Mary Faye (Wilson) Jones

Mary's Blog

November 25, 2008

I can't believe it's been nine months since I last wrote. I've had a great summer running around and Sonja and I have just returned from a week at Myrtle Beach with Don and Sheena.
This past Monday I had a CT scan and got the results on Thursday. The news wasn't as great as I would have hoped. The largest tumor was stable but there were several small (.5 cm) nodules in both lungs. I am continuing the Tarceva although Dr. Foulke doesn't think it's doing as it should. I'm having a brain MRI tomorrow afternoon, but the result will not be available til Friday. We are, therefore, looking for other options. There are 3 or 4 cancer centers we are considering. Since the doctor we saw at Duke is now in research full time, Dr. Foulke told us he would call for an appt. for us with the head lung oncologist there. I'm not sure they will have other methods of therapy but we're certainly going to explore all.

Since my last entry, some of my friends and relatives have died from various forms of this dreaded disease: Tim Haden, Shane's stepfather; Jodie Helms, a friend at church and wife of David, mother of two; Susie McCracken, my cousin and wife of Kelly, mother of Bryce and Kyle; Mary Ann Ingram, wife of JW (my good friend from church) and mother of six, and Zell Church, HP's mother.

I'll write more after my scan report on Friday.

Please continue to pray for me and I certainly appreciate all your support thus far.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Mary

February 22, 2008

I had a PET scan on February 7 at Duke. The Friday, February 8, we met with Dr. Garst to hear the report. The largest tumor had grown a small amount. It was so small she said it could have been just the difference in machines, but she gave me the option of taking Tarceva and I chose to go ahead with it. But I only started it last night and so far, so good. I didn't expect any side effects right away. I think it takes about 6 or 7 days for them to kick in.

On the down side, Shane's step-father, Tim, is in critical condition tonight. He has been battling cancer but was in remission for about 15 years. He recently was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer. He had surgery on Valentine's Day and has not done well since. He is on a ventilator but his lungs are filling with fluids and it is very sad. Please pray for his family. They have had so much grief in the past few years.

I'm feeling good and have an appointment soon to be evaluated at Presby.'s rehab to determine what exercises I should be doing. They are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that will be my next big hurdle, getting into the exercise mode. As Joan Rivers stated, "I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor."

Thanks again for your continuing support,
Love,
Mary

January 13, 2008

I'm sorry I haven't written since my last appointment with Dr. Garst at Duke, but I haven't been able to push the right button on my blog page and my guru, Sonja, would always be somewhere else when I needed her to "log me on"! (I'm so technologically challenged I don't know how I faked my way through 14-1/2 years at Christ Lutheran.) Are you reading this, Scott?

I only had blood work done on Jan. 4 because I'd had a CT and a brain MRI the month before. She said I was in partial remission. I'll have a PET scan on Feb. 7 and probably will go into treatment if the tumor has grown. I will cross that bridge when I get to it, but in the meantime I'm feeling very well and don't worry about it - much.

Sonja is working to get some new pictures up but if you guys have any to send, please do. If not, you can at least write in/on my blog. She has had bronchitis and sinusitis but is feeling better now. Guess what? I took her to the doctor! I was sorry she was sick but it felt good to be the caregiver for a change.
We had a great Christmas, everyone was here. Sherri and family stayed an extra week and Sherri, Sonja and Ben went with me to Duke. She (the doctor) was very upbeat about everything, thought I was looking great, whoudathunk? Honestly, many times I forget I'm supposed to be sick. Then I try to walk around the block and can't do it, but I'm working on it.

I need some people to write in my blog, send pictures or something. And please keep me in your prayers and thoughts this month that all will still be at least the same or diminished in February.

Love,
Mary

December 6, 2007

Hey ya'll,

Good news! The reports were very positive. The tumor reduced in size by 20%, total 55% since diagnosis. The brain MRI was clear and the bone scan only showed the "hot spot" that was there last time. I asked Dr. Foulke if he wanted to ZAP it with radiation. He asked me if it hurt or was uncomfortable. It does neither, so he said leave it alone. Merry Christmas to me!

