Thumbs up, as the result of the tumour staging is good. They removed everything and it wasn’t a moment too soon. To be sure a malignant cell didn’t go rogue to settle in my bladder, they will monitor me closely every three months for two years. And after that once a year (I think).
That is the best news I could get.
Below: Coming out of hospital being euphoric.
Changing immediately to more frivolous matters…the patchwork jacket is lovely but doesn’t hang well over an ample bosom. It tends to fall awkwardly at the sides.
Below: I asked Ron to take photos of this outfit for the blog as I realized I might be one post short with my photo stock. Even with the hospital as background.
I had to wear trousers which were light on the tummy. (You have seen them before in this post.) My tummy is very bloated but that will be all right in about four weeks. So I wore a black top for warmth and a black wide camisole to cover my tummy. The monochrome lets the jacket shine.
Below: When I was in Alkmaar with Marcella, I bought this second-hand jacket in a vintage store called Mevrouw Jansen. It is hand-made. Must have been a monk who created it as this is painstaking work. A few stitches had come undone but I repaired that. It is in a good condition, although not in new condition, but I adore this labour of love.
Below: Wind was blowing again so Ron suggested a covered bus stop for the next photo. I am trying to get the big bag out of sight.
Below: Yes, ready for a nice photo.
Below: This is the one photo with a lovely background, a magnolia tree in bloom. Only I just lost my smile. Never mind, the flowers will make you happy. Spring is just around the corner.
What happened in my life this week
Friday last week I dared wearing my wide black trousers again as I showed you at the end of last week’s post. That was a mistake. My belly area isn’t ready for any constraint, however minimal. So the next day I put on my wide jogging trousers again. They are a size too big, so really comfy around the waist and for that reason very hard to style. I tried though. Put on a nice necklace, tucked in the wide jumper at the waist and put on nice boots. Do I really like this? No, I don’t but for now it is the best I can do.
Below: Wearing the same jogging trousers on Sunday, this time with my new oversized brown jumper, leopard booties and colourful earrings (yes, by Lara Design; this song is getting old).
Again, do I like it? No, I don’t. But tummy needs to be comfortable. Walked outside for a couple of rounds of 15 minutes.
On Monday my bonus daughter and her husband visited us and they brought flowers (below). Very welcome now that the flowers of the first week have wilted.
Tuesday was also a nice day with visitors so I made an effort (below). Much the same as the original outfit in December but this time with my new oversized brown jumper. I think I have shown you this once before.
Loes (below) came for coffee in the morning and brought me a wooden owl puzzle. Very sweet.
And in the afternoon Kitty (below) dropped by as well and she gave me a belt as a present.
All this attention, these presents and flowers, make me so shy. Really.
Friday Marcella came round again for a coffee and she handed me the earrings I had bought from her. You will have to wait to see them.
She had some new gold-plated earrings in as well (see below):
Below: I wore this outfit that Friday. No pressure on my tummy and still stylish. (Link to original post.)
My group of friends, called the BVA girls, sent me a photo of them, by my request, having a ball in Maastricht (down south). They are celebrating Marianne’s birthday of a couple of weeks ago, staying in such a cute hotel for the weekend. I am really bummed out that I couldn’t go with them. But a weekend with them, after a two hours’ drive, is something my poor body cannot handle yet.
Below: My BVA girls.
By the end of the week I was able to walk 25 minutes twice over (walking very slowly). It takes me exactly to Karlijn’s shop (kpa.haarlem) where I have to rest before going back. Very dangerous. So far I bought a yellow maxi dress for summer and flat summer shoes. I really have to start walking in another direction.
Greetje
Even your ‘relaxed and loose’ looks look good to great! As you already know, nowadays I like/love most of your looks. You came a long way, imho!
Well, you helped me with shopping my closet in the beginning. A lot. You made me look at my clothes in a different way.
