Welcome Wild West Veterinarians Conference participants

Welcome Wild West Veterinarians Conference participants!

It was so great getting to know some of you during our yoga practices together each morning.

We'd love to send you a meditation and prayer stool. Thank you for ordering in memory of my momma.

RIP Maria 5.6.1953-5.22.2011

Please click the DONATE button on the right margin to make your suggested donation of $50-80 and in the "Message" section let us know your three favorite colors!!! We will use these color suggestions to choose an appropriate fabric for your stool.

Stools are one-size-fits all. They come handmade and upholstered with love by Ron, Maria's husband, and Monica, Maria's daughter. Your stool should arrive within 30 days of placing your order. :)

E-mail help4maria@yahoo.com with any questions.

Welcome Wanderlust Participants! How to get your Meditation and Prayer Stools

Welcome Wanderlust Squaw Valley participants! We'd love to send you a meditation and prayer stool. Thank you for supporting our family to avoid medical bankruptcy.

RIP Maria 5.6.1953-5.22.2011

Please click the DONATE button on the right margin to make your suggested donation of $45-80 and in the "Message" section let us know your three favorite colors!!! We will use these color suggestions to choose an appropriate fabric for your stool.

Stools are one-size-fits all. They come handmade and upholstered with love by Ron, Maria's husband, and Monica, Maria's daughter. Your stool should arrive within 30 days of placing your order. :)

Again, thank you for your support!

RIP Maria Reed 5.6.1953 - 5.22.2011

Maria (Semanko) Reed, 58, passed on Sunday, May 22 in Reno, NV. She was born to the late Roger and Myra Semanko, May 6, 1953, in Albuquerque, NM. Maria graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1971, where she participated in many activities, including the Vikette Drill Team; and also attended NIC here she participated in Choir and several dance projects. She married Ron Reed in 1973, and shortly after moved to southwestern Wyoming, settling in Bridger Valley, Uinta County.

Maria was never one for idleness. She enjoyed the many roles she held at St. Helen’s parish; also assisting with local theater and the chamber of commerce. After raising 3 children, the couple moved to Las Vegas, NV. Maria worked in many different fields and especially enjoyed her latest career as an esthetician.

She loved to travel and visited Canada, Mexico, Spain, Eastern Europe and Israel. In the last few years of her life, Maria cherished exploring the lower 48 states with her husband of 38 years.

After fighting against the odds with a beautiful smile and positive spirit the entire time, Maria decided to live the rest of her days under the comfort care of Circle of Life Hospice. Maria passed peacefully in her sleep in the arms of her loving husband, Ronald Reed, whom she is survived by.

Also surviving – three children: Rocky of Durham, NC; Casey of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Monica of Reno, NV; one grandson: Jacob of Coeur d'Alene, ID; four siblings: Terry Semanko of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Caroline Nice of Twin Falls, ID; Claudia Normand of Chippewa Falls, WI; Marlene Knizley of Grand Junction, CO and Rosalia Peak of Coeur d'Alene, ID. A memorial service will be held in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and is to be planned for the end of summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be used toward Maria’s remaining medical bills and final expenses. To contribute:

• Send it to Reed Family 965 10th ST Sparks, NV 89431
• Donate by clicking the DONATE button in the top right corner of help4maria.blogspot.com
  
• Visit a Wachovia or Wells Fargo Bank and deposit into account number 1405883966

Make checks payable to Help4Maria.

Any funds in excess of what is needed for Maria will go toward her husband Ronald Reed's surgery expenses in excess of $12,000.

Thank you to our community and support system for everything over the last year and throughout our lives. We will be posting more updates soon.

Hello RN&R Readers

Thank you to Kat Kerlin of the Reno News & Review for interviewing Monica about our situation and publishing it in the 15 Minutes section.

Maria is back in the hospital after a trip to the ER Monday, April 4th concerned because she had been vomiting 4-5 times a day unable to eat or drink or hold anything down for 6 or 7 days in a row. After a blood tests, a CT scan, ultrasound exam and an MRI, there still is no diagnosis. Her pancreas is not functioning properly and is experiencing inflammation and pseudocysts. Her vitals are coming back to normal and hopes to figure out why this is happening and how to prevent it are high.

