4.6.09 It's Great to be CANCER FREE!!!

Today was the 6th and final cancer treatment for our Warrior-in-Chief. And, the results are in - and confimed by the CA-125 Cancer Marker test:

Wanda is CANCER FREE!

It has been a long, long road since those days in July when something just wasn't right...to the mastectomy in October and the 8 1/2 hour long ovarian surgery in November. All along the way, you all have stood with Wanda in your prayers and your thoughts. We couldn't be more appreciative, humbled or grateful for the many things you have done for Wanda and for the family!

Take a moment and celebrate this miracle in all of our lives. Take a moment to reflect on how wonderful life is. And, take a moment to thank God for this and the other many blessings we receive!

This isn't the end....but the beginning. We will shift this blog to telling you stories of what Wanda the survivor - not the patient- is doing. Of course, there will be some Dr. visits to report on....but we hope to tell some fun stories too!

So, Wanda, your body is void of cancer and you have finished 6 rounds of chemo..what are you gonna do now? ANYTHING SHE WANTS!!!! (and, yes, Disneyland is May 26...lol)

3.30.09 update

Spring has sprung in Riverside, CA and there has been some gorgeous days down here.

The las round of chemo (5/6) has really been one of the rougher ones we have seen. As expected, because of the compounding nature of the treatment, there has been more fatigue. But, our Warrior never looses her spirit!

Wanda got a wonderful Colorado visit from Donna Hesse and her niece Shelly Bozak. What a weekend-brightener! And, now, Wanda will rest up the rest of the week in antipation and preparation for:

THE LAST CHEMO ROUND ON APRIL 6! YEAH!!!!!

As we all look back on this journey...we thank you for your continued support, prayers, friendship and love over the last months.. we could not appreciate you all more.

More to come...........

3.20.09 Happy Spring - UPDATE

We have gotten a little behind here. So, let's catch up!

Wanda had Chemo on Monday, 3.16. This was round 5 of 6 - and the warrior is going for a TKO on the next round.

She has been meeting with her medical team and assessing the next steps as she moves up on this milestone.

This has been a hard week for her...but this morning she is feeling better and Rich and Wanda are hopefully going to meet up with some friends in San Diego this weekend.

Enjoy this first day of Spring!

3.11.09 They are finally S*T*A*R*S!

Wanda and Missi make national tv on the "Bonnie Hunt Show"

3.11.2009 Wanda and Missi on "The Bonnie Hunt Show"

As we reported earlier, Wanda and Missi went down to see a taping of the Bonnie Hunt Show yesterday. Evidentally, they had prime seats and when Bonnie Hunt introduces the guest band, she is standing right next to them.

Check you local listings. The guest included Gary Marshall.

3.9.2009 Update

Wow...two weeks go by really, really fast here! It has been a typical post-chemo time for all of us. The first week after chemo was slow go and a little rough at spots. But, Wanda is a trooper and continues to press on. We all had a great time this past weeked at Tom's Farms (http://www.tomsfarms.com) riding the train, carousel and even hanging out in the smelly petting zoo!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Missi and Wanda are taking some girl time and are going to see a taping of the Bonnie Hunt show in Hollywood. That should be a fun time for them.

Wednesday, Wanda has an appointment with Dr. Hahn for her 3 month post-op check-up. Can you believe it? 3 months ago we were all on pins and needles as Wanda endured 8.5 hours of surgery. Wow..time and healing are going fast!

Next week starts Chemo Round 5 on Monday...so we are all soaking up every bit of this fun time that we can this week. We would ask that you continue to lift Wanda up in your prayers and thoughts. With just two rounds to go, it gets progressively harder...but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Hope you are all having a great week!

2.23.09 Drippity Doo-Dah, Drippity Day....

CHEMO IS A GO!! Missi called and the infusion started around 11:30am this morning. The numbers were WAAAAYYYY up there..a good sign that our Warrior got some rest and was ready to fight on!

As many of you know, the week after Chemo is hard..both physically and emotionally. So, we would encourage you to reach out to Wanda with a card...a note...or even post a comment on the blog. Your prayer, thoughts and wishes do more for her than any vitamin ever would :)

2.22.09 A bump on the road to recovery...

Just a brief update...Wanda was scheduled to have Chemo on 2.19.09. She had some tests that came back too low to proceed with the infusion. So, Wanda has been taking it easy this weekend, lots of rest and taking care of herself. She will trek back down to City of Hope tomorrow (Monday) to get re-tested and hopefully get treatment then.

