Rhonda completed five of the eight treatments last week, so she’s more than halfway there. There’s light at the end of the tunnel! The end of last week (treatment week) was tough on her, but this week she’s feeling better again. She and Al even got out to meet Jeff and I for supper last night. Ironically they met us at Neighbor’s, the same restaurant we met them at the night that she told us she had cancer – they were even sitting in the same booth, in the exact same spots. When Jeff and I walked in last night and I saw where she and Al were sitting, it made me stop for a second, and I got that feeling (just for a second) that you get in the pit of your stomach when something bad happens. Then I quickly reminded myself that she’s now cancer free and I felt a rush of happiness. And I again thanked God for healing her!! It also reminded me, as I was driving home, how caught up in all the Christmas rush we (I know I do) get, and so easily forget to thank God for all our blessings. This has been a very tough year for alot of people, so this year especially let’s not forget to thank God for all those things we sometimes take for granted.....our family and friends, our health, our homes, our jobs, and each other. I know that Christmas will be especially meaningful for the Shaws this year - the heart of their family, their wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter has been returned to good health. A REAL gift!
I truly hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families. And please remember to keep Rhonda in your prayers, that God will see her through the treatment weeks remaining, giving her strength and determination.
With my thanks to you all for your kindnesses,
Denise Gibbs
P.S. Special thanks to Carol Dufel and Sandy Bass for providing meals last week. The home cooking is VERY appreciated. I have to apologize to Kathy Schweer too - I erroneously thanked Kathy Juel for a meal in my last update – that should have been Kathy Schweer – thank you for that meal, Kathy S.! I know Rhonda enjoyed visiting with you all when you brought the meals too! THANK YOU!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Update
Hi everyone.
Rhonda completed her fourth treatment last week – she’s now halfway through! Yay!! Unfortunately the treatment weeks are proving to be tests of her strength and determination. The end of last week were not good days for Rhonda – Thursday, Friday and Saturday she was in bed with alot of different side effects, the worst being abdominal pain. She can pretty much plan that the five days after treatment are going to be rough days to get through. By Sunday (yesterday), she was doing a little better and got out with Al to Cedar Falls for a little while, but then was pretty exhausted when she got home. Today she went to work, but I’m not expecting her to work a full day. She’s typically been getting off at 3:00 p.m. or earlier on non-treatment weeks. She’s thankful that she has a job where she can sit at a desk during the day; otherwise, most likely she wouldn’t be able to work.
I want to thank all of you who sent cards or e-mails, or stopped by for a few minutes, since my last update. Seeing her kitchen window filled with your cards even makes me smile, so imagine what a lift to her spirits it is for Rhonda! And thank you to Karen Nielsen and Kathy Juel for providing meals last week for the Shaws. Al is VERY appreciative of the wonderful home cooking!
With the holidays approaching, it’s going to be tougher for Rhonda mentally, so please keep her in your daily prayers, praying that God will strengthen her both physically and emotionally. And keep Al in your prayers also – it’s very hard on him to see his best friend and soul mate go through such pain and anguish. They both have a strong faith to rely on daily, and know that God is with them and will see them through to the end of this journey.
I’ll continue to keep you posted on Rhonda’s progress.
With love and thanks to you all for blessing the Shaws with your kindness!
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda completed her fourth treatment last week – she’s now halfway through! Yay!! Unfortunately the treatment weeks are proving to be tests of her strength and determination. The end of last week were not good days for Rhonda – Thursday, Friday and Saturday she was in bed with alot of different side effects, the worst being abdominal pain. She can pretty much plan that the five days after treatment are going to be rough days to get through. By Sunday (yesterday), she was doing a little better and got out with Al to Cedar Falls for a little while, but then was pretty exhausted when she got home. Today she went to work, but I’m not expecting her to work a full day. She’s typically been getting off at 3:00 p.m. or earlier on non-treatment weeks. She’s thankful that she has a job where she can sit at a desk during the day; otherwise, most likely she wouldn’t be able to work.
I want to thank all of you who sent cards or e-mails, or stopped by for a few minutes, since my last update. Seeing her kitchen window filled with your cards even makes me smile, so imagine what a lift to her spirits it is for Rhonda! And thank you to Karen Nielsen and Kathy Juel for providing meals last week for the Shaws. Al is VERY appreciative of the wonderful home cooking!
With the holidays approaching, it’s going to be tougher for Rhonda mentally, so please keep her in your daily prayers, praying that God will strengthen her both physically and emotionally. And keep Al in your prayers also – it’s very hard on him to see his best friend and soul mate go through such pain and anguish. They both have a strong faith to rely on daily, and know that God is with them and will see them through to the end of this journey.
I’ll continue to keep you posted on Rhonda’s progress.
With love and thanks to you all for blessing the Shaws with your kindness!
Denise Gibbs
Update - Posted 11/11/08
Hi.
Rhonda received her third treatment last Tuesday. The treatment weeks are proving to be very difficult for her. By the end of last week, she was in bed all day, feeling very tired and having pain. In fact, Saturday night late she ended up going to Urgent Care with alot of pain. Sunday she slept quite a bit but felt better, and she returned to work yesterday. We’re hoping that the treatment weeks will get better as time goes on. She feels pretty good on her off weeks, other than always feeling tired and worn out.
I want to thank you all again for being so quick to sign up for meals for Shaws. It’s a huge help to them! Thanks to Denise LeBahn & Darla Payne, and Teri Rawdon, for providing meals last week. Al is VERY appreciative of not having to cook, especially during harvest!
If any of you feel inclined, drop Rhonda a note via e-mail (or post a note on the blog: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com ) or mail, or call her. I know that she sometimes feels like she’s cut off from the rest of the world (especially when she’s home in bed for a few days), and a simple “I’m thinking of you” lifts her spirits more than you know!
This continues to be a tough road for her, so please keep praying that she will have the strength to continue through the treatments, that God will continue to keep both her and Al in His care, and that come January, we all will celebrate with them in the end of treatments, and a new beginning of good health for Rhonda!
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda received her third treatment last Tuesday. The treatment weeks are proving to be very difficult for her. By the end of last week, she was in bed all day, feeling very tired and having pain. In fact, Saturday night late she ended up going to Urgent Care with alot of pain. Sunday she slept quite a bit but felt better, and she returned to work yesterday. We’re hoping that the treatment weeks will get better as time goes on. She feels pretty good on her off weeks, other than always feeling tired and worn out.
I want to thank you all again for being so quick to sign up for meals for Shaws. It’s a huge help to them! Thanks to Denise LeBahn & Darla Payne, and Teri Rawdon, for providing meals last week. Al is VERY appreciative of not having to cook, especially during harvest!
If any of you feel inclined, drop Rhonda a note via e-mail (or post a note on the blog: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com ) or mail, or call her. I know that she sometimes feels like she’s cut off from the rest of the world (especially when she’s home in bed for a few days), and a simple “I’m thinking of you” lifts her spirits more than you know!
This continues to be a tough road for her, so please keep praying that she will have the strength to continue through the treatments, that God will continue to keep both her and Al in His care, and that come January, we all will celebrate with them in the end of treatments, and a new beginning of good health for Rhonda!
Denise Gibbs
Monday, October 27, 2008
Meal Schedule
You guys are awesome! Within a few hours of putting out the last e-mail, I’ve got all the slots filled! Unbelievable! THANK YOU!!
