Hi folks

Hi folks back from hospital had my second chemo eventually. Had another problem day. Transport got me there for 10.15. Then at 11 when my chemo was due to start they said they needed to re take my bloods as ther e was problem. My liver function test had not been done and my white cells were down. At 2 o'clock they then called me into the office to tell me my bloods had come back and they were ok. There was another problem the machine that makes my chemo had broke and they didn't know if they could fix it. They wanted me to go back next week. The nurse was very good and stuck to her guns and said I couldn't go back next week and that I need ed it doing. They told me it would be an hour before they knew whether the machine could be fixed. Then anothe hour to flush it out and mix my chemo drugs. Did I want to go home and go back tomorrow. I said no I would stick it out to see if it could be fixed. I eventually started my chemo at 4.30. Tranport was to pick me up at 5. It came at 6.15 so got back at 6.30.

As i type this fingers crossed I feel ok at the moment. I have to have a booster injection for the next 5 days. Last time I just had one big one. They have changed it to 5 smaller amounts had I had terrible chest pains with that and this hopefully will be a little better.

I have posted this card before but just posted it again to wish you all a very   Jolly Christmas and a very Healthy and Happy New year. I have realy appreciated all your lovely comments  and visits to my blog and I wanted to say a Very Big Thank You to all of you my blogging Buddies. I hope to see you all soon. Lots of Love and Hugs x Chris

Flower delights

Hi everyone I have had a lovely weekend. Had Maddison for tea on Friday after nursery, she was good but kept shouting alot. Then we had her visit all afternoon on Saturday as Daddy needed to do some Christmas shopping. We had a lovely time watching Angelina Ballerina. Also dressing up as Cinderella I also had to dress up as the queen and Grandad as the Prince. Then we had to have the loud music on and a stripteeze session as she wanted her Sparkly dancing skirt and her top on.  We also spent about an hour while I was Father Christmas saying Ho Ho Ho to every doll while they came an visited. Maddison was a Sparkly Ballerina Elf going to look for the presents while I had to pretend to wrap them up so she could give them to the toys. We had a lovely day and lots and lots of fun but where both shattered by the time she went home after eating her tea.

I have managed to do some more crafting and had a lovely time with my distressing inks and some new decoupage. I have made some flower delights. Sorry about last photo took it wonky.
I hope your all having a good weekend off to get dressed now as I have been having a lazy morning. Hope to see you all soon have fun crafting. Hugs x ChrisB

Red, white and Blue.

Here's the picture I promised. I stamped the image and coloured with Pro markers. The backing papers were from  the magazine Homemade a little while back. The flowers were made with a Marianne die and  a Spellbinders snowflake set die, curled and a button on top. Also used a Martha Stewart punch.

I have had a lovely day to day as Maddison as been around for a few hours, the first time I have seen her for a couple of weeks. Boy had nearly forgotton what a whirlwind she can be. She is growing up so quick. We played at babies and had to have all the musical Christmas Decorations all singing at once. While she ran about all excited and laughing. We had a lovely time.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs x ChrisB

Hi every one  sorry not been around this week. I  have been on a few blogs but have no cards to show you yet. I have been crafting of sorts. Coloured a couple of images in the other day. I have a card drying downstairs as I type this. I have also been making a complete list of all my crafting cd.s and putting them all in order in my folders. Took me ages.
I have finished all my Christmas cards and posted them all out, also finished and wrapped all my Christmas presents. I was at the hospital on Wednesday for a blood test and I don't go again now until the 21st December for my second session of Chemo. My wig is all sorted and I'm having my hair cut very short this weekend as it's due to start coming out any time now or at least the next couple of days.
Hope you all have a good weekend and that all plans for Christmas are going well. Hope to see you all soon with a card to post. Happy crafting Love and Hugs x ChrisB

Started my treatment.

