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 :)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
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?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
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.
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 :)
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.
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 :)
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!
Credits: Special thanks to Lindsey Martin for the wonderful pictures and Tonia and Tomas Lorenz for the awesome Warrior video!
Monday, January 5, 2009
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.....
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.....
Sunday, December 28, 2008
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!!
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!!
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!
Friday, November 28, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, November 24, 2008
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!!
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, November 20, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
The WARRIOR has returned from the battlefield!
WANDA IS HOME!! She got home from the hospital on Saturday!!
Lil' Colorado Warriors checking in!
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t...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...