Good News of sorts!!

It is rectal cancer....the lab report came back, and I don't have to go in and have another biopsy. The doctor still hasn't gotten a hold of the surgeon at Mayo, but hopes to get a hold of her today, and will call me back after talking to her. He said if he doesn't call me back this afternoon, it's because he hasn't talked to her yet. But either way he will call me in the morning.
I am so thankful that it is just the rectal cancer back and not my liomyosarcoma!!! The lesser of two evils! Keep praying, Love ya, m

Wednesdays update

I spoke with the surgeon, this afternoon, and they are not sure yet which cancer has returned, as the lab work hasn't come back yet. So we are waiting on that. However they have decided that when they do surgery, they are going to send me to Mayo Clinic to have it, as they have a special kind of radiation there that they can do during the surgery, and one that I could have even though I've had my lifetime supply of the regular radiation. Will know more tomorrow. The doctor has promised to call and keep me informed as to what is going on. He is contacting a surgeon at Mayo by the name of Heidi Nelson. I may be in her care there. I promise to keep this site up to date, as it is the easiest way to keep everyone on the same page. It's hard to know who I emailed and/or called, so this will help a lot. Love, m

Christmas Greetings

Dearest Family and Friends December 2009
The holiday has ascended with the news my cancer is back. Most of you have responded with such love, prayers and support. I feel overwhelmed with the amount of love and calmness that fills my soul by numerous e-mails and phone calls all of you have made. God is actually carrying me through this and whatever comes, I know he’ll be there at my side, sometimes in the form of family and sometime as friends.
The year prior was incredibly fun with travel. Sedona in March with my traveling companion and friend, Bonnie, Sass, Southern Utah and many National Parks with my sister Kathleen, husband Gary, cousin Karen and husband Ruedi (from Switzerland). I spent the summer at the cabin with many friends and family visiting. During the fall, I was able to travel to Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington D.C. with 3 other women, and in October I topped it off with a trip to California to celebrate Aunt Loretta’s 90th Birthday. Many cousins from all across the country were there. Getting to know those California cousins was the greatest. Needless to say, I have the world’s best family and love them all. I also spent a couple of great weeks in Naperville, watching Tom and Karen’s kids while they were in New York on Business. So, I didn’t let any grass grow under my feet and don’t plan on it in the future either.
My children are all doing so well. Tom and Karen, now have a 16 year old daughter Emily, along with Kennedy 9, Will 6, and Presley 3. I have so much fun doing crafts, attending their school programs and sporting events when I’m there.
Bill and Kim have a superb long distance runner in Katie, age 13. Tommy, age 12, is active in scouts and little league. Luckily for me Katie, Allie and Nicole all play hockey and last year were on the same team, so I could watch all of them at one time.
Annie and Doug, are busy with Nicole 14, Allie 12, and Matthew 4. Nicole is a sprinter in the spring, runs cross country in fall and now is playing hockey. Allie does the same and excels in all. Matthew is in love with trains, cars, having Thomas and Lightening McQueen as his favorites.
Jimbo and Ann are now the proud parents of a 17 year old Jack, who is not only driving, but has a lovely girlfriend. Other than girls and cars, he plays baseball. Nick, soon to be 14, is also a baseball player, and runs cross country. I had the opportunity to watch 4 grandkids, all at the same time, at the same event this fall.
All the grand kids seem to be taking after their parents when it comes to sports, keeping their parents busy coaching, and managing their various teams. I’m really proud of all of them.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Love and prayers,
Mary

Golfers Needed

Frank & I belong to an organization, Hope Chest News. Each year we have a GOLF fundraiser that brings out the best and the worst golfers wanting to help Heart and Lung Transplant patients. As always we are looking for Golfers July 27th. and donations for our Silent Auction. It looks very promising that our son-in-law Lloyd White, Cathy's husband will be able to play. He needs some more to join him.

This year we have a great RAFFLE also. Don't have to be present to win, 1st. $1000.00, 2nd. $750.00 and 3rd. is $500.00 tickets $5.00 each. We could all use a bit of extra cash.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact me (Judy) javfpv@aol.com
or 952-445-2497

We really would appreciate your help.

New Chapter of my Life

Hi everyone, (or those who read this)
I started a new chapter in my life on Saturday as I am now officially a senior citizen! Never thought I would be doing this alone...or being retired before doing the things retired couples do...but here I am!
I am thankful and greatful for what I do have....a lot of great friends, some who find themselves in the same situation, and a family that spoils me rotten....or just on the verge of getting that way. I don't know what I would do without them.
As I just came in from trying to clean out the gardens around the house, I'm sure the yard and gardens will never be as nice as Gene kept them, so I do know what happens without Gene.
But the sun is shining and I am smiling as I know Gene and Mom are both laughing with me and at me!!!
Can't wait to get to the cabin...looking forward to a great summer...of sun and fun and family!!! Love Mary, Mom, Grandma, Cuz etc.