Ron has started his physical therapy for this second round of knee replacement and infection clearing surgeries. He is excited about the new regimen and relieved that it seems much more involved and thorough than that which he went through in 2006. Although this go around is creating a financial nightmare, he is thankful for a second chance at having a pain-free normal knee replacement that functions properly.

Support their journey by attending the Biggest Little MusicFest Stage 2 at Urban Beets (50 N. Virginia) in Reno on Friday, April 8th starting at 8 PM until 1 AM or so. Click here to RSVP and spread the word to all your friends.

Other ways to extend a helping hand:
Like Help4Maria on Facebook and encourage your friends to do so.
Reply to blog posts on Help4Maria.blogspot.com
Donate directly to the trust fund by clicking donate on Help4Maria.blogspot.com
Visit Melting Pot or The Studio to purchase prayer and meditation stools handmade by Ron, Maria and Monica
E-mail Help4Maria@yahoo.com with any suggestions, comments, to volunteer, etc.

We appreciate all the help we have received from this community. Thank you!

I FEEL LIKE A PRESSURE COOKER...

THE RECIPE

Throw in my recent 9 months of chemo, 3 units of blood and hospital stay, low low energy level, and very little time to wallow in my new remission status. Add Ron's leg infection and 2 surgeries on it this month, the countless trips to and from the hospital for various reasons, and now me trying to take care of him. Scramble in the mad rush to gather funds for these surgeries. Add a little more stress, like finding programs that help pay for his ridiculously priced medications, and a program that lends out medical equipment like crutches, walkers, etc. Let all of this simmer.

Then add our Help4Maria fund raising efforts which take a lot of time and cannot be neglected. Oh and a most important new ingredient; our move from the apartment back into the motor home which has to be done by the end of this month. Mix carefully with my minimal energy and Ron's leg in an immobilizer brace.

The extra special spices to tenderize this mix was the help we received from Casey, my son, and Linda, my sister-in-law, last week to get our motor home moved onto it's lot space and everything hooked up. They added hauling boxfulls of household items and clothes from the apartment to the RV, and also helped with our fundraiser MusicFest event on March 19. It was necessary to keep stirring the pot with as many things on our to-do list as possible while they were here.

Add some getting furniture listed on Craigslist to sell, things we don't need for the motor home, and getting them sold before the 31st.

Last, remember to add the daily trips to the hospital for Ron's anti-biotic IV for the next 6 weeks. We added a vehicle exchange with Monica, my daughter, as it is not practical for Ron to climb into the Jeep with a knee spacer that cannot support any weight for the next 3 months. Thus the need to detail the Jeep for added flavor in order to sell it as soon as possible, and stirring in finding an affordable, different, more practical car (and cheaper on gas) to the pot.

Ron's secret ingredient is a 3rd and final surgery on his knee in a few months to put him back together.

This recipe is not one I would recommend to anyone. The pressure is building up and would completely explode if we did not have the Lord to let off steam to. He will salvage this disaster, I know He will.

Side note: I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, but to write this all out was very therapeutic for me. I do appreciate all you have done for us.

God Bless You.~~~maria

CHANGING PLACES

Ron says thank you for all your prayers & thoughts.
It's crazy, but we've seem to have done a role reversal here. Ron is in the hospital, and I'm the caretaker. Guess that's what true love is really all about!

After suffering from severe pain & swelling in the left leg last week, Ron found out he has a serious infection in that leg. The one that he had 2 replacements in in 2006.

After Phase 1 surgery this morning, he's doing well and resting. They drained the fluid infection out of the knee. He'll be in the hospital for a while yet.

Phase 2 surgery will be done next Monday. They'll take out the old knee
hardware and put in an anti-biotic spacer. Phase 3 will be done a few months down the road--another total knee replacement.

We are still doing fundraisers for my medical bills, now we need to step it up and raise money for Ron's surgeries. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways...and He will get us out of this pickle too!

Well, here it is--

---A picture showing my hair starting to grow back!

I'm proud to announce also that I have eyelash stubble, and the eyebrows are coming in too. Just wish the mustache hairs didn't have to. But, always gotta take the bad with the good!

It's been over a month since I've had needles poking me in the arms. I'm really enjoying that. And the tendinitis in my right leg has faded away at last. I have a lot to be thankful for again today.