It feels as though I've been given a "Get Out of Jail Free" pass. I know stage 4 cancer is a tough bird but right now I'm feeling good and am looking forward to my appointment at Duke on the 20th to see what Dr. Garst has in mind. She has some new clinical trials or she may decide to give me the Tarceva alone. Dr. Foulke thinks she probably won't give me anything until January or maybe even February. Then he added, "If your anxiety level will permit your waiting that long".

Again, I'm so grateful for the support and prayers from all of you. You have been there for me at every turn, good and bad.

But--there seems to always be a but, doesnt' there? I have relatives and friends who are going through some really rough times right now and would love for you to add them to your prayer list: Susie, Tim, Jodie, Mary Ann, John, as well as friends of Susie; Joy, Tina and Lisa who are all going through the same cancer treatments (ovarian). Don't forget me though. And remember my brother-in-law, Willard, who is having some memory problems.

Merry Christmas to everyone.
Love,
Mary

November 28, 2007

It's been almost 4 weeks since I've written anything. I've been off chemo for about that long and was feeling anxious about what could be happening inside my chest and other places while no one was watching. I had an appointment with Dr. Foulke yesterday and they scheduled a CT, bone scan and brain MRI for Monday morning, 6:45 AM. I'm feeling well, except for a few pains here and there and some weakness in my legs. If there has been some growth, he will discuss with us and with Dr. Garst at Duke about my taking the pill (I think I mentioned in the last posting) Tarceva. Dr. Garst is interested in some clinical trials, while Dr. Foulke doesn't care too much for them. We'll see. The two side effects that occur most with Tarceva is acne and dia-rrrrhhheeeaa. Goody! I didn't have acne as a teenager so now I can buy Clearasil; as for the other one, I won't go there. We had a great Thanksgiving weekend; all the children and grandchildren were here except Sara, who had to work, and Robin and Jeremy, who were visiting her parents in Gulfport, MS. Jenny and Chris, my sister-in-law and nephew, came from Oak Ridge. We ate, watched football, basketball, rode skateboards (Bennett has been skateboarding for two whole weeks now and looks like a pro), Erin rode Jeremy's John Deere tractor, men went to the movies, women cleaned the kitchen, and did Sudoku and crosswords. Oh, Bennett said he learned all the dangerous stuff from his dad, things that his mom and nana didn't want him to do. I was relieved when everyone arrived safely at home on Sunday night. The Thanksgiving "traffic was terrific" and it took them forever to get home. All except Harry, who had the good sense to leave Saturday. I'll write more after my scans have been read on Tuesday, the 4th of December. Would love to see more people responding to this. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Love, Mary

November 4, 2007

On Thursday I had an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Garst at Duke Medical Center. My sister-in-law, Sheena, came down from Virginia and accompanied us. Sonja was ill and couldn't go. After bloodwork and going over my records, her suggestion was for me to stop my second round of chemo (I had 4 remaining). She said she had found that many doctors over chemo and that after the first 4 or so treatments, the effectiveness diminishes sharply. She was pleased with my 35% reduction in the tumor and wants me to regain my strength and have another CT scan on December 20. If there is no change we will wait some more and if it has started to grow she will put me on a pill, Tarceva, which was what Dr. Foulke had also prescribed, but had given me the choice of whether to continue in my second round. I will also be eligible for some clinical trials once I've been off chemo for awhile. I had a blood transfusion last Friday, the 26th, and started feeling better on Sunday. I felt well enough to drive to church this morning. But I came home and slept two hours. Sonja is feeling better finally, she had a rough 4 days.
When I came home from Duke, I had an email from Nathan telling us that Nancy's daughter, Susie, had just had surgery for stage 3 ovarian cancer. She is 41 and she and Kelly are parents of 4-year-old Bryce and 6-month-old Kyle. The latest report from Kelly is that she will probably go home tomorrow and start her chemo next week. Please keep her in your prayers also.

Mary

October 21, 2007

This has definitely been the worst week of my treatment. If anything could have been done wrong, it was. From doing the wrong ultrasound to doing an unneeded CT scan. I won't bore you with details.

