Last year, I wrote about the unexpected discovery of a brain tumour — and at the time, we were cautiously optimistic. The three-month follow-up scan showed no change, so we hoped it was stable. But the recent scan, a year on, has confirmed that the tumour is growing and there’s evidence of a small bleed.
My surgeon and the team’s oncologist don’t think it’s cancerous, but as many tumour patients will tell you, when it comes to brain tumours, the word “benign” can feel misleading. Just because it isn’t malignant doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. This particular tumour is large, and it’s in a sensitive part of the brain — pressing against various things and close to the corpus callosum, which is the bridge that allows the two hemispheres to communicate.
So, I’m now preparing for major brain surgery.
My symptoms aren’t visible ones — which makes them easy to dismiss or hide. The biggest struggle has been cognitive: memory issues (especially short term), extreme fatigue, and an inability to focus for any length of time. Tasks I would once have breezed through — like building the new Indigo Twist website — became unexpectedly difficult. I’ve also been dealing with leg pain and foot numbness, which may be related, since the tumour sits near the region that controls movement in the legs.
Adrian and I are visualising a positive outcome. The medical team is hopeful, but the reality is that recovery will be slow and I may face some short-term disabilities along the way.
With all this in mind, I’ve made the difficult decision to close both my art business and the Indigo Twist dye studio for now.
The art studio — my peaceful, light-filled happy place — will still be here when I’m well enough to return. And I plan to do just that. I may not be running a business for a while, but I do intend to keep creating.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported me over the years, whether through kind words, purchases, or encouragement. I can’t tell you how much that has meant to me – you’ve helped make this creative life possible, and I’m grateful beyond words.
With love,
Glenda xxx
So sorry to read this Glenda, but while there is life there is always hope!
My husband had a benign brain tumour removed 13 years ago, it was tricky as he was 81 at the time, but he survived a long up a n d is still here today – we had a hard time on the day as there was no news each time we rang Addenbrookes until finally being told he was in recovery.
Hopefully Adrian will be able to be with friends when you have the ok and be kept same
My very best wishes to you both and prayers for a successful outcome xxx
hi Veronica – thanks so much for sharing that – hearing great survivor stories like that is wonderful. Adrian has offers from friends and family, so he knows he has support there if he needs it, I know it’s going to be really tough for him on the day. xx
Dear Glenda I’m just so sorry to read this. It such a huge thing for you and Adrian to deal with but I know you will cope together. Wishing you a very successful outcome of the surgery. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you or Adrian need anything or if we can help in any way. Love to you both, Maggie
Thanks so much Maggie, we both appreciate that. Best wishes to you guys too. xx
So sorry to hear this Glenda. Sending love and hugs to you and Adrian.
Thanks so much Margaret, we’ll get through this like everything else we’ve faced. xx
sorry you’re going thro’ this, sending lots of love and wishing you a full and speedy recovery, best wishes x
Thank you Lisa, I really appreciate that. xx
Oh Glenda, I wish you all the best in this journey you really didn’t want to make and I’m so glad that Adrian will be supporting you all the way. Life can be a real bummer at times, but just try to imagine this as a temporary glitch – I just know you’ll get through it.
I still look fondly at the old Barnard Castle days but really pleased you love Scotland – rejoice in its magic…
Good luck to you both xx
Barbara
Thanks Barbara, yes, we’ll get through this. We love our little slice of Scottish heaven here, but we look back fondly on the BC days too! xx
Dear Glenda, I’m so sorry to hear this, so glad you are visualising success as a positive mental state definitely aids recover. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future. ❤️
Thanks so much Kath. xx
So sorry to hear your news Glenda but good that they are hopeful and hopefully it wont be too long before you are happily creating again. Sending love and positive vibes to you and Adrian. X
thanks Valerie – I hope your recovery is progressing well too. ❤️
Thank you, radiotherapy in Edinburgh finished yesterday, so far, so good. x
please never give up your art, it changes for you as well as with you.
Oh I won’t be giving up, I’ve got far too many interesting things in my studio to play with! I suspect it will change though. Probably lots of art journaling to begin with. xx
Dear Glenda,, so sorry to hear about your health problem.
