What’s On Yur Workdesk this Wednesday?
First of all, apologies for my appalling showing on WOYWW last week – it’s been such a busy week and I simply didn’t have time or energy to get round to visiting everyone. I will try and scroll back when I visit this week, so that I won’t miss anything!
I’ve only managed to do a little bit of clearing in the studio this week. I’ve started working clearing the area under the window. It’s still got a lot of stuff on it but it’s gradually getting organised.
The left-hand corner has now been cleared and cleaned. At the far left is a hand-held Dyson vaccuum cleaner. Next to it, you can see my melt pot (unfortunately this product seems to have been discontinued – not sure why as it’s brilliant – for melting UTEE and wax etc.). The round thing just to the right of the power socket is my multi-cooker. I use this for heating water for melting Friendly Plastic pellets. There’s a retort stand with a soldering iron and hot knife tool hanging on it. On top of the two stamp folders are my spray boxes which usually live in that corner. I am going to keep that area as my “hot” area – there are ultra-heat-proof mats on there from Presspahn, which I purchased several years ago. Once I find homes for the things still on the surface, there will be space freed up for hot work and melting again. I’ve had a lot of fun with this in the past. On the far right there’s a box of used kitchen paper – I grab pieces of this and try to match the existing colour on it with whatever I’m working on, so that once they are fully covered, they go in a pizza box ready to use in projects. I’ve got a lot of these now and every now and then I get them out and stroke them! I’ve got far too many in that box and need to sort them out. The filing tray has scrap paper in it for jotting notes or testing stamps. I will definitely be getting this surface better organised as time goes on.
The shelves above, on the left, are where I keep all my mixed media materials. This section needs to be sorted through. Underneath, in the narrow unit, I keep my acrylic and watercolour paints, which I have now sorted. In the gap are DIY tools.
The pull-out unit is now clear!!
I’d almost forgotten what this looked like.
Computer
I haven’t done as much clearing in the studio as I would have liked this week, because I’ve had to spend a lot of time restoring my laptop after its hard drive died last week. It is all working fine now, although each time I use a program for the first time I find I’ve got to redo my settings and tweak things a bit, and every website I visit demands my password that I have to look up because the new drive has no memory of such things, so everything is taking longer than usual.
“Thinking of You” card
This week I did actually manage to use my studio! I made a card for someone who is going through a difficult time at the moment. I used one of my Florabunda images which I’d scanned and printed and then painted – I’ve got quite a stash of these which can be used as toppers to make a quick card. I used one of my card bases with the sentiment printed on the computer, and inked it with Distress Ink, blending with an ink duster and distressing the edges. Before I added the topper I masked off the sentiment and spattered it with water and blotted it off – I really like this effect.
It is a bit warped from the spattering and unfortunately I didn’t have time to give it the heavy books treatment.
Health update
On Thursday I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon at the Breast Unit, after my MRI scan last week. Full details on my Breast Cancer Diary page.
Good news!
The MRI revealed that there are no further lumps. The lump is larger than he originally thought (3.4 cm rather than 2.5) but that is not a concern. He examined me again, and is sure that he can deal with this with a lumpectomy only, and that I will not lose my breast.
He will also need to remove one or more lymph nodes from under my arm and I will have a radioactive injection prior to surgery in order to pinpoint where any possible cancer cells might appear. Because the lump is on the other side of the breast, he won’t be able to do both procedures through a single incision, so I will have two. There will be some disfigurement of the breast afterwards but I am told this will not show through clothing.
The operation is set for Friday 9th July, so not long to wait now, and it will be done as a day case. Before this, I will need to attend a pre-assessment appointment where they will go through my current state of health and my history, in order to provide the best care possible for me. They will also fit me for a special support bra which I will need to wear night and day for a couple of weeks to keep everything immobile to aid the healing process. I will experience some soreness in the shoulder area and will be given some exercises to do, to keep it moving, and I have been warned about possible complications such as lymphoedema, but the risk of this will be reduced by the targeted surgery with the radioactive dye.
As he said before, they won’t know until after the operation whether or not I will need chemotherapy. They will examine the excised portions in the lab and this decision will depend on how aggressive the cancer is, and whether they find any cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
When he removes the lump he will also remove a rim of normal tissue which will be tested, and if they find any cancer cells I shall have to have further surgery to remove additional tissue; depending on the result this could mean a mastectomy, but he is optimistic that this won’t be the case.