We had two Help4Maria fundraisers in February. It's a lot of work, but I like being able to participate in fund raising for my medical bills. There are more events coming up too. Monica has been working diligently on putting together the "Biggest Little Musicfest" for March 19. Along with many of her musician friends they have gathered the best of the local bands in the Reno area to participate. It's gonna be great.

I had a long-time friend from Utah visit here a couple of weeks ago. We laughed and cried and laughed some more for 3 days. It was just what we both needed. Her and I go back to our days of living in Wyoming.

I'm enjoying a ladies weekly Bible study at our church. I'm finally getting out & about more, and meeting new people. Now I can actually get to know some of them by spending time with them every week. They all have been so supportive and even bought our hand made aprons from me. They love them and I love making them.

Up until 3 or 4 weeks ago, Ron has been doing all the driving in town whenever we went anywhere; doctor, grocery store, laundromat, etc. Well, I have started driving again, and it feels like I've crawled out of a dark hole and into the land of the living!

I still have trouble making myself get plenty of rest. I never have been good at that.

Ron & I had our 38th Anniversary on February 10th. We are very thankful that we are both alive to see that. Ten months ago, I just wasn't sure.

I've gained more weight back, and my body is a little weird to me. Can't explain it, but there's still discomfort in my abdomen. My muscles are so shot that anything I do puts a strain on them I guess. The way time flies, I'm sure it will get better before I know it.

A little birdie told me there was going to be a 40th Class Reunion this year. Maybe I can make it, and just maybe I'll have hair on my head then too! Does God work stuff out in an awesome way or what?

Pray for Ron, he's working freight at night at The Home Depot. It's really rough on his knees but we're so thankful he is working. Only part-time for now. Good thing, so he can get used to it.

It will be St. Patrick's Day soon, March 17th. I always ponder on the fact that my kids are part Irish, but that I am not.

Thanks again for your attention. God Bless You many many ways~~~maria

WIN $100 CASH!

WIN $100 CASH! WIN $100 CASH! WIN $100 CASH!
and other raffle prizes!

**PASTA FEED**SAT**FEB 26**2 to 8 PM**
**Delicious Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread & Soft Drink-- only $7.95**
**SNEAKERS BAR & GRILL (corner of Disc Dr and Vista Dr)**

Please tell anyone you think might be hungry on Saturday the 26th.
This is a Help4Maria cancer FUNDRAISER.

When Can I Jump Up and Down?

I have tendinitis in my right leg. Don't know why or where it came from, but it takes forever to get better. So, I'm excited about being done with chemo, but can't jump up and down yet or it will injure the leg more. I want to do a lot of walking for exercise, but can't yet till leg heals. Dr. said to give it at least a month.

I am feeling pretty good now though. That hospital thing was quite a surprise, my immune system was down to nothing and I couldn't fight off anything. The good thing is that I did not experience that during the whole 9 months of chemo treatments. And I could have. My blood counts were down all the time but it did not get to that point. That chemo stuff is pretty rough on your body. It kills off the good cells while getting rid of the bad, so you have to be careful.

I had my last chemo in January and now I am being monitored. So the routine now is labs and a checkup every 3 months for two years. They do the blood tests to see how you are doing, and it will show if the cancer comes back. My Dr. said that there's a 50% chance of it coming back in one year--partly because I am Stage IV. The fourth stage being the worst and most advanced.

But you and I know that the Lord will be the One to determine what happens! So I do not dwell on it at all.

We wanted to go somewhere else for the summer, but have reconsidered since I have to report back to my oncologist here every 3 mos. So we may actually stay in Reno for one or more years yet. We do plan to move back into the motor home this spring. We are looking at different RV parks, etc to decide where would be an affordable place to park.

I guess my hair will start growing back again pretty soon. I have funny looking little sprouts all over my head now. Looks like there's going to be a lot of gray when it does grow back. Well, surprise, surprise. You know, the process of losing it was pretty interesting, now watching it grow back in is kind of an emotional gig too. What I'm pretty anxious for is to have eyelashes and eyebrows again, assuming they do grow back. There's no indication of that yet.

Ron & I are so thankful to have you all out there rooting for us everyday. I feel the love and the prayers that you send out. God is great, God is good, let us thank Him as we should. Amen

"A Speed Bump"

Maria was admitted to the hospital oncology unit on Sunday. After reporting a high fever and body chills at 2:30 AM the night before, her doctors required her to visit the infusion room for blood and urine tests. With a fever as high as 104, shortness of breath, blood pressure dropping from seated to standing, a 10+ pain level in her leg, dehydration, anemia, and dangerously low white and red blood cell counts, suspecting an infection, but unable to pinpoint exactly what type, they admitted her immediately.

