I was just thinking about Rhonda as she sits in the hospital with an abscess in her lung. I know she worries about the pain and fear of her disease and what will happen next. The fear in her life has truly changed how she has 'lived' over the past few months. This is Michelle, her sister, writing to you all today. Julie and I discussed the idea of me adding to the blog and talking about the progress of Rhondas disease and personal struggles in our family. We agreed that it was important for us to say something versus nothing. I hope to speak thoughtfully on Rhondas behalf because I certainly don't want to offend or add any more stress to her situation.

Rhonda actually cam to see our family a few weeks ago and was very ill when she came. It was a week after her 4th chemo round and she didn't seem to be perking up like she had the first few times after a week or so. She ended up in the hospital for over a week to stop the consistant bleeding she had every day that she was here. It seemed that her nose would run and bleed only to barely clot until she blew her nose to start the process over again. The cancer doctor in our town treated her for a week noting that all white blood cells were gone and she was extremely weak from her chemo treatments. He was surprised that she was out of town and not being monitored more closely. Her doctors in Utah did not know of the problems before she left and wanted her to go and have 'a good time'. Well my mother and Rhonda stayed an extra week but the energy level was too far gone to show her past my family room and to hang out with the family and newest grandchild. It was at least nice to have someone new to look at in someplace different to sit for a little while. I do know it felt better to get back to her regular comfort spots and Julies care and watchful eye. Julie picked up the two at the airport on thursday and almost went straight to the ER with Rhonda after another bought of nose bleeds. they did make it home and then a quick preparation of Mom over the weekend to prepare for her new knee on Monday. Surgery went well-really well! Mom stayed in a recovery center and had excellent help during her PT and received the second knee just over a week ago. Unfortunately she can see that this knee is much more painful and so different than the first surgery-but thats done now too. Plenty of time to heal and get back on her feet to come.

I will post more often on Rhondas progress so that you may all see and know of her condition. I will ask that you be patient as you have been because we are not sure how to help Rhonda through this difficult time as well. We spent time talking about her fears while she was here in WA. She doesn't feel like she can talk to people about what is going on. Letters, phone calls and good wishes can't seem to fade away the anxiety or depression. We are finding it hard to motivate in any way so we ask her if she wants us to leave her alone and stop bugging her to get up to do things-she says 'No, don't stop'. So Larhonda and Julie are planning a trip to disneyland next week for a last hurrah. Many friends came from near and far over conference weekend to share good memories and friendships and an overnight stay at a cousins house was a nice getaway as well this month. I think she is in the hospital for the next few days to get her spark plugs(pain patch) changed and an oil job(new blood). We try to bring a smile wherever we can:)

Her doctors continue to say she is doin 'fine' and 'go out and do what you feel you can'. I will pass on messages of hope and concern as I check the blog each day and report back to her. Thank you for all of your love, concern and support. Friends and Family--It really is what matters in the end