I went to the hospital yesterday after no transport came, they had cancelled it and never told anyone. The hospital sent a taxi for me when they realised I hadn't turned up. The doctor decided that even though my breast is still quite pink and my 3rd packet of antibiotics finish tomorrow, he was going ahead with the chemo. I was very nervous as they keep having problems with my veins collapsing. She had trouble at first but finally managed it ok. I don't like needles at all.
I felt very rough in bed last night and had a blinding head all night. I also had sweats and sneezing all night and all day today. So I've been keeping a close watch on my temperature. Dave also had to give me an injection in my stomach today. That was a booster for my immune system that also gave me a slight headache. I stayed in bed all day and watched  C&C and tryed to drink more than I usually do that was quite a struggle. Off to bed in a minute to take all my medication, hoping for a better night fingers crossed.
Hoping I feel a bit better tomorrow so I can craft a bit. Hugs to you all x ChrisB

cards at last

Hi although I've not been on the computer much this week. I have been doing a bit of crafting and managed to make some cards at last.

The first card is a new stamp by Debbie Moore aand I have made a card for my friend who loves Angels. It's her birthday soon. I have used Distress inks, gold spray, promarkers and glaze pen.

I've also made another few cards for my friends Christmas card box, they were made using a set that my best friend gave me .They included rub ons, cards, embellishments. I just made quick cards.

The last few are Christmas cards to write and send off.
I am off to the hospital again, I rang them to tell them I still have my infection. They still want me to go and said they might start my chemo. There is a strike on tomorrow so don't know how long it will take them to pick me up and as for getting home I dread to think after all the time I waited last week.
Have fun hopefully will catch up with you all soon. Love and hugs xChrisB

A no go

Hi after spending 3 hours at the hospital they decided it was a no go with my chemo. I saw the doctor yesterday at the hospital and he said my infection was healing up slowly and he was happy about it. But today they said I couldn't go ahead because of the infection or I could end up worse off. I then had to spend another half hour back in the breast unit, to see the doctor from yesterday again for more antibiotics. Then I waited another 3 hours for transport back home. What a day.
One good thing about it I have managed to write all my cards just have to pay for all the postage now. Dread to think how much that will cost.
Another good thing my new washer is coming tomorrow I will finally be able to catch up with all my washing.
I hope you have all started your Christmas cards. This is the first year I have been organised so early. It was a good job as things have turned out. Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Just catching up

Just been catching up with the blogs I've missed this week. Some gorgeous cards out there. I have managed to make a few more cards to add to my friends box of about 45 for her Christmas box. Have been trying to make some more cards suitable for men. The one enjoyed making the most was the seascape one. First time I have used those stamps and I think it came out quite well. Only thing I think is wrong is the clouds.
I have also managed to wrap all my Christmas presents bar two. Going to start on writing my Christmas cards when I get back from hospital tomorrow.

I have been a bit upset this week my washing machine as broke and is beyond repair. Just when I could do without any more hiccups.Start chemo on Wednesday I will just be glad when I see the back of this year. Happy crafting have a good week. Hugs x ChrisB

Snowman and a card.

 Well I have finally got to take a photo of my snowman I made He as a can of men deodorant in the middle for my son. I've got him some more toiletries but not decided hopw to pack them yet.

I've been playing about with some new Urban butterfly papermania stamps. I've used Rock candy, Dusty Concord and Tattered Rose and a green one sorry forgot the name of it. It's a birthday card for a friend.
I've been at the hosptal again as my infection as seemed to spread allover and under my arm. My surgeon wasn't too worried but tryed to get some fluid out and didn't manage it after three attempts. So I have to return again tomorrow for a ultrasound. I've been taking the antibiotics for 4 days now and I thought I might have seen a slight improvement, but to me it looks 10 times worse and is bright red. I'm just praying for some improvement as next week I'm at Christies in Manchester for a heart test then back at Bolton on Tuesday for blood tests then I'm supposed to start my Chemo Wednesday.
Hopefully I might get a bit of crafting done later in the week fingers crossed. Hope you are all doing fine out there and having fun with your crafting. Hope to see you soon. Hugs x ChrisB

Hi folks better late than never.