Today was her first full day at the hospital and she and Ron, her husband, say, "This is a speed bump along this road that came to tell us to slow down and that [Maria's] broken down body has a long way to come to recover."

The doctor's confirmed there is an infection stating they are waiting for culture tests to confirm the type and taking more blood for testing to boot.

Maria received three units of blood through Sunday night and this morning along with other fluids and general antibiotics. She says she feels better and stronger, but the pain in her leg persists at the same level as before.

The pain in her leg started baring it's ugly head mid-week last week. It came on strong and hasn't let up. Suspecting a blood clot, Ron and her daughter, Monica, took her to get an ultrasound and were very relieved to find out that was not the issue. However, this left the culprit up in the air and the fact that it is still unknown is unnerving for everyone.

Please pray for Maria and have her in all of your positive thoughts. She needs a quick recovery and has been given doses of medicine that is supposed to catalyze splitting/duplication of white blood cells, the good guys that fight infection. In the words of the infusion room nurse, "Maria has nothing left to fight any bug of any sort. The chemo treatments have left her body helpless and we need to get on this right away."

Today, Maria's doctor sincerely thanked her for waking her up at 2:30 AM on a Sunday night verifying that if she would have waited longer, this 'speed bump' would have been quite larger.

Thank you for your support in these trying times. Hospital bills and ultrasounds mean for more bills and up front costs. Please pass this plea on to anyone you know would be interested in donating to this cause. The donation button is on the upper right corner of this page under Maria and Ron's photo.

Please write help4maria@yahoo.com with any questions and follow her progress on Help4Maria on facebook as well.

MARIA'S HEALING STORY

COMPLETE

In a deep state of meditation, and out of quiet darkness the images started to form. Nine months have passed. Cancer debulking surgery, lungs drained several times, a second surgical procedure, weekly blood draws and monthly five-hour chemo therapy treatments. Life around me had moved on quickly, whether I was ready or not. The best I could do was grab a tight hold and ride the ride.

But now in that peaceful meditative state, as the images began to take form and slowly rise, I realized my mind and my body finally made a much needed connection. I saw my right ovary, my left ovary, my uterus, a portion of my colon, part of my bladder. There went my appendix too. As I watched these vivid images leave my body, and as I allowed myself to stay in that moment, I realized I was finally saying good bye to these things that were taken from me. Tears flowed freely from my closed eyes, and the Lord then filled the void with renewed strength. A delayed process of grieving now complete.

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

2011 has arrived...

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Ron, Maria, and family.

Attention Reno - Thai Yoga Workshop and Cancer Benefit 12/26/10

Our next fundraiser is Sunday, December 26!!!

Holiday Thai Yoga Workshop & Cancer Benefit

For Friends, Family, and Lovers

With Frances Arnold & Deborah Carpenter

Nurture and respect yourself with the therapeutic and joyful experience in Thai yoga massage. This interactive class begins with a mini yoga practice, followed with a beginner’s Thai yoga exchange between you and your partner. Thai yoga is often described as having yoga done to you! Frances has practiced Thai Yoga Therapy since 2003 and is a therapeutic yoga instructor of over ten years. Deborah is a licensed massage therapist and has practiced Thai Massage for over five years. All proceeds from this workshop are all for the benefit of Maria’s cancer recovery. Happy Holidays and Namaste Amigos!

Contact Frances: 206-478-9055 or email at francieyogini@gmail.com.

When: December 26, 1:30-4:30 pm

Where: The Studio, 1085 S. Virginia St (775) 284-5545 thestudioreno@gmail.com

Suggested Donation: $30-$60

What to bring: Please wear comfy clothing and layers. Please bring a yoga mat, one or two blankets for padding, and water. You will need a partner to participate. It is best to match yourself with someone close to your own size, but it is not essential. If you would like help us to help match you with someone, please advise us before Dec 24.

Maria Reed, age 57, was diagnosed with the most advanced stage of Ovarian Cancer (Stage 4) on May 5^th 2010. The cancer had metastasized and covered the entire pelvic, abdominal and chest areas. Maria is not insurable* due to previous medical conditions, including breast cancer, which she survived! Her three children, her loving husband, five siblings and one very special grandson are reaching out for your help with the medical bills.

