In mid 2025, following a mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and sent for more tests, including a biopsy. Within a month, I had a lumpectomy, which involved removing the tumours under day surgery, followed by radiotherapy, which I finished just before Christmas 2025. I will be carefully monitored for the next five years and I'm currently on hormone therapy. This means so much has been delayed, but I'm hoping to be back on track soon.
At the end of 2023 I collapsed with a clot on the right side of my brain, which caused a stroke, and my time has been taken up learning to speak, remember words, read and write, as well as trying to walking and doing fairly simple tasks. In 2024 a cellulitis infection interrupted that for a short time, but now I'm organising my site again, sorting and refining my work. It might take time, but I have patience.
2020 was a difficult year for everyone and the years afterwards have been unusual. I've spent time learning about computers and doing simple repairs, adding memory, updating systems and hard drives, as well as learning other new skills.
2019 began with some great news. On New Year's Eve, I had a poem and short story published by a wonderful magazine. I was included in an important anthology and made quite a few contacts as a result. I was editing and writing and making plans and optimistic about the way my life was going.
2018 was a happy time. I started submitting work to magazines and was surprised and delighted at their acceptance. I got to work with two great editors who were both helpful and encouraging. Throughout the year I was supported by some wonderful friends. There have been some difficulties along the way, but things have worked out.
Finally, I'd like to thank you for visiting my site. Please call in again soon.