Oh Greetje…I’m so sorry, I’m really behind on reading your blog. I hadn’t even realised you were going through something so horrible. I’m so sorry to read that, but I’m absolutely delighted the news is positive!! You’re the third person I know at the moment going through something like this (another is my best friend so we’re keeping our fingers crossed the lump she found is benign).
Huge hugs
Suzy xxx
Ah well dear, as we get older we will all be getting something health wise. I am glad it was found in time so I am very grateful to my doctor for sending me to the specialist straight away.
HOORAY!! So happy to hear this news…and your positive outlook and sense of humor are the best Rx of all! Hope you are better every day and soon able to wear anything your heart desires : ) Your enthusiasm and love of fashion comes through every post… so much fun to read!
I am smiling from one ear to another, reading your comment Debbie. Lovely words to read for a blogger. Fun and laughter is what I am after (gee, that rhymes, well…nearly).
I wore a dress yesterday which was really nice on the tummy and tomorrow I will try a tiered ruffled skirt with an elastic waistband. Hope I can take it.
I’m so pleased you got good news from the hospital :)) And your comment about walking a different route to avoid kpa.haarlem really made me laugh.
Glad I could make you laugh. I didn’t even wrote that sentence to be amusing haha.
I’m so happy for the good news and love the bright, colorful jacket on you! I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself. I’ve been watching some Barbara O’Neill videos on youtube. You may enjoy it on a quiet day. She does say it’s better to save up for quality clothing pieces and natural fabrics. What fabrics do you recommend?
I’ll check out Barbara O’Neill on YouTube. Thanks for the tip. Quiets days I have enough haha.
I can wear nearly every fabric, even polyester in summer, although polyester can look cheap (or not; it depends).
Wool itches me. So any other fabric will do.
I am so happy to hear your good news! Great to see that your friends are spoiling you. That patchwork jacket is amazing — such intricate work. You look great in your various outfits.
Thanks Cynthia. Intricate work is a good phrase for the jacket.
The jacket looks stunning on you and I think emphasising curves is good. If ya got it, flaunt it! The joggers actually look very cool; those wide legs are very in right now (not for me at 160cm but at your height they’re fab). Delighted to hear you’re getting and feeling better. Your friends are so lovely too. Have a great week!
Thanks Liz, that’s a lot of compliments. I am getting better every day.
I am very happy to hear of your good prognosis. I just know your positive attitude played a part in your good news. Hooray for you! You look great in your photos.
It is a combination of things: 1) my going to the doctor immediately after seeing the spec of blood; 2) the quick referral to a specialist by my doctor; 3) the good condition of my body before operation; 4) the medical health care in the Netherlands. And I am very grateful.
I AM BEHIND in YUR NEWS!
I WILL TRY THIS WEEK TO CATCH UP I HAVE NOTHING ON THE CALENDAR!
NO DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS ETC………
YOU LOOK FANTASTIC BY THE WAY!
A BIG HUG FROM ONE DEATHLY ILL WOMAN TO A GORGEOUS DUTCH WOMAN WHO WILL KNOCK IT!
XXX
Deathly ill woman? I thought the last check-up was quite all right. Did I miss something? I am going to your blog.
Great news, and you look amazing. Love all the photos. You don’t look bloated at all. Hope your recovery continues speedily. Lots of good wishes x
I am cleverly hiding the bloated tummy and don’t forget…it is a photo. Photos lie haha.
Thank you for your good wishes.
Great news. I am very pleased for you and you look so happy in the photos. All your outfits look lovely but I especially like the one with the thrifted colourful jacket. It’s beautiful and a real find. The lovely red trousers are a real eye opener and comfortable too! Amazing. You always look great. I hope your health improves quickly so that you can go out with the girls again soon. Trish S
Thanks Trish. Every day I am getting a little better. It is going to take at least another three weeks, but that is fine. Taking it slowly isn’t a bad thing and my friends are wonderful. I agree with you that the patchwork jacket is a great find.
That’s fantastic news! Take care and have a lovely week!
Thank you Carole, I will take care. It wouldn’t make sense to overdo things as it would only prolong the process of getting better.
