Wednesday 21 January 2015

WOYWW 294

For details of how to join in, please click on the WOYWW logo in my sidebar, which will take you to our hostess Julia’s blog, where all will be revealed.

My first WOYWW of 2015! Sorry not to have been around, but despite my hopes to the contrary, 2015 has kicked off with a whole raft of problems, starting with difficulties with my very elderly mum, and there’s been a lot of stress in the house. My hubby has managed to set up a care package for her now, and we have a team of simply wonderful carers coming in each morning to help her get up, and they are such a great support to us, too. We have had the doctor and the district nurse, and at last the pressure is somewhat off, but in his own wonderful way of trying to shield me from stress, my hubby has taken on much more of the caring role, and now that Mum is more vulnerable, is finding it hard to find sufficient time away from home to enjoy his own pursuits.

As if we haven’t had quite enough going on over the past year, to cap it all, I had my regular two-yearly colonoscopy yesterday (part of the management of my ulcerative colitis) and we were presented with the devastating news that it is almost definite that I have bowel cancer. They have sent the biopsies they took during the examination for pathological analysis, and ordered a CT scan to take place in the next fortnight, and these tests will confirm by science what they know to be true by experience.

I have written a full blog post about this, giving all the details, so I won’t repeat it all again here.

I feel very, very sorry for my wonderful hubby. He could do without this extra burden – will he never be able fully to enjoy his retirement after so many years of hard work in the service of others? He has been thrown willy-nilly into a full-time carer’s role and it seems so unfair – especially after this latest news.

However, no point moaning – together we have to face this, and get through all the various things they throw at us, and I am determined to be a Good Girl and do as I am told, and take all the treatments and examinations and surgeries they deem necessary, and above all to try not to get ratty and difficult with my hubby when the going gets tough – he has enough of that from Mum!! I pray for a thankful heart at all times.

As a result of all this, my mojo has taken a bit of a bashing. Here is my desk this week.

WOYWW 294 21 Jan

Nothing very exciting on it, is there! You can see the alcohol ink and embossed backgrounds I made a while ago, ready to make into cards for my stash (still not made up) and a doyley and some paper napkins ready to be put away, and the rest is general detritus and my usual regular-use inks and other materials. I simply must organise a better system for the heaps of partially used pieces of kitchen paper on the left (mostly just out of shot – I wouldn’t inflict it on you!) – it’s a horrible mess that irritates me every time I work in there!

Just so you don’t feel totally deprived, I have managed to do a bit more on my embroidered pieces for the bed decorations, which I’ve already posted about, but here’s an example:

09 Detail 2

Hopefully I’ll feel like working on these a bit more this week.

I have also acquired some more RUBs (Really Useful Boxes) and have been having fun doing some reorganisation of storage in my ARTHaven. It’s a great improvement on the messy piles of workshop tools, where I’d never be able to find anything.

01 9L and 9L XL Under Window

Not too much time or inclination to be in my ARTHaven over the past few days. Over the weekend I was going through the dreadful preparation for the colonoscopy, and I have been very busy on the computer since yesterday afternoon, contacting various people to tell them my news, and filling in my various forum friends. I am overwhelmed by the amazing and wonderful support I am already receiving from so many lovely friends around the world.

With your prayers and support, I am sure my hubby and I will beat this. Today I am in fighting mood, but am realistic enough to know that this won’t necessarily last. I have decided to clamp down on my imagination to prevent it running riot and leading me into worst-case-scenario situations – that way leads to despair, and that is NOT Shoshi’s way!!

I have been in contact with our own wonderful Shaz, and she agrees that it will help me a lot, as it has helped her on her ongoing journey, to create a diary of my experiences, not just to help others going through the same thing, but also to help keep my own thoughts in order, and keep abreast of the various events which will take place. With my M.E. brainfog, this is a very good idea because I’m quite likely to get totally confused by it all! I have therefore begun a new page (see tabs along the top of my blog) entitled “My Cancer Diary.”

Today my hubby took me out for lunch, as a special treat after my colonoscopy, planned in advance. To see where we went, have a look at this blog post from the summer, when we went with friends, and I took loads of photos – it’s such a fascinating, quirky old place, full of intriguing things, with fine old beams and crooked walls. We had a lovely meal – a real treat, especially as I haven’t been out of the house properly for several weeks, except to visit the hospital.

