Thursday May 29, 2008 - Update

Today is May 29th.
Lonna had a very good day today. She was able to sit up in a chair for a little while. Her neighbor, Kim, came up and gave Lonna a new hair style... very sheik. We're hopeful that the doctors will be able to remove the tubes from her lungs soon. This is the last thing to wait for before they will release her.

Sandy and Dennis are working really hard on getting her room ready to make it just perfect for her arrival at home. They are trying to make everything as comfortable as possible for her.

As always, please keep praying.
Aunt Janet

Tuesday May 27, 2008

Today is Tuesday May 27th.

It was a good day for Lonna. She was moved yesterday out of ICU to the 3rd floor. The doctors removed her catheter today. Lonna was able to start taking small amounts of liquids and she was able to sit up in a chair for a little while. The doctors are switching her back to oral medications in anticipation for when she will be taking them at home.

One day at a time... baby steps look good to us.

Keep praying.
Aunt Janet

Progress on Lonna Memorial Day

Today Lonna is doing a little better. She has been moved from the ICU in critical condition to a step down unit for patients that need a little more help but not as critical. I must say that Lonna is not really comfortable. There are tubes in Lonna's chests on each side and one in her heart so the fluids can drain. This is because the cancer is in her Lymphatic system and it clogs up and creates fluid, which wants to suffocate her organs. The Chemo and the drains are helping her and hopefully soon the tubes will be removed and she will not be bed ridden. All Lonna wants to do is get up out of bed and take a shower.It's amazing how we take the little things like getting out of bed for granted.

Her mood is a little better and she is getting her sense of humor back. Her vitals are all very good. She is on pain medication. Her breathing is much better and she is now able to talk more and we can understand her.

Once again pray for a miracle. We want Lonna Home.
Vicky ( Her sister )

Sunday May 25, 2008 - Update

Lonna had a good day today. It helped getting 3 units of blood. This helped bring the coloring back to Lonna's face. Having the blood also improves her overall vitals. Her Blood Pressure and Heart Rate are all very good. The oncologist was very pleased today when he did his rounds and looked at Lonna and her Lab results. He said they were moving in a positive direction.
Lonna is asking when she can get out of the bed and go home. That is our main goal for Lonna right now. It's about her Quality of Life.

Lonna does not really remember the last week. We actually are thankful for that since it was painful.( Thank God for Drugs ) I know why I sell them for a living. This is her sister who is updating you all today. I sell legal drugs for a living.

I am in the ICU right now spending the night with my sister. Everyday Family and Very select friends are with my sister and watching and protecting her in the ICU. This ICU is only closed for 4 hours. The remaining 20 hrs have all been scheduled out by her friend Lorane who makes sure my sister is getting everything she needs. That way if the nurse is not aware of what my sister needs the person in her room at the time will get the nurse. We want Lonna to have the best care to be able to fight this Cancer and get out of the hospital.

We also want to take this time to thank each and everyone of you for the prayers. Everyone who has prayed and told friends to pray and have put her on a prayer list, Thank You. It means alot to her family and most of all to Lonna.

Keep Praying
Vicky

My Sister

What an honor to have to call you Sister. I have always thought that I was blessed to have so many friends. I truly believe you have to be a great friend to have friends. You sister, are blessed. I have never seen so many friends that love and care about you. People from all over the world have called or come to see you. In fact I think that having family and friends come to see you and pray for you has given you strength. I have seen a positive change the last few days. I am so grateful to all of the family and friends that have rallied together. You are an amazing Mother, friend and most of all to me my loving sister. We share a bond that know one can understand but us. I love you so much and only want you to have the best that life has to offer. I cherish the times we spend on the lake together every summer. I love talking to you every week. I have told you I love you but have never really known the depth of just how much until now. I will be here for you and Halle now and forever. Fight this thing for everything you have in you. We all want and need you right here.

Love you my sister
Vicky

Saturday May 24, 2008 - Update

Today is May 24.

Lonna is still critical, but in a stable condition. Her white cell count is starting to come back up. Her blood pressure is fluctuating and her heart rate has come back up some.

I'll try keep you updated and you all please keep praying.

Aunt Janet

A Note From Hilda:

Lonna,

We have not known each other very long, probably about 2 1/2 years or so. But I feel like I've known you forever. You are such a sweet, caring and beautiful person inside and out. You love unconditionally. Your love for Halle, Sandy and your whole Family is so strong. Halle is such a bright and mature young woman and your Mother is so special to me. I love you all so much. Lonna, when I met you for the first time at church you were always such a joy to talk to. If my day was not calm, you always have a way of making me feel at eaze with your soft spoken words. You are truly an angel in my world. Thank you so much for always being so kind and loving to me and my Family. This world is so much better because of you. You just don't know how many people love you and how many lives you are touching every day. You will keep touching all of our lives because we need you and we are all praying for a Great Miracle for You. God is so Good and His Mercy does Endure Forever.

Lonna, you are such a Godly Woman and God has so many things in store for you and Halle. You will stand strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might. Lonna, you do know All Things are possible with God. God is always with us and He will Never Forsake us. He is a God of Healing and Mighty Miracles. Praise God for His Goodness and Grace for all of His Children. His Loving arms are always around us. How awesome is that?

