It has been a wonderful couple of days since our last posting. Wanda has been out and about town - Christmas shopping..Christmas parties and enjoying time with family and friends.
We spent a wonderful Christmas day watching Wanda's grandchildren open gifts..and playing with them. The day after Christmas - the woman (Wanda, Missi and Emily Grace headed out for some shopping) while the guys (Rich, Jeff, Preston and Ashton) headed out to Dave and Busters (www.daveandbusters.com) for some food and games! It has been a great week.
Wanda heads back to City of Hope in Duarte (http://www.cityofhope.org/research/comprehensive-cancer-center/Pages/default.aspx) tomorrow for blood tests and more physical therapy. And, the next Chemo infusion is scheduled for January 8.
To all the Warriors: thank you for an amazing year of thoughtfulness, kindness and just good ole' grit and determination. This next year will face it's own challenges. But, as we reflect on the close of 2008 - we certainly have many, many things to be thankful for!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Update: Monday 12.22.08
war·rior
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English werreour, from Anglo-French *werreier, guerreier, from warreier, guerreier to wage war, from werre war
Date: 14th century
a person engaged or experienced in warfare ; broadly : a person engaged in some struggle or conflict
#####
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English werreour, from Anglo-French *werreier, guerreier, from warreier, guerreier to wage war, from werre war
Date: 14th century
a person engaged or experienced in warfare ; broadly : a person engaged in some struggle or conflict
#####
The battle is on! Chemo has begun..and the uphill march to a cure has taken it's first steps. Since the infusion on Thursday, there have been good days - and not so good days- but Wanda's spirits are up. On Saturday, Wanda and Missi got out to do a bit of shopping and Sunday we all celebrated Ashton's 4th birthday.
So, to be brutally honest here ... chemo kicks your butt and that is evident. Our Warrior is tired and beat up ... and yet the battle continues.
I am reminded of the story of Moses from Exodus. The enemies of the Hebrews, Amalek, challenged them to a decisive battle. Joshua led the troops of Israel. Moses watched from a distant hill with the staff of God, the source of power in his hand. Moses’ brother Aaron and his companion Hur stayed with Moses. As long as Moses arms were raised holding the staff, the power of God, the Israelites were winning, but when Moses’ arms came down, the Amalekites were winning. His companions held his arms up. The position of his raised up arms is that of ancient prayer. As long as Moses remained united to God in prayer, God’s power prevailed. He couldn’t do it alone, he needed the support of others, Aaron holding one arm, Hur the other. Even with their help, it took all Moses had to remain in prayer. He did it. He persevered.
We, Wanda's Warriors, have been proof of this lesson since the start. We have raised her hands (and her spirits) when she was unable to...and we will continue to do so. We sound like a broken record..but prayer and positive thoughts work.... so keep them up!
This is a wonderful time of year - for families, friends, gifts and sharing. We are all so thankful for the gift of having Wanda in our lives. I know that she would want to tell you how much she appreciates each and every one of you and all that you are doing to "keep her arms raised".
So, to be brutally honest here ... chemo kicks your butt and that is evident. Our Warrior is tired and beat up ... and yet the battle continues.
I am reminded of the story of Moses from Exodus. The enemies of the Hebrews, Amalek, challenged them to a decisive battle. Joshua led the troops of Israel. Moses watched from a distant hill with the staff of God, the source of power in his hand. Moses’ brother Aaron and his companion Hur stayed with Moses. As long as Moses arms were raised holding the staff, the power of God, the Israelites were winning, but when Moses’ arms came down, the Amalekites were winning. His companions held his arms up. The position of his raised up arms is that of ancient prayer. As long as Moses remained united to God in prayer, God’s power prevailed. He couldn’t do it alone, he needed the support of others, Aaron holding one arm, Hur the other. Even with their help, it took all Moses had to remain in prayer. He did it. He persevered.
We, Wanda's Warriors, have been proof of this lesson since the start. We have raised her hands (and her spirits) when she was unable to...and we will continue to do so. We sound like a broken record..but prayer and positive thoughts work.... so keep them up!
This is a wonderful time of year - for families, friends, gifts and sharing. We are all so thankful for the gift of having Wanda in our lives. I know that she would want to tell you how much she appreciates each and every one of you and all that you are doing to "keep her arms raised".
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Updates: Wednesday 12.17.08
Oh what a week for our Chief Warrior!
To bring you up to speed...Wanda had a root canal on Monday - and, wouldn't you know it, somehow her tooth had 2 canals that they had to work on...We wrote earlier that she is the ultimate multi-tasker with her cancer...but now she has taken it too far :)
Tuesday found the Warrior and her two Commanders (Rich and Missi) back at City of Hope for final preparations for Chemo to start tomorrow (Thursday, 12/18). The ladies (Wanda, Missi and Emily Grace) traveled back down to City of Hope today for physical therapy on Wanda's arm. This is a normal activity post-lymphectomy.