So the news is good, and optimistic. I am just keen to get this show on the road now, and move on to the next stage.
Getting prepared
I want to be as organised as possible before I go in for the surgery, because I know that for several weeks afterwards I will be limited in what I will be able to do. I’ve been doing quite a bit of cooking, and have completely sorted the freezers and storage cupboards in the flat where I keep the bulk dry wholefoods (no room in the pantry for anything that won’t fit in the jars). My inventory is now correct and up to date, and I know where everything is, so there won’t be any need for rummaging. My hubby is going to have to help me with getting stuff out of the freezer and I want it to be as hassle free as possible. For about 3 weeks we will both have to wear creased clothes as I’m not allowed to do any ironing to start with!
I’m going to make sure I’ve got plenty of DVDs handy, and Kindle books on my iPad. Now I’ve sorted the computer, I’ve made sure all my videos etc. are properly backed up and I’ll now have plenty of material to watch from the external hard drive. The videos I downloaded before the crash, which I hadn’t backed up, I’ve mostly managed to download again but there were some which I can’t remember which is a nuisance. Anyway, I’m certainly not going to be bored during my recovery.
Kitties
Unfortunately no new photos of the little darlings this week, so to prevent withdrawal symptoms in their loyal fans, here are few old ones. I hope, to quote Elle from last week, that they will “spark joy”!
Have a great week, everyone.
Happy WOYWW. I was so happy to read that your surgery is scheduled for the 9th July. It is fantastic that they are moving ahead with your treatment so promptly. Do not do too much before that day. I understand that you want to have everything in order, but remember to get plenty of rest. Whilst I have been doing some craft room sorting each day, as well as visiting the rental house quite often (which is a 20 minute drive each way), the rest of the housework and cooking has been put to one side. We are having ready meals from the freezer (which are made by Mr Tesco, not me!) a lot, and that is fine until life settles down a bit. I am trialling the HelloFresh boxes, so getting 3 meals per week from that. It is great to have all the ingredients measured out and we have enjoyed some really tasty meals. I love that card. Such a pretty image. Ali x #15
Praise God that He has His hand on you. So pleased to hear the surgeon’s news.
My sympathy for the laptop, was changing the Motherboard very complicated? That’s the problem with my old laptop . . . . .
Your craft studio is looking good, hope you can find everything when you get back to crafting!! lol
Have a good week
Christine #27
Hi Shoshi, I really hope your surgery goes well. Beaming positive thoughts down your way.
Your card is lovely. A bit of a warp is just a sign it’s handmade!
Take care and happy WOYWW
Hugs
Lynnecrafts 22
That is a very hopeful prognosis with your cancer treatment, I’m sure that everything will go smoothly for you – thank goodness for modern meds and technology. Your card is really lovely and I love the splatter treatment, it’s a bit like sprinkling salt onto watercolour – I so love a good splodgy background!!
Hugs LLJ 14 xxx
Your clean up is looking a lot better than mine Shoshi, those clear boxes are very helpful to see what’s what and where and at a handy go to height too. You florabunda card is a real beauty, i’ve had to use the heavy book technique many times to flatten or the flower press hee hee.
Sounds like you are getting prepared for after the op next week, lots of time to rest watching, reading and catching up on those things you may not have had chance to before. Wishing you all the best dear Shoshi.
Take care & enjoy those kitty cuddles, Hugs Tracey #1
Your beautiful kitties couldn’t fail to spark joy in everyone who sees them! Your news sounds very positive and I hope it will be done swiftly. I have about 700 books on my Kindle, the majority of them are free ones from Bookbub. I am much more discerning now with the free ones. I tend to delete them after the first chapter if they are not holding my interest. The last one I deleted turned out to be a reverse harem book. I wasn’t sure I liked the direction of the story and looked it up and then I looked up reverse harem?. I have just bought The Book Of Dust by Phillip Pullman. I actually have the book at home, but I find reading easier on the Kindle, especially at night after Dennis has gone to sleep! Sending you love and hugs.