Hi folks better late than never, I thought I wasn't going to  make it back to you all this week.
What a week, I have been back to the hospital again 3 times. I now have an infection in my breast and had to take antibotics, they gave me some yesterday on my visit. Took them and then some more first thing this morning. Found out at 10am this morning I was covered in a rash. Rang the hospital and had to go back this afternoon. It has filled up again but they don't want to put another needle into it or I could get an abcess. I'm back to the same situation I've been  in for the last 3 weekends , just a load of pain again I saw my surgeon this morning and he couldn't understand why I was having so much pain. But he did agree to stronger pain killers, so fingers crossed they work better.
I have done a bit of crafting I have made a snowman and a card. Will try and take a photo and post them over the weekend if I can get into my craftroom.
I wish you all a great weekend what ever you are doing. Hugs x ChrisB

One lot finished.

Hi have actually managed to get one lot of presents finished for my lovely daughter, just a few stocking fillers really. I wanted to make them look nice so decided to make some boxes and decorate them. I used Centura pearl A3 card and used Spellbinders dies, my friends punch for the borders, gold card and glitter. My first box was 11 and half inches , the next 10 and a half and the top one 9 and half inches square. The bottom is socks, the second in toiletries and tealights and the top one is two sorts of different chocolates.
She's not girlie, girlie at all. I usually give her the money to buy herself something, she's really hard to buy for she doesn't like a lot of possesions as she is for ever moving about with her job and she's only in size 6 clothing and tends to buy boys clothing for age 9 year olds and size 2 trainers as she is so tiny. You wouldn't believe she's 33years old if you saw her. She still gets ask for ID all the time.
Hope you have all had a good weekend. I'm off to watch X Factor in a bit when I have managed to tidy up a bit and done my exercises. I'd better go and take some painkillers. See you soon hopefully.Thanks for your lovely comments. Hugs x Chris

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone for all your lovely comments. I had a very busy this week at the hospital 5 days out of seven. Inspite of having my breast drained twice this week, Monday and Thursday the dammed thing as filled up again and I am in the same predicament as last week, department shut until Monday . Inspite of being in alot of discomfort I am definatently not going through the same perfomance today. I am definately staying put at home. I had my Body scan and my Bone scan and have to wait for the results now. I also have to go to Christies for a heart test but not got a date for that yet. I start my Chemo on the 23rd November. I have an appointment for tomorrow morning and the way this keeps filling up I bet I'm back again later in the week. I wish the thing would dry up, it's so fustrating .

I have managed to do a bit of crafting. I have made some square boxes and filled them with stocking fillers for my Daughter. I just have to finish decorating them  then I will show you. I have also made a couple of little cards to go with some I made a couple of months ago.
I hope you are all well and having a great weekend. Hugs to you all xx ChrisB

Bugger of a weekend

What a bugger of a weekend I had. I was surpossed to be going to a craft show for a couple of hours. Unfortunately it didn't happen. I was in pain with alot of fluid build up. I spent eight and half hours in hospital waiting for a no show Doctor. I was told he might not be qualified to treat you when he turns up. I could n't even get any painkillers. The breast unit only works 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday so if your ill outside of that just forget it because there is no help at all. I finally had the fluid removed at 10am Monday morning.
I am at the hospital everyday this week I am having more pain at the moment than when I had my operation. I am so sore and struggling to do my exercises, they have told me that I might fill up again with fluid for 6 or 7 times.
I hope not, this is really dragging me down at the moment.  I am trying to keep postative for the scans and hoping that they go well. Might not see you much for the rest of the week. Take care have fun Hugs x ChrisB

A card at last.

Sorry only just managing to post my card. I made it over a few days last week. The image is a download can't remember where from  sorry. I've just noticed I took the photo before glittering all the pink ruffles on her skirt. Looks better glittered. The backing paper where free from a magazine . I used a couple of punches and my spellbinders dies, also one of those lovely zipper flowers.
I have had a relaxing day today my daughter came down from Dundee late last night until 5 o'clock to day. We just chatted and had a little walk in the sunshine. She's in Manchester tonight and tomorrow then back up to Dundee. She's flying off the Vietnam in a couple of weeks until the end of November. She's cyling across Vietnam for 3 weeks and into Thailand.
I have also been decluttering again as Helen keeps telling us we have to much clutter. God help what she will say when she goes into my craft room. She's doesn't  buy many things as she as always been moving about since she left school. Studying to be a Doctor then a Forensic Pathologist.
I did have a clear out of some stuff before my Son came home, But now we don't have any room at all. What with his stuff and all Maddisons toys and clothes we are bulging at the seams. You can't tell I got rid of stuff. Now I just have to work on my Hubby as he's 10 times worse than me.

