide how preventative to be with my surgery choice (lumpectomy vs mastectomy).

On June 6, I had a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The pathology results showed clear margins and two clear lymph nodes (meaning no visible spread beyond the area). However, a new finding of invasive cells were found within the DCIS area, which didn't show up on any tests prior to surgery. This changed my diagnosis to DCIS and IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 1, grade 3, ER+/PR+/HER2-.

June-July I focused on healing (was told 4-6 week recovery time). Thanks to daily stretches and exercise, I'm back to full mobility, though still taking it easy.

Although my breast cancer recurrence rate has lowered (0-5%), the invasive cells (IDC) cause a new risk of cancer elsewhere in years to come. In August, I'll decide on preventative aftercare treatment to lower this risk (chemotherapy and hormone therapy).

It’s all been A LOT to process. I’m beyond grateful for my husband, supportive family, and online friends who shared their experience ❤️‍🩹

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5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,209

Sea Lemon

Would you buy a book like this? I’ve been experimenting with a book idea this past week and I’d like to know your thoughts! I wanted to make a small art journal with lots of deckled edge mixed pages that felt fun to doodle/jot quotes/play with color in. Also, lay flat easily and be a bit more durable on the cover for when it gets messy.

I came up with this and was wondering if others were seeking a book like this too? It’s been years since I’ve sold handmade books in my shop (mostly because I haven’t felt confident they would sell) but this was so fun to make that I’m actually considering it. Would anyone be interested in a pre-order mystery mixed page art journal like this? If so, what price range would you expect?

I haven’t made a video about this yet because there are some things I’d like to alter before sharing. Anyways, thanks for any feedback 💛

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10 months ago | [YT] | 282

Sea Lemon

Would you buy a book like this? I’ve been experimenting with a book idea this past week and I’d like to know your thoughts! I wanted to make a small art journal with lots of deckled edge mixed pages that felt fun to doodle/jot quotes/play with color in. Also, lay flat easily and be a bit more durable on the cover for when it gets messy.

I came up with this and was wondering if others were seeking a book like this too? It’s been years since I’ve sold handmade books in my shop (mostly because I haven’t felt confident they would sell) but this was so fun to make that I’m actually considering it. Would anyone be interested in a pre-order mystery mixed page art journal like this? If so, what price range would you expect?

I haven’t made a video about this yet because there are some things I’d like to alter before sharing. Anyways, thanks for any feedback 💛

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10 months ago | [YT] | 617

Sea Lemon

I'm back in my "repurposing mass produced books that end up in thrift stores or landfills" era. I bought this one for 99¢, the cover boards are in great shape and it could make a fun little journal if I replaced the inside pages. I like to let the subject matter of the original book inspire the next version, so Scotland is the theme. Any suggestions? A tartan fabric for the cover? Leave the cover as is? I'm curious what my Scottish viewers think of this book...

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10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 239

Sea Lemon

Which would you prefer?

10 months ago | [YT] | 89

Sea Lemon

I'm thinking of buying a ‪@GelliArts‬ or Gel Press plate to play with acrylic paint textures and patterns, but not sure what size plate to start with... any suggestions for a total beginner? Thanks!
Link to plates: amzn.to/481qSFG (amazon affiliate)

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 95

Sea Lemon

In case you ever want to shop my favorite crochet supplies, I made a new list in my Amazon storefront: amzn.to/3U2DBVA (affiliate link) 🧶

1 year ago | [YT] | 94

Sea Lemon

I don't have a video for today's crafty vlogmas because I took a break from editing last night—so I'm combining day 13 and 14 in the tomorrow's video! In case you missed any, go binge or save this playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

See you tomorrow :)

1 year ago | [YT] | 106

Sea Lemon

If I did some kind of vlogmas this year (Dec. 1-12 or Dec. 1-25), which style of series would you rather watch? Suggestions also welcome :)

1 year ago | [YT] | 56