Congratulations on your good health news! Your “new” jacket is perfect for you. I liked the different ways you styled your jogging trousers. Good job!
Thank you Jeanette for the compliments. I am trying hard to look (reasonably) good every day, even with the restrictions I now have (sensitive tummy).
So happy for your good health news! I ADORE that jacket. What a find! and you styled it so well. Love the simplicity of the black underneath and the light boots picking up on the jacket background. I also thought the rest of the comfy outfits were so stylish. lucky for us oversized clothes are in the limelight now.
You are right there, oversized clothes save me in this period of recovering. The patchwork jacket was a great find.
I first styled the black trousers with my silver booties, but that was odd. Long jacket, cropped trousers and booties. Not well proportioned. So I opted for long boots over the trousers.
So very happy for you that your health news was great! You always look wonderful, even with your remix(es). We have had some sun and fast dangerous wind that knocks large trees over.
Please tell your mom hello.
Believe me, I was very happy with the result as well. Although I always thought it would be good.
Trying to come up with outfits that I like and can wear with my sensitive tummy.
The weather is getting better here. Cold wind but when you are out of the wind, it is quite warm (for this time of year).
So glad for the good news! Prayers for continued healing. Really loved the red cherry blossom pants! Actually loved everything but the brown patterned pants.
Take it easy…recuperation takes as long as it needs to!
Your prayers are helping, I am getting a little better every day. I will take it easy, because otherwise it will only take longer before I am fully better. As for the brown patterned pants.. they aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, I do understand.
good that you are coming along well – what a relief! and such nice friends too.
On the sartorial front – I love the red cherry blossom trousers!!!
Every day I am getting a little better. And my friends are the best. I was very enthusiastic about the red trousers, when my friend and neighbour Froukje bought them. So, after she discovered she is really more of a neutral, solid colour woman, I was the first person she thought about. Yay.
Greetje, I am so happy for your test results! Loved the pics this week! Loved the clothes! Be kind to yourself as you heal.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I am always kind to myself, don’t worry. Anything restricting on my tummy is immediately removed. Thank you for your kind words.
Yipeee! Great news for you…such a relief after what you have been through. Now just keep up the slow walking and don’t overdo it…
after all Greetje … carrying bags of purchases from Karlijn’s shop 🛍️ is likely not good for your recovery 😀 ha ha !
The jacket is such fun.I can see why it ‘spoke’ to you. You continue to look so stylish, but smartly so, with more comfortable pants for now.
Isn’t it lovely to see signs of spring 🌷? That magnolia is spectacular.
The bags with purchases were pretty light, so I could handle it.
Although the choice from my wardrobe is limited now, with the tummy restrictions, I try to make an outfit work. Makes me feel better.
Today I have been sitting on a terrace in town, with a friend, out of the wind and with the sun on our bodies. Lovely.
Congratulations! such good news. And you did look good every day!
Thank you Sharon. I am not as enthusiastic about my looks as you are, but gladly accept the compliment.
Greetje, I would love to see how you store all your clothes. You have a large wardrobe but Dutch houses don’t have much hanging space.
I liked the white trousers and red jumper and the red floral pants with white jumper. Maybe because red has been on my mind. I remember when I always had to have a red dress in my wardrobe.
What fun to have friends like the BV girls. Did you all work together?
You look great after all you have been through. Yes, find another walking trip.
Oh showing you how I store my clothes would be quite a revelation. I will think about it. Let’s say the hangers are too tight together. I am a tidy person, but behind closed doors it can be a mess.
Yes, the BVA girls all worked together, about 25 years ago. As a matter of fact, I hired them all haha.
I am trying to put on make-up every day and dress reasonably nice, given the restrictions. That makes you feel better. I am putting a lid on my clothes and shoes spending this month.
Yay! So glad you had good news. I loved your white sweatpants outfits – they looked super cool, casual and comfy. I also love how you still looked good even while recovering from a major surgery – inspiration for us all. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
Wonderful news. Xx
Thank you. I wholeheartedly agree.