Don't think I'll be around much at all next week. I am at the hospital Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Have fun crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone for your lovely messages. The news today wasn't as good as I was hoping for. First of all they found 4 lumps not three and took out 21 lymph glands and in 20 they found cancer. They have managed to get a clear margin around it all, so that was good. The cancer can be treated but I need a full bone scan and a full body scan to see if it as spread anywhere else. So I am just praying that it hasn't. I have three apointments at the hospital next week and still waiting to hear about another one. I have not had time to take a photo of my card yet. But I will post it soon. Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Morning folks.

Hi everyone, sorry not been around I couldn't get in my craft room.  I have been busy having a clear out. Hubby helped me to sort out clothes that I have been hoarding and other junk out of my bedroom. Yesterday we moved a treadle sewing machine and Tv into the craft room as I need a new radiator in my bedroom and it was in the way. Threw out another pile of junk.Yesterday I also did a bit of Christmas shopping for stocking fillers. Just have a load of things to make now.
I have done a little crafting and made a card but will post it later.
Today I am off to the hospital for my results, hence the early post .  Have a good day. Hugs x ChrisB

Sunny and showers.

A nice morning here with a bit of Sunshine inbetween some showers.  Hubby gone out so thought I'd tidy up a bit and have a quick post on here. I thought I 'd share a couple more Christmas cards I have finished. Will have to go just got a visiter. Happy crafting Hugs x Chris

Up early

Hi folks, had my drain out yesterday and feeling a bit uncomfortable , hence the early morning. Mind you this is the best time to be up, as Lee is still at work. That means I can get into my craftroom, otherwise it's 9.30 in the evening. This could be start of something new up at 4.30, watch this space.

I had a couple of visiters yesterday afternoon so had a good natter. Watched Sue on C&C for a short time.Then I got bored so managed to finish a couple of Christmas cards I had started the day before. I'm working with just very basic craft stuff downstairs, so just colouring and sticking. But quite pleased with what I made. Have a good day. Off to have a mooch around a few blogs. Hugs x ChrisB

Back Home.

I had my operation first thing Thursday morning, they hadn't even finished filling my notes in and I was being wheeled down to theatre. I was glad I was first on the list. I was back up on the ward at 12pm sat up. I had a good nights sleep and they decided that I could come home Friday afternoon. I have a drain in and the District nurse is coming in each day to check it. It has to come out on Tuesday if not before. I am feeling ok, a little tired this afternoon and dozed off watching create and craft. Managed a bath to night so feel alot better.  Just finding it hard to sit still, but can't set my mind to anything. I go back a week on Wednesday to the hospital to hear the verdict and about my treatment.
A big thank you to everyone who as beeen praying and thinking about me, and for the lovely cards I have recieved. You have all lifted my spirits. God bless you. Take care, love and hugs and happy crafting. xx ChrisB

Will be back soon.

Hi everyone , sorry I have not managed to make a card this week. I finished work on Monday, today I have spent nearly all day on the phone trying to get hold of people to send me forms. To try and find out if we will be entitled to any benifits or help at all, as no one will be working . Trying to sort things out is just a nightmare.All I keep getting is a big fat no, or we'll send you some forms but it will take about 4 to 5 weeks.
I don't think I will manage a post tomorrow as I will have to be in bed early, not that I think I will sleep.
 Have to be up for 5am Thursday morning to ring in at 6am to see if there is a bed for me. I have to be on the ward for 7.30. I don't know what time I am scheduled to go down to theatre.
I will be back soon to see all your lovely creations. Hope it's not too long I will be having withdrawel symptons.  Happy crafting take care. Love and Hugs x ChrisB

I've got a date.