Here’s the new meal schedule:
November 4 – Denise LeBahn
November 6 – Teri Rawdon
November 18 – Karen Nielsen
November 20 – Kathy Schweer
December 2 – Sandy Bass
December 4 – Carol Dufel
December 16 – Barb Mead
December 18 – Teresa Johnson
December 30 – Chris Thompson
January 1 – Sandy Becker
January 13 – Yvonne Keller
January 15 – Kathy Juel
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. Please, no Mexican type (spicy) dishes!
Denise Gibbs
Here’s the new meal schedule:
November 4 – Denise LeBahn
November 6 – Teri Rawdon
November 18 – Karen Nielsen
November 20 – Kathy Schweer
December 2 – Sandy Bass
December 4 – Carol Dufel
December 16 – Barb Mead
December 18 – Teresa Johnson
December 30 – Chris Thompson
January 1 – Sandy Becker
January 13 – Yvonne Keller
January 15 – Kathy Juel
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. Please, no Mexican type (spicy) dishes!
Denise Gibbs
Update
Hi all.
I wish I could say that Rhonda is going through the treatments with flying colors, but she’s not. Last Tuesday was her second treatment, and by Friday she was home in bed all day. She was feeling sick and VERY tired and not able to eat. Saturday was a little better, yesterday she was up doing a little bookwork, and today she’s back to work. Andrea was home all day Saturday until noon yesterday so that was a very big help to Rhonda, not to mention the joy of seeing all the wedding pictures that Andrea brought with her! If you haven’t checked out the beautiful photos yet, be sure and visit Lisa Verbeck’s (photographer) website at www.lvphotosonline.com – go to Lisa’s blog and scroll down – there’s three rounds of pictures, all of them fantastic! (I’m especially partial to Lisa’s gifted photography – she happens to be my very talented sister-in-law!)
Rhonda’s next treatment is November 4th, so hopefully this “off” week will be a good one for her. Because the treatment weeks are proving to be hard, both physically and mentally, for Rhonda, I want to start the meals for Shaws again, for now just on the weeks that Rhonda gets her treatments. So starting next week, I need people for the following open spots:
November 4 – Denise LeBahn
November 6 – Teri Rawdon
November 18 – Karen Nielsen
November 20 –
December 2 –
December 4 –
December 16 –
December 18 –
December 30 –
January 1 –
January 13 –
January 15 –
This will take Rhonda through all six remaining treatments, every other week. Please let me know if you are able to provide a meal on one of the above dates. Denise, T, and Karen: I hope it was okay to schedule you – I know we cancelled the meals last time before you had an opportunity to do that, so thought I would go ahead and schedule you again. The meals are a God-send for Al especially – he’s trying his best to keep up the household duties while Rhonda goes through these treatments, so a hot meal is VERY appreciated!
Don’t forget you can also leave encouraging messages for Rhonda on the blog: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com/ She loves hearing from you!
Thank you all for your continued prayers for the Shaws, and for all the love and care that you’ve shown this family throughout the past months. God bless you!
Denise Gibbs
I wish I could say that Rhonda is going through the treatments with flying colors, but she’s not. Last Tuesday was her second treatment, and by Friday she was home in bed all day. She was feeling sick and VERY tired and not able to eat. Saturday was a little better, yesterday she was up doing a little bookwork, and today she’s back to work. Andrea was home all day Saturday until noon yesterday so that was a very big help to Rhonda, not to mention the joy of seeing all the wedding pictures that Andrea brought with her! If you haven’t checked out the beautiful photos yet, be sure and visit Lisa Verbeck’s (photographer) website at www.lvphotosonline.com – go to Lisa’s blog and scroll down – there’s three rounds of pictures, all of them fantastic! (I’m especially partial to Lisa’s gifted photography – she happens to be my very talented sister-in-law!)
Rhonda’s next treatment is November 4th, so hopefully this “off” week will be a good one for her. Because the treatment weeks are proving to be hard, both physically and mentally, for Rhonda, I want to start the meals for Shaws again, for now just on the weeks that Rhonda gets her treatments. So starting next week, I need people for the following open spots:
November 4 – Denise LeBahn
November 6 – Teri Rawdon
November 18 – Karen Nielsen
November 20 –
December 2 –
December 4 –
December 16 –
December 18 –
December 30 –
January 1 –
January 13 –
January 15 –
This will take Rhonda through all six remaining treatments, every other week. Please let me know if you are able to provide a meal on one of the above dates. Denise, T, and Karen: I hope it was okay to schedule you – I know we cancelled the meals last time before you had an opportunity to do that, so thought I would go ahead and schedule you again. The meals are a God-send for Al especially – he’s trying his best to keep up the household duties while Rhonda goes through these treatments, so a hot meal is VERY appreciated!
Don’t forget you can also leave encouraging messages for Rhonda on the blog: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com/ She loves hearing from you!
Thank you all for your continued prayers for the Shaws, and for all the love and care that you’ve shown this family throughout the past months. God bless you!
Denise Gibbs
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Update
Hi!
A quick update on Rhonda –
She began her second round of chemo treatments on Tuesday, October 7th. This round she will receive two kinds of chemo – one kind she will receive while at the Cancer Treatment Center which will take about 2 ½ hours; after that, she will get a pump (and bag) hooked to her port and will receive the second kind of chemo from that. The following Thursday (two days later) she will go back to the Cancer Treatment Center and have the pump disconnected. She will repeat this procedure every other week for four months. Last week, right after the treatments, she experienced some nausea and digestive problems (which are ongoing), but this week is doing better, so we are hopeful that the side effects won’t get any worse than they have been as the treatments go on.
This is obviously going to be another long road for Rhonda and her family, but it is the last leg of the recovery journey – for that, we are thankful!! Rhonda does sincerely appreciate all your prayers, and kindnesses shown to her and her family throughout this time. She and I talk often about how thankful we are to be surrounded by so many good people.....a blessing from God.
Please keep praying for our good friend – God hears!
Denise Gibbs
A quick update on Rhonda –
She began her second round of chemo treatments on Tuesday, October 7th. This round she will receive two kinds of chemo – one kind she will receive while at the Cancer Treatment Center which will take about 2 ½ hours; after that, she will get a pump (and bag) hooked to her port and will receive the second kind of chemo from that. The following Thursday (two days later) she will go back to the Cancer Treatment Center and have the pump disconnected. She will repeat this procedure every other week for four months. Last week, right after the treatments, she experienced some nausea and digestive problems (which are ongoing), but this week is doing better, so we are hopeful that the side effects won’t get any worse than they have been as the treatments go on.
This is obviously going to be another long road for Rhonda and her family, but it is the last leg of the recovery journey – for that, we are thankful!! Rhonda does sincerely appreciate all your prayers, and kindnesses shown to her and her family throughout this time. She and I talk often about how thankful we are to be surrounded by so many good people.....a blessing from God.
Please keep praying for our good friend – God hears!
Denise Gibbs
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Update
Hi everyone!
First off, I apologize for the delay in updating you on Rhonda. Unfortunately I had a medical emergency myself that put me down and out for about a week, but am now back to “normal”, whatever that is!
It was a great, great weekend for the Shaw Family. Everything went beautifully with the wedding, and Andrea and Kevin are happily married! For a preview of their wedding photos, visit the LV Photography website at: http://lvphotosonline.wordpress.com/
Rhonda held up well through the weekend and enjoyed every minute of the festivities. Because of the staff infection she had (which has now cleared), her chemo treatments were put off, which actually worked out well in that she didn’t have to begin the treatments until after Andrea & Kevin’s wedding.