It is my love for clothes and styling that makes me try and look my best, even though there are many restrictions right now. Most of my clothes are out of bounds. Oh well, good times are ahead.
You and my hubby would make quite a pair right now! He had surgery on Monday to remove his cancerous prostate, so he is moving very slowly and wearing his only pair of sweat pants on constant repeat. Thankfully, he has a comfortable pair of pyjama pants to wear when I steal the sweats away to put them through the wash. We are hoping that he gets the same wonderful news as you did when he sees the surgeon for his follow-up appointment on May 9.
The colourful quilted jacket looks so good on you and definitely reflects your happy mood coming out of the hospital!
I love reading about your friends and seeing them on the blog. I especially like Kitty’s outfit this week. I bet the BVA girls missed you as much as you missed being with them. Hopefully there will be another time.
Wonderful news! And you looked great everyday!!
Thanks Sue. I am very happy with the result. And although I am not that keen on every outfit, I do make an effort.
I am wishing the same for your husband. Knowing I would want to wear something really comfortable on the tummy I specially bought these sweat pants before I went in for the operation. I have another pair but they are thinner and it has been cold here the last three weeks.
The patchwork jacket was a great find.
And yes, we are going to make it a yearly event to go to Maastricht as the BVA girls. Instead of going to Spain. They killed themselves laughing.
This is such good news. I am very happy for you. For someone just out of surgery you are looking remarkably well. It must be your attitude, taking the time to think about your outfits is obviously helping your mood. The quilted jacket is an enviable find. It is beautiful and how it hangs is really of little consequence, because it says ” Hello world “. Beth
Like I am saying “Hello world”. I am still here and not leaving soon.
My doctor said that the fact I was in excellent condition before the operation, helps a lot in the recovery process.
Greetje,
I’m so glad that you came through this health scare so well. It seems you’ve already bounced back in flying colors, and that jacket was perfect. Trace
Hi Trace, yes everything went very smoothly and I am getting a little better every day. Mind you, my condition is still worthless, but then again, it only has been three weeks.
You look so cute with your jacket Greetje.
Love your positive spirit, all the very best for a speedy recovery.
Big Hugs,
Yvonne x
Thanks Yvonne. It isn”t hard to stay positive when the prognosis and the results are good. Getting a little better every day.
Hi Greetje, fab news. I love your comfy outfits, and the happy jacket. Love and hugs from Australia.
Thanks Gabrielle. I am trying to dress a little bit nice, although I have many restrictions. Half of my wardrobe is out of bounds.
Great news! So happy for you! Your face is all lite up leaving the hospital. The jacket is so lively.
Although I was expecting only good results from the staging, I did feel very happy when that was confirmed.
The jacket is a labour of love.
Greetje, I’ve been reading your blog for a while, although I don’t really comment. But I had to write to tell you how much I appreciate your sense of humour – your last sentence had me literally laughing out loud!
I’m so glad that your operation went well and that your prognosis is very good – wishing you all the best for your recovery.
Thank you very much for taking the effort to comment Patricia. And with such kind words! If there is something I love hearing mostly, it is that I can make people smile or even better, make them laugh. It is my first goal with this blog, as I am an entertainer at heart. The fact my humour comes across even in a language which is not my own, pleases me no end. And the thing is, I often don’t know I am being funny. Like with that last sentence. I had to look it up to see what I wrote haha.
So happy for you, I know how relieved you feel as I have been through a similar experience (journey). You look radiant and your clothing reflects this feeling.
Thank you. I do find it difficult to dress in a way I like it but not hurting my tummy. It means a lot of clothes are out of the question.
Fabulous news. Congrats. So pleased for you.
I personally love the outfit with the relaxed trousers and red top. Think it all looks rather expensive and chic.
I totally agree with Maureen. Very chic indeed!
Glad you are back and no bad news.
Enjoy!
Very chic isn’t how I would describe it but I accept your compliments with gratitude.