So, tomorrow the new battle begins. It is a battle that will be won - no doubt on this end. We want to encourage you now, more than ever, to remember Wanda in your prayers and good thoughts. We encourage you to send her a note (either through adding a comment to this blog - they go right to Wanda's email box or card or there is always "snail mail").
Lastly, if you don't have your Wanda's Warrior bracelet, email jeff at jatoborg@yahoo.com and get it today.
To bring you up to speed...Wanda had a root canal on Monday - and, wouldn't you know it, somehow her tooth had 2 canals that they had to work on...We wrote earlier that she is the ultimate multi-tasker with her cancer...but now she has taken it too far :)
Tuesday found the Warrior and her two Commanders (Rich and Missi) back at City of Hope for final preparations for Chemo to start tomorrow (Thursday, 12/18). The ladies (Wanda, Missi and Emily Grace) traveled back down to City of Hope today for physical therapy on Wanda's arm. This is a normal activity post-lymphectomy.
So, tomorrow the new battle begins. It is a battle that will be won - no doubt on this end. We want to encourage you now, more than ever, to remember Wanda in your prayers and good thoughts. We encourage you to send her a note (either through adding a comment to this blog - they go right to Wanda's email box or card or there is always "snail mail").
Lastly, if you don't have your Wanda's Warrior bracelet, email jeff at jatoborg@yahoo.com and get it today.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Updates: Doctor visits this week 12.10.08
We had two very exciting Dr. visits this week to report on.
On Monday, Wanda saw her Oncologist at City of Hope to discuss treatment options. The Dr. is very optimistic and pointed out that - because the abdominal surgery was so detail and complete- that Wanda is head and shoulders above in her battle. Chemo starts on Thursday, December 18.
On Wednesday, Wanda saw the surgeon and he is so pleased with her progress, that he reportedly cannot stop grinning. She is healing well ahead of schedule and he is just so pleased!! She will return to see him sometime in March.
Warriors: all the prayers and positive thoughts have made their mark. This, coupled with the fact that Wanda is a force to be dealt with, makes this the perfect storm to not just survive..but be cured! And, that is what WILL happen!
So, take a moment and read back through this blog of where we have come together. Polish up your pink bracelet...and get ready for the next battle. Wanda needs you! We need Wanda!
Ready...set...GO!!!!
On Monday, Wanda saw her Oncologist at City of Hope to discuss treatment options. The Dr. is very optimistic and pointed out that - because the abdominal surgery was so detail and complete- that Wanda is head and shoulders above in her battle. Chemo starts on Thursday, December 18.
On Wednesday, Wanda saw the surgeon and he is so pleased with her progress, that he reportedly cannot stop grinning. She is healing well ahead of schedule and he is just so pleased!! She will return to see him sometime in March.
Warriors: all the prayers and positive thoughts have made their mark. This, coupled with the fact that Wanda is a force to be dealt with, makes this the perfect storm to not just survive..but be cured! And, that is what WILL happen!
So, take a moment and read back through this blog of where we have come together. Polish up your pink bracelet...and get ready for the next battle. Wanda needs you! We need Wanda!
Ready...set...GO!!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Update: Sunday, 12/7
We have been enjoying family time...had a great and "energetic" family dinner (code word for 3 grandchildren and sugar.. lol) at the Wild's on Friday night and then Wanda got out and "partied" with her good friend Linda Young yesterday..word is that after a housecall from "Salon Missi", make up was even involved :)
Wanda has a couple of big appointments this week: Treatment planning with the Oncologist is tomorrow at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. And then Wednesday is a follow up with the surgeon to track progress.
So, keep your bracelets on (and if you don't have one yet...get one!!) and keep Wanda in your prayers and thoughts as we forge ahead. She is doing amazing! Her spirits are good...and every blog response, every email and every card is a boost! So, keep them coming!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday Update: 12.3.2008
It has been nice and quiet for the past couple of days. Some good days, some not so good..but a lot of healing going on...which is always great!
Wanda has an appointment with the Oncologist on Monday, December 8, to discuss next steps and treatment options. We have all appreciated a time of quietness from the hustle of Dr's appointments and the holidays...and now it is time to get re-engaged. We will share more as we know more.
A reminder: The "Official" Wanda's Warriors bracelets are available. Simply mail Jeff at jatoborg@yahoo.com and give the number you would like and an address. We have had great responses from everyone who is wearing them and it really is a unique way to keep Wanda in front of you and to remind you to pray for her and send positive thoughts her way!
Wanda has an appointment with the Oncologist on Monday, December 8, to discuss next steps and treatment options. We have all appreciated a time of quietness from the hustle of Dr's appointments and the holidays...and now it is time to get re-engaged. We will share more as we know more.
A reminder: The "Official" Wanda's Warriors bracelets are available. Simply mail Jeff at jatoborg@yahoo.com and give the number you would like and an address. We have had great responses from everyone who is wearing them and it really is a unique way to keep Wanda in front of you and to remind you to pray for her and send positive thoughts her way!
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