My body has been so weak after the first treatment of the second round of chemo that I can hardly walk from one room to another. Surely it will be better soon. Sonja looked at my report and told them I was anemic and they said, "Oh yes, I guess you are" and gave me a shot for that. I think it's time to start thinking about Duke or somewhere.

More later.

Love, Mary

October 10, 2007

Boy! Time flies when you're having fun! The last 7 days would have been fun because I had a shot of Neulasta and felt great, but two weeks ago I got a chemo burn in my vein, and have spent my time with ice packs and pain relievers, lying on the sofa.
I'm finished with the first 9 weeks of treatment and am scheduled for a CT scan on October 15. On the 16th I have to get a port installed in my upper arm so the burn thing won't happen again.

Yesterday, a crown fell out and I went to the dentist to have it cemented. Couldn't do it because I'm having chemo and they were afraid that anything they did would cause an infection. So I have to wait til my second round of chemo is over.

Mary

September 24, 2007

Well, I didn't want to bore you with details! I've been up and down a few times since last time, but I think I'm on the upswing again. I had a bout with shortness of breath and had to go to the ER. They thought I might have a blood clot in my lung, but I didn't; and they also saw that the cancer was smaller.

I have a 4-hour chemo Thursday, then a shorter one the next Thursday, then another CT scan to see what is happening to the lesions. I feel good most of the time; good enough to get myself in trouble, then have to rest for awhile til my body decides to make more white blood cells.

On Monday, my son-in-law, Shane's, Aunt Rosie had a heart attack and died. She was such a wonderful person, and we extend our condolences to her husband, Gene, and Shane's mom and stepfather, Peggy and Tim, and the Linville family. As we were walking in the door from her funeral on Thursday, the phone was ringing and it was our brother-in-law, Don Forester, telling us that our Aunt Pearl Mathis had passed in Dayton, Ohio. What a great lady she was, also. She had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that would make you laugh even if you hadn't heard the joke. We send our love and prayers to her sons and daughters-in-law, Delbert and Karen, Doug and Kathy, and their families.

I went to have my lab work done Friday and my white blood cell count was low, at 0.3. To be able to take my next chemo it has to be 1.5 so guess who rested and ate healthy food for three days? And guess who waited on me hand and foot, Sonja. But I am still milking this thing for all it's worth. I got a new deck, thanks to Ben and Todd and two of Todd's friends, Donnie and Chuck. It's finished, looks great, and is awaiting new deck furniture as soon as I can get off my duff and go see if there are any "end of season" sales. Yeah, I'm still cheap, it's gotta be on sale.

I haven't been receiving nearly as many messages as
I would like but then I haven't written anything new lately either, so I can't complain too much.

Thanks to everyone for all the cards, food, phone calls and emails. Keep it up.

Love, Mary

Thursday, September 6, 2007

I haven't written lately because everything has stayed basically the same. I've felt well, eaten well (thanks to neighbors and church friends), and actually "worked" in the yard a couple days. What can one do in a yard that crackles when one walks? We're just trying to keep a little ahead so the shrubbery and flowers don't completely die.

We had a gathering on Saturday, Sept. 1 (yes, it
was my birthday but that was coincidental). we had family from Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and W. Virginia, and a few friends and neighbors. If ever the chemo makes me sick or I'm feeling lousy, I will make myself flashback to that day. I felt so loved and hope all who came shared that same feeling.

And, oh by the way, I had 4 hours worth of chemo today, got home about 3:00 p.m. and feel just the same as when I went in. I told Dr. Foulke I was still convinced he was not reading my X-rays but some-one else's. He is very pleased with my progress so far.