In that last photo the kitties definitely look like wanna-be tigers! My husband always says, if domestic cats only lived in at he wild and were rare, we would be so excited about spotting one in our garden and would think they’re majestic creatures. Not that we don’t think that now, but we got used to having them around. Good news about the lumpectomy – still an invasive surgery, but not nearly as bad as having a breast removed. Lucky you caught it early! Lovely card, I really like the pastel tones in it! Will think of you on July 9th! Hope all goes well! xx zsuzsa #31
Well – good news than! I never iron but just toss the clothes in the dryer for a few minutes then hang them up damp to dry, on hangers, even out on the line or drying rack. They look fine, if not actually crisp! Your space is looking good and hope your computer issues get sorted out. Not to worry of you still can’t comment on mine, my hit rate for comments is limited – no-Google-sign in-required for comments, otherwise I am a visit, read, and move on. Who am I to fret over a comment or two? 😀 Best of luck with the lumpectomy!!
Happy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (2)
Sorry Mary Anne – still can’t comment on your blog! Hope you’ll pop back and read my reply here. I love the “coins” you have made. You could probably do something similar on old CDs – I’ve got quite a lot as I am gradually digitising everything. Thank you for your comment and your good wishes for my operation. Not long to go now… I happen to love ironing! I know some people hate it and don’t bother, but I find it very satisfying, and I love the feel of putting on ironed clothes. My computer is now pretty much back to normal apart from having to enter the odd password, and also re-entering licence codes for various bits of software that I’ve bought, and using again for the first time.
Happy WOYWW!
First of all, that is good news about your breast cancer. I am truly encouraged for you. So very glad things are looking better than you initially expected.
Second, I had NO idea the melt pot was no longer available. I bought two of them, one for melting UTEE and one for wax. I am nearly out of UTEE, so I wonder if it’s still available. One thing I never got into was Friendly Plastic, but I have seen some glorious brooches made from it. I think your clean up is going nicely, but am sorry you have to provide your password every time you visit a site. Most frustrating, I’m sure.
It was great to look back at the kitties when they were babies and more recently, too. They are simply adorable, but please don’t tell Bleubeard I said that. He might get jealous (grin). Happy WOYWW from # 12.
I am really glad you haven’t long to wait for the surgery – and that it won’t be too invasive – hope, of course, that they don’t find any more cancer anywhere. We will all be thinking of you. i love the “thinking of you” card, it looks fabulous. Have a good week and take care. Helen #11
Hi Shoshi! Just reading about all you have been doing is making me tired! I’m so glad the surgeon thinks he can get everything and that there will be no more cancer. It will be uncomfortable for awhile but I know you can puddle through! And it sounds like you are very prepared with movies and reading. I love the card you made, it’s almost ethereal, soft, magical…Have a great week, Lindart #34
Shoshi, I can’t tell you how WONDERFUL all that new is!! Yes, a circumstance to be sure, but it would appear that God is already driving the car and has that route well planned out! I will be believing for NO mastectomy and NO chemotherapy! You have been through ENOUGH my friend and I feel like there is going to be a huge shift in all of this! Well done for God supplying an amazing hubby who is there with you every step of the way and will be taking care of you! You deserve that!
Love your craft room. Have I told you that already?? LOL I want everything on the mixed media shelves! LOLOL I truly need new product. Everything I have is pretty much dried up or I don’t have any at all! I make due with what I have, of course, its a WANT, NOT a NEED as you know! I think you have done a remarkable job on the clearing out and It will be ALL right as rain before long! It’s time to rest at the present, it will ALL be there when you are well!
Love your pretty card as well! I love those flower images and the colors spoke to me! Kittie shots were cute as always, even if they weren’t new. Always love seeing them! You take care of yourself and know that someone is praying for you on the other side of the world! Many blessings and huge hugs to you! 🙂 Felicia #30
Good news, positive news, very glad to read your health update. A week on Friday: I’d say that’s pretty good going in terms of scheduling. My ma in law had some very similar sounding treatment and was told in no uncertain terms that the heaviest thing she was to lift was a cup of tea for at least a week. Take heed, they say this for good reason! You continue to make me smile…not only have you about a million teabags stashed away to do stuff with, you also have a large box of used kitchen roll! Whilst you’re recuperating, see if you can come up with a project that involves lots of both! Your clear up is going well, even if it stalls it’s pretty useable as is. I understand the need to be stocked in freezer and cupboards too, I hope you’re not exhausting yourself!