My Family and I are so happy your day was better today after getting some needed rest. Keep resting while God is doing His Mighty Healing Miracle for you.

All of Our Love and Continued Prayers,
In His Name,
Hilda, Steve, Brian, Jillian and Mama (Nanny)
( Lonna's Church Family )

Thursday May 22, 2008 - Update

Today is Thursday May 22nd.
Lonna slept on and off most of the day. The Dr.s have increased her pain medication for more pain managment. This medication is a constant drip. It also gives her a chance to be more coherent when awake. She has developed a condition called (Thresh) open soars all up and down both sides of the throat. It is a reaction caused by the chemo. The doctors are hopeful this will subside in a few days. Her sister Vicky is going to be with her through the night. Please continue to keep praying along with us.
Aunt Janet

A jumpest moment

Lonna, I have thought of you so often since you moved to Houston. I remember, you telling me you weren’t sure why you had to go but you knew in your heart--it would be a good move for you and Halle. You followed your heart even though you knew you would be missed by many. Lonna, you are a special part of my life journey because you brought warmth, laughter, kindness, honesty, and many happy thoughts---great conversations; good times (cherished Christmas Tea), jumpseat stories (LOL), our midlife play and so many years of fun, joy and faith, hope, grace and the love of God.

I understand that this makes no sense to all of us. I was so intently praying for you; this scripture made me think of you and your love of God.

John 10:9, 14:18
“I am the good shepherd, just as the Father knows me and I know the father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice and one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

I pray that the Lord will guide you and your heart again.

Luke 12: 22-32
“He said to (his) disciples, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life … Can any one by worrying add a moment to your life span? … even the smallest thing is beyond our control…Notice how the flowers grow … seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any loner, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom … For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

I will continue to pray for you and I am glad you came into my life and blessed me with your strength, gifts and love of life. I wish you eternal life of love and peace here on earth and in the heavens above. You know I believe in miracles “they do happen” and I too believe, I will see yet “another” in the near future. Rest, Have Faith, and Spread Your Love to All.

God Bless You and Love You!!!!!
Debbie Varcho (Reisinger)

PS I love all your pictures on your blog---you are so BEAUTIFUL---inside more than out. Oh, I heard the airline song on the Fish station UP WHERE YOU BELONG but in God words---I so thought of the beauty in and of YOU>>>>> SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FLY :)

Wednesday update

We still have our precious Lonna with us. She is heavily medicated and has difficulty speaking and swallowing. Her blood counts are bottoming out and she is very susceptible to infection. The Dr.'s said the next 3 days will be especially difficult ones because of the combined effect of the cancer and Chemo treatment.

Mom

A friend

The first thing I thought of when I heard the news is a photo I took of her at work one day.

This photo tells us a lot about our friend. One does not have to gaze at her very long to realize that behind those eyes radiates a spectacular beauty and kindness that comes from within.

I wanted to share this with you. This is Lonna. We love her, miss her and pray for her recovery.

“God himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness; all his bed you will certainly change during his sickness.” (Psalm 41:3)

Debbie Mack

Tuesday May 20, 2008

Today is the 20th of May. Lonna had a good night. Her vital signs are stable at this time. She is heavily medicated. She is unable to except any visitors at this time. She is well aware of all of you, her dear friends and loved ones who are there in prayer and thought for her. The Peterson angels Lorraine and Kathy were there with her during the night last night. Sandy and Halle will be having a sleep over in her room tonight. She wants her daughter by her side. The constant outpouring of love and support have been overwhelming. We are so grateful to you all. Thank you for your continued prayers and love.
Aunt Janet.

For Lonna

I'm sitting with you right now in this surreal scene wishing this were a bad dream.

Realizing how strong my feelings are for you as I gaze at you, and hold you, is truly overwhelming. I know the world can read this and I don't care. I love you and wish we could have had so much more time together than we now have. As I told you today, I know in my heart that we can and will see each other someday day in a much better place and can be together again for as long as we want. I'll always miss you, love you and hold you close to me.

Love,
Arthur

A note from Mom

My Darling Lonna, My beautiful child, you have always made me so proud to be your mother. Your tender words, your quick wit, your joyful nature. You are everything any mother could hope for. You are a beautiful godly woman who is also a devoted loving mother to Halle. If you, my sweet child were to close your eyes and pass from this world to the next you would find yourself instantly in the arms of our loving Savior. You Lonna, have what few have, a beautiful pure spirit. I would give my life for you, I wish I could.

With all my heart, I love you. Mom

Sunday May 18, 2008

Today is the 18th of May. Lonna is stable and her vital signs are all good. She is now on an oxygen face mask to allow her to breathe a little more easily. The nurses up here are all incredible and so good to our dear Lonna. Yesterday her sister Vicky snuck in Lottie May (her dog) for a forbidden visit. The nurse said she never even saw that wagging tail. At 8:00 PM this evening we are all having a prayer lead by her church at Lonna's side. I belive pastor Frankie and the rest of the worlds population will be in her room. I am amazed at the lives that Lonna still touches everyday.

~Aunt Janet

Lonna's journey - Comments

You can leave your comments here or you can email them to me at prayforlonna@gmail.com and I will post them for you.

Thank you to everyone who has sent their prayers and stories. The outpour of love and support is somthing this family will never forget. We are grateful to you all.

God bless