Rita and Andee at the Beard wedding

Rita and Andee had the time of their lives at Chuck and Emily Beard's wedding Saturday, September 5th. Chuck and Emily wed on the very same day as Rita's parents Paul and Pauline (Sissy) Howton. It was a joyous day.

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June 2009

This summer has been challenging thus far. Thanks to all who have been there to support my mom. Due to extreme financial problems, summer heat and low energy, my mom has not been able to get out much. I have not been in Bowling Green often enough to assist her due to work and my own health issues. She really counts on phone calls and good neighbors right now.

The deaths of several of mom's friends (including the loss of Maggie), has my mom really down.

I hope to get her the much needed help she needs SOON!
Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes.

Sincerely,
-andee

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Maggie RIP-Friday, June 26th

It has been too sad to post this before now. My mom's beloved boxer, Maggie, lost her battle with cancer. She died on Friday, June 26th. She will be missed by all who knew her in Smiths Grove and Bowling Green. She was very loved.

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Happy Easter

Rita celebrated Easter by making delicious treats for everyone. Rita is getting the pool ready and working on her house this Spring. So far, her health has been good, but the challenge of recovery and other circumstances have kept her at home quite a bit.
Let her know you are thinking of her...or stop by!

Please keep her dog Maggie in your thoughts and prayers, as Maggie's cancer has come back. For all that know Maggie, you know she has been there for my mom through everything. Maggie is currently undergoing chemotherapy in hopes that it will stop the growth of her cancer.

Many thanks!
-andee

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Hopeful in the New Year

Rita is home and receiving physical therapy as well as visits from friends and family. She is hopeful and is planning a POSITIVE 2009! Thank you for your well wishes and yummy dishes...mom feels so VERY blessed to have love and laughter in her life at this time.
Happy New Year to you and yours!

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OUCH...holidays

Good News...My mom was able to have a wonderful little get-together at her house with friends this year. Bad news...on Christmas Eve, my mom fell coming down her stairs and has broken her pelvic bone. She was home alone but was able to call and get help quickly. She was rushed to Greenview Hospital by ambulance. We hope she will be able to leave the hospital in a few days. She will need quite a bit of assistance as she heals over the next 6 weeks, but we are hopeful.
Through it all, her spirits are up as long as she does not move too quickly or laugh too hard...very hard for my mom to do...but she is managing.
Thank you for the many blessings of friendship!

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BG Int. Fest Gallery Walk award ceremony

Rita Rudloff presented the 2008 Gallery Walk award for Best Use of Theme to Memphis Marsha's. Owner/artist Marsha Heidbrink was there to accept the award. The award ceremony was held during the Bowling Green International Festival Saturday, September 27th, 2008.

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Port-a-cath...gone baby gone

My mom was able to have her port-a-cath removed yesterday. It was removed and she was able to go home. She can not get completely underwater, but is still dancing in the water...waist deep.
She will recover at home.
She is so strong.
:)

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Memphis Marha's Sizzles

It seems the Friday night Gallery Hop in Bowling Green, KY, was a big hit!!! Memphis Marsha's hosted an opening reception for SIZZLE and Rita's work was featured in the show.
Water aerobics and making art are keeping Rita busy these days. She is doing well and enjoying friends and fun.
She is in her pool and would love for you to stop in and join her for water aerobics.

pictured above Rita Rudloff and Nancy Keyser

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Gallery Hop - Friday, August 8th

See Rita's artful creations at TWO locations, Memphis Marsha's and The Gallery at 916, during Friday's Gallery Hop in Bowling Green, KY!
Don't miss the Gallery Hop this Friday. A free shuttle and seven locations will participate in the Gallery Hop.
Pick up a map at Memphis Marsha's, www.memphismarshas.com

We are very proud of our mom!!!

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Rita and Andee's Reception

The reception on Friday, July 25th was a HIT! The show will remain up for Bowling Green's next gallery walk on Friday, August 8th. So please feel free to go by again and again until then.

Pictured above from L to R: Andee Rudloff, Rita Rudloff and Carolyn Stephens

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Next Friday, July 25th...Join us at Gallery 916!!

The Animated Lives of Rita and Andee Rudloff
Reception Friday, July 25th
5:00-8:00pm
The show runs through July 31st.
The Gallery at 916
916 State Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101

www.thegalleryat916.com
www.visitbgky.org

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Maggie too

ok...Maggie is also cancer-free!!! Maggie and my mom were diagnosed with cancer at the same time. Everyone has been asking about her...so here she is:)

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Rita remains cancer-free

Rita has remained cancer-free and it is truly something to celebrate!!! She is enjoying time in the pool and making art for her upcoming shows in July (www.thegalleryat916.com) and August(www.memphismarshas.com).
Please drop her a note, a call or come by for a dip in the pool with she and Nettie (pictured above).

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Animated Lives show, Reception Fri.July 25th

Rita and Andee Rudloff will be showing in Bowling Green, KY, at The Gallery at 916 the month of July. There will be a reception on Friday, July 25th from 5-8pm.

The Gallery at 916
916 State St.
On Historic Fountain Square in Downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
www.thegalleryat916.com

The Animated Lives of Rita and Andee will be present in many forms. Come in and celebrate life with us!

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Rita, the artist, in Sizzle exhibition

Memphis Marsha's Art Gallery & Classes will be hosting an exhibition including 10 regional artists' interpretation of the theme, "Sizzle" August 8-September 6, 2008

Opening Reception:
Friday, August 8, 5-8pm CT.
The reception is in conjunction with Bowling Green's Gallery Hop, in which 8 other art spaces will be open at the same time, & a limited number of free shuttle tickets will be available.

Expected Media:
Mixed Media, Printmaking, Photography, Drawing, & Painting

Exhibiting Artists Include:
Antigone, Franklin, KY
Mary Crutcher, Bowling Green
Michaele Ann Harper, New Orleans, LA
Nancy Keyser, Bowling Green
Tony Mennite, Hermitage, TN
Delaire Rowe, Bowling Green
Andee Rudloff, Bowling Green
Rita Rudloff, Bowling Green
Kim Soule, Bowling Green
Jennifer Stone, Franklin, KY

Regular Gallery Days:
Thursdays-Saturdays, 10-4 CT, or by appointment.

Gallery Location:
524 E 12th Ave (The PINK building between State & Chestnut Streets)
Bowling Green, KY

For More Information:
Marsha Heidbrink
270-843-1726; or Toll Free: 1-877-640-7973
http://www.memphismarshas.com

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Water Aerobics this Easter?

Rita has the pool ready to start saving knees, hips and taking that weight off...so come on over. With the great news...CANCER-FREE...last month at OHSU, she has not turned the smile down since she arrived home.
Contact her today...and thank you Marsha Heidbrink for the wonderful picture of my mom before her St. Patty's Day water aerobics class.
Wonder how Rita will dress for Easter???
Happy Easter and thank you!