She does begin chemo this morning and is a little nervous about it. Please continue to pray for Rhonda, that she won’t have any adverse effects from the chemo, that she will keep gaining strength each day, and that God will continue to keep her in His loving care.
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the Shaws!
Denise Gibbs
First off, I apologize for the delay in updating you on Rhonda. Unfortunately I had a medical emergency myself that put me down and out for about a week, but am now back to “normal”, whatever that is!
It was a great, great weekend for the Shaw Family. Everything went beautifully with the wedding, and Andrea and Kevin are happily married! For a preview of their wedding photos, visit the LV Photography website at: http://lvphotosonline.wordpress.com/
Rhonda held up well through the weekend and enjoyed every minute of the festivities. Because of the staff infection she had (which has now cleared), her chemo treatments were put off, which actually worked out well in that she didn’t have to begin the treatments until after Andrea & Kevin’s wedding.
She does begin chemo this morning and is a little nervous about it. Please continue to pray for Rhonda, that she won’t have any adverse effects from the chemo, that she will keep gaining strength each day, and that God will continue to keep her in His loving care.
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the Shaws!
Denise Gibbs
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Update
Hi everyone.
Rhonda had a scope yesterday and everything checked out okay, so that was a relief! She’s back to work and is feeling pretty good, so we are going to discontinue the meals after this week. (Karen Nielsen, Teri Rawdon, and Denise LeBahn: No need to do meals for Shaws on your appointed dates.) Hopefully Rhonda will continue to feel well through her chemo treatments which are still scheduled to begin October 7th.
Thank you all for your continuing care & concern for the Shaws!
I’ll continue to keep you updated.......
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda had a scope yesterday and everything checked out okay, so that was a relief! She’s back to work and is feeling pretty good, so we are going to discontinue the meals after this week. (Karen Nielsen, Teri Rawdon, and Denise LeBahn: No need to do meals for Shaws on your appointed dates.) Hopefully Rhonda will continue to feel well through her chemo treatments which are still scheduled to begin October 7th.
Thank you all for your continuing care & concern for the Shaws!
I’ll continue to keep you updated.......
Denise Gibbs
Monday, September 22, 2008
Update
Hi all.
Rhonda didn’t have her appointment last week with the oncologist – it was rescheduled to today. Although the staff infection is cleared, Rhonda has been having problems with “digestive problems” (I’m not going to get too graphic here!) which have been causing her already sore bottom some problems. She saw Dr. Kaminvoa (her oncologist) today, and the reason she’s been having problems is that she has an infection in her stools, which is very common after antibiotic use. Dr. Kaminova put her on a different antibiotic which she will take for ten days. The good news is that she can’t start chemo treatments until this infection has cleared, so she will not start chemo until after Andrea’s wedding!! Yay!! As of the present time, she is scheduled to start chemo on Tuesday, October 7th. She is having a lower colon scope tomorrow morning with Dr. Cak (her surgeon). Dr. Cak scheduled the scope late last week because of Rhonda’s digestive problems; hopefully he will find that everything is healing well, and there are no further setbacks. The doctor did release her to return to work today too, so hopefully she will start SLOWLY. I know she’s anxious to get back to her “normal” routine and it’s hard to keep a good woman down!
Thanks a bunch to Kim Grandon and Angie Koop for the delicious meals provided to Shaws last week. Again, you all just amaze me with your care and generosity!
We’re starting to see light at the end of this very long tunnel, and with God’s help, it won’t be long before Rhonda will be at the end of her chemo treatments, healthy once again, so please keep praying that God will continue to keep Rhonda in His care!
God bless you!
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda didn’t have her appointment last week with the oncologist – it was rescheduled to today. Although the staff infection is cleared, Rhonda has been having problems with “digestive problems” (I’m not going to get too graphic here!) which have been causing her already sore bottom some problems. She saw Dr. Kaminvoa (her oncologist) today, and the reason she’s been having problems is that she has an infection in her stools, which is very common after antibiotic use. Dr. Kaminova put her on a different antibiotic which she will take for ten days. The good news is that she can’t start chemo treatments until this infection has cleared, so she will not start chemo until after Andrea’s wedding!! Yay!! As of the present time, she is scheduled to start chemo on Tuesday, October 7th. She is having a lower colon scope tomorrow morning with Dr. Cak (her surgeon). Dr. Cak scheduled the scope late last week because of Rhonda’s digestive problems; hopefully he will find that everything is healing well, and there are no further setbacks. The doctor did release her to return to work today too, so hopefully she will start SLOWLY. I know she’s anxious to get back to her “normal” routine and it’s hard to keep a good woman down!
Thanks a bunch to Kim Grandon and Angie Koop for the delicious meals provided to Shaws last week. Again, you all just amaze me with your care and generosity!
We’re starting to see light at the end of this very long tunnel, and with God’s help, it won’t be long before Rhonda will be at the end of her chemo treatments, healthy once again, so please keep praying that God will continue to keep Rhonda in His care!
God bless you!
Denise Gibbs
Monday, September 15, 2008
Update
Good morning!
Rhonda did get out of the hospital late Friday afternoon and returned home. She’s doing well at home but is still contagious, so is limiting visitors. Also, her immune system is weak so if you have a cold or other illness, please do not visit! I was able to spend some time with Rhonda Saturday and although weak and tired, she is slowly regaining her strength. She sees her oncologist (Dr. Kaminova) today so will know more after that appointment. Dr. Cak (her surgeon) had told her that he thought chemo treatments would start in approximately two weeks, but was leaving it to Rhonda’s oncologist to determine exactly when the treatments would start. She’s hoping to extend the commencement date for chemo treatments to beyond October 4th, so she will feel her best at Andrea’s wedding. It’s a day both Mother & Daughter have planned for, for a long time (I know you Mothers of brides can identify!) - we all want Andrea & Kevin, Rhonda & Al and their families to enjoy every minute!
We’ll resume the meals this week for the Shaws – I have Kim Grandon down for tomorrow, September 16th, and Angie Koop down for Thursday, September 18th. All of you who have e-mailed or called to offer meals has overwhelmed me – it truly amazes me how caring and thoughtful you all have been! If I’ve forgotten to put you down, please don’t feel left out – it’s my fault! I will try my best to keep your names written down for the future if the need arises. For now, we’re taking it a day at a time to see how Rhonda does in recovering from the staff infection, and beginning chemo treatments again.
Please keep the Shaws in your prayers, praying that Rhonda will regain her strength more each day, that the chemo treatments will go smoothly for her, that Al will remain strong through the coming months, and that God will continue to hold this family in His hands.
Rhonda did get out of the hospital late Friday afternoon and returned home. She’s doing well at home but is still contagious, so is limiting visitors. Also, her immune system is weak so if you have a cold or other illness, please do not visit! I was able to spend some time with Rhonda Saturday and although weak and tired, she is slowly regaining her strength. She sees her oncologist (Dr. Kaminova) today so will know more after that appointment. Dr. Cak (her surgeon) had told her that he thought chemo treatments would start in approximately two weeks, but was leaving it to Rhonda’s oncologist to determine exactly when the treatments would start. She’s hoping to extend the commencement date for chemo treatments to beyond October 4th, so she will feel her best at Andrea’s wedding. It’s a day both Mother & Daughter have planned for, for a long time (I know you Mothers of brides can identify!) - we all want Andrea & Kevin, Rhonda & Al and their families to enjoy every minute!