I may not have bought anything from you for years but still think of the wonderful weekend retreat you organised years ago. Also going to Barney to buy craft items. I do not craft as much these days but have always found the Chocolate Baroque stamps come out at Christmas and make fabulous images.
All the very best for your future operation and ongoing health. Much love and best wishes from Joyce Dixonxx
Lovely to hear from you Joyce, those retreats are full of great memories! xx
Hi Glenda so sad to hear about your health worries. I have your original ‘Breakthrough’ painting that I look at every day. There is definitely blue, orange and pink paint on the other side of the dark paint X
I have prints of that one – maybe I’ll frame one up for myself, it’s such a good metaphor. Glad you’re still enjoying the painting, I remember the reason for you buying it and hope the pain of that has eased a little. All the best to you, xx
Glenda, I’m so sorry to hear your news, not what any one of us would have wished for you.
I’m sure the op will go well and you’ll be back creating again in one way or another before too long.
Thank you for all the lovely work and craft products you’ve created over the years, not to mention your great bookbinding workshops on the Isle of Arran, you’ve inspired many of us and still do!
lots of love and hugs to you and Adrian
Thanks Coral, I have fond memories of that wonderful class at Brodick Castle – you were all so fearless and adventurous which is always a real joy for a teacher!xx
Very sorry to hear that, Glenda, and I hope and pray for a positive outcome for you, that the op is 100% successful, and that after a period of healing rest and recuperation you will be back in your studio and raring to go again. Will be thinking of you (and Adrian).
Love & best wishes,
Lynne xx
Thank you so much Lynne – exactly what I’m visualising too!
Dear Glenda,
I still have all my original stamps and have fond memories of visiting your place near Barnard castle.
I wish you well and that your operation goes well.
Thank you so much Nora, glad you have good memories of the BC days!
I have everything crossed that your operation is successful and you can get back to what you love doing. Sending all the best thoughts and big hugs.
Thanks Helen, I hope so too and I’ll see you at the book festival! 😁
hi Glenda, I have been thinking of you lately and hoping to get down to see you and Adrian. I now need a driver if I go out as I had to surrender mine for health reasons. I was devastated by your latest news but at least they can operate. I send love and hugs to you both ❤ 😘 🤗
I’ve been thinking of you too Eileen, my recovery is going to include some crafting with the stash you so kindly gave me. xx
Thinking of you. l hope all goes well with you op . x
Thanks Janice xx
Sending healing thoughts and positive energy your way Glenda. I’ve ‘known’ you since the old Elusive Images days and know that you have the ability to remain positive and reach for a brighter future. My very best wishes to you and Adrian x
hi Gina – yes, I remember you from the Graphicus/EI days and you know what we went through back then. Thank you so much for your kind words, there are some positives to be found, even in this situation. All the best to you too. xx
Hi Glenda, just a quick note to wish you well, I’ll be thinking of you (and Adrian) see you soon xx
Thanks Fiona, I’ll be back at Guild just as soon as I’m able. xx
Got everything crossed for you. Sending good vibes your way. With love Kathryn
Thanks Kathryn, much appreciated. xx
I hope all goes smoothly and you will soon be back making the art you love x
Thanks Jane, I hope so too. xx
Hi Glenda, I am so sorry to hear this news and I sincerely hope your operation goes well and you will be back creating all things fabulous again soon. I do miss the fabulous mixed media workshops at Portpatrick. Sending you big hugs for a speedy recovery and will be thinking about you and Adrian xx
Lovely to hear from you Val, I’ve got some great memories of those workshops! Thanks for your good wishes. xx
Gosh! This is a biggie. So sorry you are going through this, and of course Adrian. Hopefully you will get back to creating in time.
Much love to you both xxx
Thanks Valerie, I’ll be looking forward to getting back in the studio afterwards. xx
Hi Glenda, so sorry that you and Adrian have to tread this path, sending my very best wishes to you for the most positive of outcomes and a return to all you love.
Hi old friend, just red your post on FB and I was touched by this sad news. You must be going to rough times and Adrian too. It is great and comforting to see how many supportive and heart warming comments people wrote. I want to wish you a good surgery and recovery. I am sure you are in the best hands and they will heal you. Big hugs from across the ocean, Mirandaxx🙏❤️🩹💚🍀