I too have been thinking of you and just trying to get into that writing mode.  I was touched when I saw your email.  How are you Mary Pat?  And what are your plans during this beautiful time of the year?

We are attending George's Christmas work party this Saturday in Napa, should be lovely.  I have had mixed feelings about attending, a little heavier, loss of hair,  brows and eyelashes are scarce.  Not sure if it's my appearance what is bothering me or is it that now I  look like a cancer patient.  May I add there is no shame for me, but I feel sometimes some people look at you differently...anyway we will attend and I guess even looking forward to a couple of dances with my hubby.    I purchased a pair of black slacks, evening black pointed shoes (yikes, I usually wear flats) a little bling faux jewelry and I had a purple shade top made and a scarf will be my head cover.  More than likely I will not purchase a wig...I didn't last time and I almost enjoy scarves, I can get a little creative.

Sunday morning we will drive to San Diego and we will be with the whole family for Christmas.  I'm very excited.  Monday we will go to Julian, CA about 10 of us close family members and end up and my niece's and her partner's home for chili.  After dinner the kids (of all ages) will decorate Christmas cookies.  I am very excited, should be fun.  Then for Christmas Eve we will be doing "it" Mexican style. Tamales, enchiladas, etc.  I think I will volunteer for 1 appetizer, rice, and dessert.  Rice is the scary one.  My eldest sister is an excellent cook and also plates the food quite lovely, so she will be the one to impress. I just think it's fun to try something different.  I will be making Flan and the traditional Mexican Wedding Cake cookies also know as, Tea Cakes, and many other names.  George and I will stay for 1 week.

We have had lots of company.  It has been nice but I have been getting overly tired.  Recently I have hired someone to help me keep the house up.  I have never done this before but I think it was a wise decision.  Lucy, is her name, and she is doing an excellent job.  

I am on Cycle #4.  Which there are 3 treatments in a cycle.  So 4 treatments down 8 more to go or 2 1/2 cycles more to go.  My side effects from the Avastin have been the most difficult, yet bearable.  Sort of bloody mucous nose bleeds.  The Taxol can be very tiring.  I have had some complications with steroids and I was given way too much benedryl, all things that we are working on  with easy solutions.  Mary Pat, I have missed out on nothing.  I just plan bed rest when I can and pick myself up when I need to.  I will have a pet scan 1//5/09 to see if the treatment is working...I am so hopeful.  But, if not we will go to Plan B and supposedly according to my oncologist there are plenty of Plan Bs.  After I complete my cycles if all is well, I will supposedly be on some sort of Avastin follow up...not sure how that will work...but will cross that bridge when I get there.  Mary Pat, I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed, yet there are many other times that I smile and thank God for one more precious day...LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Mary Pat when you have a minute let me know how you are.  I have not forgotten our list of names to pray for and I have continued to pray.  Thank you for being a blessing in my life.