Great News

I just thought I'd update you on my health....once again. I had my annual colonoscopy on Tuesday and today got the results of a biopsy that they did. It was negative!!! Hurrah!!! So I have atleast another year till I have to prep for that test again. The prep is the worst!!
I spent the first week of April with my sister and her husband and my cousin Karen and her husband Ruedi (from Switzerland) traveling from one National Park in Utah to another. We had a great time even thou it was still chilly and snowed a few times.
Easter Sunday was great....for the first time since before Gene died we were almost all together. Tom and Karen and kids could not make it....but the rest did. Even had two of the families with me in church! My brother Phil joined as for brunch, and it was a beautiful day. The week has gotten continually warmer with lots of sunshine!!! I'll attach a few pictures from my trip, and one from Easter.

Back From Sedona

Hi all, I had a great time in Sedona, Dar picked me up at the airport and I stayed one nite with her and Cathie, then they drove me to Sedona the next day. I spent 3 weeks with my friend Bonnie Sass. We attended the Sedona film Festival and saw 3 great shows there, and saw 5 more films during the time I was there. I also read 4 books and started the 5th....I highly recommend "The Shack" and "The Last Lecture" but have your Kleenex ready. I hiked 6 great trails and saw lots of flowers in bloom, had a great massage, went to Tai Chi twice a week, went to water aerobics a couple times and went to the St. Patricks Day Parade and got autograph on Banners from the Arizona Cardinals Football team for my grandsons too! Got some sun, a few muscles back in shape and a lot of healing done. When I left Sedona I had my Schoenecker Cousins pick me up at the airport and take me out for lunch, so I renewed my relationship with them as well.
It was a great trip....but now I am looking forward to the next....I leave March 31, for Salt Lake, where my sister lives, and I will be joining them in welcoming my cousins from Switzerland. Karen and Reudi hosted us last May, so we are returning the favor....but only for 1 week. We will take them to Moab, Bryce and Zion National Parks in Utah, and then on to Vegas where they will meet friends from Canada. What fun!! I can't wait. m

Prayers Needed

Hi Mary,
Hope all is well. I need a favor from the family. I need prayers for Pandora's brother-in-law. I am enlisting the most powerful people I know along with anybody that can pray.
Pandora's brother-in-laws name is John Marra. His birthdate is May 29th and the name of his cancer is CNS Lymphoma. John is 57 and the father of two. The town they live in is Belmont, California. John was diagnosed May 11, 2008. After treatment last year his symptoms receded. John's symptoms have returned and he is undergoing chemotherapy. This is a rare, aggressive cancer and at this point a miracle is needed to save his life. I've heard miracles can happen. Love, Mike and Pandora

Life is Good!

So sorry I haven't updated this since Christmas....I guess I got attached to facebook, and haven't been here since then.

I am in sunny Sedona, Arizona Having a great time with my friend Bonnie. I flew in on Monday and stayed the nite with my cousin Darleen. She and her friend Cathie drove me to Sedona on Tuesday a.m. and we all had lunch with Bonnie before she headed back to Phoenix.

On Wednesday we did some grocery shopping and did Ashes at 2:00 in the afternoon and then looked for a bathing suit so I could do water aerobics on Friday. On Thursday we hiked to Bell Rock and layed around and read for the afternoon and went to a movie at the Film Festival which didn't start till 9 p.m.....so it was a late nite. Then on Friday a.m. we went to water aerobics and really got a workout. They don't stop moving in the water for a whole hour....I was a little stiff last nite, but don't feel too bad today. Then last nite we went to a 7 p.m. movie and it was really good...the nite before was kinda amaturish vampire movie....last nite was really great in comparison.

Today we came to the library so I could use the computer and then we are going to hike someplace this afternoon. Tomorrow we have the last movie to go to...as it is the last day of the festival.

So life is well for me, loving the warmth and sit in the sun as much as possible. m

Greetings from Snowy Minnesota

I wish a Blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to all.
Some prayers are still needed for Neva, Richards wife who is still in intensive care, Jackie is having lots of health problems, Frank could always use your prayers....and I hear my brother Bill could use some prayers too! I sure hope each and everyone of you have as good a 2009 as I had in 2008. Thank you all for your Christmas cards, greetings, phone calls, and gifts. I truely have already had a blessed Christmas. Love and prayers, Mary

Christmas Wishes!