We’ll resume the meals this week for the Shaws – I have Kim Grandon down for tomorrow, September 16th, and Angie Koop down for Thursday, September 18th. All of you who have e-mailed or called to offer meals has overwhelmed me – it truly amazes me how caring and thoughtful you all have been! If I’ve forgotten to put you down, please don’t feel left out – it’s my fault! I will try my best to keep your names written down for the future if the need arises. For now, we’re taking it a day at a time to see how Rhonda does in recovering from the staff infection, and beginning chemo treatments again.
Please keep the Shaws in your prayers, praying that Rhonda will regain her strength more each day, that the chemo treatments will go smoothly for her, that Al will remain strong through the coming months, and that God will continue to hold this family in His hands.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Update
Good morning.
Rhonda is still dealing with a staff infection on her right arm. She saw Dr. Cak (her surgeon) last Thursday and Friday, and sees Dr. Kaminova (her oncologist) this morning, and Dr. Cak again this afternoon. They have her on antiobiotic and pain medication and are watching the infection closely. In addition, they scheduled her to see a doctor specializing in infections this Thursday. Since the infection is contagious, she cannot return to work until it’s cleared up. She won’t commence chemo treatments until the infection has cleared either. Rhonda is trying very hard to stay positive through this, but it is an unexpected setback that is painful, as well as tiring.
Please keep praying for her, asking God to strengthen both her mind and body in the days to come, so that she has the power and conviction to fight the infection physically and mentally. Also keep Al in your prayers as he continues to care for Rhonda.
Thanks to Kathy Juel and Lisa Schmitz for last week’s meals – they were very much enjoyed and appreciated by the Shaws! I’m going to extend out the meals beyond September 12th because of the setback that Rhonda has had to deal with. She is too tired and weak to cook, and Al is trying to keep up with everything else in the meantime. Here’s the meal schedule for next week and beyond:
September 16 - Kim Grandon
September 18 – Angie Koop
September 23 - LeAnn Bakker
September 25 - Sandy Becker
September 30 - Karen Nielsen
October 2 –
October 7 –
October 9 –
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so.
Is there anyone else would like to provide a meal for the dates of October 2, 7, or 9? Does not need to be anything fancy – just a casserole is fine! I’d like to schedule through October 9th, so I only need three others. Let me know if you would be willing to help.
And thank you SO much for your continued support of the Shaws!!
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda is still dealing with a staff infection on her right arm. She saw Dr. Cak (her surgeon) last Thursday and Friday, and sees Dr. Kaminova (her oncologist) this morning, and Dr. Cak again this afternoon. They have her on antiobiotic and pain medication and are watching the infection closely. In addition, they scheduled her to see a doctor specializing in infections this Thursday. Since the infection is contagious, she cannot return to work until it’s cleared up. She won’t commence chemo treatments until the infection has cleared either. Rhonda is trying very hard to stay positive through this, but it is an unexpected setback that is painful, as well as tiring.
Please keep praying for her, asking God to strengthen both her mind and body in the days to come, so that she has the power and conviction to fight the infection physically and mentally. Also keep Al in your prayers as he continues to care for Rhonda.
Thanks to Kathy Juel and Lisa Schmitz for last week’s meals – they were very much enjoyed and appreciated by the Shaws! I’m going to extend out the meals beyond September 12th because of the setback that Rhonda has had to deal with. She is too tired and weak to cook, and Al is trying to keep up with everything else in the meantime. Here’s the meal schedule for next week and beyond:
September 16 - Kim Grandon
September 18 – Angie Koop
September 23 - LeAnn Bakker
September 25 - Sandy Becker
September 30 - Karen Nielsen
October 2 –
October 7 –
October 9 –
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so.
Is there anyone else would like to provide a meal for the dates of October 2, 7, or 9? Does not need to be anything fancy – just a casserole is fine! I’d like to schedule through October 9th, so I only need three others. Let me know if you would be willing to help.
And thank you SO much for your continued support of the Shaws!!
Denise Gibbs
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Update 9/3/08
Hi everyone.
Just wanted to make you aware of a setback that Rhonda had yesterday. She has an infection in her right arm, around the elbow area. It became so painful last night that Al took her into the emergency room at about 9 p.m. They were there for a couple of hours - they put her on an IV and ran some tests. She came home again during the night and this morning was resting comfortably, although her arm is still swollen, red and is causing her some pain yet. Her Mom is staying with her today. (Bless those Moms!) She also has an appointment with Dr. Cak, her surgeon, for Friday to follow up. Rhonda did have the start of an infection around her port about a week ago – we think the two infections may be connected because they are on the same side of the body and blood line. With her immune system down, she is prone to infection. She will not be returning to work this week, and it’s unlikely that her chemo treatments will start next Monday. The infection will have to be cleared up before the treatments can begin.
I’ll keep you posted on her progress. Please keep praying for Rhonda, asking God to strengthen her body’s defenses against the infection. And keep Al in your prayers - he has alot on his shoulders right now and needs your prayers also.
God bless!
Denise Gibbs
Just wanted to make you aware of a setback that Rhonda had yesterday. She has an infection in her right arm, around the elbow area. It became so painful last night that Al took her into the emergency room at about 9 p.m. They were there for a couple of hours - they put her on an IV and ran some tests. She came home again during the night and this morning was resting comfortably, although her arm is still swollen, red and is causing her some pain yet. Her Mom is staying with her today. (Bless those Moms!) She also has an appointment with Dr. Cak, her surgeon, for Friday to follow up. Rhonda did have the start of an infection around her port about a week ago – we think the two infections may be connected because they are on the same side of the body and blood line. With her immune system down, she is prone to infection. She will not be returning to work this week, and it’s unlikely that her chemo treatments will start next Monday. The infection will have to be cleared up before the treatments can begin.
I’ll keep you posted on her progress. Please keep praying for Rhonda, asking God to strengthen her body’s defenses against the infection. And keep Al in your prayers - he has alot on his shoulders right now and needs your prayers also.
God bless!
Denise Gibbs
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Update
Hi everyone.
We’re now four weeks out from Rhonda’s surgery, and today she started back to work hoping to get in at least half days at Konken Electric. Rhonda met with her oncologist last Friday, and she will begin chemotherapy treatments next Monday, September 8th, and will have eight treatments over a period of four months. She will go in next Monday, get a chemo pump hooked up to her port, and return the next day for removal of the pump; from then on, she’ll repeat this every other Monday & Tuesday. She wasn’t thrilled to hear that the treatments would go on for four months, but the doctor wants to be sure that if there are any other cancer cells, that they are taken care of by the chemo. Rhonda is doing well, but struggles with upset stomach, digestive problems, and she tires easily. I’m sure going back to work is going to be challenging for her, at least for the first few weeks. She is going back to the doctor today, as she has what appears to be an infection in her arm which is causing her pain and keeping her awake during the night. It’s sometimes hard to keep a good frame of mind when you don’t feel well, especially when you haven’t felt well for so long, but Rhonda is a trooper and is determined to get through each day with a smile!