Hi folks , just getting ready for work but thought I would fill you in with my news. The hospital phoned yesterday with a date for my  mastectomy. Its Thursday 13th October, all I could think was thank God it's not Friday the 13th. I'm off to the doctors today for a flue jab, after a load of hassle trying to get one at such short notice. I'm still waiting to hear when I have to go for my Pre op. 
Off to finish getting ready for work. Hope all you girls have a good day. Happy crafting. Love and hugs x ChrisB

Bah humbug - Nativity

Well it's seemed a very long week. Not much in the way of crafting I'm afraid. Just couldn't  keep my mind on one thing. The hospital rang on Thursday while I was at work and said they were ringing Friday with an update. I was on edge allday, then they never rang. I have managed to throw a card together for Bah humbug challenge which this week is Nativity. Sorry the photo isn't very good.Sorry but can't be bothered to fiddle any more.  Thank you for all the kind words and support. Hugs x Chris B

Thank you

Hi folks, you know who you are out there. I want to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely postive thought and prayers to get me through today. I had my results today after a very long wait. I have two different cancers going on in my breast. I am now waiting for my appointment to go in which could be as soon as two weeks but no longer than 3 weeks, they said. I will be having a mastecomy and my lymph glands out. I will then need chemotherapy and also radiotherapy, as I have a 6cm lump near my chest wall. They are saying I will be off work for at least 6 months.
I am going back to work tomorrow. I will try and post a card soon. Thank you again. Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Bah Humbug- rudolph

Hi folks, decided that today I would keep occupied as much as I can. I have done the washing and been shopping, also cleaned all the fridge out. Then I thought blow this housework lark, I've had enough. Off to do some crafting. I have two cards to show you , one that I finished yesterday and forgot to post. The other is for the Bah humbug challenge  which this week is Rudolph or reindeer.

I have used a decoupage sheet I have had years. Hope you like him I think he's quite cute.  Thanks for dropping by. Happy crafting and Hugs to you all.  x ChrisB

Fairies and Butterflies.

Hi a big thank you to everyone who as left me a message for me  this week. It is much appreciated . Crafters are the most caring, sharing people. I have had a tough week, but I'm trying to keep positive for my visit to hospital again on Monday. I managed to do a bit of crafting yesterday. It definately is a good therapy and keeps your mind occupied. I have printed  Maddisons beautiful photo off and decorated it up with fairies and butterflies. I t is now hung on my wall and she as named all the fairies.
I wish you all a very nice weekend. Take care, hugs x ChrisB

Bah humbug -swirls and flourishes

Hi everyone this is a hard post for me today. It as been my birthday today, but yesterday I was at the hospital having 6 Biopsys taken on my right breast. I have two lumps and a lump in my lymph glands. I have to go back next Monday to hear what cancer it is and what stage it is at and what my chances  are. To know that you are thinking of me would be a great support.
I have made my card for the Bah humbug challenge which this week is swirls and flourishes. Thanks you for dropping by. Hugs to you all x ChrisB

Bah Humbug- paper weaving.

I can't believe it's Wednesday again so soon.  This week at Bah Humbug the challenge is for paper weaving. I've never done this before. But will try it again I think. Haven't been able to do any stamping so I used a freebie set. My Minds eye papers and chipboards free from a magazine. Not totally happy with this card, but not got time to make another. I like the colours of the papers. Thanks for dropping by. Happy crafting. Hugs x ChrisB

Bah humbug-xmas sentiments

Hi folks back again for my second post of the evening. I decided I'd better have a play and do my card for this weeks challenge at Bah Humbug. It is Xmas sentiments/text. I have used a Clarity stamp that I have had years and only used once or twice before. My Image stamp is a Docraft stamp from a few years ago . I embossed a star around the image and used a quickie glue pen and added some glitter. It doesn't show up properly on my photo. Also my text is straight, it is just the wonky angle I took my photo. I also added a white ribbon and bow to complete the card.