Because she is such a strong lady, we may tend to forget that this is still serious business and the side-effects that come with chemo. We would ask that you continue to keep Wanda in your prayers and positive thoughts as we go through. The battle wages on.

Wanda gains so much through your messages, both on the blog and by other means. Take some time today to drop her a card to let her know you are thinking about her. You cannot begin to phathom the power that has on her battle!

We will update tomorrow with the results of the tests.

Wanda and the Warriors heading to the dessert for some LOVE!

A early- Happy Valentines Day to all of the Warriors out there! My gosh..time seems to go by so fast in between posts.

Wanda is doing really well after the last round of treatment. She has had more strength and energy this time than recent treatments. Amazingly enough, Wanda has retained a great deal of her hair through chemo (yes, I know..there was so much..how could it all leave...) so much so that she got a day of beauty last week with Missi. They both look stunning!

Wanda is heading down to Dessert this weekend for some much needed R&R with some of the Riverside, San Diego and Palm Dessert Warriors for a Valentines hul-a-ba-loo! Should be a great time!

Next week, Feb 19, is round 4/6 of Chemo. Please continue to lift Wanda up as this phase of the battle continues.

Happy Valentines Day!!

Aren't you all glad the title of this entry wasn't "Wanda and the Warriors heading to the desert for VD!"??? LOL!!!

It's really how you look at it....

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)

Dear Mrs. Jones,
I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.
From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

And, we know, all you Warriors thought it was about shovels...right?

Update 1.29.09 - WE ARE HALF WAY THERE!!

We are half way thru Chemo! Warriors...this means all of us! Today, Wanda received round 3 of 6 treatment infusions. Word from the hospital was that, while some of the counts were down...progress is still being made and that is great news.



You know, some of us were getting very sad and depressed when we thought about this cold..dark...sterile room with our Warrior in Chief laying on a cold table with tubes in her. So, we sent our investigative reporter to sneak in with a hidden camera to capture the dismal atmosphere...



You can almost hear her "Shooting at the walls of heartache...bang, bang....I am the warrior" or Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive". Ah...what a lady!! Do you see that ring on her finger...my gosh!

Yay, Yay..we are half way! Our deepest thanks go out to each and every one of you that has been on this wild ride with us over the past months. She is a tough lady...who continues to need your prayers and positive thoughts.

And, for today...CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE IN ALL OF OUR LIVES!!!!!

Update 1.26.09

WOW! It has been awhile since our last posting. We want you all to know how much we have appreciated all of your prayers, emails, thoughts, wishes. It has been a challenging time.

Let's get you up to speed. Wanda has her last chemo infusion on 1.8.09. Chemo is a wiper-outer! Wanda pushes through..but the weeks after are hard...and it is not until the week of the next infusion that she is feeling back to "normal". And, that would mean, this Thursday 1.29.09 is another infusion.

However, during the time, she has had the opportunity to go out and get a new attitude with a new hairstyle

And..then there were some styles that didn't make the cut...

Of course, she has managed to get in some celebrations


And, had a wonderful visit from Tonia and Thomas Lorenz (and Alexia and Ian). This visit prompted the first ever Wanda's Warriors video. Warning..if you adverse to cuteness...do not watch :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE5hvTZaTvk&fmt=18

Please continue to keep Wanda in your prayers this week as she hits the MID-WAY point on chemo! It will be 3 rounds down..three to go!

We won't be so long between updates! Don't be strangers! Wanda loves to read each and everyone of your comments!!

Credits: Special thanks to Lindsey Martin for the wonderful pictures and Tonia and Tomas Lorenz for the awesome Warrior video!

Update 1.5.2009

Happy New Year 2009! We hope that you are all having a wonderful new year and are busy making those resolutions! Obviously, we are counting that one of your resolutions will be to lift up Wanda daily through prayer and positive thoughts. They have gotten us this far..and they will bring us the rest of the way on this journey!

Wanda has been doing really well since our last update! She and Rich have been hiking in the hills by their home (Canyon Crest) almost daily. The whole crew (Wanda, Rich, Missi, Jeff and the 3 grand kids) went for a New Years Eve hike followed by a park visit and then lunch to celebrate 2008 out the door! I think all the adults went home for an afternoon nap!