Have a great week, everybody, and may our mojos never die or go on holiday.

26 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear your sad news. It certainly sounds like you have had a difficult time of late. Great that you could speak to Shaz. Praying that all goes well for you.
    Sandra de @43

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  2. Oh my goodness you guys definitely have a full plate. My prayers are going up for you and your family. I know you have to feel utterly overwhelmed. Thinking of you! Glenda #49

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  3. Well, you sound remarkably upbeat given all that's going on. Really sorry to hear this latest news Shoshi, be assured you will be in my thoughts. I think the diary is a good idea, both to keep track of what is going on and as a place to 'let it all out'. Your husband is a real star - definitely a keeper that one!! I hope you can keep in a good mind set - remember crafting keeps you sane!! - and I'm always here if you need a chat or a challenge to set off that mojo! Love n hugs, Cindy xx

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  4. I'm so sorry you have to go through this Shoshi. I understand your concerns for your husband - he sounds like a very nice man! This situation will improve though, and you will both have plenty of time to enjoy retirement. You'll get through this, I'm sure you will! Starting a diary is a great idea, not only to help you process the situation, but also to help other people in similar circumstances to find information and reassurance. In fact, it may be a good idea for you to join an online support group. I know when my son had plagiocaphely as a baby it helped me tremendously to be part of a support group and talk to parents who were in the same situation. It really helped me get through it. And let's not forget you also have your hobbies to keep your mind off things. Even if your mojo has left you temporarily, I'm sure it will be back with a vengeance soon! Stay strong xx

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  5. Not a good week for you Shoshi, I am so sorry. Staying positive is very difficult at time but creating a journal is definitely a good idea - I pray that in years to come you can look at it in wonder.
    Stay strong
    Bishopsmate #55

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  6. I'm sorry to hear your bad news. I hope that treatment is quick and as painless as possible. It sounds like you have a wonderfully supportive husband. X

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  7. Soshi, I thought I left a comment on here already but it is no where to be seen. I am sorry to hear about your results at least things are a little under control with mother. Do try the both of you to find some time in your day even if it is 15 minutes to sit and enjoy a cuppa together.

    Hugs Eliza & Yoda 35
    Happy WOYWW

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  8. Shoshi!

    Well that's not good. I am so sorry to hear your news, but so glad you're working on staying positive and getting healthy. Keep us updated? You and your family will be in my prayers, my woyww friend.

    Your RUBs look SO organized and tidy, and the embroidery is wonderful, very striking, I'm going to have to find that other post now . . .

    Happy woyww to you!
    :)trisha
    #68 today with
    monoprinting

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  9. Hi Shoshi, good to see the post. Like I said we'll hold each others 'virtual' hand through this, and with our crafting, we're unstoppable, lol. I love the RUB's- I have loads in all sorts of sizes, down to some almost matchbox sized! Best thing ever for crafters, I think. Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #17 xx

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  10. Sorry you have to go through this ickiness..but believe me it isn't the end of anything. My DH was diagnosed with stage 3B rectal cancer last May. He has had radiation/chemo, then surgery, and now is in post chemotherapy. It isn't fun..but other cancer treatments are way worse. I am his sole caregiver and I know your husband will be ok as well! Also, you have lots of art therapy to do with that clean desk! Shel#71

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  11. Sorry to read about your news Soshi, hope the news is more positive for you when the results are in and they can deal with it without too much difficulty for you. Big hugs, from Annette #13

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  12. Hello!

    I am sorry to read of your diagnosis news - please know that I am keeping you in my prayers! My mother recovered from both breast cancer and colon cancer and lived to age 93. A journal is a wonderful idea. I love your bed decoration and will look back in your post to catch up.Keep positive! Wishing you a happy day today!

    Hugs,

    Barbara DIane

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  13. My gosh! So much going on in your life right now. Life sure likes to throw lots of hurdles our way. I think it is to keep us from getting too complacent. First the crafting stuff--your desk is poised ready for you to feel the urge to dive in. You have just the right amount of free space and just the right amount of clutter to play. You can't have too much of one or the other. I love the RUBs! I've been trying to downsize the plastic in my living room (the crafting room) but I love them in the closets! As for you health you have a good attitude and that's key. It's such a let down to get the bad news that you have cancer but it sounds like they caught it early which is a good thing. Judy #76

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  14. I'm so, so sorry to hear this news!! :( I will add you to my prayers and I hope that things go smoothly. I can't imagine how you are feeling, and I'm sure even that changes drastically too. I know your husband must love you very much and acting as he should as your husband!!!! For better or worse, in sickness and in health....