I did get to see Andrea’s final wedding dress fitting last Saturday in Cedar Falls and can tell you she’s going to be one gorgeous bride! It was fun to see Rhonda and her girls enjoying the morning with Andrea, Stacy and Kaitlyn all trying on their dresses for the wedding – Stacy is maid of honor and Kaitlyn is going to be flower girl, or as she says “pretty princess” - she really did look like a little princess in her dress! Stacy and Kaitlyn left for home this past Sunday, so the Shaw house is quiet now, until everyone comes back home for the October 4th nuptials.
Thanks to all of you for your continued care and concern for Rhonda, and special thanks to Teresa Johnson and LuAnn Jones for meals provided last week to the Shaws. You really don’t know how much all your generosity has meant to them!
Please keep Rhonda and her family in your prayers as she begins the next treatment phase of this journey. By Christmas time, this family will have alot to celebrate and be thankful for!
God bless you for all you’ve done. Your kindness is cherished.
Denise Gibbs
We’re now four weeks out from Rhonda’s surgery, and today she started back to work hoping to get in at least half days at Konken Electric. Rhonda met with her oncologist last Friday, and she will begin chemotherapy treatments next Monday, September 8th, and will have eight treatments over a period of four months. She will go in next Monday, get a chemo pump hooked up to her port, and return the next day for removal of the pump; from then on, she’ll repeat this every other Monday & Tuesday. She wasn’t thrilled to hear that the treatments would go on for four months, but the doctor wants to be sure that if there are any other cancer cells, that they are taken care of by the chemo. Rhonda is doing well, but struggles with upset stomach, digestive problems, and she tires easily. I’m sure going back to work is going to be challenging for her, at least for the first few weeks. She is going back to the doctor today, as she has what appears to be an infection in her arm which is causing her pain and keeping her awake during the night. It’s sometimes hard to keep a good frame of mind when you don’t feel well, especially when you haven’t felt well for so long, but Rhonda is a trooper and is determined to get through each day with a smile!
I did get to see Andrea’s final wedding dress fitting last Saturday in Cedar Falls and can tell you she’s going to be one gorgeous bride! It was fun to see Rhonda and her girls enjoying the morning with Andrea, Stacy and Kaitlyn all trying on their dresses for the wedding – Stacy is maid of honor and Kaitlyn is going to be flower girl, or as she says “pretty princess” - she really did look like a little princess in her dress! Stacy and Kaitlyn left for home this past Sunday, so the Shaw house is quiet now, until everyone comes back home for the October 4th nuptials.
Thanks to all of you for your continued care and concern for Rhonda, and special thanks to Teresa Johnson and LuAnn Jones for meals provided last week to the Shaws. You really don’t know how much all your generosity has meant to them!
Please keep Rhonda and her family in your prayers as she begins the next treatment phase of this journey. By Christmas time, this family will have alot to celebrate and be thankful for!
God bless you for all you’ve done. Your kindness is cherished.
Denise Gibbs
Monday, August 25, 2008
Update
Good Monday morning everybody!
I had the honor of spending most of my day last Saturday with Rhonda and her girls. Several friends and family and I hosted a bridal shower for Andrea Saturday morning which was well attended. Rhonda was a trooper and stayed through all of it. She was tired, but happy, when she and the girls left for home. After resting in the afternoon, it was off to Andrea's bachelorette party Saturday night hosted by Andrea's sister, Stacy, and her good friend, Miki. Although well beyond (and I mean WELL beyond) the bachelorette party stage, Andrea asked me to come to the party. Rhonda and Andrea's fiance's Mother and Aunt also attended. We ladies in our "meno" years sat back and watched as the younger generation had a great time celebrating Andrea's upcoming marriage. The party was held at Mike's home, and then later the girls hit the Parkade bars. Rhonda and I went with them to The Stuffed Olive, their first stop; after the girls moved on, Rhonda and I ended up staying there and talking until almost 1 a.m.! It was so good to spend time with her talking and laughing. Although very tired, I dropped her off at home happy and relaxed. After everything this family has been through, it really is great to see them finally celebrating!
Rhonda meets with both her surgeon and oncologist this Friday, and then will hopefully know when the chemotherapy treatments will begin. After a full weekend with the parties and having her family home, Rhonda will be resting up this week. The meals provided last week by Denise LeBahn and Julie Merfeld were very appreciated, as are all of your continued prayers, cards, e-mails, calls, and support for this family!
I would ask all of you to keep another good friend of Rhonda's and mine in your prayers: Carmen Everts. Carmen is battling breast cancer, and it was good to see her at Andrea's shower last Saturday, looking well and doing good!
Have a great week, and I'll be back in touch when I know more.
Denise Gibbs
I had the honor of spending most of my day last Saturday with Rhonda and her girls. Several friends and family and I hosted a bridal shower for Andrea Saturday morning which was well attended. Rhonda was a trooper and stayed through all of it. She was tired, but happy, when she and the girls left for home. After resting in the afternoon, it was off to Andrea's bachelorette party Saturday night hosted by Andrea's sister, Stacy, and her good friend, Miki. Although well beyond (and I mean WELL beyond) the bachelorette party stage, Andrea asked me to come to the party. Rhonda and Andrea's fiance's Mother and Aunt also attended. We ladies in our "meno" years sat back and watched as the younger generation had a great time celebrating Andrea's upcoming marriage. The party was held at Mike's home, and then later the girls hit the Parkade bars. Rhonda and I went with them to The Stuffed Olive, their first stop; after the girls moved on, Rhonda and I ended up staying there and talking until almost 1 a.m.! It was so good to spend time with her talking and laughing. Although very tired, I dropped her off at home happy and relaxed. After everything this family has been through, it really is great to see them finally celebrating!
Rhonda meets with both her surgeon and oncologist this Friday, and then will hopefully know when the chemotherapy treatments will begin. After a full weekend with the parties and having her family home, Rhonda will be resting up this week. The meals provided last week by Denise LeBahn and Julie Merfeld were very appreciated, as are all of your continued prayers, cards, e-mails, calls, and support for this family!
I would ask all of you to keep another good friend of Rhonda's and mine in your prayers: Carmen Everts. Carmen is battling breast cancer, and it was good to see her at Andrea's shower last Saturday, looking well and doing good!
Have a great week, and I'll be back in touch when I know more.
Denise Gibbs
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Update
I apologize for the delay in sending you this update. I was on vacation last week, and am now paying for it! I’m sure many of you can identify!
Rhonda is doing great. She came home from the hospital on Saturday, August 9th. Stacy and Kaitlyn are staying with Al & Rhonda for a couple of more weeks yet, so that has been a real help to them. Rhonda already has had her staples removed from the surgery. She’s very tired and sleeps quite a bit, but we think that may be an effect of the pain medication she’s taking. Her pain is tolerable for the most part. At this point, we’re not certain when she will begin her round of chemotherapy, and for how long. As soon as I have that information, I’ll pass it on to you.
My sincere thanks to all of you have sent cards, e-mails, called, stopped by to visit, made food, and most importantly, prayed for the Shaws. God has certainly heard all our prayers, and for that, I am so very thankful!
Juli Kopriva and Teri Zuck, special thanks to you for making meals for Shaws this past week - having a break from getting meals is a blessing to Al, Rhonda, and Stacy.
Please continue to pray for Rhonda’s healing!
God bless,
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda is doing great. She came home from the hospital on Saturday, August 9th. Stacy and Kaitlyn are staying with Al & Rhonda for a couple of more weeks yet, so that has been a real help to them. Rhonda already has had her staples removed from the surgery. She’s very tired and sleeps quite a bit, but we think that may be an effect of the pain medication she’s taking. Her pain is tolerable for the most part. At this point, we’re not certain when she will begin her round of chemotherapy, and for how long. As soon as I have that information, I’ll pass it on to you.