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Heading out for tests

Greetings!!! My mom and I are heading out for tests at OHSU this next weekend. Mom has been feeling well and gaining her energy back. I think she is finally unpacking from the move back in to Bowling Green, which happened at the same time she was diagnosed. She is finding things that she thought did not make it in the move and reconnecting with so many good memories.
I am lucky to have a mom that continues to live fully every day.
A friend shared the following video (see link below) with me and I hope you will cut and paste the link and watch it too.
http://video.stumbleupon.com/?s=ithct48cqw&i=ufcchmyxqsuj9vwsemax

Thank you for keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers.
-andee

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Covered Pool!!!!

It is official...with the help of Keith Graff and his wonderful crew at Gra-Tac, my mom's pool is officially INDOOR now. Every Rudloff in town for the Christmas holiday took a swim in the pool. With it being around 30 degrees outside on Christmas, the condensation and fog inside the pool made it a guessing game has to who just jumped off the diving board...WHAT FUN!!
Mom is about ready to get water aerobics up and going again. She has more energy each day. Blessings blessings...
"God only knows what we I'd be without you." -Brian Wilson

December was my mom's first vacation away from treatment in 2 years. OHSU has requested that she come back out to Portland, OR, in late February 2008. Thank you for keeping my sweet mom in your prayers.

Happy New Year to all!!
-andee

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Hot off the press from OHSU!

With clear scans at OHSU for the past 7 months, Rita will go home after this treatment and get an MRI in Bowling Green every month for the next 6 months -- if she stays clear, she'll then get a scan every 6 months.

We are so thankful that she is where she is today - so much different from this time last year.

Thanks so much for all of your well-wishes and support along the way!

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Rita - Special Guest Speaker at CURE event

Rita will be the special guest speaker at the first Campus for a Cure event on Saturday, December 1st. Be prepared to laugh and share in her joy for life!
Campus for a Cure welcomes everyone to a celebration of life at Western Kentucky University's Van Meter Auditorium, Saturday, December 1st from 7-10pm.
For tickets and more information about Campus for a Cure and the event, visit:
www.CampusforaCure.org

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One Year at OHSU

Today...my mom arrived in Portland, Oregon, and tomorrow she will start her last scheduled treatment. Friends and family, she is in remission!
This time last year, we were in an all-out panic trying to find my mom the right treatment after realizing the treatment at Vanderbilt was not working.
We were so very lucky to find Dr. Edward Neuwelt's BBBD treatment at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). My mom has done very well over the past year.
We all feel so blessed.

When we think about this time last year, we are just blown away by the generosity of people like Keith Graff, Stacey Irvin, Rita Silen, Libby Rowe, Joyce Cloutier, Sharon and Jim Bates and so many more people...thank you for the prayers and well wishes.

Please keep my mom in your prayers as she undergoes BBBD treatment over the next few days and travels back to Bowling Green, KY.

Please feel free to send my BRAVE mom BIG HUGS...she has climbed Mt. Hood!!!

smiles!!!!

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Meet Nettie

OK...so you might have heard, my mom has a new puppy. Well, pictured above with Andee is Nettie...she is certainly more than a handful.
Best of all, she loves to swim with my mom...so thanks to Chuck Beard, my mom has another water aerobics student!

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Labor Day trip

Andee and Rita are headed to OHSU/Portland over Labor Day. Rita will be at OHSU the first full week in September. The treatments at OHSU have been going well and Rita is spending the other 3 weeks of each month healing others and dancing in the water.
Dr.Neuwelt is keeping a close watch on Rita's vision and hearing throughout the treatment. Although she has seen a little decline in her hearing and vision, she is feeling pretty well overall and keeping a smile on her face. She really loves everyone who is coming over and splashing in the pool with her, including her new puppy Nettie Pearl.

Check out the new non-profit that Chuck Beard, Andee and friends have been working on: www.campusforacure.org

Thank you so very much for your prayers and support.

(OHSU pictured above)

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Start spreadin' the news...

One more week before the next trip to OHSU, treatment #9. Low-energy and a foggy head has not stopped Rita. She is in the water 3 times a day and is also the proud mommy of a new puppy, Nettie Pearl. Rita is busy creating lamps for the 2007 Tomato Art Fest in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 11th, TOO!
She is looking forward to attending her High School Reunion in Dawson Springs the weekend of July 27th and 28th.
Thank you to everyone for your help and support...especially those who are sneaking over to keep my mom's pool clean when she is gone. Super!!

Life is good!

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"Thelma & Louise" are at it again

Yes...it is that time of year when "Thelma and Louise" hit the road for an exciting road trip. This year, they have a modified schedule, but a schedule nonetheless.

My aunt Carolyn and my mom have traveled BY CAR to Nova Scotia, Alaska and countless other places. This year's schedule has them flying out to Portland and OHSU and renting a car when they arrive. Knowing the two of them, the laughs and experiences will be just as BIG!!! Together for another adventure, they have planned a few days before my mom's treatment to enjoy the mild temps in Portland. My mom will begin BBBD treatment at OHSU on July 9th. She will be released on July 12th. "Thelma and Louise" will return from Portland via Las Vegas on July 13th.

I am so glad that they are able to take the trip together. Thank you so much for the wonderful thoughts and prayers for my mom...she is always blown away that you are thinking of her.

Thank you.

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Because....she is the best

All I can say is, what other "grandmother" will go off the low and high diving boards for her grandson, Noah, on his birthday?
Well, you can count on ReRu! You can also say, she drew the attention of everyone in the pool area when she did it too...as she did a smashing dive off of the low diving board and a dramatic "pencil" off the high board.

I am so thrilled to let you know that her last MRI showed little signs of cancer!!!!!
Rita will head back to Portland, OR, and OHSU on July 10th for her next treatment. Treatment at OHSU is still scheduled until November 2007.

Thank you very much for keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers.

If you are in BG, KY, please come join her in the pool...she is in the pool everyday!
-andee

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6 down, 6 to go

Mom and I just returned from OHSU. She completed her 6th BBBD treatment. She was able to visit the Pearl District in Portland (pictured above) and even take a train up to Seattle, WA, to see my sister Suzie following treatment. However, there were signs that the treatment is getting tougher, as she was exhausted and barely able to make the trip home in KY. We were so thankful for Rita Silen and my youngest sister Suzie, as they opened their homes and were so very giving.
Mom had a wonderful roommate at OHSU this time, which was a blessing. Twenty year old Jessica from Minnesota. Jessica and my mom kept the nurses smiling with their laughing and sharing. Even more entertaining, when they got ready to leave...they were dressed alike in peach sleeveless shirts and light colored blue jeans.
At home, Mom rested and got her feet back under her. Of course, she is ready for her pool to be up and ready, and working hard to make that happen.
Mom even asked if I could paint a mural around the inside of her fence facing the pool...then she could officially begin her collection of fish cut-outs to hang around her pool. Sounds like a plan!
The next trip out to OHSU will be the first full week in June.
Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts...they are very appreciated!

