Something "NEW" in my life!!!

Some of you may know my news already but I imagine a lot of you don't.  I've had a rather busy and alarming summer!  Early July brought me a diagnosis of "Multiple Myeloma".  This is a type of cancer that produces high proteins in the bone marrow, which swells the marrow until it has no where to go, which, eventually starts breaking the bones.  I saw my P.A. in June with rib pain, (my Dr. "poo-pooed" me)!!!  Thank heaven for this conscientious P.A.  She referred me to an oncologist and thus the diagnosis.   My ribs were cracked!!!   I have been doing chemo here twice a week since early July and this will continue through most of October.  After that I will spend 10 days to two weeks at KU MED for bone marrow transplants.  A donor is not needed as they extract my own, do their magic to it, then replace it!!!  Crazy huh???!!!

Great strides have been made in the development of drugs for the treatment of this disease therefore, my prognosis is VERY GOOD!!!  I have been responding very well to treatment so far. 

As you can imagine, many things go through a person's mind when faced with something like this.  I have a very POSITIVE attitude and truly believe I will come through this okay!!!  But, it does make a person weigh their priorities.  I do feel that I should spend more time with my family.  Travel with my husband with his job on occasion, and see the granddaughters more.  

Bill and I have been talking about this quite a bit lately as you can imagine and we've decided that we would like to sell the shop.  I really would hate to see Topeka without a needlework shop!!!  If anyone is at all interested, please let me know as soon as possible.  Otherwise we may be closing at the end of the year.

I've had a very fun 14 years with the shop.  I've loved just about every minute of it!!!  I've met some really wonderful people and made some really fun friends.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to pursue my dream of being a needlework shop owner!!!  It truly has been a labor of love. 

I am only in the shop Tuesday, Wednesday and most Saturday's.  Kathy and Judy are manning the other days.  Susan and Laurie have helped out when needed on Saturdays.  I can't thank them enough for all their help!  Hours may be shortened on occasion depending on how I'm feeling. When treatments begin at KU, I will not be in at all so there may be an occasional day here and there we will have to be closed.  You may want to call first to make sure we are here.

In closing, I want to THANK those of you who have sent cards, well wishes and prayers.   It means a lot to me!  I'll take all the prayers I can get!!!  Not a one will be turned away!!!

Thanks so much!  ............... Anita