Since May, Maria has incurred tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, from surgery, chemo therapy treatments and oncologist fees. This has caused overwhelming financial hardship. Your workshop fee will go toward covering these costs. *The new health care legislation for preexisting conditions does not go into effect for adults until 2014.

Extra donations will be gratefully accepted!

Every donation will help Maria access the treatments

she needs to win this battle. Track Maria's progress

on help4maria.blogspot.com and Help4Maria

Facebook page.

Apron Release Scheduled for 12/12!!

Hello everyone! Please visit the Help4Maria facebook page to claim your apron on or after Sunday, 12/12. A sample apron is shown in the close-up photo here.

Here's how it works:
1. Donate
2. "Like" the Help4Maria facebook page
3. Claim your apron by commenting on the photo in the album
Detailed instructions for the three step process are within the text below.


Now that mom's feeling better, she's ready to raise funds with a sewing project.
We are sewing one-of-a-kind aprons using materials that were passed on from Maria's mother (check out the Bias Tape photo on facebook - only 8 cents!) and many were sewn using a machine and thread that belonged to Maria's mother-in-law.
We are raising funds for all the costs associated with Maria's cancer treatments, prescriptions and nutrition regimen.
A commemorative informational card on ovarian cancer awareness will be included with each apron.
Suggested donation for each apron is $18 to $30. They make great gifts!

HOW TO GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE OR MORE OF THESE BABIES:

1. Donate! Visit help4maria.blogspot.com and click the “Donate” button on the right. You will be able to make a secure payment straight to the donation account! You can make your donation at any time before you claim your apron. We are so thankful for the donations we have already received before the release of the aprons. Thank you!
**The suggested donation for this fundraiser is $18 to $30 per apron.
**In the "Message" section of Paypal, you can let us know how many aprons your donation is covering.

2. Please, if you haven’t already, go to the Help4Maria Facebook Page, and hit the “Like” button. This way you’ll be able to claim your apron(s) by commenting on its photo!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001072334413&v=wall&ref=profile#!/pages/Help4Maria/116140365091102