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My mom is keeping our spirits up

My mom had a safe trip out to Portland and OHSU last week. She is recovering from the treatment and the traveling at home. My mom's doctor, Dr. Edward Neuwelt, has confirmed that my mom will remain in treatment for one full year. Her treatment started in December 2006 with OHSU and will end in November of 2007. We think she is doing very well and the doctor agrees, stating that little to NO lymphoma is visible. My mom does remain very tired and a little forgetful, but still the LIFE of the party.

The next scheduled trip is May 1 through May 6. She will be at OHSU from May 2-5. I have promised her a train ride up the coast to Seattle after her treatment in Portland....so we will celebrate Cinco De Mayo on a train from Portland to Seattle, and then fly back to Nashville the next day!

So many, many prayers and so many people to thank for all of your kinds words and thoughts for my mom. Thank you! It means the world to us that you are thinking of our mom, and us, during this time.

Much love and appreciation!
-andee

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Rita celebrates with style

Doing it only like Rita can, she brought flare and the city to Andee's exhibition at the Capitol Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green, KY, March 22nd.
With Aunt Carolyn by her side, they were a big hit at the exhibition. I think everybody was wondering when they were going to take the stage.

It was a beautiful evening. The exhibition remains up until April 13th. Rita will probably have her pool open by then, so go by her house to see many other costume changes!

Many smiles!

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Happy Birthday!!!

For Rita's birthday this year, she celebrated it with family before she left for Portland and OHSU.
Andee got Rita to the airport early in the morning for her day trip on Southwest (thanks Keith Graff) out to Portland.
Suzie met her out there and they played and played until Rita checked in to OHSU Wednesday, March 7th...her birthday!
OHSu had a cake and cadles waiting for Rita, and many many happy wishes.

She had a several tests and spent much of the evening resting up for the BBBD procedure today.

Before the procedure, Dr. Neuwelt made a special stop in to see Rita. With several pats on the back and a smile, Dr, Neuwelt informed her that he could no longer see her cancer on the MRI. No cancer? No cancer!!! He did advise that she stick with the treament and finish the rounds scheduled today tomorrow, in April and May.

This was a great birthday present!

Rita will be home in KY Sunday, March 11th!

Thank you thank you!

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Gilda's Club donation

Gilda's Club of Nashville has been a wonderful support to the family over the past several months. To thank the club, and honor our brave mother, Andee has decided to donate Pearl Sun (pictured above) to their permanent collection. Andee will be donating to their fundraiser which will be held in June of 2007.

Gilda's Club Nashville is an affiliate of Gilda's Club Worldwide and opened its doors on August 3, 1998. Our purpose is to offer to our members lectures, workshops, classes, support groups and social activities in a non-residential, homelike setting. Free of charge to everyone, Gilda's Club Nashville provides a gathering place where people with cancer and their families and friends can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support as a supplement to regular medical care.

If you have cancer or have a friend or loved one who does, Gilda's Club Nashville is here for all of you.

About Gilda Radner:

When comedian Gilda Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986 she quickly realized the importance of emotional and social support when dealing with her cancer. After attending a wellness community in California, Gilda called for such places of participation, education, hope and friendship to be made available to men, women and children with any type of cancer and their families and friends. Upon her death in May of 1989 her husband, Gene Wilder, and Joanna Bull (Gilda's psychotherapist) founded the flagship Gilda's Club at 195 West Houston in New York City. There are currently fifteen affiliates open and another fifteen in various stages of development.

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Rita's Birthday Celebration

It is time for Rita's Birthday again...we are so thankful and so happy to celebrate a year of good health and great treatment.
The party will be Sunday, March 4th. Please email about the details.
Rita's actual birthday is March 7th. She will be in Portland, OR, for treatment on her birthday. Rita leaves for her next treatment on March 6th and will return the evening of March 10th.
Thank you so very much for your prayers.

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Mom is home and things are looking UP

My mom completed her third treatement at OHSU and it seems to be really helping her memory and not zapping her energy as much. She is even planning water aerobics as soon as she can get back in the water...so give her a call! In fact, since my mom arrived back in Bowling Green, she has not stopped moving.

My mom has the ability to live each minute, each hour and each day to the fullest. If she is feeling down, she finds a good magazine (thanks to Jodi Reeves and others who drop those by) and sits down to relax. When she is feeling up, she is probably in a pool somewhere helping others with their aches and pains through water aerobics. Either way, she is enjoying herself and focusing on what she CAN do.

Our next trip out to OHSU/Portland will be on March 6th...the day before my mom's birthday. We will return on March 11th.

Thanks for all of the healing prayers for my mom.

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Rita is back in Portland, OR

Sorry for the late update. The good news is that Mom was able to travel to Portland, OR, on her own this time!!! No help needed from those "bothersome kids"...heee heee
The truth is, the BBBD treatment is really helping. She is able to recall people and places almost as well as she was able to before treatment started in November of 2005.

I helped my mom get everything ready for the trip and then drove her to the airport at 4:30am on Tuesday morning for the long trip out. She arrived in Portland, OR, Tuesday late afternoon, and made her way to her hotel near OHSU. She was admitted at OHSU Wednesday for tests. Mom will begin the BBBD treatment/procedure Thursday morning and again Friday morning. We are pretty sure she will be released from the hospital on Saturday, but may delay the flight until Sunday if needed for recovery.

It is always hard to plan the return flights. We will get it right one of these days.

Please keep my mom in your prayers during her BBBD treatment and her safe return home.
Thank you.

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BBBD in Oregon and snow

My mom and I are in Portland, Oregon, for BBBD #2 at OHSU. Rita traveled well for 13 hours yesterday and made it through a day of tests today.
We will be up at 5:00am Wednesday to check into the hospital. This week Rita will undergo BBBD treatment and will remain in the hospital for the next 3 days.
Providing all goes as planned, she will arrive home by Monday, January 15th. She will not be able to have guests for several days due to her white blood cell counts being very low after treatments. Please send her your thoughts via the site. She enjoys the entries in the guestbook very much!
There should be snow on the ground tomorrow morning in Portland as we enter the hospital, and being up on this hill in Portland, we will surely be blessed with beautiful views!

Much love to everyone!

Carla, your family is in our prayers!

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The holidays were good!

Rita "the dynamo" created a wonderful dessert and was bright and cheerful at the Holiday Hot Dog and Art Stand. She will be heading to Portland, Oregon, for treatment January 8-14, 2007. After returning home, her immune system will be compromised, so she can't have any visitors after her return. As her medication kicks in, she may be able to have visitors.
Thank you for keeping Rita in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy New Year to everyone!

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A & L's Holiday Hot Dog and Art Stand

Please COME CELEBRATE the season with Rita and the Rudloff Family Friday, December 22nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

A & L's Holiday Hot Dog and Art Stand

Decorate a "dog" and shop for art.