My sincere thanks to all of you have sent cards, e-mails, called, stopped by to visit, made food, and most importantly, prayed for the Shaws. God has certainly heard all our prayers, and for that, I am so very thankful!
Juli Kopriva and Teri Zuck, special thanks to you for making meals for Shaws this past week - having a break from getting meals is a blessing to Al, Rhonda, and Stacy.
Please continue to pray for Rhonda’s healing!
God bless,
Denise Gibbs
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Update
Rhonda is doing well and is ecstatic about NOT having to have a colostomy bag! The doctor did remove about a foot and a half of her colon. He said the tumor was shrunk to a “scab” size, so everything she went through before the surgery with the radiation and chemo treatments was well worth it! They also did a full hysterectomy. She was up walking with help last night and did a “lap” in the hallway. She is weak but in very good spirits.
I felt really privileged yesterday as I waited with Rhonda’s family during the surgery. Al, Stacy & Lance, Andrea and Kevin, Eric, Rhonda’s parents, Bud & Sharon, her brother and sister-in-law, Rod & Teresa, her brother, Mark, Al’s brother, Stan, and Rhonda’s Aunt Naomi, were all waiting for news when I arrived. We were all pretty nervous when the call came for Al and the kids to come talk to the doctor, but then the absolutely best news came, and to watch all the heartfelt emotion come pouring out was really something to see. To know that Rhonda is surrounded with such love and caring by her family and all of you has kept me close to tears for the last 24 hours. I firmly believe that God heard all our prayers and answered. I’ve said it before, but not with as much deep conviction as now: Rhonda is truly blessed to have such a wonderful network of family and friends to pray and care for her.
I don’t know when Rhonda will be released from the Hospital yet, but will keep you updated. She is in Room 338 at Allen Memorial Hospital, if any of you want to visit or write to her.
I’m continuing on with the meals schedule for Shaws starting next week when Rhonda will be home. Here’s the new schedule:
August 12th - Denise LeBahn
August 14th - Terri Zuck
August 19th - Juli Kopriva
August 21st - Julie Merfeld
August 26th - Teresa Johnson
August 28th - Kathy Juel
September 2nd - LuAnn Jones
September 4th – Lisa Schmitz
September 9th - Darla Payne
September 11th - Diane DeBuhr
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. And if I forgot anyone, I apologize!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE SHAW FAMILY!
Denise Gibbs
I felt really privileged yesterday as I waited with Rhonda’s family during the surgery. Al, Stacy & Lance, Andrea and Kevin, Eric, Rhonda’s parents, Bud & Sharon, her brother and sister-in-law, Rod & Teresa, her brother, Mark, Al’s brother, Stan, and Rhonda’s Aunt Naomi, were all waiting for news when I arrived. We were all pretty nervous when the call came for Al and the kids to come talk to the doctor, but then the absolutely best news came, and to watch all the heartfelt emotion come pouring out was really something to see. To know that Rhonda is surrounded with such love and caring by her family and all of you has kept me close to tears for the last 24 hours. I firmly believe that God heard all our prayers and answered. I’ve said it before, but not with as much deep conviction as now: Rhonda is truly blessed to have such a wonderful network of family and friends to pray and care for her.
I don’t know when Rhonda will be released from the Hospital yet, but will keep you updated. She is in Room 338 at Allen Memorial Hospital, if any of you want to visit or write to her.
I’m continuing on with the meals schedule for Shaws starting next week when Rhonda will be home. Here’s the new schedule:
August 12th - Denise LeBahn
August 14th - Terri Zuck
August 19th - Juli Kopriva
August 21st - Julie Merfeld
August 26th - Teresa Johnson
August 28th - Kathy Juel
September 2nd - LuAnn Jones
September 4th – Lisa Schmitz
September 9th - Darla Payne
September 11th - Diane DeBuhr
Feel free to switch with another person if your date doesn’t work for you, or contact me. Again, please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. If you are unable to get the meal to Shaws directly, you can drop it off to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. And if I forgot anyone, I apologize!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE SHAW FAMILY!
Denise Gibbs
GREAT NEWS!
I just got back from the hospital – Rhonda’s surgery lasted four hours – Al & the kids met with the doctor right after surgery and they got all the cancer!! Rhonda does NOT have to wear a bag, and only six weeks of chemo instead of twelve!!! They sent in the tumor for further testing, but right now everything looks great!!! GOD HAS ANSWERED ALL OUR PRAYERS!!!
I’m going back to the hospital later, so will keep you posted. My hands are shaking still, so I’ll post more news later when I can calm down and type. My heart is leaping for joy!!
Keep praying!!
Denise Gibbs
I’m going back to the hospital later, so will keep you posted. My hands are shaking still, so I’ll post more news later when I can calm down and type. My heart is leaping for joy!!
Keep praying!!
Denise Gibbs
Friday, August 1, 2008
Message from Rhonda
It’s three days and counting until my surgery. It seems like I’ve been dealing with cancer for a long time; alot has happened since I first heard the news, as you know from Denise’s e-mails. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to go in and get the surgery done. I have been so thankful for these past four weeks, that I’ve had my good health back, to have been able to catch up with my family (especially being able to help Andrea plan her wedding) and with many of our friends, and of course the every day duties of our lives. I am really looking forward to this coming weekend. My family will all be home and we’ll have a couple of days to spend together. I am especially excited to see my granddaughter, Kaitlyn!
The closer the surgery gets, the more anxious I feel which I think is normal for anyone having surgery. Hopefully we’ll have more answers about the cancer after it is surgically removed. I know everyone has alot of the same questions we have, but the doctors really can’t tell me any more until after the surgery. They are treating it as a Stage III cancer. They will remove about a foot of colon. Because of the location and the stage, the doctors think I will have to wear a colostomy bag temporarily. Although the surgery is scheduled at Allen Hospital at 10:00 a.m., I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning. The surgery will last about three hours. I will be in the hospital for three to five days, and then about three to four weeks of recovery at home. They tell me, after about four weeks of recovery, I will begin twelve weeks of chemo.
So many people have told me that I have been strong and positive through all of this. I can’t say that I’m not nervous or a little scared about my upcoming surgery, I’ve never had surgery before, but I put my faith, hope and trust in God, and I ask that you all do the same. I know and truly believe that it is God who has given me the strength so far to get through all this.
I want to thank everyone again for your care, concerns, thoughts and prayers along with all the cards, food, visits, e-mails, phone calls, etc. I can’t begin to tell you all how much it has meant to me and has truly helped me through the first phase of this journey. One of the church sermons I listened to recently was about how we are all God’s angels; that day, sitting in church, I truly realized that all of you are God’s angels, and have been here doing God’s work for me and my family during these past few months. I know that I have been very blessed.
Denise will let you all know how the surgery goes on Monday. Many of you have asked what you can do for us. I really don’t know because I haven’t ever been through anything like this. Denise seems to see our needs so I am sure she will share with you those needs. For the time being, please just pray for us.
I love you all and thank God for you.