    Chin up and let people know how they can help you! Big, big hugs!

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  15. I am so sorry to hear that your year hasn't got off to a good start and especially sorry to hear your sad news. It's a good thing that you have the check ups even though they are very unpleasant. Hopefully they have caught it early. My thoughts are with you and your hardworking Hubby and I hope things improve for you both.

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear your news - I can't begin to imagine the roller coaster of emotions you have been through since your test. I can only say that it's good they've found it early and they can get you started on the best course of action. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby - you have a one in a million man there!

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  17. Dear Shoshi I am so sorry to read your news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure that your dear husband is only concerned about you and that you recover- afterwards you two can spend some quality time time together. Since retirement DH has had to do a lot for me ( not on same level as your DH) and I can understand your feelings and concerns. I can also empathise re 'sore bottoms' and elderly mum's ( though I think my mum is a lot easier than yours at present ) You sound so positive and put me to shame 'sweating the small stuff' as they say. Hugs Anne x

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  18. Hi Shoshi, thanks for the visit and your kind words about my efforts with the tangles. I am sorry to hear about your news but hope it will be like the one my mum had. She had a bowel cancer about six years ago and is completely clear. Apparently it is one of the easier ones to deal with. My mother is 85 now and doing well so fingers crossed that you will be as lucky. have a good crafty week my friend, Angela x 28

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  19. So sorry for the sad news, but maybe it works out well. There are many ways to cure cancer nowadays. I press all my fingers for you. Good that you have such a nice hubby!
    Hugs
    Gabriele 32

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  20. I have left a comment on your other post - so will stick to commenting on your fab crafting (love the embroidery - something that I keep saying I am going to do, but have not got round to it yet) and your equally fab storage. I recently treated myself to lots of RUBs in the sale - and now have A4, 12x12 and A3 size ones for my paper & card. Also got a massive one to put all of my CD-Roms in. I really want those wooden storage cupboards with the RUBs incorporated - but haven't got the budget at the moment, so thought I could get the boxes now and then the empty cupboards one day. Ali x #64

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  21. I'm not sure if my comment got through as we had a mini power black-out.Thank goodness we have surge arresters!
    So sorry Shoshi, to hear this news.What a blow. It must be pretty devastating, and the setbacks seem to keep coming don't they?My thoughts will be with you every day. We know several people who have had bowel cancer and have lived long, cancer free years after surgery.
    I am so glad you have had some of the burden taken off you with Home Help for your Mum. Oh dear. Life is a hard old business at times isn't it? Please be kind to yourself and I hope the diary helps. So glad you have friends to support you through this- as well as your hero hubby.
    Love Judy xx

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  22. Shoshi, you said this on my blog: "but I've got far too much clutter and a disorganised office, and these things are not good to leave for someone else to sort out!!" I totally agree! I think anything that would embarrass you or frustrate others left behind (or both) should be dealt with now (or soonish). Have you ever heard of a porn buddy? If you die unexpectedly your porn buddy goes to your house and gets rid of all your porn before your parents/spouse/relatives find it. I think us crafting gals need our own version of a porn buddy!

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  23. Oh dear, what sad news - your year hasn't got off to a good start at all.. hopefully you will get the appointment soon and they can fix you a treatment plan quickly. Helen 4

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  24. So sorry to hear your news. Think Shaz's advice to keep a diary is a great idea and I'm sure will help you.
    No surprised your mojo has taken a hike, but it will be back. Just organising your RUB's will give you ideas
    Hugs
    Debs x

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  25. awesome looking desk this week! Love all those RUB's. I have tons of boxes and storage things now and don't know what I would do without them! Love the embrodiery. I wouldn't worry about the Mojo disappearing with all you have going on just do what you can do and it will come back. Vickie #33

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  26. I love your embroidery piece and the great RUBs organizational system you've been working on. However, it brakes my heart to hear about the difficulties with your elderly Mum, and especially hearing that you may have bowel cancer. May the Lord grant you strength, courage and His healing power to overcome any illness, and may His peace fill your home.

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