On Saturday, Wanda took the first steps in taking control of one of the worst side affects of chemo - hair loss! She visited her stylist, Anna, who gave her a "sassy" short little do! She looks amazing! We have even seen here "striking a pose" with her new style! We are hoping to get a picture up of the new look!

OK, Warriors! This week begins in earnest!! We have physical therapy on Wednesday followed by round 2 of chemo! It is going to be a tough week - but this lady (and her band of warriors) are way tougher! Let's all get together - lift Wanda up daily - and encourage her on in the battle!

Better times await us all in 2009. We're just gonna have to clean up some of the crud from 2008 and get going.....

Update: Sunday, 12.28.08

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!!

Just to be clear. WW stands for Wanda Wild

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
#####

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".

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.

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!!!!

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 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!

Friday 11/28 - We have so much to be THANKFUL for!

We had an amazing Thanksgiving day! We all gathered at Wanda's to celebrate the fantastic news that she received just the day before!

Wanda had a Dr's appointment on 11/26 to discuss the results from pathology and have staples removed! And the news was AWESOME!

Wanda's doctor confirmed that the cancer he removed was - indeed- a different form of cancer other than breast cancer. Now, you may be thinking how can having two different types of cancer ever be a good thing? It means that it has not spread..it is simply two different types in two different places! Wanda's doctor has discussed her case with his colleagues and they are all amazed at her situation! Not a surprise for those of us that know her, though! This proves that she is the ultimate multi-tasker!

So, they will be meeting with the Oncologist next week and chemo will start very shortly. Wanda and Missi gave up their black Friday shopping for this year..they send their regrets to the retailers :)

Enjoy your families! Make sure you tell them how much they mean to you!

Update: Mon 11/24 - What a great weekend!

Keeping in mind that we are 18 days out of surgery, it was an AWESOME weekend around here!

Wanda made a trip over to Missi's Hair Salon for some TLC. She also had a visit with Billie and Allen Brockie and Debbie Martin. We followed that up with a big family dinner.

On Sunday, Rich and Wanda scooped up their Grandson's for a shopping trip to the toy store, lunch out and a day full of "boy time". I am sure Wanda slept well last night!!

We have a Dr. follow up on Wednesday for results from the surgery and pathology. We believe that visit will identify the next steps in treatment.

So, we would continue to ask you to be praying and sending positive thoughts for Wanda. We have so much to be thankful for with the miracles we have received and we are confident that the prognosis will be as positive as Wanda and all her Warriors are! We have said it many times...pray hard, pray often, pray with intesity, and pray in expectation of miracles!!

Thursday, Nov 20 UPDATE

First of all, thank you all for supporting Wanda! You have all been amazing and rallied around her with your love and support. There is NO DOUBT that love and prayer has the power to heal!

Missi and the kids were over at Wanda's today and were pleased to report that she is having a great day! We are going to try our hardest to get The Warrior herself to blog a little this weekend so you can hear from her.

We all have so much to be thankful for!

Call to Action: Give Cancer the Bird....

By now, many of you Warriors are sporting your official Wanda's Warrior bracelets! While it is a great reminder to pray for and send positive thoughts for Wanda, it also symbolizes GRATITUDE that Wanda has come through 2 Major Surgeries in the course of a month and is home recouperating!! We have so much to be thankful for!

During this time of year, there are so many families who are struggling just to meet their daily needs. We want to encourage you and your families and friends to show your gratitude for Miracles we have received with Wanda's treatment by supporting a food bank, homeless shelter or family in need...donate a turkey...serve food at a kitchen.....and come back to this blog and brag about it! Won't it be incredible to read how Wanda's Warriors have reached out to continue to help others?? We can't wait!!

The WARRIOR has returned from the battlefield!

WANDA IS HOME!! She got home from the hospital on Saturday!!

Lil' Colorado Warriors checking in!

Dear Aunt Rae, We had a sleep over with Nana and Papa last night...they took this picture for you...hope you like it...please know that we think of you every day and hope you are feeling better soon. Can't wait to see you...
Love,
Brayden and Reese

Wanda just keeps on movin' - Thursday 11/13

Wanda just keeps improving! We are all very, very encouraged with her progress.... including all those races in the hall. We fully expect she will be starting her new career with NASCAR after she gets out.