Rhonda
The closer the surgery gets, the more anxious I feel which I think is normal for anyone having surgery. Hopefully we’ll have more answers about the cancer after it is surgically removed. I know everyone has alot of the same questions we have, but the doctors really can’t tell me any more until after the surgery. They are treating it as a Stage III cancer. They will remove about a foot of colon. Because of the location and the stage, the doctors think I will have to wear a colostomy bag temporarily. Although the surgery is scheduled at Allen Hospital at 10:00 a.m., I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning. The surgery will last about three hours. I will be in the hospital for three to five days, and then about three to four weeks of recovery at home. They tell me, after about four weeks of recovery, I will begin twelve weeks of chemo.
So many people have told me that I have been strong and positive through all of this. I can’t say that I’m not nervous or a little scared about my upcoming surgery, I’ve never had surgery before, but I put my faith, hope and trust in God, and I ask that you all do the same. I know and truly believe that it is God who has given me the strength so far to get through all this.
I want to thank everyone again for your care, concerns, thoughts and prayers along with all the cards, food, visits, e-mails, phone calls, etc. I can’t begin to tell you all how much it has meant to me and has truly helped me through the first phase of this journey. One of the church sermons I listened to recently was about how we are all God’s angels; that day, sitting in church, I truly realized that all of you are God’s angels, and have been here doing God’s work for me and my family during these past few months. I know that I have been very blessed.
Denise will let you all know how the surgery goes on Monday. Many of you have asked what you can do for us. I really don’t know because I haven’t ever been through anything like this. Denise seems to see our needs so I am sure she will share with you those needs. For the time being, please just pray for us.
I love you all and thank God for you.
Rhonda
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What A Friend!
Hi everyone.
Rhonda is continuing on the healing path, now over three weeks since her last radiation/chemo treatment. She and Al attended the Diercks Family Reunion last weekend, and had a good time - she even golfed nine holes! It’s so good to hear her enjoying life again!
Lately I’ve been thinking alot of how much my friends mean to me, especially Rhonda. She and I have been friends for so many years that I don’t remember how many years it’s been! I remember when she and Al moved to the New Hartford area, to a farm near our house. My Dad (who lives next door to us) told me there were “new” neighbors over at the old Harvey Behrens Farm, a young couple about the age of my husband and me. Dad encouraged me to go over and say “hi”. That was the beginning of a friendship that’s grown over the years to a point that I sometimes think I spend more time at the Shaw house than I do my own! (I KNOW my husband thinks I do!) Rhonda has been there with me at both the low and high points in my life. She’s held my hand while I cried, she’s laughed with me, celebrated with me, she patiently listens to me vent, never judges me, gives me advice, tells me when I’m unreasonable (not an easy job!), and kicks my butt out for walks even when I whine that I don’t want to! So when people tell me that she’s lucky to have a friend like me, it’s really the reverse, I’M the lucky one! God has blessed me with a friend that I can count on, through all the hills and valleys of my life, and that truly is a gift!
I hope that you will take the time out of your busy lives, in the few days left before Rhonda’s surgery on August 4th, to let her know that you’re thinking about her. She needs all of our support and encouragement through the coming days.
Remember, you can post messages on the “Care for Rhonda” blog at: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com/
And keep praying that God will be with Rhonda until she’s fully restored to good health!
Denise Gibbs
Rhonda is continuing on the healing path, now over three weeks since her last radiation/chemo treatment. She and Al attended the Diercks Family Reunion last weekend, and had a good time - she even golfed nine holes! It’s so good to hear her enjoying life again!
Lately I’ve been thinking alot of how much my friends mean to me, especially Rhonda. She and I have been friends for so many years that I don’t remember how many years it’s been! I remember when she and Al moved to the New Hartford area, to a farm near our house. My Dad (who lives next door to us) told me there were “new” neighbors over at the old Harvey Behrens Farm, a young couple about the age of my husband and me. Dad encouraged me to go over and say “hi”. That was the beginning of a friendship that’s grown over the years to a point that I sometimes think I spend more time at the Shaw house than I do my own! (I KNOW my husband thinks I do!) Rhonda has been there with me at both the low and high points in my life. She’s held my hand while I cried, she’s laughed with me, celebrated with me, she patiently listens to me vent, never judges me, gives me advice, tells me when I’m unreasonable (not an easy job!), and kicks my butt out for walks even when I whine that I don’t want to! So when people tell me that she’s lucky to have a friend like me, it’s really the reverse, I’M the lucky one! God has blessed me with a friend that I can count on, through all the hills and valleys of my life, and that truly is a gift!
I hope that you will take the time out of your busy lives, in the few days left before Rhonda’s surgery on August 4th, to let her know that you’re thinking about her. She needs all of our support and encouragement through the coming days.
Remember, you can post messages on the “Care for Rhonda” blog at: http://careforrhonda.blogspot.com/
And keep praying that God will be with Rhonda until she’s fully restored to good health!
Denise Gibbs
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Update
Our girl, Rhonda, is amazing! We’re a little over two weeks out from her last treatment, and she’s already full steam ahead! Rhonda and Andrea have been busy with wedding preparations, trying to get as much done ahead as possible before Rhonda’s surgery on August 4th. Besides the wedding planning, Rhonda has returned to work full-time, and is back at serving as our Church’s Treasurer. That is quite a load for anyone, but for someone just recovering from cancer treatments, it’s AMAZING! I so admire her strength and determination to get back to good health! While she’s not yet 100%, she’s definitely headed in the right direction.
It seems like August 4th is a long time away, but in reality, it’s only 17 days from today. We can all help Rhonda prepare for surgery by remembering her in prayer, by asking God to continue to strengthen her body and mind, to keep His hand on her during surgery and in the days after, and to sustain the Shaw Family in the months to come.
Thanks everyone for keeping the Shaws in your thoughts and prayers!
More later......
It seems like August 4th is a long time away, but in reality, it’s only 17 days from today. We can all help Rhonda prepare for surgery by remembering her in prayer, by asking God to continue to strengthen her body and mind, to keep His hand on her during surgery and in the days after, and to sustain the Shaw Family in the months to come.
Thanks everyone for keeping the Shaws in your thoughts and prayers!
More later......
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Update
Greetings!
We’re now a little over a week since Rhonda’s last treatment. She is feeling better each day and feels like a “fog” has been lifted. She has returned to work as much as she is able. She did meet with her doctor yesterday, and her surgery has been scheduled for Monday, August 4th, at 10:30 a.m., at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. The surgery will take approximately three hours and she will be in the hospital for three to five days. After the surgery, there will be a period of rest and recuperation before she begins the 12 weeks of chemo.
Rhonda requested that I cancel meals for them after this week, as she is feeling better. I see that I had Julie Merfeld, Lisa Schmitz, Barb Mead, Terri Zuck, Teresa Johnson, and Denise LeBahn scheduled for July 15th through the 31st, so please do not plan to bring meals on your scheduled date. I will send a new meal schedule after Rhonda’s surgery on August 4th, and will plan to put you gals back on that schedule. I also have others who want to be included on the meals list: Kathy Juel, LuAnn Jones, Juli Kopriva, Darla Payne, and Diane DeBuhr. I won’t forget to include you!
Thank you to Chris Thompson, Michelle Weber, Carol Thompson, and Marta Anderson for providing meals these past couple of weeks. Your willingness to help the Shaw Family during this very difficult time is very much appreciated!
Please continue with your prayers, thanking God for being with Rhonda through her first round of treatments; although the last couple of weeks of the treatments were extremely difficult for her, God saw her through it, and for that we are thankful! Pray that her body will continue to heal and that she will be strong & healthy before the August 4th surgery. Ask God to surround Rhonda and Al and their family with His love and strength for the days ahead. Also continue to pray for the many who were affected by the tornado and flood.