Friday, December 22nd
1245 State Street (at the home of Melissa, Dan, Noah and Halle Rudloff)
Bowling Green, KY 42101

50% of all art purchases will go to cancer research.

RSVP: info@ritarudloff.com

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Rita is HOME!!!

I am happy to say that my mom is home! The treatment at OHSU is just what the doctor ordered...in many ways. My mom feels better and the treatment seems to be right for her mentally, physically and psychologically. The nurses and doctors at OHSU really feel they can help my mom, they are supportive of her and her ideas, and they are passionate that the BBBD treatment is right for my mom.
My mom will go through some tougher side effects than she has before, such as, a compromised immune system, hair loss and some aches and pains. She is ready to tackle things and feels confident. Blessing, blessing, blessing!

OHSU places patients going through BBBD treatment together in the hospital room during treatment. This was extremely helpful for my mom. She shared a room with Trudy. Trudy was several treatments ahead of my mom and was able to share her experience with my mom. They became friends and look forward to seeing one another again at OHSU.

My mom is home now...and greatly appreciates all of the cards, letters...and handmade cream candy (Sharon Cameron and Jim Bates)! Everyone has been so kind. Please feel free to call or write to my mom. Unfortunately, she can't have many visitors, as her immune system can not tolerate it right now.


-andee

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Rita at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR

Mom has been admitted to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. After many tests today, she is in her room for the night. Her treatment will begin at 6am (8am CDT) tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Mom will undergo BBBD treatment and will remain in the hospital over the next 4 days. Suzie is with her right now and Leslie will be there Wednesday through Saturday. Leslie will be flying back with Mom on Saturday.

Suzie says she is doing well...just very nervous.

I will be handling things from Kentucky and Tennessee this time. I had to be at the airport this week for a quarterly art installation for Arts at the Airport.

My mom really appreciates all of the wonderful entries in my her Guestbook. Thank you!

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TEAMWORK pays off

With a determined doctor and a great team of family and friends, my mom's insurance provider, CHA, has confirmed that they will cover my mom's treatment at OHSU in Portland, OR. We want to greatly thank the efforts of Dr. Edward Neuwelt and his staff. We also would like to thank Dr. William Mitchell, CHA's CMO. Last, but not least, special thanks to family friend Stacey Irvin for her tireless research...Leslie Rudloff for reading between the lines and for your determination...and mom, for being our inspiration!

My mom will begin treatment on Monday, December 4th in Portland, Oregon. The treatment will take 4 days. My mom should be back in Kentucky by Sunday, December 10th.

Great work TEAM Rudloff...

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Insurance Nightmare

We have now heard that my mom's insurance (CHA is based in Lexington) refuses to pay for her treatment. Despite the fact that medicare and all other insurance companies will cover this procedure, CHA still refuses. We have appealed the decision, and are taking every measure known to humankind to move things along. My mom is still in the Northwest and we will get things worked out very soon. Keep her in your prayers.

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New Treatment begins Wednesday

My mom is out on the Northwest Coast preparing to begin treatment Wednesday, November 29th in Portland, Oregon. Her treatment will last for 4 days. She will be at OHSU on the hill in Portland, Oregon. Each month, for one year, my mom will undergo an intense treatment called BBBD, Blood Brain Barrier Disruption, under Dr. Edward Neuwelt. She will be able to fly home after the treatment to rest.

With this is mind, flights to Portland, Oregon, will be needed over the next year for my mom and a caregiver/family member. We will be setting up a way for you to donate your "miles" to Rita, so that she can fly out to Portland for treatment. We are also looking to Corporate Angels and the American Cancer Society for help. Any help is appreciated!!

Thanks for all of your prayers and kind words!
-andee

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Much to be Thankful for

After three hours of questions and answers with Dr. Neuwelt and Rose Marie Tyson, Rita has decided that BBBD is the treatment for her. This treatment will take place in Portland, Oregon, at OHSU with Dr. Neuwelt and his team. This treatment will be intense and will take place 4-6 days each month for the next year. Dr. Neuwelt is cautiously optimistic about my mom, but optimistic nonetheless...we needed that right now.

We are assembling a team right now to travel with my mom to Portland each month. We are trying to gather more information about programs like Corporate Angels and Southwest Airlines, which will fly patients to treatment. We are also looking into flights and places to stay. If anyone has any ideas...please email us: info@ritarudloff.com

Thank you for all of your prayers...we are so VERY thankful!


The new plans look like this....

Rose Marie Tyson, Dr. Neuwelt's M.S.N. called today with an update with on appointments and schedule. She is going to send an email with the new schedule. Mom has an appointment on Wednesday at 8:15am with Dr. Egan. She has another appt. on Wednesday and one on Monday. She gave us a binder with tons of information in it.
She accidentally gave us the information for the relapse protocol procedure. She and Dr. Neuwelt spoke and they decided to treat Mom as a non-protocol first diagnosis.
Dr. Neuwelt does not recognize her prior treatments as effectively entering the brain.

OHSU and Dr. Neuwelt's team have mom scheduled for her first BBBD treatment starting Wednesday, November 29.
-andee

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Arrived, and in Portland for Thanksgiving

My mom and I are in Portland, Oregon, for Thanksgiving. Suzie and Pam met us here and we will all be at OHSU Wednesday to find out more about BBBD and treatment for my mom.

We had a long flight out, but my mom handle it well. She is resting beside me after a good Thai dinner and some hot tea.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!
-andee

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Oregon study

Rita will be heading out to Oregon next week to investigate the BBBD Study at OHSU. It is a very intense, year-long treatment specifically for brain lymphoma and brain cancer. We are very hopeful that it may be the right treatment for my mom.

I will be traveling with my mom out to Portland, Oregon. We will meet Suzie in Portland and head into the appointmment with questions for Dr. Neuwelt and his staff. This is a very stressful time for my mom and our family. Please send her your thoughts and prayers via the Guestbook on her site: www.ritarudloff.com

I will have my laptop with me while we are out in Oregon.

The good news is that my mom is strong and doing very well considering all of the treatment and all of the tests.

Rita will have to undergo a PET scan at Vanderbilt this Friday prior to heading out to Oregon.

Keep my mom in your prayers!

Thank you!
-andee

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Decisions to be made

At the moment, the family is getting their heads together with my mom and trying make a decision about the next step in her treatment. Keep Rita in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this decision.

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Rita needs your support!

Hello,

This is Stacey - family friend and webmaster for Rita Rudloff. I just realized that, due to a technical glitch, the last post or two from this blog may not have reached all of our email subscribers. So, I wanted to post a quick note to thank everyone for following Rita's blog and also let you know that she can use all of the love and support you can send her way. Fatigue and treatment decision-making weigh heavily on her mind and body right now. Please take a moment to sign Rita's guestbook or send a card. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Treatment is over...time to go home

Rita is completing her treatment and will be headed back to Bowling Green on Friday, October 6th. It was a tough one and she is more than ready to be back home after this one.
We will be really planning and thinking and praying that she stays cancer-free. We encourage everyone to give Rita a call, drop her a card of support and pray for her at this time.
I do know that despite the cooling temperatures, Rita will still be getting in the water.
We are so glad she is and continues to get in the water.
Her activity level has kept her from receiving several other drugs that most cancer patients need during treatment.
Feel free to encourage her activity level by jumping in the pool with her.:)

Ok...or at least come catch an episode of Dancing with the Stars and a bowl of popcorn at 1138 Cedar Wood Way!

Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers,
-andee

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Water aerobics at the Dayani Center

We are so thankful for Kim at the Dayani Center and Vanderbilt's Linda Hudson for understanding the importance of water in my mom's treatement. We were able to use the facilities before my mom was admitted to the Cancer Treatment floor on September 12th.
They have assured us that we will be able to come back again on October 3rd, before my mom's final treatment of Cycle 2. Come and join us Tuesday, October 3rd at 4:00pm. All first visits to the Dayani Center are free. Arrive a little early to fill out some paperwork.

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Rita is making the most of each day

Rita taught water aerobics to several people over the last couple of days, and noticed that the weather is cooling off. The cooler weather may keep her inside more in the coming months, but it is not going to slow her down.

With one more treatment in Cycle 2 set for Oct.3, Rita is rediscovering her artistic roots and her home designing and redesigning. Feel free to contact her about her many old Victorian mantles and columns and much more.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers...my mom really does FEEL the love and strength of everyone!

Photo by Diane Braber

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Your house need a makeover?

Well, if your house needs a makeover, contact Rita today! Rita has traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe gathering antiques and designing her own home accent pieces. Her intuition, design ideas and color theory can improve the value of any home. Whether you are just moving in, trying to perk up your house, or putting it on the market tomorrow...CALL RITA!

Services and Fees

In-home Redesign Consultation

This is when Rita will cut to the core to find the most efficient and money saving restyling solutions for your home. Your priorities are foremost and critical to determining solutions. Together, we’ll figure out what will work for you.
$75.00/hour*

One-day Room Redesign

On the day you have chosen to give your rooms a “Spa Day”, she’ll come to your home and rearrange your own furnishings and accessories for comfort, efficiency and beauty.
Quoted at consultation

Home Resale Consultation

With you and your Realtor, Rita will walk through your home with a “buyers eye” noting the enhancements that will make your home sell quickly and bring the return you deserve. We’ll leave you a checklist with recommendations for interior and exterior improvements.
$75.00/hour*

Home Resale Enhancement

By rearranging and simplifying rooms, accessories and storage areas, your home will appear more spacious, bright and inviting. You’ll love it when home buyers will want to sit down and stay.
$75.00/hour
4 hours minimum

Move-in Service

After you’ve unpacked, Rita will take the stress out of deciding where to put all that stuff you’d forgotten you had. We’ll rearrange your belongings in creative new ways so that you may enjoy your new home sooner than you ever imagined.
$75.00/hour

Personal Shopping

We’ll find new treasures you’ll love, easily saving you time and money.
$50.00/hour

Blending Homes

We intend to bring harmony and balance to your merged households by thoughtfully creating a comfortable and peaceful space for the whole family.
$75.00/hour

Color Consultation
$75.00/hour

*Initial In-home Redesign Consultation fees for Redesign or Resale are not included in quoted project pricing and are independent of those costs. All fees are due and payable at the end of the consultation or project.

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Rita is recovering at home

The September 12-16 treament went well and Rita did VERY well. She is getting rest and recovering at home in Bowling Green, KY, now.

In SUPER Rita style, she made it out to the Mask Exhibition reception today in downtown Bowling Green, KY, and everyone was so so so glad to see her. She even found the energy to get in the pool with Halle, Noah, Dan and Leslie this evening.

Special thanks to Jodi Reeves for all of the wonderful magazines, Kim at the Dayani Center and Stacey Irvin for all of the yummy treats during Rita's last visit at Vanderbilt.

Rita will return to Vanderbilt on October 3rd for her final treatment in Cycle #2. We will also make a return trip to the Dayani Center prior to her last treatment for a hour of water aerobics around 4pm. Please let us know if you would like to join us on October 3rd at 4pm at the Vanderbilt Dayani Center.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my mom. We are so very thankful for her good health at this time.

Many smiles!

Pictured above: Dax Evans, RITA and Leslie Rudloff in downtown Bowling Green, KY.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Water aerobics anyone?

Before my mom's last treatment, we were able to assemble a group of people at the Dayani Center. The center is right across the street from the Vanderbilt Medical Clinic. We were able to go there and enjoy an hour or so of water aerobics before my mom had to go to the "floor" for her 3-5 day treatment. It was wonderful! My mom got to be free in between the poking and prodding of her doctor's appointment, and her arrival on the cancer floor.
We have decided to do it again...4:00pm at the Dayani Center on Tuesday, September 12th. The center is free the first time and after that there is a small fee to attend. My mom gets to go FREE, thanks to the Vanderbilt Cancer Center!

So come out and enjoy a little fun and encourage Rita through her treatment.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Home until September 12th

Rita is home until September 12th. Please feel free to stop by and jump in the pool with her.

Her last round of chemo had its challenges, but Rita kept her spirits high by staying in the water. When she does not have to be on the "floor" getting treatment, she is in the water. In fact, prior to reporting to the hospital floor this past treatment, we all escaped to the Dayani Center for water aerobics. Many were able to join my mom. Present for the impromtu water class were Don and Sheryl Evans, Trish Reynolds, Suzie Rudloff, Stacey Irvin, Kiersten (our new friend) and me.

Please keep my mom in your prayers...and thank you so very much for all of your thoughts and well wishes.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Update...at last

Sorry for the delay folks. The good news is that the treatments seem to be working. The bad news is that the treatments are still happening and will continue until October of 2006. The doctors are giving Rita 3 weeks in between treatments right now. This has been helping her really get her feet back under her when she is not coming or going to Vanderbilt. We are in constant communication with her doctors and will be keeping a close eye on the results from each and every test. Each treatment requires Rita to be hospitalized for 4-5 days.

Rita will be going back to Vanderbilt August 22nd for a 4-5 day stay while she receives her next treatment. Vanderbilt nurse Kat and I have been planning a water aerobics class at the Dayani Center before she heads up to the "floor" for treatment. We are hoping that several people can attend an impromtu aerobics class on August 22nd around 3:30/4:00pm at the Daynai Center near the Vanderbilt Medical Center. Your attendance would be very appreciated.

Rita reminds us how to live each day to the FULLEST no matter what!

Today, I celebrated my birthday...and my mom, Rita, was the the life of the party...AGAIN! We also sent sweet wishes to Sissy (my mom's mom/my grandmother), as a birthday does not go by that we don't think of her...I was lucky enough to be born on her birthday!

Rita will be at home until she leaves for Vanderbilt on the 22nd. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she receives treatment over the next few months.

Lots of love,
-andee

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Thank you!!!