I was saddened yesterday when Mark Glaeser (our Minister of Music) called to tell me his mother, Marcie, had passed at 1:30 a.m. (Sept. 5) He had called me from her room and let me talk with her on Saturday afternoon to wish me a happy birthday. We talked about her birthday being on December 28, which is my niece, Erin's, birthday. Yes, I also have a granddaughter, Erin. She sounded strong and I told her I'd talk with her again. When I woke yesterday I thought of her immediately and I felt a panic because I hadn't called Monday, and had intended to call just as soon as I thought she might be awake. Little did I know she was awake already, with Jesus and Harold, her husband. She was a classy lady and I loved her very much. We were hospital neighbors for a few days while I was being diagnosed. She had been diagnosed with leukemia only a few weeks before by Dr. Foulke.

Thanks to all who are responding to my blog. I know some of you can read and see the pictures but can't post. If you will e-mail me, Sonja, my secretary, can resend the invitation, or you can just email what you want to say and she can post it into the blog. I want to hear from more people.

I know that my positive attitude, my feeling so well and my determination that I am absolutely going to beat this thing could not be coming from me. That is coming directly from the prayers and words of encouragement and support from all of you and I feel so very blessed to have the family and friends that I have.

Love, Mary

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Oops! I got distracted and forgot to write for a couple days (chemo doesn't work on ADD!). I'm doing great after the second chemo, no nausea. On Wednesday, we went to Presby. Hospital for a second opinion. Oncologists and other health professionals came into my room one after another and discussed what their opinions were after having reviewed my records. Then after lunch a spokesman met with us to sum up their findings and they agreed with the present course of treatment. I'm satisfied that all that can be done is being done now and I am at peace with that. Keep me in your hearts, I'm peddling as fast as I can.

Love, Mary

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

We had a full house over the weekend, with all 4 kids and most of their kids visiting. My nephew and his girlfriend, who live in Concord, came- I was very happy to see them. I feel pretty well - no nausea or loss of appetite, just a little tired. Everyone but Sonja had to return to work on Monday, so she will be here to carry out my every wish. My church family is wonderful; visiting, providing meals, sending flowers, cards, e-mails. Even people who are very not well themselves are calling to lend support and say how much they care. Their outpouring of love and concern has been just overwhelming and their compassion is truly appreciated. Our neighbors are awesome. They, too, have visited, sent cards, brought food, phoned and e-mailed. I go for a second opinion tomorrow and am trying to "save some strength" for that. It is from 9:30-2:30, with doctors, radiologists, nutritionists, exercise physio-logists, etc. Thursday, I will go for my second round of chemotherapy, which is a shorter session and the medication administered is supposedly less harsh on the body. Members of my Sunday School class are to visit and bring dinner later today. I think Todd and family are going to come over and eat with us. I'm feeling very tired today, as I did yesterday; having a little stomach upset but no nausea as yet. With so many people who care; that are pulling for me and praying for me, this cancer will have a tough time hanging on!

Love, Mary

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

On Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007, I became one of the more than 200,000 people each year diagnosed with (non-smokers') lung cancer. As I had no symptoms until Thursday, Aug 9, my cancer was not detected until already having reached Stage IV, a critically serious finding. There are various treatment options available, surgery will not be done.

I am literally going to give this the “fight of my life.” My initial chemotherapy treatment was Aug 16, with another to follow Thurs., the 23, at which time I will have a week off, then repeat the 3-week cycle twice. Thereafter, a repeat CT scan will be performed in an effort to re-evaluate the cancerous areas in my lungs.

My hope is that this “diary” of every day happenings, along with health updates, pictures, etc. will make it easier for all concerned to access up-to-date information, send notes, etc. I still look forward to receiving calls, emails and cards.

Please submit your own personal thoughts, wishes, photos – anything you would like to share with me and other family/friends.

Thanks for your love and support.

