It is what it is so I'll keep calm and carry on - for now

Hello readers,

I cant believe its October already.  Its been quite a long time since my last posts, January 2025.  The reason for this is that i was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) the back end of January after scan showed I had an enlarged spleen and issues with my gallbladder and I am only just getting used to the idea that although it won't kill me the nature of my Cancer is that my blood clots very easily so I have much higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke.  I am on Chemotherapy for life every day and double dose at weekends so Monday is a lost day for me now.   My platelets are very high and refuse to come down so it looks as though the chemo will be raised again at my next hospita visit.  I also had to have a Bone Marrow Biopsy (BMB) which concluded that I also have a mutation in my BM called JAK2.  I am just about getting used to the idea now but it still is a very scary road and I thank god that  I have my Bill because he has already travelled this road and knows exactly how I feel and what my fears are.  We have spoken about very dark things like DNR on my medical records if I have a stroke that leaves me useless and also about donating my body to medical science because of the rarity of my disease after I have passed but this is difficult for him to understand why I want to do this, but if I can help someone after I've gone I want to especially now that I can no longer donate organs.  Finally I also had to have my gallbladder removed in April which was a great relief the pain left me instantly and I can now wear a bra without wanting to rip it off within minutes of fastening.

I have spent many hours on my own thinking, crying and being angry - but never ever why me - but I'm now reconciled with it all, it is what it is and I have to keep calm and carry on.  

Just to add to my woes, last one promise, they have now found a growth behind my right eye, which is my good eye, tests ongoing at end of October so I'll let you know what comes from these.  All I can say is thank good for crochet and audio books.

First of Many Minis, PTC and ATC

 Just a short message today.  My first Clarity

Crafts ATC has been received so I can now post the photo of my little bear hug ATC.  The other card was just to send it in.

This next picture is a montage of mini makes I did 

Bye for today 

A not so funny thing happened today

 Hello again, getting to grips with things still in the craft room.  My fibromyalgia is taking its toll and fatigue is getting to me again.  However it will get done.  

Whilst working in my craft room I suddenly realised I was missing some stamp pads which were in their own tins. I knew I’d ordered them from Clarity Crafts but could I find them could I heckerslike, when I can’t find anything I can’t settle and get very frustrated as fibromyalgia causes memory problems and with Alzheimer’s very prominent in my family I get very scared. Anyway, as a last resort I looked at my clarity crafts orders and yes, I had ordered them but they were a pre order and not yet in the UK so that was 180 Minutes I’ll never see again. 

Now I’m asking St Anthony to help me find both my headphones (pink) and my over ear (pink) earbuds as the borrowers seem to be playing head games with me. But St Anthony usually comes up trumps. 

I managed to finish my ATC (Artist Trading Card) and post to my partner so when she receives it I’ll post a picture. I’ve also joined the PTC (Parchment Trading Card) swap from next month too. 

My son in law has asked for a new pair of knitted socks as well so I’m going to be very busy which is good.  He’s a good lad and I love him to bits. 

Well that’s it for today, I hope you come back and follow me.  Hopefully further posts will be more interesting.  

Crafting IS good for the Soul

 Good afternoon, this is Day 1 of my new Blog and I hope you enjoy it. 

Although it’s all about my crafting it will also tell you a little about what crafting does for me. 

I have been card making since around 2012 and crocheting since lockdown (taught myself via YouTube).  I also like to do crystal art and colouring 

Here is a pen picture about me.

I’m in my 60s, retired with my husband Bill and my dog Oscar.  We live in Bolton and have been married 32 years this year. We have 2 daughters and two granddaughters.

Hope you’ll join me tomorrow where hopefully I can post some photos of some of my makes.