My mom will be returning home to Bowling Green, KY, on Saturday, July 8th, following her treatment at Vanderbilt(VUMC). Her treatment has gone well. She is very tired and will be recovering between treatments at her house and in Bowling Green, KY.
Her next treatment will be in about 10 to 14 days. After her second treatment, my mom will have another brain MRI to see if the treatment is working.

Keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Special thanks to Joyce Cloutier for keeping an eye on my mom's pool while we have been at Vanderbilt.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Treatment started

The next round of chemo started Wednesday, July 5th. My mom is in good spirits and is very positive about her treatment. I spent the entire day with her and held her hand through it all today.

Her doctors are very positve about her treatment.

The only negative right now is that her memory is failing her a bit. It should be better after the steriods and treatment have a little time to work.

She is in Room 11028 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Although she can not have any flowers in her room, she enjoys us hanging the comments from her guestbook on her wall. So send kind words to let Rita know you are thinking of her and we will make sure that she seems them.

Thank you for all of the many prayers and wonderful words of support. It means so much to MY MOM and our family during this time.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Relapse

My mom has been pretty low energy lately. Noticing that, I decided to move her appointment to visit Dr. John Greer at Vanderbilt, and luckily got TODAY!! My mom had a return scheduled visit with her doctor for mid-July, but something told me not to waste a minute.

Today's visit went something like this, first the brain MRI and then the office visit with Dr. Greer afterwards. Leslie was with my mom the entire time. The brain MRI showed that, sadly,her cancer had returned. Dr. Greer and my mom discussed her options.

My mom has decided to try a different treatment. She will be admitted into Vanderbilt on Tuesday, July 4th to begin treatment.
My mom and her doctor feel that a different type of chemotherapy may be effective.

At this time we do not know everything about the treatment. We will post again soon after the family researches, investigates and discusses the options. Of course, my mom always has the final say and we are doing as much research as we can at this time...find something we should know?----PLEASE send it on!

Many thanks for your prayers at this time.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

This book is so great!!!!

I have to pass on this book to you. It brought me to tears and also motivated me. It inspired me and my sister to plan a trip to Austin, TX, with my mom NOW!

Please view the site and read the book if you have a chance:
www.momscancer.com

Wishing you the very best summer yet!

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A Brother's Wish for Mother's day

Greetings,
Below you will find a letter from my brother Dan Rudloff. It really touched me Dan wanted to jump in and help find a cure and continue needed research for cancer following my mother's recent battle. We are so thankful she is doing well.
I am supporting my brother in his efforts on June 2nd, and hope that you will consider supporting my brother and others in the Relay for Life. Let's find a cure, support needed reasearch, and help others to BEAT cancer.

Please read my brother's letter below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
-andee rudloff

________________________

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, our family has had the challenge of helping my mother as she battled cancer. After spending several months taking my mother from test to test, she was diagnosed with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma right before Thanksgiving of 2005. Our family really pulled together throughout those many difficult months. Through wonderful doctors, my mother's tremendous WILL, family strength, and the grace of God, her cancer is considered in remission. My mother did undergo intense chemotherapy at Vanderbilt Medical Center throughout the winter months and is still recovering from the effects. We wait and wonder, if it will return. It is a numbing feeling.

This experience has made my wife Melissa and me keenly aware of how many people are affected by cancer. As a result, we decided to be proactive and support our community by participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event. The American Cancer Society (ACS) funds more than $100 million dollars of cancer research a year. We want to help them fight cancer and raise awareness about cancer prevention.

On June 2, at Bowling Green High School, in Bowling Green, KY; we will join our other team members from the Bowling Green Christian Church and the community to walk from sun-down to sun-up in an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship in honor of my mother and the many others who have battled this devastating disease. We invite you to support our team.

Please consider giving a gift to the American Cancer Society, through our team here in Warren County, KY. Our team is striving to raise $2500 to help meet the local goal of $170,000. All donations are tax-deductible. Please consider giving whatever you can to help others fight the battle of cancer. Your checks can be made out to American Cancer Society and need to be returned to the address below no later than Monday, May 22.

Thank you in advance for your generous support.

Checks can be mailed to my office at:
Rudloff & Rudloff
Attn: Dan Rudloff
553 E. Main St.
Bowling Green, KY 42101

I appreciate your time and donation.

Sincerely,
Dan and Melissa Rudloff

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Water Aerobics are HAPPENING!!!

Hey everybody...the water is warm and Rita is already splashing the neighbors...so come on over!! Each weekday at 8:00am and 5:30pm, Rita holds classes for all sizes, ages and abilities at her PRIVATE POOL located at 1138 Cedar Wood Way. Classes are $5.00 and open until full.
So call to schedule your time today: 782-3977

If you do not know how GREAT water aerobics are for you, then please call Rita and get the "skinny," as she has her energy back and her strength is right behind. If you are still not convinced, come over and watch a class and then come prepared to jump in the next day...you won't want to miss out...trust me!

Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes for my mom. Her last appointment was SUPER and we are all so very happy! No appointments again until July 2006!!!

Many thanks,

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Surprise Birthday Party Pics

Here is a link to photos from the Surprise Birthday Party March 5th:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photonomad/sets/72057594075998791/

Large sizes are downloadable to make prints!

Enjoy!

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Remission baby!!!!!!!

Today my mom struggled with her energy as she headed down to see Dr. Greer at Vanderbilt. Following a year of tests and treatment, Dr. Greer announced that she is presently in remission!!!!
Today...say thanks...give praise and thANk You!!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Birthday Party....ssshhhhhhh

...I have to whisper, because it is a secret...

Rita will be celebrating a BIRTHDAY in early March. To embrace this last year and send her into her next year with lots of joy and laughter, we are planning a Surprise Birthday Party on Sunday, March 5th at 5:00pm. The party will be at Andee's Studio located at 556 Morris Alley in Bowling Green, KY, 42101.

We hope that many of you will join us as we want Rita to KEEP her positive vibe and get ready for lots of splashing in her pool this spring.
Please let us know if you can make it!! Feel free to leave a message in the guestbook for her...we promise to have those at the party! Any cards and "happies" can be sent to Andee's address! Your presence is more than appreciated!

This weekend, February 16-19, will be Rita's last scheduled treatment at Vanderbilt. She will once again be admitted to Vanderbilt on Thursday evening and be there until Sunday. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers this weekend. We don't know what the future holds, but we know wherever my mom is...it is bright!

Hope to see you at the Surprise Birthday Party!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

The bats are being removed from the attic permanently...

