LOVE POTION #9

Guess what? Today was my last chemo, treatment #9!!

Not exactly a love potion, but for 5 hours at the treatment center, I had time to think about all the love from family, friends, friends of family, friends of friends, and strangers who have donated to my cause and made these chemo treatments possible through prayers and donations. so you see, in a way it really was a Love Potion #9.

I'M SENDING OUT A GREAT BIG THANK YOU HUG TO ALL OF YOU.

It's now a brand new year and it's bound to be better than the last one. I still have 3 more weekly blood tests, and a last appointment with Dr. Lim on Jan 25. Then continuous check-ups every 3 months for at least 2 years. There always is a however, however, and that is I am getting a mammogram soon because I've been experiencing some sharp pains in my left breast. This has been going on for just 2 weeks now. So we need to investigate--neither I or my doctor can feel any lumps or strange things there. So it's a mystery at this point. This is the same breast that had some cancerous masses removed in 2008, a biopsy in 2009, and another one in 2010 (last July.) PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!

We had a great Donation-for-Aprons campaign! We sewed our fingers off (I broke at least 4 sewing machine needles) and it was very successful. We are making plans to do a Valentine line to be online soon! Hope you all will take a look and let all your friends know. We want to do some childrens aprons in this next batch. So please stay tuned, and thank you to everyone who donated so far, I hope you are cooking up some delicious goodies in your new aprons.

My sister Marleen has been making aprons and receiving donations for them in Grand Junction, CO. She's doing a bang-up business there, we call it our Colorado franchise. Thank you Marleen, you are a wonderful big sister!

We have some other fund-raising projects in the works so we are keeping busy. It's very good for me and keeps my hands busy and my brain ticking.

Well my poor veins are suffering from all the needle poking. I'm sure anyone who has gone through this knows what I'm talking about. The veins literally run away and hide when they feel the needle coming. It's true, and I have 3 more blood draws yet that I know of. Today at chemo, the nurse had to try 3 different veins before she could coax one to cooperate. I feel sorry for them. The veins that is. Does anyone remember "NO, Mr. Bill!" from Saturday night live?......

We had such a treat with all our kids and grandson here in Reno over Christmas and New Years! Lots of fun and a minimal amount of drama. There is no such thing as a perfect family. But we did really well considering 6 of us together for 12 days in the little studio apartment. I think we all agree, it was a wonderful time and we'd do it again if we had the chance.

One of Monica's friends, Dana, taught us a new card game called "Nuts." It's really fast paced and lots of fun. I sort of held my own by winning one round out of about 20! Monica ended up winning the game. But I redeemed myself when 4 of us played a round of Chinese Checkers and guess who won---yep, yours truly, and who knows how many years it's been since I've played it.

Another high-light for me was getting to spend time with Jake our grandson, and reading some Bible stories to him too. He loves them.

Okay, I won't bore you more with family stories, kinda like the home movies and slide shows thing. Sorry if I got carried away. I'm just so overwhelmed that we were all together and I was here to experience it!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND YOUR NEW YEAR~~~maria