Love, Mary

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Thursday, July 03, 2008

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

MARY HOW ARE YOU DOING, I HAVE BEEN THINKING A LOT ABOUT YOU LATELY. WE ARE HAVE A QUIET 4TH., JEFF AND HIS FAMILY ARE IN OREGAN FOR A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FOR LOGAN. NICOLE AND HER FAMILY WENT TO ST. LOUIS TO SEE FRIENDS. MIKE DOESN'T HAVE HIS KIDS THIS WEEK-END, SO I GUESS ITS MIKE, LARRY AND ME. MY BUSINESS IS TERRIBLE, BUT I GUESS SO IS A LOT OF PEOPLES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING. LOVE JOYCE

Saturday, December 08, 2007

MARY

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS, HOPE IT KEEPS ON COMING. WE WILL KEEP ON PRAYING. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. WE WERE SUPPOSE TO GO TO A PARTY TONIGHT, BUT SINCE WE ARE HAVING A ICE STORM HERE WE DECIDED ITS BEST WE STAY HOME. THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS TERRIBLE I FEEL LIKE I AM UNEMPLOYED. I GUESS I WILL GET BACK TO GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS. LOVE JOYCE

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Jerry Wilson

Mary, Just passing through your blog and wanted to wish you well. The first picture that came up when I signed in is beautiful. What a wonderful, precious family. I hope that you are continuing to feel better now that you're off of the chemo. You had mentioned the tumor reduction in our last phone conversation, but I'm still encouraged for you and grateful for the progress. You continue to remain in our thoughts and prayers here in Springfield.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Greetings

Mary, It was so great to talk to you last night. Rob and I have been thinking of you since Irene let us know of your diagnosis. You are receiving your care in the best possible facility. We found the doctors at Duke to be the best. The differences are they are specialists in one type of cancer and they have a working knowledge of the latest protocols of therapy. It is a long drive to get there but knowing you are being attended by the best is comforting. If you need anyone to take you to Duke you have only to call me. I would be happy to help with chauffering duties and be a gopher for you and your family. If Ben or any of your kids wants to talk about being a family member of a cancer patient call me. Irene has my cell phone number. The pictures on the website are fantastic!!! It is so good to see your grandchildren. Jeremy is growing up so fast. Erin and Bennett are precious and Sara is such a young lady. Matthew and Phillip ask about you and Ben a lot. Every time Tennessee wins or gets beat they comment about Ben. Thanks for including me on the blog. We will be checking in as often as possible. Love, Rob and Jean Kreisher

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Mary,

You have been in my thoughts and prayers daily since I heard of your problem. I haven't written sooner because, frankly, I didn't know what to say.

Over the years we have not had much physical contact but I still consider you, after all these years, my very best friend. You just remain very close, even if it is just in spirit and thought, after being best friends for the first 18 years of your life. We even remember each others birthdays, and that is very special to me.

Ginny and I have talked about driving to see you for a little while one Saturday but I know you have been having a lot of company, so we will wait awhile to come. Ginny was going to mention it to Sheila hoping she could come with us.

I've been keeping up with your progress through your blog. I check it every day, and sometimes more than once a day. That is a great way for everyone to keep updated.

Hang in there and keep the faith. I know you will beat this thing.

Just don't forget how much I care.

With Much Love,

Betty

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Mary, just wanted you to know we are thinking about you this evening, and we really do hope you can get some good new tomorrow. we are praying that the treatment will start working . I have had a lot of treak e treater tonight. hope to here from you soon. love joyce

Saturday, October 27, 2007

MARY

It was wonderful talking to you last night, I am still in shock with the news. I know you are a fighter and will do everything you can. I am glad to here you are going to Duke next week. We have enjoyed looking at all your pictures, you have a beautiful family and it sounds like some wonderful friends and neighbors(wish we were still neighbors we really did have some great times together) . Tell everyone hello and Mary you are in our prayers daily . LOVE JOYCE AND Larry said Hi.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Jerry wilson

Mary, Just wanted you to know that you're still in our thoughts and prayers in Springfield, Missouri. Sorry to hear about your crown falling out - been there, done that. My dentist told me to get some Poligrip and stick it back on until I could get back in to see him. It worked great. The crown didn't budge until I went back. Thank you for the kind card you sent Kara. We gave it to her last weekend. God bless you and keep going.