She is in the process of having all those tubes removed that help her do what she needs to do...and now she can continue the healing process. Rich called in this morning and the Dr's have been in to see her and she is having some x-rays to check on progress.


And..the big news for today...looks like someone might be getting some solid foods...yep..you guessed it - Cream of wheat! YUMMY!

Lastly, the Toborg's of Pollock Pines are packing up tomorrow (Friday) for their move to Riverside. Lots of activities...lots of opportunities for you to remember Wanda and her family with your prayers and good thoughts.

Tuesday, 11/11 MILESTONE—(ALMOST) REAL FOOD..

SHE DINED –WITH REAL TOOLS---ON FREE RANGE CHICKEN…………BROTH…………..AND VERY, VERY , YELLOW JELLO.. ON THE WAY ..SHORTLY (SHE HOPES) TO REAL FOOD….SHE SAYS THE BAG STUFF IS GETTING OLD.

TOOK FIVE LAPS AROUND THE HALLWAY, NOT QUITE LIKE A NASCAR GUY, BUT “LAPS” JUST THE SAME…ALMOST SPUN OUT AT THE RECEPTION DESK….SAVED IT AND WENT ON TO WIN THE 4TH FLOOR CHAMPIONSHIP.... UPDATE------
OUT! GO…”WACING WANDA”

Monday, 11/10 - It just keeps getting better!!

WANDA JUST NOW GOT BACK FROM HER FIRST STEPS SINCE LAST THURSDAY. SHE TRAVELED ABOUT 200 FEET! SHE IS SO HAPPY!!!!! TRIED TO DO THE"MOON WALK", SHE APOLOGIZED TO MICHAEL.

GO WANDA.

More great news for Sunday 11/9

Wanda has been moved out of intensive care into a "regular" hospital room, Missi said that she has even had some of the IV's removed and is looking better everyday! Today, she was sitting up more- and even got a back massage from her nurse.

What an amazing couple of days it has been. Your outpouring of prayer and positive thoughts have made their impact..and the fighting spirit of Wanda should be an example of courage to us all.

The road ahead remains a tough climb. There are battles yet to fight. But, for tonight, The Warrior herself is resting comfortably on the road to recovery. We are thankful!

Saturday - a GREAT news day!!

Just talked to Rich. Wanda has been sitting up today in bed and in a chair. Debbie and Lindsey Martin visited with her today and Rich said it was a great day. Of course, she has slept a lot too, which is good! Rich thinks she will remain in ICU for a couple more days!

Rich and Missi are hangin' in their. Those two warriors have spent every possible moment at Wanda's side since last Thursday. Missi will be home on Monday night, Nov 10 getting ready for the Toborg family move to Riverside on Friday, Nov 14.

Please continue your prayers for Wanda's recovery and what lies beyond.

Update, Friday, 11/7

Good afternoon!

Missi called and they have been visiting with Wanda today in ICU. Wanda is talking and is in relative comfort. Missi's message was "She is doing amazing!"

We are so thankful that she has come through the surgery and can be on the road to treatment. While there are rough days ahead, let's all take a moment and give thanks for this huge victory in the long battle. Prayer works - this is but another example of God's faithfulness to His people.

Updates will continue. Don't ease up on your prayers...but don't forget to focus on thankfulness as well!

Surgery is done

Missi just called and Wanda has completed her surgery. A very long 8 1/2 hour day for her!

The Dr. feels very good that they got all the cancer. His words are 99% of what was there!! Chemo will handle that last 1 % So, this is great news!!

She will spend the night in ICU tonight. Rich and Missi will get to see her in a couple minutes.

In these next few hours..and next few days...like I have said

PRAY HARD...PRAY OFTEN...PRAY with INTENSITY..and give thanks to God for this miracle! Glory to HIM who sustains us all - and especially Wanda!

Surgery Update - 6:05pm PST

Missi just called. The Doctor came out and talked to her and Rich. The surgery is going well, and Wanda is doing great. There is still another couple of hours to go. But there is an awesome team of warriors in the Operating Room with her..and right outside the operation room ;)

We will update as we know more...until then:

Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often * Pray HARDER * Pray MORE Often *

Surgery has begun - updated 4:25 pst

Missi called back to say that Wanda did not go in until about 1:00pm. The surgery is supposed to take 3-4 hours...so check back.