THANK YOU all again for providing prayers, cards, e-mails, phone calls, visits, and food. The Shaws are a special family to many!!
We’re now a little over a week since Rhonda’s last treatment. She is feeling better each day and feels like a “fog” has been lifted. She has returned to work as much as she is able. She did meet with her doctor yesterday, and her surgery has been scheduled for Monday, August 4th, at 10:30 a.m., at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. The surgery will take approximately three hours and she will be in the hospital for three to five days. After the surgery, there will be a period of rest and recuperation before she begins the 12 weeks of chemo.
Rhonda requested that I cancel meals for them after this week, as she is feeling better. I see that I had Julie Merfeld, Lisa Schmitz, Barb Mead, Terri Zuck, Teresa Johnson, and Denise LeBahn scheduled for July 15th through the 31st, so please do not plan to bring meals on your scheduled date. I will send a new meal schedule after Rhonda’s surgery on August 4th, and will plan to put you gals back on that schedule. I also have others who want to be included on the meals list: Kathy Juel, LuAnn Jones, Juli Kopriva, Darla Payne, and Diane DeBuhr. I won’t forget to include you!
Thank you to Chris Thompson, Michelle Weber, Carol Thompson, and Marta Anderson for providing meals these past couple of weeks. Your willingness to help the Shaw Family during this very difficult time is very much appreciated!
Please continue with your prayers, thanking God for being with Rhonda through her first round of treatments; although the last couple of weeks of the treatments were extremely difficult for her, God saw her through it, and for that we are thankful! Pray that her body will continue to heal and that she will be strong & healthy before the August 4th surgery. Ask God to surround Rhonda and Al and their family with His love and strength for the days ahead. Also continue to pray for the many who were affected by the tornado and flood.
THANK YOU all again for providing prayers, cards, e-mails, phone calls, visits, and food. The Shaws are a special family to many!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Update
Hi everyone.
Rhonda finished her chemo treatments last Friday and her last radiation treatment yesterday!! Woo hoo!! The doctor wants her to stay home this week and take time for her body to recover. She is still very tired and her body needs to heal. It may take up to two weeks for the side effects from the treatments to subside. At this point, she doesn’t know when the surgery will be, but anticipates it will be in approximately four weeks. As soon as I have that information, I will pass it on to you.
Since Rhonda will be home this week, if any of you would like to call or stop by, please do so. If you would like to visit, please call first, and keep your visit short, as she does tire easily.
Please continue to pray for Rhonda, specifically that the tumor has shrunk and that her surgery will not be as invasive, and that her body heals quickly from the treatments.
Thank you to Cheryl Payne and Kathy Schweer who provided meals this past week - your efforts were VERY appreciated!
God bless you all for surrounding this family with your love and support!
Rhonda finished her chemo treatments last Friday and her last radiation treatment yesterday!! Woo hoo!! The doctor wants her to stay home this week and take time for her body to recover. She is still very tired and her body needs to heal. It may take up to two weeks for the side effects from the treatments to subside. At this point, she doesn’t know when the surgery will be, but anticipates it will be in approximately four weeks. As soon as I have that information, I will pass it on to you.
Since Rhonda will be home this week, if any of you would like to call or stop by, please do so. If you would like to visit, please call first, and keep your visit short, as she does tire easily.
Please continue to pray for Rhonda, specifically that the tumor has shrunk and that her surgery will not be as invasive, and that her body heals quickly from the treatments.
Thank you to Cheryl Payne and Kathy Schweer who provided meals this past week - your efforts were VERY appreciated!
God bless you all for surrounding this family with your love and support!
Friday, June 20, 2008
June 20th update
Rhonda has one more week after today of radiation/chemo – YAY!! She continues to struggle with the side effects: extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, digestion problems, nausea, etc.
Her sister, Laurie, extended her stay until this Sunday – another YAY!! Laurie has been a God-send for Rhonda & Al – she’s been cooking up a storm and even packs Al’s lunch! Plus she keeps Rhonda company while Al is on the road. Andrea is coming home this weekend, so it will be good to have her home for awhile also.
Thank you, Lisa Verbeck, for providing a casserole this week, and to all of you who continue to send cards & e-mails to Rhonda. It really helps her to know that so many of you care.
Gift cards for gas, groceries, or take out places are an idea for those of you who keep asking “what can I do?” The cost of running back and forth to the Cancer Treatment Center for Rhonda’s daily radiation treatments is very expensive with the current price of gas.
Again, I want to thank all of you for everything you’ve offered to Shaws. Alot of bad things have happened to alot of good people lately - it warms my heart to see how others have responded with compassion and kindness to those in need. May God continue to bless you!
Her sister, Laurie, extended her stay until this Sunday – another YAY!! Laurie has been a God-send for Rhonda & Al – she’s been cooking up a storm and even packs Al’s lunch! Plus she keeps Rhonda company while Al is on the road. Andrea is coming home this weekend, so it will be good to have her home for awhile also.
Thank you, Lisa Verbeck, for providing a casserole this week, and to all of you who continue to send cards & e-mails to Rhonda. It really helps her to know that so many of you care.
Gift cards for gas, groceries, or take out places are an idea for those of you who keep asking “what can I do?” The cost of running back and forth to the Cancer Treatment Center for Rhonda’s daily radiation treatments is very expensive with the current price of gas.
Again, I want to thank all of you for everything you’ve offered to Shaws. Alot of bad things have happened to alot of good people lately - it warms my heart to see how others have responded with compassion and kindness to those in need. May God continue to bless you!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Meals for Shaws
Tuesday, June 24: Cheryl Payne
Thursday, June 26: Kathy Schweer
Tuesday, July 1: Chris Thompson
Thursday, July 3: Michelle Weber
Tuesday, July 8: Carol Thompson
Thursday, July 10: Marta Anderson
Tuesday, July 15: Julie Merfeld
Thursday, July 17: Lisa Schmitz
Tuesday, July 22: Barb Mead
Thursday, July 24: Terri Zuck
Tuesday, July 29: Teresa Johnson
Thursday, July 31: Denise LeBahn
Please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. Can drop off meals to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. If you deliver meals directly to Shaws, please do not stay long as Rhonda tires very easily. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. Do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions! And THANK you all!
Thursday, June 26: Kathy Schweer
Tuesday, July 1: Chris Thompson
Thursday, July 3: Michelle Weber
Tuesday, July 8: Carol Thompson
Thursday, July 10: Marta Anderson
Tuesday, July 15: Julie Merfeld
Thursday, July 17: Lisa Schmitz
Tuesday, July 22: Barb Mead
Thursday, July 24: Terri Zuck
Tuesday, July 29: Teresa Johnson
Thursday, July 31: Denise LeBahn
Please put meals in disposable containers or label your pans so I can be sure & get them back to you. Can drop off meals to me (Denise Gibbs) at my office, Correll Law Firm, 411 Main St., Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call Denise at (319) 983-2470 (home) or (319) 269-6043 (cell), and make arrangements. If you deliver meals directly to Shaws, please do not stay long as Rhonda tires very easily. Shaws home phone: (319) 277-4276. If you want to make something to put in the freezer and get it to me or Shaws before the date I have you scheduled, feel free to do so. Do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions! And THANK you all!
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