13/04/2023
To all of you, my great supporters
The day has arrived that I can finally get back in touch. I apologise for just disappearing but I was just too sick to function. This time I hope to stay on my feet long enough so that I can try and sell my awesome fabrics, patterns and products as well as chat happily with you all regularly once again.
Many have asked what happened, am I OK, and I thank you all for so much love.
Below is a very short recap of my last year and once you have read it, you will understand why I just disappeared for a while.
Maybe you need to make a cuppa!
The last time we chatted I was in Marmion and had just moved from Dongara . Little Sienna was born and being a first time Granny this was amazing. However my infection in right lymphodema arm was crazy and I went to hospital 8 times over the months for IV antibiotics and treatment. Each time for 1-2 weeks.It’s pretty scary when the infection travels so fast through your body.
Anyhow I’ve been on mega antibiotics for this since Nov 2021 and still going. It’s ok because I’m still here and fighting.
September last year doctors finally consented for me to fly to South Africa as my precious Dad was in a care home and not doing well.
My time spent with Dad was very special and hubby and my daughter with her hubby and Sienna joined me. As you can imagine it was a very emotional and special time with Dad.
I then ended up having surgery in South Africa so that the arms could be drained of lymph, fluids etc and hopefully the problem causing infection was drained too. We still don’t know as I’m still on mega antibiotics. Later this year we take the next step to go off all meds.
An amazing docter there changed my life and I am ever grateful for their help to see me through this.
Two months in Cape Town and docters allow me to fly back to Perth. Oh no, I picked up Covid in Singapore or the flight .
My kids and baby all had it too but on we went with Panadols and good old chicken soup!!
In the meantime Dad was struggling to find his will to live and finally went to join his brother in heaven in early December. Thanks to all who looked after him so well and bless my amazing Mother who stood by him every day. They were married for 57 years and remain a great example to me of a long and strong marriage. We could not travel back so we had a small service here in Perth with friends and family who knew and loved him.
A week later we moved house once again, my 2nd move in 10 months . It was really trying and a huge struggle as I was still using my walker to get around and couldn’t pick up much. With Frank away most of the time up North at work I just had to pack and pack some more.
We spent Christmas surrounded by boxes but so much happier in our beautiful home in Ocean Reef. I am still surrounded by boxes as on 20 January 2023 I went in for my 30th surgery.
Yes it’s not a typo, this time it was for a left knee total replacement . I was in the best drs hands and my infection team have kept me going since then.
I am pleased to say that for the first time in 4 years I now walk without a walker, crutches or knee scooter. Hooray I am free to walk as I wish. I go to hydrotherapy 3 x a week and Physio and I am so happy to be so mobile and well. Pain is still around but every day gets better. I finally can sleep so much better and I feel that maybe this will be the last of my awful health struggles.
My aim was to be able to write this message at Easter as it’s a time to celebrate new life and that is what I aim to do.
On that note my next aim is to dance at my Sons wedding on 6 May so let me send you all love and get this body going to Physio.
I will chat again tomorrow as I have so many orders in boxes and mega boxes to unpack.
Big hugs
Tessa
