The treatment is doing the job though, there’s no sign of regrowth (yay🤩) so now it’s all about rehab with my next scan and follow up in February 2027.
I lost a lot of muscle during the later chemo cycles so I’m now working on building up muscle tone with daily exercises. Just to add insult to injury, I developed very painful tendonitis and frozen shoulder in my right arm, partly due using a walking stick, so now I use a rollator to get around. I’m trying not to use the wheelchair, but some days it’s easier for Adrian than having me wobble and shriek my way around the uneven pavements, manhole covers, non-dropped kerbs and doorways. Turns out I have an embarrassing tendency to let out an involuntary scream the second I feel myself lose a bit of balance.
My balance is not improving and my awkward gait is causing knock on effects, mainly hip and back pain and other assorted annoyances. As with recovery from anything, progress is not a straight line and I am learning to accept the bad days and celebrate the good ones. It’s hard to plan ahead though as it all depends how I am ‘on the day’.
I haven’t been able to get into my studio as the step up is a bit too much for me, but I bought a little two-tread step with a handle and have been practising. I’ve managed to get in there twice, but haven’t had the energy to do much other than look through old sketchbooks and art journals. That will come in time and I’m learning to be patient with myself. I do wish I had put a loo in there when it was built though as I can’t get back to the house quickly!
I have been able to do a little crochet, but have to be really strict about doing it in short bursts only so I don’t aggravate the arm pain.
I saw a lovely pattern for a blanket made of octagons and squares, but I don’t have a great track record with sewing motifs together, so decided to use the octagon to make a beret.
It looks a little skewed in the photo, but will block out fjust fine. For berets, I have an old plate that I put inside while it’s wet.
I made a beret last year before my arm got so painful, it’s very autumnal colours and made from hand spun blends of merino and blue-faced leicester.
I gave it a soapy wash to felt the fibres together a bit and promptly put it away and forgot about it. It’s a ‘make it up as you go’ pattern using brioche crochet techniques.
It is so weird not to have a crochet project (or three) on the go, maybe it’s time to dig out those blankets and finish sewing them together!
It’s good to hear from you Glenda. Glad you are battling through things. I’m sure you will get to a better situation
Love to you and Adrian.
More power to your elbow, and shoulder.
Love
Margaret
Thanks Margaret, I’ve been waiting a while to see a physio and have an appointment next week, so hoping they can give me a bit more help. xx
I think you’re doing remarkably well considering all you’ve been through. I love the colours in both berets. I’ve learned listening to my body is the best each day. Keep going, live and hugs.
Thanks Debbie, I hope you’re doing well too? Xx
Hi Glenda
I think about you most days when I look at your amazing Breakthrough painting on my wall. I hope you will soon be through the dark colours and back out into the brightness and climbing that step to creativity.
Margaret x
Ah, that’s lovely, I have a print of it in the hall where I do my exercises. Still hoping for a breakthrough myself. 😄
Such a lot of positives hidden in amongst all the things you are having to work through. I love that there’s no sign of regrowth, that you’re rebuilding muscle tone and finding ways to get back into the studio. I would imagine that being patient with yourself is the hardest thing of all. I can’t wait to see you working again.
I can’t wait to be able to get in and out of the studio easier. I’ve started selling off things that I won’t be using again and that’s clearing up some space. I’ll get there eventually. xx
you’re doing so well and it’s lovely to see you doing what you can. I’m with you on the not planning as each day is different and you just have to go with how you feel. you’re positive attitude is a credit to you. I know you are thankful for the support that Adrian gives you. sending love to you both xx
Thanks Eileen, we’ve been talking about a shopping trip up to Glasgow sometime (my clothes are all too big for me now), so if we get ourselves organised, I will give you a shout and see if you’re able to meet up en-route.
it’s surprising how much muscle tone you can loose in a short space of time. keep doing your excersizes I know they are boring. tell Adrian your doing a fiona impression he’s shrek lol.
I’ve finally got another physio appointment (long story) and hoping they can help me with some specific stuff. I’ll keep pegging away at the exercises, I know my leg strength is improving, it’s the balance I need help with now.
Hi Glenda, just red the update and it is good to read you. You are a brave one and I admire your persistency and positivity. Ofcourse I know that will go with ups and downs but you are doing it. Wish I could do some magic for the pain and really hope it will be less and more bearable so you can be more creative again. Heartfelt greetings to the both of you, xx🩷💚🍀
Thank you Miranda, I’m starting to get a bit more energy so will hopefully see more improvement as I do more. Hope you’re well. Xx
Oh Glenda, what a read. You amaze me with your courage and positivity. Blessings my darling. Lots and lots of love to you both.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Lillian, perseverance is my middle name these days! Xx
You are doing better than you think
you are. Life changing health diagnosis changes you in ways that are inexplicable at times. I love your outlook, to see you still laugh at life’s funny bits, to create magic with those hands and to still give your friendship which is truly special. You are quite remarkable really Glenda. ❤️
Ah, thank you for being such a massive support through all this, I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. 😻❤️ xxx
Wishing you all the best for your recovery. Your spirit is amazing. Remember you from your Chocolate Baroque days
and will think of you when I use my Christmas stamps. Good luck!
X
Thanks Andrea, glad the stamps are still getting used!
I love that autumnal beret, what an interesting design and technique. Best wishes as you continue to press through this huge challenge towards a return to your studio and feeling back to normal again 💐
Thanks Jill, I love doing colourwork in crochet, it satisfies the creative urge while I’m not able to paint.
Hia Glenda, how lovely to read your words again and celebrate the achievements with you. Like lots of your friends, I really admire your positive attitude and fingers crossed that the physio will help your rehab. Absolutely love your berets – reminds me of a short trip to Paris this year 😊. You’ve achieved so much and will continue doing so. Remembering with much fondness, even back to the Elusive Images days. Looking forward to wearing my ‘Glenda made’ crocheted hat again – the best part of Winter. Sending All My Love and Very Best Wishes Always, Carol xxx
Great to hear from you Carol, thanks for your kind words. I have so many things I want to crochet, but having a break from it at the moment because of the shoulder.
Wishing you all the very best on your journey to better health and wellbeing
Thanks so much Rose xx
You are doing amazingly well, and it is not surprising that you get annoyed with yourself because you have always been a can do person.
A thought on our shoulder. Has it been x-rayed or scanned? I have had a problem with my left shoulder for over 18 months. Physio didn’t help. So x-ray and scan showed that the collarbone is rubbing against the shoulder blade, along with arthritis which has damaged it. Solution is to replace shoulder! At 80, I said I wasn’t going through a major surgery and a very long recovery. I can still drive and do my everyday stuff.
All the best to you and Adrian. xxx