And, since you are thinking about her...Pray Hard * Pray Often * Pray Hard * Pray Often * Pray Hard * Pray Often *


------------

Just got word from Missi that Wanda was taken into surgery at 12:10pm.

Now is the time!

Pray Hard * Pray Often * Pray Hard * Pray Often * Pray Hard * Pray Often *

Surgery Tomorrow...

Warriors! Surgery is scheduled for 12 Noon at City of Hope in Duarte, CA.

PRAY HARD * PRAY OFTEN * PRAY HARD * PRAY OFTEN * PRAY HARD * PRAY OFTEN *

We will keep you posted as surgery ends, through recovery and beyond...check back!

Message from Kaye

Hi Rae, I just want to let you know how proud I'm of you and what an inspiration you are to us all. Mom always said think positive as is this just another bump in the road. As you know we had plenty of bumps on that Greenvalley road. We all are praying for you and I'll keep the cards coming. I have enclosed a couple pics of Chad & Jennifer's Wedding Reception. Take care and remember We Love You Very Much!!!!!!!! Love Kay & Kent

Let's make Wanda REALLY rich!!

"Rich is the person who has a praying friend."

-Janice Hughes

Home from Halloween in Pollock Pines!

Hi Everyone,
Rich and I just returned from visiting Missi, Jeff, Preston, Ashton, and Emily for the Halloween weekend and I must say it was the best medicine I have received since this whole thing started! Lots of fun watching the Doctor, the Fireman, and Little Red Riding Hood go "Trick or Treating" and just hanging out with my family... made me smile.
But now I am back home ready to take on a new week.
Tomorrow I will go to UCI for a second opinion before having surgery on Thursday. I have been very fortunate in receiving recommendations to amazing doctors which have made making our decisions for treatment much easier, but I've got to tell you, it is easier to bid a large project in the eleventh hour than to have to make a quick decisions about what treatment is going to be best.
For now I will have the surgery on Thursday and Missi and Jeff will update the blog.
It has been two weeks since my first surgery and if it had not been for the development of the ovarian cancer and another surgery I would be ready to go back to work tomorrow! I am feeling well and strong and I know most of it is from all the prayers, and positive thoughts that I received from all of you! THANK YOU!
I just want each of you to know how humbled and grateful I am by your response and support. I read every word posted-- sometimes with tears and sometimes with laughter. You will never know how much it helps. You are all the most amazing group of friends and family, and I am very lucky to have you all in my life.
As for my part, I promise to stay positive and have faith that I will beat this and all the time knowing I am not alone.
Love,
Wanda "Rae"

A message from Bev

This picture of Wanda and Senator Jon Kyl (the other Arizona Senator...) was taken a couple of years ago in Washington DC at a President's Dinner. We had a wonderful time hanging out with a lot of the political types and seeing the city. Wanda and I have such crazy schedules that it was just too much fun to get away, learn more about our country and spend time in a wonderful city.

Love you girl, hang tough.

We are all praying for you. Bev.

This picture says it all...

AWESOME NEWS!! - Surgery Next Thursday 11/6!

We're not sure when having surgery became great news...but this is!

The biopsy results came back today and the tumor's in her abdomen are a different type of cancer than breast cancer! So, surgery is scheduled for next Thursday 11/6 to remove them and get Wanda on the path to treatment!!!

Your prayers are working!! The chances of having two types of cancer at one time are (presumably) low. And, yet here it is!We give thanks for this opportunity. And, we ask that you continue to pray and send positive thoughts for Wanda as we enter another phase in the battle.

Warriors, Wanda is winning this war one battle at a time! Wanda is an amazingly strong, courageous and incredible woman! So, celebrate this victory...and continue the fight!!

Wild WIC's LOVE Wanda!

From Alaska with LOVE…










Eskimo Evie

---

Evelyn P. Clark, CCA 3705 Arctic Blvd #427 Anchorage, AK 99503
epcnawic@acsalaska.net

Photo's from the weekend BBQ.

The A Team






Wanda's #1 and #2 Warriors!







Steve and Rich - Wandas security team





The Wild Bunch

Girls gone wild!

Minding the store!

Call to Action: Laughter Therapy!

Warriors! You have all been amazing with your warm wishes and thoughts! Wanda, Rich and Missi get comments that you add to this blog delivered right to their individual email and pour through more and more everyday. They mean to everything during these days - and we cannot thank you enough!
-
But, as we wait results of the latest biopsy, it is time to bring out the big guns!! Who has the funniest Wanda story?
-
Have you ever seen what Wanda's hair will do on a September day in Michigan?