Slowly getting a bit better every day.
Well, the wide cream/grey jogging trousers and the red top are actually quite inexpensive. The brown jumper is a bit more pricey. The white jumper on the floral trousers is by Uniqlo and wasn’t expensive either. The red floral trousers are a gift, but I know they were expensive.
Wow, what a beautiful jacket! Love! I’m also a huge fan of your Friday outfit with the sakura trousers — beautiful!
You must feel so relieved about the surgery and pathology results. Your positive attitude inspires me.
You are right, I am very relieved about the results, although I did not think it would be bad news. I would have been very disappointed if the result had been bad.
The red floral trousers are on repeat this week. I didn’t know the term ‘sakura trousers’ and as a matter of fact, I still don’t know what it means. I have seen so many different style trousers when I search for that.
Here I am commenting again! Just to say that ‘sakura’ is the Japanese name for cherry blossoms, I think that’s the pattern on your trousers. Beautiful!
Wow! You look extremely happy. Congrats on the good news.
Yes, I am extremely happy. Couldn’t have wished for a better outcome.
Thanks for the update. And I laughed that you need to walk in another direction. But good for you for keeping it up.
That patchwork jacket is incredible. And I think it lays fabulous with your ample chest…who said it’s supposed to hang straight anyways?? We have curves, and it’s nice to see them. (Besides isn’t that what we wanted so badly when we were teenagers, haha?)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh, you hit it right on the nose Jodie. As a 13 year old, I prayed that I would get larger breasts. Finally at the age of 32, the message came across. And then they grew another size. Now I say: “Be careful what you wish for”.
I’m sure resting in kpa Haarlem was just what the doctor ordered. Looking great.
Hahahaha… resting in kpa.haarlem was not what the doctor ordered but it did do me good.
Yayyyyyy!!! So happy to hear your good news!
Have a wonderful week.
Thank you Anne, I am having a wonderful week. Lots of friends are visiting me.
You look wonderful as per usual! And I am here to wish you all the very best in getting back to full shopping mobility, oops, I mean mobility!
My favourite outfits are the first and last. You look so good in vibrant colour 🙂
You are very loved everywhere X
Thank you very much Ruth, although you make me shy.
I usually favour vibrant colour over beige or black and white, but sometimes I just ignore it.
So happy for you for your good results…your choice of lounge clothes look very nice and comfy…it seems you have a great network of kind friends….
My lounge clothes are indeed very comfy. They have to be.
And it is in times like this that you reminded again how valuable friends are.
I was so glad to hear you had good news regarding the tumor! That jacket is SO fun and unique, and I don’t think how it hangs detracts from its beauty.
Glad you’re “on the mend!”
Every day my well-being is improving. So now I have to be careful not to overdo it.
The jacket is certainly unique. The way it hangs may not detract from its beauty, but it puts too much emphasis on the bosom.
What wonderful news! I am so happy for you! Plus, wide pants or not, you still look fabulous.
Thanks Johanna, I am trying very hard to look reasonably stylish. After all that is my game.
Hello You
Yours is the best good news this week! The bright jacket was just what you needed to wear for a hospital appointment. I bet it put a smile on a lot of faces.
As for your happy tummy outfits, I actually like them. As I like your white sweater and red trousers. Lovely – just like the magnolia tree!
You take care. Love all round to everyone
Gee x
To tell you the truth, I never notice other people much, so I don’t know how they reacted to the jacket. If they are wearing something nice, then I notice haha.
Thank you for the compliments.
Forgot to say what a fab jacket you have there.
The jacket is a unique piece, I agree.
Such good news regarding your health! Those Friday floral pants are really good, and yo do look modern and stylish in your joggers even if you do not like them. So funny that kpa harlem is just the right distance for you to walk :). PS. Love Loes’ specs. Take care of your fabulous self.
Thanks Lise for all the compliments. kpa.haarlem is a 15 minutes walk into town. Now that I walk slowly it is 25 minutes. It took me a week before I got to 25 minutes haha.