It looks like the spring is going to be greatest season I have experienced in many years due to the scary side trip I just had........Life is great and I have friends with all of the clean-up crews at Vanderbilt since each trip back is a well-planned party... I pretend that I am there to entertain the troops so the big noses, balloon animals, funny tapes, crazy outfits that fell out of the closet, or anything to keep them laughing.... Twice they have tried to have me moved to fifth floor for the different people , but my heroes (my daughters and their friends) have saved me every time.. I am trying to set the example of Lance Armstrong on the stationary bike but I am not getting too far...Pretty soon now, the water wings will come on and the music turned up loud, so the splashing in the pool will not drown out my new music.... You never know if anyone noticed you until something weird happens and then you hear from friends that you haven't heard from in years and loved them dearly... Thanks for everyone's e-mails, cards, candy, candy,signs, meals,candy, and love.....I will never forget you all.....Please come to the pool and dance your aches away without any strain except your mouth will be tired from all of the laughter in the water as I have been practicing my underwater comedy act and it is pretty good....Thanks for everything especially the prayers.......You never get enough of those...

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Almost there

Rita is currently at Vanderbilt undergoing round five of her chemotherapy. It has been a bit rougher as the chemicals are just not easy on a human body.

Rita keeps her spirits up. Today, she had everyone laughing when she proudly displayed her red, clown nose for the nurses and doctors.
She will leave Vabderbilt on Sunday, February 4th and head home for some much needed rest.

Keep your guestbook entries coming, as my mom really loves hearing from everyone.

One more round of treatment in two weeks. At that point, the doctors and the family will meet to decide what the next move will be.

Keep my mom in your prayers!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

4th round...

The fourth round of treatment went very well. No major problems. My mom is already home and relaxing. She was told that she can get back in the water for water aerobics in a month or so, and that made her smile BIG!
Vanderbilt has gotten use to my mom and she has made quite a name for herself there-most of the nurses stop by to say hello even when my mom is not their patient.

While she is home in Bowling Green, my mom will be cat-napping through the day and cautiously around others due to infections. Feel free to drop her a message in the GUESTBOOK as she finds the comments very encouraging.

Many smiles and thank you!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

January 5, 2006 Doctor visit

Yesterday my my had a port-a-cath put in to use for the remainder of her chemotherapy treatments. It was an outpatient procedure, and my mom brought her tap shoes...and was out the door in no time. What a great patient!

Good news everyone!!!
My mom's "base line" MRI before treatment was clear, possibly due to the steriods used during her brain biopsy. Once again, when cancer responds well to steriods, that usually means that her cancer will respond very well to treatment.
Technically speaking, that means that my mom is in remission!!!

My mom met with the hematology/oncology doctor, Dr.Greer, today(Jan.5). He said that it is necessary she complete the 6 treatments of chemotherapy. She has currently completed 2 treatments and will begin treatment 3 this weekend. She will continue her treatment every 2 weeks until she has completed all 6 treatments.

Her white blood cell count is high and normal, so she can resume her busy social life and frolicking. In other words, she is free to be FREE!

Thank you for your prayers...happy, happy; joy, joy!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Sorry for the Delay

Rita got to go home Christmas afternoon. She was able to celebrate the holidays with the family and enjoy some good holiday food.

The next round of chemothrapy will be on January 5th through January 8th, 2006.

We are so thankful that the treatment is going well. Rita's spirits are HIGH and she is getting rest at home.

Many smiles to all in the New Year!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Christmas at Vanderbilt

The Rudloff Family will spend Christmas at Vanderbilt this year. Rita will be getting treatment for several days. Our stockings will be hung on the 11th floor and we hope that Saint Nick finds us all there.

Rita is doing well with the treatments. She is staying strong. She even asked if an exercise bike could be placed in her room. WOW...Rita "Lance Amrstrong" Rudloff!

We hope that Christmas brings peace and love to all of our friends this year! Thanks so very much for all of the prayers and kind thoughts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

The week ends on a high note!

Rita has spent the last week braving painful and frightening tests leading up to her first round of chemotherapy. Scary as it sounds, you would not believe how wonderful she looks and how well she is doing. She is so strong.

We have been told by her doctor she will need to come back every 2 weeks for more treatment. The doctors are very positive and think that 6 treatments will force the lymphoma into remission. That is our hope and prayer...REMISSION!

As stated before, the treatments require Rita to be in the hospital for several days for her treatments. We are trying to make it the best enviroment we can to keep her spirits HIGH! We will be spending Christmas this year at Vanderbilt, as the next treatment will be Christmas weekend.

Just being with our mom is like having Christmas everyday...she loves life more than anyone I know.

Our family is thankful for the prayers and thoughts of so many wonderful people.

Many smiles,
-andee

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Lymphoma

My mom's biopsy results show that she has a rare brain lymphoma usually found in children and persons with an immune deficiency.
Her doctors think that a form of chemotherapy will help force it into remission. Rita will begin her treatment next week. The treatments take 2 to 3 days and she will hospitalized at Vanderbilt during that time. There will be several weeks of treatment needed.

Our family has been researching the treatment as well as the doctors and facilities that will treat her for lymphoma. We feel we have a strong team of medical profesionals at Vanderbilt helping my mom.

We are open to hearing about places and people doing research in the area of brain lymphoma. Feel free to forward information you may have or may find.

Many thanks to so many kind people who have called, written, sent flowers and brought yummy treats to eat. We are all so very thankful!

God bless you!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Coming Home to Bowling Green

Rita did well on Thursday night and the doctors are letting her come home to Bowling Green today! (Friday afternoon)

Melissa Rudloff is coordinating meals and help.
If you are able to contribute a meal or meals, please contact Melissa at 270-781-5886

Take a moment to visit the guestbook and leave a note of encouragement -- Rita really loves your guestbook entries!

Regular mail can also be sent to:

Rita Rudloff
1138 Cedar Wood
Bowling Green, KY 42104

Thank you!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Surgery

Dear Friends,

Rita went to Vanderbilt on Tuesday for a scheduled MRI. On Wednesday, she underwent brain surgery. She is recovering at Vanderbilt Hospital.

More information will become available soon. At this time, the family asks that you keep Rita in your thoughts and prayers!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

14 foot columns

Yes....Rita has a four, giant, beautiful, 14 foot, wood columns that she would love to sell.
Since moving to her new "plastic" house, she has no need for all of her historic elements and would like to sell everything! Tile, mantles, windows and more.

Please call Rita for more information on things.

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water aerobic classes currently underway

Rita is teaching private and group classes at various pools.
Contact her today to participate!

WATER WORKS
"Dance in the water and live forever!"
270-782-3977

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Halloween in the water?

Rita has a "large bag" coming to cover her pool...actually, a very nice cover and heater...and she plans on hosting water aerobics all year long.
Please call to reserve a spot in the pool and join her for water aerobics this fall and winter.

And...by the way, Dr. Allen has taken mom off the medication and had her do another brain MRI. Dr. Allen thinks that what is in Rita's head is just viral...good thing we did not go with the first doctor's diagnosis. Looks like some antibiotics will clear everything up.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers...now come over for tricks and treats and get in the pool!!!!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Have plans for Friday evening yet?