-

Have you ever been parked on a freeway on-ramp in Utah in the wee-hours of the morning while a serial killer parked behind you and you tried to keep Wanda awake by recounting your favorite I Love Lucy re-run?
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It's your turn! Every comment, every email brings positive energy and the best medicine: Laughter. We are counting on those long time friends, family and the Women of NAWIC to come up with some great stuff!
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For those of you blog challenged, please feel free to

email them to jatoborg@yahoo.com for posting!

Photo's from Amy Webb-Vasquez

I had a few pictures of Wanda from the NAWIC Summer Conference she planned this summer. We all love her so much and are here to do whatever she needs us to! Please let me know if there is anything I can do and send her my love! - Amy Webb-Vasquez

Biopsy is done, Wanda is at home resting

Good evening! Wanda underwent her abdominal biopsy late this afternoon. She was in recovery until about 7:00pm and was discharged for home. Missi got to talk to her and said she sounded worn out.

We should be receiving some results by weeks end.

So... keep the prayers and positive thoughts going in earnest. Don't stop...intensify the assault!! Let's put cancer on the run! Right now!!!

This is an important and anxious week for Wanda, Rich, Missi and all of us Warriors!!!

Powerful Women's Motto:

Live your life in such a way that

when your feet hit the floor in the morning,

Satan shudders & says...

'Oh shit....she's awake!!!'

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Abdominal biopsy tomorrow, Monday 10/27

Wanda will be undergoing a biopsy on her abdomen on Monday, October 27. This is in an effort to identify the type of cancer that is in the area.

Please keep her in your prayers and we will keep you up to date as results are known.

Thanks you all!!

Breast Cancer Awareness is for everyone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_i4CDNTeA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TstWoVHBAwU

Pictures from Keagan Linkul

Message for Vickey Wade

Here's a picture I told Kay I would send for Wanda to see. It's Harry D's girls, Cindy and Cathy, Uncle Ralph and Gay, Aunt June, Cousin Donna & Danny and Kay. They all met in WV for the week. Thanks for posting!

Call to Action: Prayer is crucial to this battle!

Does God Answer Prayer? Researcher Says 'Yes' -- Does God or some other type of transcendent entity answer prayer? The answer, according to a new Arizona State University study published in the March journal Research on Social Work Practice, is 'YES.' "http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195638.htm

A message from Shelli

Thanks for putting the blog together. It is great. I am forwarding some pics to you. They are a little dated, since Bray was only about 6 months old, but it is the only recent ones we have... thanks again. Some friends of ours whose daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 5 used a site called www.caringbridge.com, if you are ever at a loss for how to explain something...they have lots of helpfull tips. Please let us know if you all need anything at all. Know we are thinking about you and praying for you and for all of us to continue the strength this family has. Love,Shelli

Become one of Wanda's Warriors!

Become one of Wanda's Warriors! We have ordered pink silicone bracelets printed with "Wanda's Warriors" on one side and "wandawild.blogspot.com" on the other. These will remind you to pray for and send good thoughts to Wanda and to check in on this blog for the latest news. All you have to do is click on the "comment" button and add your name and email. We will contact you regarding shipping (if we don't already have your address).

Cancer, you picked the wrong broad...

I love to tell this story! The Christmas before Melissa (Missi) and I were married, we went on a Wild family vacation to Vail, CO! I had the chance to ride the ski lift up with my soon to be mother-in-law and we had a great ride...until we had to get off. All I remember is falling...and being clobbered by my mother-in-law's ski poles. Oh sure, she said it was to keep me down so I wouldn't get hit by the chair lift. I think it was an "alpha dog" moment ... lol!

I really have to feel bad for this cancer stuff, because you really picked the wrong broad to mess with! She is a fighter! She is one of the strongest women that I will ever know! And, she has the love of family and friends that would do anything and everything for her at the drop of a hat! And, while it will take every single one of us working together..we will beat this thing!

I love you, Wanda! And, while I don't want to go on a ski lift with you anytime soon (still suffering from the post traumatic stress) I am in this right beside you! We all are!!!

The first recruits...

We will be fighting with our Nana on every step of this road! She is our hero and a very, very strong lady! WE LOVE YOU, NANA!!!