Hi Mary, Got home from Chicago yesterday and finally took time to figure out how to blog. As you can imagine, this is my first experience with blogging... Hope things are going ok for you. Will talk soon. David

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Hi Mary! We have had computer issues as of late and Time Warner spent almost 4 hours here today to sort out the mess. We are back in business so I can get caught up! I hope that your latest chemo treatment went well and that you are feeling ok. Remember to rest when you need to and to not push yourself!!! Things are hopping in the Family Ministry office. We are all enjoying our new Senior High Minister, Neil. He's great with the youth and is well liked by all. Stacie Loizeaux is back on staff, taking Kristen's place with pre-school while Kristen took Stephanie's place with elementary age. We have reorganized and CLEANED our office - all six of us fit better now although it is a bit crowded when we are all in at the same time! Still miss your smiling face each day around the office. Enjoy that new deck of yours. Maybe we will begin to have some cooler, fall days and you can enjoy sitting outside! Sending much love and many prayers. Jan

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Mary Jones Mary Jones Mary Jones

Mary Jones Mary Jones Mary Jones! You are a bad woman! Did I ever tell you that? Well, a miracle happened. I was able to blog you-whatever trouble we had between us has been cleared up. Don't you wish we could clear the other troubles between us? I'll never forgive you for quitting, you old quitter, you! Anyway, you are missed 'round here. Kathy Graham beats me up when I pick on her-she doesn't take it like you did! Life has been kinda blah for me lately-just kinda going through the motions, trying to keep up. Whenever I think about my Mom's last day, I just get sad. Seems odd to not be speed dialing her 2-3 times a day, or pulling into the Carriage Club on my way home, or shopping with her on Fridays. The whole thing seems surreal. I need a break-I'm going to get one, too. Gwen, Kristin, and I are going to take a quick trip to NY City on the 18th for Kristin's fall break from college. Maybe we'll see a Broadway show, too. Hope you are giving this cancer thing a run for its money. You promised me you were going to kick its butt-so for once in your life, you better mean it! Love you, Mark

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Jerry Wilson

Mary & Family, You all look so great in the picture. I'm thankful for the portions of your September 24 entry that are good news, Mary. It sounds like the chemo is working and my hope and prayers are that it works all the way into remission. You are in our thoughts here in Springfield, Missouri. Sorry - still haven't hunted down those pictures yet. God bless you all. Jerry Wilson

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Mary Faye, I am so glad you had Sheila call me, yet so sorry to hear why. We have not been in touch recently, but that doesn't mean that I haven't thought of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If anybody can beat this, it's you. I am so glad we can stay in touch via this computer age. Love, Betty Witt

Friday, August 31, 2007

Jerry Wilson

Mary, I can't be with you on this day (Saturday) but you are in our thoughts and prayers here in Missouri. We are hoping to hear some encouraging news as you work your way through the arduous chemo course. I hope you are comfortable and feeling well for now. God bless you and your precious family. Jerry & Gail Wilson Springfield, Missouri

Happy Birthday!

Hi Mary, Happy Birthday! I tried to send you an e card today but it came back to me as undeliverable. That does not surprise me - as hard as I try, I am just not computer savvy! I will miss celebrating our birthdays together at our staff birthday lunch. It just won't be the same! I am happy to hear that your second round of chemo went well. Remember to give in to being tired and REST when you need to. Sending much love and many prayers. Jan

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A note from Evelyn

Hi, Mary, I really enjoyed my visit out to your place yesterday. Glad you told Pam and me about your Blog. I have enjoyed reading it and seeing all the neat family pictures. WOW!! Am looking forward to seeing you in Sunday School. Evelyn

Monday, August 27, 2007

Jerry Wilson Joining the Blog

Hi Mary & Ben and Family. Jerry Wilson in Springfield, Missouri joining the blog. Mary & Ben know me but most of you don't, except Kevin with whom I spoke some years ago. My father was Glen Wilson, Clyde's brother. I'm pretty sure that that makes Mary and me cousins. (I have never been able to keep track of the terms cousins, neices, and nephews. Uncle is about as far as I can get.) Just wanted you all to know that you're in our thoughts and prayers in Springfield. Mary, you go girl. Your courage and positive attitude are inspiring.