Well if you are ready for some entertainment, this is for you!
Rita Rudloff has been asked to be one of the Public Theatre of Kentucky's special celebrity guests for the performance of HARVEY Friday, September 30th...TONIGHT!
The performance of Harvey begins at 8:00pm on September 30th.
Make reservations for this exciting and hilarious comedy by calling 270-781-6233 NOW!

Rita will appear as only RITA knows how...a must see!

Hope you can make it!

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Rita's address

rita rudloff
1138 Cedar Wood Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104

(270)782-3977

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Clear for 3 months

Rita visited with Neuro-surgeon Dr. Weaver at the Vanderbilt Medical Clinic August 16th, 2005. It was a fairly long day of running around the Vanderbilt Clinic. Rita finally received a brain MRI and a meeting with Dr.Weaver.

Dr.Weaver decided after viewing Rita's brain MRI(8-16-05) that there were no changes, and in fact the spots looked smaller. Dr.Weaver explained brain MRI results can show changes based on simple things like the MRI machines, different technicians, and her own body. Dr.Weaver explained that the spots in Rita's brain could be a variety of things, but were not showing signs of growth or changes that appear alarming. He wants to keep an eye on her, so she will return to see him in 3 months.

Looks like whatever is in Rita's head will remain there for 3 more months. As long as she is not experiencing any discomfort or serious problems, Rita will be living with the "spots" in her head. She will remain on her seizure medication as prescribed by Dr.Edgeworth.

She will make a return visit to Dr.Weaver right before Thanksgiving to see if there are any changes. We will all be listening to Rita and letting the doctors know of anything that appears suspect.

Until then, Rita will return to her "normal" life.

We are so very thankful. Our family would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful messages, cards and prayers! We are all still hoping for the best!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

North Pole, South Pole

With the "steriod-free" brain MRI date fast-approaching(August 16th), Rita has discovered balance in her life with her new found passion...MAGNET Therapy! She is wearing magnets, sleeping on magnets, and tomorrow she will work with her first horse...yes, horse magnet therapy!

Finding the balance between the North and South Poles here in Kentucky may just be what the doctor ordered...and if not, it is a great, positive learning experience for Rita...and all of us...on how to keep living fully everyday.

I can't wait to hear how the horses respond to the magnets...that will have to be a post on this site FOR SURE!

There will be a post following the brain MRI on the 16th of August, so keep Rita in your prayers and let's hope for the BEST!

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Off with the Steriods!

Rita is spending her days on the coast of South Carolina as she comes off the steriods...it is safe out there to do stuff like that.
She is surrounded by plenty of water, so she is probably in the water RIGHT NOW considering the heat.
Rita will be going back down to see the Neuro-surgeon, Dr. Weaver, at Vanderbilt on August 16th. Dr. Weaver will have her go through another brain MRI to check the spots in her head post-steriods. After reading the results, he will decide whether or not to do the brain biopsy.
Until then, we will keep our fingers crossed and our spirits up!

Many smiles to all!

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Good News! The biopsy has been cancelled!!

Dr. Weaver read Rita's MRI (with contrast dye) from yesterday and it now appears that her tumors are only clouds! He cannot do a biopsy on clouds because his targets are not obvious. They want to know if the steroids (Decodron) had anything to do with this. The doctors are going to take her off of steroids over the course of the next four days. She will come back in three weeks (August 16th) and they will run another MRI and look at it again. Dr. Weaver did say that there is a strong chance that something could come back in the absence of the steroids. They will just wait and see what the next MRI shows. In the meantime, water aerobics for everybody!

Sometimes prayers are answered! We'll keep our fingers crossed and please keep your positive thoughts coming Rita's way!!

p.s. - The doctors in Bowling Green would have had her in a third week of radiation! We're sooo glad she's with the specialists at Vanderbilt!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

What is in her head?

My mom is in Nashville today having the pre-op tests for her brain biopsy. She's doing those tests RIGHT NOW!
She will be home in "the Grove" Monday night, Tuesday and most of Wednesday.

Wednesday night, Thursday, and Friday she returns to Vanderbilt for her brain biopsy. This should tell us what we are dealing with...ahhh, an acute diagnosis.

My mom will arrive back at her house in Smiths Grove to recover following her brain biopsy on Saturday.

Thanks for your support, encouraging words and humor.
It has my mom smiling.

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Dr Weaver, the Neuro-Surgeon

We met with Dr. Kyle Weaver today at Vanderbilt. After reviewing my mom's brain MRI, he would like to go ahead with a brain biopsy. He has also suggested that my mom receive a functional MRI, which will test where in her brain her speech and thoughts come from...I bet it is an interesting place:)

We are really trying to squeeze in the functional MRI before Thursday when she will have her brain biopsy. If we are unable to get the functional MRI test before Thursday, my mom will remain awake during her brain biopsy.

Remaining awake, my mom will be asked to talk and answer questions during the biopsy.
This is all to keep that creative brain of her's in check throughout the surgery.

Keep those positive thoughts coming and the VIBRANT Rita will keep glowing!

LOVE to you all!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

Brain Biopsy

All of the tests for cancer in her body came back clear...we are thankful.
Rita will undergo a brain biopsy in the next few days. We will keep you posted. Thanks to all of you for your support!!
We had a good chat with mom about the brain biopsy and she is ready to do it. She is anxious to know what is in her head.

Rita has also instructed the doctors not to fix the "wires in her head," as the likes the way she processes life.
We think the doctors finally understand, she is unique and goes HER OWN WAY.

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Think of Rita

Rita Rudloff, my mom, needs your prayers and positive thoughts. She is going through several tests at Vanderbilt to aquire an acute diagnosis.

We have also been told that they will look for other infections and causes, but the current diagnosis is brain cancer.

We are inspired by the will of many cancer survivors. The current commercial on television, showing Lance Armstrong during his 1995 press conference when he announced he had cancer gives my mom chills, and hope. Lance was never told he had cancer in his lungs and brain. He was able to keep his spirits up and trust the treatment the doctors offered him.

THINK POSITIVE AND LIVE STRONG...do that for Rita Rudloff today!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook

The Beginning

Always giving, Rita found herself unable to speak a couple of times one day about a month ago. Thinking it was probably due to a busy schedule, the hot weather, or irregular eating, she was not initially alarmed. It was when it happened again while talking to my sister Leslie on the phone that really started the investigation into what was going on.

My mom found herself going in for a few tests.

Several general tests were done, but it was in an MRI that spots were seen on her brain, and it looked like cancer. We decided to make appointments with some specialists and learn more about what was going on.

Since then, she has been very willing to tackle any tests and trusting of the specialists we have found for her at Vanderbilt. We are gathering information. The doctors are currently reading the results of each and every test to decide what the best treatment is for my mom.

My mom, Rita...the enthusiastic water aerobics instructor....the historic home designer and renovator...the fun, spontaneous, and always unpredictable woman about town...however it is that you know her, my mom is a unique person that inspires and entertains us ALWAYS.
Think positive thoughts and live STrONg for Rita today!

Please click here to sign Rita's Guestbook