Ooopps, I Think I Can Fix That Problem

Oh Dear!!!!       Gremlins seem to be running a-muck again.  Some of you are having problems downloading the free stitchery I did especially for you and all the Snickerdoodle Community.

Apparently some computers don't read the "program" properly and have had some problems, I'm really sorry about that, it seems to take a few days before the same problems arise and then you know you have a problem.  Okay, I can fix this easy ......... you can click on the little frame on the right side column that has a little teacup stitchery inside (but its not little when you get it, believe me I think you'll love it), that will take you to an amazing site, the Snickerdoodle Community - if you leave a few basic details you can receive monthly free stitcheries by some of the worlds best designers (ooooppps that sounds a bit "up myself", didn't mean it, but you get the idea, they are a pretty good mix!!!!!!), plus Darlene runs special deals and offers, and you can chat on-line with other women who have similar interests - BUT, if you are having problems and unable to do that, just email me and I'll send you the direct link to download the stitchery pattern - when I designed it the finished size easily fit on an A4 page (that's 210mmx298mm).

So I hope that will solve some problems.  I know that heaps of ladies already have downloaded the pattern ....... there are spies everywhere!!!!!, can I just say that it does lift a gal's spirits when you leave a note behind, makes me keen to design the next one for you!  If you've already downloaded it, feel free to still drop me a note to tell me what you thought, email or comment, your choice!

So I've been really busy this week, catching up on all the work that didn't get done last week.  I basically shut down due to a barrage of medical tests and stress - did you know that stress can make you ill (which just complicates the medico's finding out what's wrong with you).

I had 2 problems, one is still being looked into after an hour and a half of xrays proved nothing - so back to the ultrasound next week to deal with that one.  My Mum told me that I shouldn't go into it all on the blog, she's a very private person, I on the other hand am usually happy to share, and in this particular case (the 2nd thing I had problems with, and the main cause of my stress), I am more than happy to share, you never know who's reading this and it might just help.

So working in reverse order, the results showed that I do not have Breast Cancer!

I had been carrying that worry for 2 weeks, I had similar symptoms to a friend of mine, who at the same age had a pain at the side of her breast, noticed something not quite right, and 2 days after visiting the doctor she had a mastectomy and 9 lymph nodes taken out - so I was sooooooooo stressed.  But I did go and see the doctor, and I am so grateful that she could understand my anxiety and insisted on a mammogram AND an ultrasound.

After my friend was diagnosed 3 years ago I went off and had my first mammogram through BreastScreen, once you hit 40 they are free, you just have to make a mental note every 2 years to go back and have another (once you hit 50 they automatically remind you).  BUT, this is only a mammogram, if you want the ultrasound you need to go somewhere else with a doctor's referral.  My Doctor kindly found someone who would keep the out of pocket fee quite low, so in the end I only paid $16.  Best $16 I ever spent.

I walked around in a daze after reporting back to the doctor for the results, when you take on that amount of stress, it doesn't leave you immediately.  I chose to keep my problem to myself at the time, except for Farmer Rowe - he thinks my overactive imagination will drive me insane before I die of anything else!

So if you are over 40, go have a mammogram - my only advice is DON'T WATCH!!!!!  I couldn't cope with the image in my head, so I just shut my eyes very tight in case I accidentally saw a reflection.  It does only hurt for seconds, and the women who do it are all so caring, and they understand when you stand there holding your breasts and ask for a minute to re-group before going again ..... sometimes I find when I am the most stressed I tend to say the most ridiculous things that just lighten the moment - if you didn't laugh, you'd cry I guess.

So if I have been a bit vague and vacant of late, I hope you can now understand that my head has just been in a different place.  I had also had a large amount of blood tests, and they too lifted a very big weight off my shoulders.  I've decided that 44 ..... oh dear I've let the cat out of the bag! Is going to be my best year.

I want to laugh, everyday -

I want to chat with a girlfriend who makes my heart lift, everyday -

I want to hug and kiss my daughter and tell her I love her, everyday -

I want to help someone, even if it's just a compliment, everyday -

I want to be creative & joyful in all that I do with my stitching, everyday -

 I want to be healthy yet eat chocolate if I want to, everyday.

That's the start of my list, I know it will grow but I think I just want more joy in my life, and any way I can get it is fine by me.

Here's a photo of me on our recent holiday at Farmer Rowe's brother's farm (the other Farmer Rowe, if I said Junior he'd kill me).  This was a candid shot my niece Kate took with my new camera, it's with her prized showjumping horse and we had just spent a lovely afternoon watching her and Jessica riding together - I think I need to add to my list that I need to take time out to enjoy the little things that happen everyday and not be so rushed, and if that means snuggling with a horse and building a trust with it, then that's a start.  When I was at Horse School I remember learning that horses really do pick up on your emotions, and it's only when you totally relax with them that they will start to trust you.

So trust me, I feel more content and happy to continue sharing with you ... I hope you have a joyous day, Love Janet xxx

(PS - I've also taken the weight off my shoulders, literally - I had my hair chopped back to above my shoulders, so this will be the last picture of me EVER with long hair I think - I had the chop to mark the change in my new outlook, sometimes you need a visual reminder when you make new life goals)

Comments

[Margi]

So happy to hear th results of the tests.. Keep us informed...we all care so much about you.
Great picture..when do we see the new hair do.....Margi

[Riches Stitches]

Thank you Janet for the free stitchery pattern. I can't wait to get started on it. I have a special friend that I am going to give it to.
Thanks again for your generosity.
Jane 80)

[Illene Tiziani]

Hi Janet
So glad your results were good
My daughter was not so lucky Diagnosed 3 years ago on Valentines day She was only 37 Never had it in the family ever Just shows You never know whats around the corner and yes it helps to talk
Her life is a constant battle with something new effecting her every day
Love Illene

[Elizabeth McMahon]

Hi Janet, so glad your health seems to be on the improve, that's not the kind of worry you want! I have tried a few times to download the pattern but the gods seem to be against me, it just won't work. Stay well, Lizzie

[Cathy B]

Hi Janet, thank you for your free pattern and i finally found the pattern to download on snickerdoodle. Just joined took the snail trail to find but i did!! cathyb

[Jeanette]

Hi Janet, tried to download your pattern but had no luck. Hugs, Jeanette