Remembering Barbi

It has been 5 years today since God called you home.  It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone from us for so long.  Always missed, never forgotten.  Rest easy, dear friend.

Sincere apologies to anyone who chose to follow me via Bloglovin.  I just discovered there is no way to remove an unwanted follower on Bloglovin, so I opted to remove it as an option on my blog.  I hope this does not inconvenience anyone unduly.  I actually prefer receiving new blog posts as an email so hopefully some of you will choose that option.

I also apologize for the lack of postings.  However, the period since the last post has been filled with various joint replacement procedures and their concomitant PT sessions but most recently, I underwent over a month's worth of testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, because it was felt I might have multiple myeloma or lymphoma.  I saw the oncologist yesterday and while I do not have either, I am not completely off the hook.  I have something called MGUS - pronounced as em-gus - which means there are some abnormal proteins coming from my bone marrow which could turn into myeloma.  The "turn rate" is not high - anually, just 1% of those with MGUS go on to develop myeloma so I will be seeing the oncologist quarterly, with repeat studies, including bone marrow biopsy, annually.  The bone marrow biopsy also showed that while our iron stores should be 6/6, mine are 1/6 which might account for the profound fatigue. 

Despite 22 years of pretty severe fibromyalgia, the recent onslaught of pain has been almost unbearable and my usual meds seem unable to handle it.  As I write this, I am looking at 7 Anna Griffin card kits I have yet to assemble and many beautiful Stampin' Up stamp sets, papers and other items as yet unused.   The pain has been all-encompassing and I am producing nothing. I did join Stampin' Up as a hobbyist but should any of you need a demonstrator, I would be happy to help with anything you need.  It may be a while before I start posting cards, however, until I can get the iron levels back up somewhat.

For those who might remember Creative Inklings in Lahaska, Pa, I have recently heard they will be reopening in Hatboro, Pa.  I do not have a date, however.  For anyone near this area, this is wonderful news. 

I thank those of you who have stayed with me, despite my lack of posts, which I hope will change soon.