4 in 1

Been so busy with hospitals, tests and then recovering that I haven’t had time to update my blog with all the other activities, so here are four posts in one blog. Warning:  It’s rather a large blog posting so sit down with a cup or glass of something to drink.

How exciting – another new catalogue
– Stampin’ Up! 2011/2012

 

Just check out our latest catalogue full of wonderful new surprises.  Just click on the cover picture to open your eyes to some wonderful creative ideas.

I can’t wait to get started when my first order arrives.

 

Mother of Pearl cards
I was unable to attend Debbie’s class using this technique so a couple of weeks ago Karen showed Joan and I how to do these lovely cards.  The photos don’t really do them justice as it is hard to capture the pearl effect.

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Stampin’ Up’s Fun Day Out
Last Saturday demonstrators and their guests had a fantastic day playing with some of the new products and watching demonstrations by some of our talented ladies.

I made a few swaps using a monochromatic theme: 

 

And look what I got back – aren’t they all fantastic!

We also received some make ‘n take kits.  I have made two up so far as below.  The third one which is a small scrapbooking layout hasn’t been finished yet because I haven’t been able to find a photo I want to use.

Cute aren’t they.  These were made using the new stamp set Under the Big Top. Check it out in the new 2011-2012 catalogue above.

Health Update
Have been kind of busy lately with all my scans and biopsy – see previous post.  Thought I was going to have an easy time of it last week but no such luck.  Results from all the other tests were inconclusive as to the type of cancer so had to have a spinal biopsy on Thursday.  Quite a performance was at the hospital from 7:30 am to about 2:45 and have had to rest up at home the last couple of days.  They should have some results next week so am keeping my fingers crossed that there are some positive results identifying the cancer and that whatever it is can be treated though know from what they have said that it will not be curable.

A big, big thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support or rung me.  This is what helps me to keep going and staying positive.  I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family.  xx Love you all.

Once again into the fray dear friends ……

After only just getting over last week’s hospital tests I received a telephone call today from the Haematology specialist asking me to rush and get some blood tests done in preparation for yet another biopsy they want done as the results from last week’s bone marrow biopsy were inconclusive as to which cancer was now in my spine.

Having a blood test is not as easy as with most people as the only way they can get blood out of me now is through my portacath and this means setting up a special appointment at the hospital.  Anyway I got this done this afternoon and had only been home an hour or so when I got another phone call from North Shore Hospital (this time the Radiology department) with the actual appointment to have this spinal bone marrow biopsy which has to be done under CT scan guidance as it is a very delicate procedure.  They said that I would need a special blood test done  ….  what!!!  Told them I had just come back from having one done but they weren’t sure whether this test was included on the form.  Haven’t heard back from them yet, but hope I don’t have to go back and have it done again.

Anyway back to the biopsy – they are doing it on Thursday and I have to be there by 8 am … yes 8 am.  Will have to leave here before 6.45 am to get there – don’t they know I am supposed to be sick and need my rest!!!  I will be there about 4 hours apparently.

Well they sure know how to kill my ‘feel good’ feeling that I had got at the weekend after thoroughly enjoying my fun day out at the Stampin’ Up! outing on Saturday.  Great time and loved catching up with such wonderful people.

Have cards to post but these will have to wait until after Thursday.

Another challenge - JAI 80

This week the Just Add Ink challenge was this sketch by Bronwyn Eastley.  I found this real hard but eventually came up with this card.

I used the SU Baroque Motifs stamped in Versamark and then silver embossed.

The small flowers were made with the Boho Blossoms punch then sponged with the Frost White shimmer paint which gave them a silvery appearance.  I finished these off with Rhinestone Jewels.

The panel on the right actually folds over from the back of the card and is held in place by the silver ribbon which just slips over the card.  The edge has been punched with the Scallop Edge punch.

This would make a great wedding or anniversary card.

My new stamping room

Have spent this week having a big change over.  Previously I had converted one of the spare bedrooms into a stamping room but after much thought and mental planning have now moved all my stuff into the study area.  Had a big clean out of the study area and now find that everything fits in great.  It may be a smaller space but it is more compact and everything is easily accessible.  It also saves on power as the office is part of the main living area which is kept heated in the winter so dont have to turn on another heater down the hall.  Also now I have this bedroom back.

Also needed something major to do to keep my mind off all the other ‘crap’ that’s going on in my life.  Dear hubby did all the major lifting jobs for me.

Thought you might like to see some photos – I have notated them to show you where everything lives.  Some of my other craft stuff still lives on the shelves in the bedroom but as these are not being used regularly, it doesn’t matter.

Click on photos to enlarge:

Must admit that I haven’t actually made anything yet!!!  But hopefully this weekend will be able to do some creating.

Have a great weekend all.

Another wobbly!!

Yes, I was thrown another wobbly today when I attended my Oncology appointment.  They had the results of my CT scan that was done last week and to their amazement found a hole and tumour on my spine.  What I was expecting was to find out whether my rising CA125 levels were due to another tumour in my abdomen and if there was no sign of a tumour there, then they would conclude the only place it could be would be my thyroid which had previously shown up as a cancer ‘hot spot’.  They were not expecting to find something else.

Now their concern is whether this is a recurrence of the fallopian/ovarian cancer, or the plasmacytoma I had on my rib (removed in December) or if it is from a metastasised thyroid cancer.  Now more tests to determine what course of treatment they will follow as well as what department will need to handle this.  They sent me down immediately for bone x-rays and I had 20 x-rays in total.  Next will be an MRI scan then a bone biopsy (different from the bone marrow biopsy I had previously).

Must admit this time I’m scared – too many unusual things are happening to my body and if the doctors are confused … well I feel everything is spinning out of control.  Apparently the bone pains I have been getting and blaming on age and not being fit enough are as a result of this pressing on the nerves.  Once again my life is being turned upside down.

Thought I would tell you as some of you have been asking me to keep them updated but this wasn’t the news I wanted to relay.

If your health is good please take the time to enjoy being well.  When I was well I never really appreciated it and wish I could turn the clock back.