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