I am so glad you have a date through for the surgery and that they are moving things along quickly. It’s also great news that they think it’s not going to be too tricky to deal with. I can understand your need to get things prepared for after the surgery – I set up a box of used teabags with some stamping on them and some embroidery thread for after my minor surgery a few years ago and it was lovely to just dip into it and it didn’t matter if I made a complete bodge of it!
Love the pictures of the kitties this week, they look so cute squished in that box together!
Have a good week and take care,
Diana xx #28
So glad to hear the optimistic news on the cancer front Shoshi. I will be praying for you next Friday that the follow up results mean no further procedures or chemo required. Your craft area is looking so well organised. I have a melt pot and a large stash of UTEE – can’t work out why they were discontinued either! Meow to the kitties. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #9
So pleased that all your health news is positive at the mo – one day at a time. Your craft room is looking so organised, but I’m glad to hear you have lots of videos lined up as you will have to be good while you heal. Lovely kitty photos – I get a daily fix on my walk, there is a gorgeous cat who lives round the corner and I swear just waits on his front garden wall for passers by tp pet hi. Or her I’m not sure, but definitely a little flirt! Stay well, stay safe, love n hugs Cindy xx #18
Sorry I’m late this week just kept getting distracted. Hope the surgery goes well. Loving the kitty pics too. Wishing you a happy belated woyww, Angela x23x
I’m running a little late this week. I love your craft room so much – all that space and so many gorgeous things to play with. The card is fabulous. I am so pleased that the MRI is clear and that the surgeon is confident of enough of a margin to do a lumpectomy. I will pray that the lymph nodes are also clear. By the way I have been working as a breast cancer researcher for the past 20+ years so if there is anything you wish to ask then do let me know. Although I am not a clinician, I have worked alongside them for years and am a scientist who has been researching various treatments and aspects of breast cancer so happy to chat if you wish to. Good news that the surgery is so soon. Make sure you rest before it to conserve your strength. Love the throw back photos of the kitties! Happy belated WOYWW. Take care and stay safe, with love & God bless, Caro xxx (#29)
You are about to get the same surgery (removing lymph nodes from your under arm) as I had back in November… be sure to rest well afterwards! If I don’t ‘see you’ before next Friday: have a good surgery and good news afterward! Have a nice weekend now you beautiful one, hug from Holland! Marit #13
Hello Shoshi.
I’m so sorry for my absence and to read of your news. I shall be thinking of you, your husband and those gorgeous kitties on 9th July and sending you all the positivity and good vibes I can. The gorgeous friend I saw on Thursday was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2019 and after an op, chemo and radiotherapy is now in remission and, like you, she’s a fantastically positive person.
I’m sure it must help.
Your kitty crochet is an absolute triumph and those Persian Tiles are just incredible, I’m constantly in awe of your talent.
Sending you loads of love. xxxx
Hi Soshi.
Your room is coming along grand! Love finding things we forgot we had. Me, I’m hoping to find a couple of errant stamps that have crawled off my filming table. That’s the project for this week. While you’re being treated so well on Friday, I”ll be filming the next video.
Speaking of, I don’t think I have an email address for you. Would you please email me.. AngelaDrake@webname.com That’s my author account. I’d like to add to your recovery reads 😉 Love and gentle hugs – Kelly #32
Oh they are so adorable as little baby kitties Shoshi, little bundles of cuteness! I was just looking at a photo of my resident terrible twosome and wondering what happened lol. One of them is definitely not cute atm! Glad to hear your good news, hope it all goes well with the procedure on Friday!
It does look like you have done quite a lot in your studio, and I know the melt pots are discontinued as I tried to buy one a while back and was really disappointed to find that out. Really don’t know why they did that, unless people aren’t using the UTEE so much? Still there are always ways around these things and I improvised lol. Happy belated WOYWW! Elle #35, EOTC
Sorry I’m soooo late, I just forget what day it is!! The kitties are so sweet- it’s nice to see how they’re growing. Yes, they are always quick with cancer surgery. I chose not to have the extra bits taken from under my arm, just the bits they usually do. Will be thinking of you all, kitties, you and hubby this week and sending hugs and best wishes. Stay safe. ((Lyn)) #6