3. Visit the "APRONS: Raising Funds" photo album on the Help4Maria Facebook Page and comment on the apron you would like with something like, "I'd like this one. Send." OR "This one's mine! I'll pick it up." There is only one of each type of apron - the first to comment will receive the one-of-a-kind apron. It is very important that you comment on the exact photo in the album as it is the only way we can track inventory and for others to know the apron has been claimed. Comments on the wall will not hold an apron for you.
Depending on your response we'll send it to the billing address you provide in paypal or we'll send you the address in Reno where you can pick them up.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help4Maria/116140365091102?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=34308&id=116140365091102

~~~~~PLEASE SHARE THIS ALBUM WITH THOSE YOU KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN DONATING TO RECEIVE ONE.~~~~~~

ENJOY! Thank you for supporting our weeks of effort to make this happen and for supporting Maria in her courageous battle. She's sure a trooper! :)

Posted by Monica, Maria's daughter.

Exhausted Reflections

I am exhausted & taking a break this evening from another long day of working on our latest fundraiser, making & sending out aprons to those who offer a donation. It is so much fun to create these little fabric works of art. Each apron is one-of-a kind and so amazing to watch come together from start to finish. We've been cutting and sewing like crazy little elves for the past few weeks. We are working with materials that Monica inherited from my mom and Ron's mom and we just receive a very generous donation including an overwhelming amount of fabric from a couple that attends our church. We posted our first catalog on the Help4Maria facebook page SOLD OUT in about 2 days! So now we are working on a 2nd catalog to post Lord willing on December 10. Be on the look out for that.
Besides exhausted in a good way, I am feeling pretty good lately. I'm in my "good days" right now--don't have another chemo treatment till the 15th. I do have some tingling in my feet every night now, it's called neuropothy, a stealthy side effect of chemo. Stealthy because it took a few months to sneak up on me, but it has finally arrived. If it gets worse it is very serious. It can become so painful you cannot walk. So for now doctor says we will "monitor" it.
The holiday season is definitely in full swing with every store known to man advertising SALE, SALE, SALE! We didn't do any black Friday shopping, or much of any other shopping as we do not have funds but more importantly, Ron is very strict about not letting me be around big crowds of people. I'm just too susceptible to germs at this point in my treatment and we've worked too hard to get me this far to go out and blow it. I have to say, I like the Christmas shopping crowds and excitement, and so I miss being part of it this year. But more importantly, I am very happy about my progress concerning my health.
My dad's funeral was almost a week ago. I was not able to attend, but my sister Rosalia called me before the service started and left her cell phone on throughout the service, the trip to the cemetery, the cemetery service, and back to the church for the meal. It was an amazing experience for me, I felt almost like I was there, sitting along with my sisters and brother and other family members. Now I don't have to wonder what the service was like, how the weather was, or even which route the procession took to get to the cemetery. It was about a 2 1/2 hour cell phone call, but oh so worth it. Thank you Rosalia, it was a thoughtful thing for you to do.
Well, put your feet up, have some egg nog and be sure to spread happiness and cheer to all those you love. God Bless you all~~~maria

Counting My Thanksgiving Blessings

I saw my doctor today and he confirmed that my CAT scans look really good. I could tell he is happy for me but of course had to keep his "professional" composure. He was obligated to remind me that there could be spots in there that cannot be seen on CAT scans, and that I have a very serious disease. We will proceed with 3 more chemo treatment cycles which will take me up to mid January and then go from there. I can't plan anything definite yet past that point. And of course, my plan could be a lot different than the Lord's plan for me anyway. What I do know is that I've come a long way baby in the last 7 months!

I have my next chemo treatment tomorrow, Thanksgiving day. Last night we had an awesome stuffed pumpkin and apple pie holiday meal with Monica and her boyfriend Tony. All 4 of us helped with the preparations and the cooking and it was fantastic.

As many of you may know, my dad passed away peacefully last Saturday. He was 92 years old and is in northern Idaho. Because of my condition and being very susceptible to germs and infection, I had to make the decision not to go up there for the funeral. Also the stormy and sub- zero weather there is not something I should be exposed to right now. It was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

The apron fundraiser is going well and they are selling out fast. We will have more to choose from in phase 2. Our Monica is becoming a bias tape queen on her sewing machine. If you haven't checked this out, please go to the help4maria facebook and see the photos.

Ron & I want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow. I bet you can't guess what we are thankful for!

Thanks to you all & God bless your Thanksgiving~~~maria

Praise The Lord!

Today was a turning point for me—the CAT scan is clear!!!! Nothing shows up, no fluids, no spots, no nothing. I won’t see my doctor until next week, when we will discuss further chemo treatments just to make sure to get any hidden spots that do not show up in a CAT scan. Anything less than 1 centimeter will not show up, and chances are good that I may have some of those sneaky bugars hiding out in there.

I am so happy, I feel like all these past months of work were worth it and I thank all of you for praying up this miracle for me. I have another prayer request: I have developed some nerve damage in my feet which is normal from chemo treatments. It’s when your feet get numb and tingly and can get a lot worse. I will be having more chemo treatments and so I need your prayers on this one too. There are 3 grades of this condition and I am only grade 1 at this point. It can get so bad that your feet go completely numb and you cannot walk. It can develop into permanent damage.

We are still doing fund raisers to help pay for the medical expenses I have accrued and will continue to do so for a few months yet. Among these will be payments up front for doctor visits, chemo treatments, CAT scans, weekly lab work and a surgical operation to remove the port from my abdomen at some point. Right now Monica and I are making cute aprons to sell over the holidays. We have quite the little sewing circle going on in our house right now. Ron is helping cut out fabric, Monica and I are doing the sewing, and we are recruiting a friend of Monica's who likes to sew. We have some photos of our work on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/people/Maria-Reed/100001072334413#!/pages/Help4Maria/116140365091102

But today, I celebrated. Ron, Monica and I went out to breakfast and then Monica and I went for a little hike. I posted photos of these happy times on this blog. The hike was very important for me because it was one I’ve been waiting to be well enough and strong enough to be able to do. It’s not a big hike by any means, but it’s a little steep and would have killed me to even try a couple of months ago. I’m doing my Rocky Balboa victory dance after reaching the top of the hike in the photo. (I did a little happy crying today too.)

So, thank you Jesus and thank all of you. Your support means everything to me. Love~~~maria

STILL WAITING...

For CT scan results. Keep praying...