I'ts a goal

Hi, I'm a bit under the weather at the moment with a bad cough. I went to the Manchester Show on Saturday with 4 friends, this year it was at Event City next to the Trafford Centre. I bet they were sick of me I coughed all day long. I surpose I shouldn't have gone, but I had paid for my coach and ticket and didn't want to waste the money. I got a few things including some tree stencils which were really lovely. I also got a few stamps and some white scalloped cards.

The card I'm showing was made for a neighbour for her great Grandson, he's 7 next week. He's Mad on Bolton Wanders Football team he was even Christened in their strip as a baby. I have borrowed a stamp from my friend by Katy Sue Designs. I'm hoping he likes it I was quite pleased with how it turned out. Although my OH said "why have you put a number three on it.?"
Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Bah Humbug - One for the girls

Hi took Maddi bowling yesterday, she really enjoyed it and so did we. The first time we had been for years. I got laughed at by a three and a half year old. She won me ,she scored 109, and I only scored 96. Hubby scored 140. She said that she and Grandad were the champions and kept giggling and saying "Nanna you were last". She's a right good sense of humour for her age. Even the lady on the next lane had to laugh. We also had a visit to the Petshop and Lunch out.

Today I have managed to make my card for the Bah Humbug challenge which this week is one for the girls.

Another Inky card

Hi folks another miserable day here in the North West, I have a card to show you that I made with yesterdays card. Using the same colours and same techneque, but different stamps and die. I couldn't get in to my craftroom today as my son was asleep in it. After washing and ironing, I spent the rest of the day knitting and watching old John Wayne films on TV. Lovely peaceful day, used to love watching him with my Mum when she was alive. She absolutely loved Westerns and especially if he was in them. Brought back lots of happy memories.

Tomorrow we are taking Maddison out again. We had planned to take her to Smithills Farm to see the animals. But by the time I paid the bus fare and the price for us to get in it would cost £30 and the weather  as been really bad again here all day. So think we might be better doing something inside. So up to now we're thinking of taking her bowling instead. Will let you know later how it goes. Have a good day tomorrow. Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Getting Inky

Went to Bury shopping  yesterday with hubby. What a dreadful day weather wise, it heaved it down most of the morning  and afternoon. We had gone to buy my meat for the freezer, we had to keep sheltering from the rain, we got so fed up and decided to come home early than we planned. Never mind it gave me more time to get down and inky. I tried out two new lots of stamps I'd not used before.   Used my distress inks and Adirondack chocolate to stamp the images. I also used direct to paper for my die cutting.   The lighting tonight as made my flowers look darker than what they really are. The stickles around the edges are Yellow and Turquiose and look much brighter in the daylight. Hope you have a good day tomorrow if your on holiday. Happy crafting Hugs x ChrisB

Bah humbug-something new

A lovely day was had by all yesterday. The weather stayed lovely and Maddison had a great time at the Science Museum.  She loved looking at all the planes and enjoyed playing in part of one upstairs where you could see the cockpit. She pretended she was at the control and started all the engines, we had to pretend to fasten our seatbelt, and take off.  We had a picnic and a bag of chips in the little park then back inside to see all the experiments, she had a go on all of them twice. There was also some sports going on so she joined in all of those too. She won the obstacle race twice, mind you she was very compatative and there was some cheating. After all the exercise it was icecream time then back on the train. It was standing room only. Maddison had a different idea and lay down and nodded off. Must admit by this time I was wishing I could do the same.

Today I have had a lovely play with new things for the Bah humbug challenge. I have used one set of my stamps that I bought with my winning voucher. I used two cosmic shimmer sprays then overstamped with snowflakes. I used my snowflake die then glittered it and used  another of my set for the centre. Added some new ribbon and New gems from my prize. I have also made  8 cards from a new Fizzy Moon diecut pad called Festive Fun. It makes 24 cards, but I am using it to make 48 cards. I am making them this year to post without costing me a fortune.
I suppose I had better go and tidy my dinning room up now. It's a good job you all can't see the mess I've managed to make, also the massive pile of ironing I've been ignoring. Oh well it is my hols after all.
Thanks for visiting. Happy crafting. Hugs x ChrisB