Pam Williams

Mary, it was so good to see you today. Evelyn was so thoughtful to include me in the visit. We miss you in Sunday School. Hope to see you again there in a couple of weeks. Now that we have all three kids in college, we should be free birds, hopefully. Hope to see you again soon. Love, Pam

Sunday, August 26, 2007

HEY! HEY! YOU TOOK OFF MARY'S PICTURE IN HER YELLOW JACKET; I LOVED THAT, SHE LOOKED LIKE A REALTOR - SHE LOOKED SO PRETTY IN THAT PICTURE , YOU NEED TO PUT THAT BACK UP. I'M JUST THE OLD BARN LADY SO WHAT DO I KNOW? I THOUGHT IT LOOKED SO GOOD. LOVE, RITA

from your neice Kim

Hey Mary, So glad to hear you are doing great. I love this blog thing. I check it 2 - 3 times a day. I was happy to know Justin & Staci came to see you. Keep up your great ATTITUDE! Follow your Dr's orders and rest. Even if you don't think you are tired, don't push yourself. Hope to see you soon. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you. Kim & family

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Hi Mary, I just got signed on to your Blog. This is all new to me but it's a great way to talk to you and I'm learning something new. I'm not even sure I'm doing this right, but we'll see if you get this message. So glad you made it through the second chemo treatment without any bad side effects. Just keep your positive attitude, get plenty of rest (let Ben and Sonja take care of the housework) and focus on getting well. Put everything in God's hands and trust in him, and he will take care of you. I'm cleaning house today, so I'd better get back at it. You're in my prayers. Love Ya, Linda

A Note From Your Granddaughter, Sara

Hi Nana, Just thought I would drop you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you. The one thing I have and always will admire about you is your "get up and get it done" attitude. As for this bug you have, I am positive you will "squash" it with your determination. Dad wanted me to tell you that he sends his best. I love you, Nana, with all my heart.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Another European Church Added

I have added your name to the prayer list of a Serbo-Croatian church, in addition to the Romanian Baptist church that I had already told you about. Also, the entire EcoQuest organization has your name added to their prayer list. The owners of SWS Systems have expressed their sympathies, and taken your name to their individual pastors.

May- ree Faye how does your garden grow???? Quite beautifully!!! We were all so glad to see you at the church office yesterday. Thank you for coming by so that we could see you and talk to you in person. You look terrific and I am so impressed with your strength and your good spirit! Keep fighting with everything you have. Dee

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Mary and Family, I got the email about the blog thought I'd drop in. I'm sure this centralized form of communication will reduce the number of emails you have to answer and be less tiresome for you. We have thought of you daily since hearing of your diagnosis and pray for your speedy recovery. I hope the chemo will not be too tiresome but it sounds like your support system is functioning very well and will be there for you. Gail and I also offer anything that we can provide or do; let us know. Since you are in chemo therapy, I assume you are taking it locally vs. Duke or Vanderbilt as we discussed last week. I hope it works and I hope it doesn't make you too ill. Tell all hello for us and we'll see you on the blog. Keep us posted. Steve and Gail

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

...a note from Laurie

Hi Mary! I'm so excited to be your first blog post and I'm REALLY impressed that you even know what a blog is! I wonder how many grandmothers can say that? Ryan told me that he talked to you today and was happy to report that "you sounded just like Ms. Mary!" Aren't you relieved? I can't begin to tell you how many calls we get in the church office of people checking on you and asking what they can do. Please ask Sonja to let me know when you need food and we will start a schedule. We're holding off to see when you want us to start cooking...scary thought for some of us. I pray that your appointments go well tomorrow and that you like all of your drs. and feel comfortable with them. I know Kathy is sending you everything she can find on nutrition and holistic treatments and we'll all keep our eyes open for information to pass along. I know you are blessed with a wonderful family who surrounds you with love, care and massive amounts of attention. Your church family is here for you too and all you have to do is call and we are there to do whatever you need. Please tell Ben that too! I'll keep checking your blog for updates. Please tell Jeremy that Ms. Laurie says hello and I will see him soon! Love, blessings and many prayers dear friend! Laurie (BTW, is that a picture of your yard???..it's beautiful!)