Sunday 26 July 2009

Hello

After so long away from my blog I thought I would come back and start updating and getting back into my card making, as I really need something to take my mind off the last few months.

Anyone who has followed my blog might remember that I have mentioned my mum's battle with cancer over the last 12 years. When I got engaged 3 years ago her non-hodgkins lymphoma returned for a 3rd time and she started treatment again. They tried stem cell treatment just after I got married, but 18 months ago she was told that they couldn't get enough stem cells to make this an option. She was still having a 3 monthly treatment to try to keep the non-hodgkins at bay and this looked like it was working.

About a month after Harry was born mum started complaining of a pain in her legs and they started to swell slightly. After a couple of blood tests and her doctor ruling out a DVT, he suggested she went to her specialist at Christies to check it wasn't related to the non-hodgkins.

Although this was ruled out, she was referred to a bone marrow specialist and at the end of May we got the terrible news that she was now suffering from Acute myeloid leukemia. She entered Christies at the beginning of June to start 10 days of continual chemo, but unfortunately the treatment was not successful. She after contracting a chest infection near the beginning of her treatment that developed into pneumonia and she no longer had any immune system to fight it.

On Saturday 27th June she passed away at the age of 60 with my dad, brother and myself at her side. This was 2 days before my 2nd wedding anniversary and 12 weeks after Harry arrived, the grandchild she was so looking forward to having.

To say I am finding it hard to cope is an understatement, especially having my baby and not having my mum to turn to for advise, but I have started to get back into my craftroom and potter about. I'm finding it such a help just to lose myself for a short time in my hobby and my hubby has been great allowing me some time to craft.



I'm hoping to start being brave enough to start showing my cards again, I have lost all my confidence with them as it's been so long!! Hopefully I can catch back up with all the new products, as everything moves so fast, although I am already building up my promarker collection and have been lucky to get the Miss Anya and Rain, Snow Shine sets from Tracey at Dies to Die for.

Hopefully I might be brave tomorrow and also show off some more pics of my gorgeous little boy.



13 comments:

Victoria said...

Tara. You have been through a tough time of it lately and my thoughts go out to you and your family! I am a little unsure what to say to comfort you as I still have both my parents wiht me. However, I have lost others that are close to me and I used to work at Christies so I have seen and experienced first hand the sadness you are experiencing right now. It sounds like your husband has been a great source of comfort to you adn I hope that your crafting will give you an outlet for your grief. Know that you are never alone!
Hugs, Vicky ~x~

Natalie said...

Tara it is lovely to hear from you but I am so sorry to hear about your Mum. I can't imagine how you are feeling. I am sending big hugs your way.. I would love to see some more pic's of Harry and I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Natalie x

Suzanne said...

Tara I am so sorry to hear about your mum, I can't imagine what a hard time it must have been for you. I hope your beautiful new baby boy is helping to keep you going. Luv and Hugs Sue :o)

Sharon said...

Hi Tara
I'm so sorry to read about your mum. You've had a terrible time over the last couple of years.
I'm really glad you've started to venture back in to your craft room & can't wait to see some of your lovely creations. Looking forward as well to seeing some more pictures of your gorgeous baby.
Sending you warm wishes.
Sharon x

Sarah said...

Hi Tara,I'm so sorry for your lose. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Take one day at a time, don't rush into anything. You're very lucky to have such a supportive husband. Please do show your cards as they were always wonderful. Take care hun.
xx :0)

Handcrafted With Love said...

OMG Tara here I was thinking that you must be having such good fun with Harrison that your cardmaking had been put on the back burner for a while. I'm so sorry to read that you have had such a sad and traumatic time and please remember we are all here whenever you need anything. Take care Tara and please try to come on your blog whenever you can.

Sending Huge Hugs,
Love Pam xx

Treacle said...

So sorry to hear about your mum Tara.

Look forward to seeing your fabby creations when you're ready.

xXx

Anonymous said...

Tara,

Good to see you back, but I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. Life is so unfair at times. Your cards have always been wonderful and I'm sure that they will be equally wonderful now. I'd love to see some pics of Harry too.

Jude

Jo said...

Oh Tara, I really do feel for you x I lost my Mum when I was 27 so when I had my two boys, I did feel so sad that she wasn't there to share them with me. It is such a terrible shock losing your Mum and will take a long while to heal, however, in time you will start remembering her with a smile and not tears and you will be able to tell your little boy lots of stories about her with a smile on your face and without getting upset. I think you know she was proud of you so get those photos of your little lad on your blog and get stuck into your cardmaking 'cause I bet your Mum loved your cards. Take care and big hugs xxx

Sarah said...

Tara, I am so sorry to read your sad news. It will be 10 years this November since I lost my dear Mum (she was 57), she didn't see me marry and has never met her grand daughter. I know what you mean about not having your Mum around to turn to for advise about caring for a young baby. It is hard! I know it doesn't seem like it now, but it will get easier as time goes on. I'm glad you are getting back into your craft room and can't wait to see your cards as they were always lovely. Hugs x

Julia said...

Sorry to hear your sad news Tara. Time is a healer and I'm sure spending some crafting time will help take your mind off things for a while. I'm glad to see you back. xx

Julie Kettlewell - Stampin Up UK Independent Demonstrator - Order products 24/7 said...

Tara, I am so sorry to hear about your Mum, I hope that time will be a great healer for you and I am sure having Harry will help a great deal. Nice to see you back crafting, I will keep popping by! Jules x

Unknown said...

Tara, my heart hurts at your loss. She was a beautiful woman and you have taken after her. I can't imagine your sorrow and don't have any words of comfort for you.
It's good to see you back in card making mood as it's wonderful therapy for pain and loss and means you are seeing a tiny light at the end of your dark tunnel.
Welcome back. Viv xx