December 2008
Dearest Family and Friends,
As I watched “Charlie Brown Christmas” again, The Reason for the Season, hit me…the reason I’m here, the grace of the newborn child…then I found a Christmas card that read “our joyful songs, our humble hearts, our grateful lives…may these be the precious gifts we bring to lay before the newborn King.” And it was reinforcing to me how grateful I am for my health and my wonderful family and friends who have brought me through this year. Last December I wondered if I would make it through the year and here I am today so happy and healthy, that I know only God’s grace could have gotten me here. I had such a wonderful year. In March I spent 3 weeks hiking and healing in the warmth of Sedona and the company of a dear friend. Then in May I spent the month roaming around Switzerland, Austria and Germany with my sister Kathleen and her husband Gary. We made our cousin Karen’s home as our base and really enjoyed the warm hospitality that was extended to us. Her family was so fun to be with. In June I returned to a newly remodeled cabin that my kids had worked so hard to finish before I returned to surprise me! It was so wonderful. I loved it so much that I spent most of the summer there and rewarded them with a new speedboat for waterskiing in late July. Then this Fall, I traveled to Georgia and visited Joe and Sandi, on to Florida where I saw Jim and Linda Zimmer and then onto New Orleans where my friends Bonnie and Lois met me and we spent a week touring the town. Right after Thanksgiving I drove down to Naperville and watched the grandkids while Tom and Karen were in New York on business. So you see…life is short and I’m enjoying it while I can.
My family is also doing well, Tom and Karen are still both in “shoes” and their children Emily 15, Kennedy 8, William 6, and Presley 2 are such a joy. All active, Emily in Color Guard, Kennedy in Brownies and Soccer, William in Hockey and baseball, and Presley in being smart and cute!!
Bill and Kim are both busy working, Bill luckily from home and Kim at a Pain Clinic in Coon Rapids. Their children Katie 12, and Tommy 11 are also busy, Katie is now playing hockey along with her cousins and also ran cross-country quite successfully this fall. Tommy is active in cub scouts and plays soccer and baseball.
Annie and Doug have had a big change with Doug leaving Federal Cartridge to work for Jimbo. Annie is still teaching and coaching, and they both help with the girls’ sports. Nicole 13, Allie 11 and Matthew 3 keep mom and dad hopping. Nicole is playing hockey right now, but is also involved in soccer and a cross-country runner. Allie is also on the same hockey team as Colie and Katie and played soccer and softball this summer. Matthew is a real boy and into Cars and Trains and is just as cute as can be.
Jimbo and Ann, also haven’t let any grass grow under their feet. Jimbo and his partner have purchased their third Tires Plus. This one in Eau Claire, Wis. Their boys Jack 16, and Nick 12 are getting so old. Jack turned 16 a few weeks ago and got his drivers license that day. Nick was thrilled to be on the Coon Rapids National Little League team that went all the way to Indianapolis for the Midwest championship and played on ESPN in the final game only to lose to the Dakota’s. Jack plays baseball and football and Nick ran cross country this fall as well.
Grandma keeps busy trying to watch each of them participate in their chosen sports or activities. It’s hard to make them all, but I do my best. They are all smart and good looking, and I’m not saying that because I’m the grandma…they really are! My life is so blessed by them all.
Don’t forget the “reason for the season” and have a wonderful New Year.
Love and prayers, Mary

Happy16th Birthday Jack

and good luck on the test!!! Drive carefully, Love Grandma

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I was in the midst of baking the buns for late last nite when my oven quit. I guess everything else will have to be in the microwave or on the stove. Thank God I have an electric roaster for the turkey. I don't know what I'll do for bread. What a dumb thing to happen. Hope your dinner turns out! and pray for mine. Mom where are you now? m

Greetings from Georgia

Hi, I'm in Athens, Georgia staying at the Schieber (Biltmore) Bed and Breakfast. Their cooking rivals the Switzerland Bed and Breakfast I stayed at in May, and also Kathleen's husband Gary's. Loving it here, they play a mean "Spinner" but I managed to beat them anyway once!!! I'll be in Destin, Florida on Wednesday evening at childhood friends Jim and Linda Zimmers. I hope they can compete with the family. Then on Friday I drive to New Orleans to stay at a time share with Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke, friends I worked with and have traveled with of late. See you soon. (Well those who live in MN) Love ya all!!! m

Ann Kiecker turns "40" and Doug Stalboerger "41"

We celebrated Ann and Doug's birthday's last nite....but Ann really has till Sunday to be 39. They share November 9th for their birthdays. Happy Birthday, I love you both. I wanted to get this posted before I left for my big trip. I leave this afternoon for Atlanta to visit Joe and Sandi for five days....then Jim and Linda in Destin Florida for a couple days...then I meet Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke, my traveling buddies in New Orleans for a week. I won't be home till November 21, so see all you family and friends then. Love ya, m

First Communion

Sunday, November 3, Thomas Karl Kiecker made his First Communion. Picture of Tommy with his family (Bill, Kim and Katie). Guess I didn't have my camera on the right setting....cause this is a little blurry....maybe someone can email me a better picture. m

Trick or Treat!

Jimbo has a halloween party each year for his nieces and nephews (no parents aloud)just grandma....and you must wear a costume! We watch "It's a Great Pumpkim Charlie Brown" and eat and just have fun. Of course the evening ends with pumpkin pie!!! Thanks Jimbo a great time was had by all!! Happy Halloween everyone! m

As You See, I'm Doing Great

Good Friends, Good Food and Lots of Laughs is aiding in my recovery! I have had several dinners out in the last few months, joining with many old friends and some new ones too. The doctors can't find anything wrong with my health and have even removed two medications from my list. I'm down to two and one is for allergies....so I am happy about that.
We closed the cabin last week, which was sad, but I'm sure the winter will fly by with travel, more dinners, much more laughter and my great family...and I'll be back at the lake enjoying life. Thanks to all who have joined in my healing. Love ya all, m

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!!!

William is 6 today! Hurrah!!! Hugs and Kisses from Grandma

MY BABY is 40 Happy Birthday JIMBO

Love you so much, and thank you for all you have done for me this last year! mom