In December 2007, Lonna had hysterectomy and shortly afterward became ill with what the doctors believe was pneumonia and then MAC disease. With further tissue samples and testing she was diagnosed on May 9th with lung cancer. Three days later, she was admitted into the hospital with stage 4 Malignant Adeno Carcinoma. The doctors feel that chemotherapy is the only way to slow down this aggressive, fast-growing cancer.

The family is still holding on to the fact that there are miracles that happen every day. We are all fervently praying that Lonna Dee Keeth will be God's next miracle. This cancer has gripped her so unbelievably fast. On May 14th, the doctor put a medaport in Lonna's chest for her impending chemo therapy treatment. They no longer got Lonna out of surgery before the doctors wheeled her right back in for emergency surgery. Her lungs and her heart had life threatening fluid build up that had to be removed. On May 15th and 16th she layed in ICU starting to recover. At 10pm on the May 16th she had her first dose of chemo.

Today, May 17th, is a new day and we still have Lonna with us. Lonna is going to fight! Please fight with us! We need more angels like Lonna to continue walking amongst us. Lonna has a 12 year daughter named Halle Keeth, she is so beautiful just like her mother. Some of you might remember her from our inflight training video, she was the little unaccompanied minor that looked up at the flight attendant and had that one line, (don't talk to my mom that way), but she did say it perfectly. Most of Lonna's family are Continental employees in one facet or another. Her mother, Sandra Hayes, is a HTA flight attendant and her stepfather Dennis Baraga (Buzz) is in reservations. Lonna's Aunt Janet Shelton is a flight attendant and her Uncle Rob Shelton is a pilot.

From the beginning Continental Airlines has been so supportive to our entire family, we will forever be so grateful for all their kindness. Lonna has so many dear friends who are praying for her, loving her, and missing her. The family is asking all of you to please hold Lonnna Dee Keeth up in your prayers. People all over the world are praying for Lonna right now please join us in our prayers. Through this blog we will try to keep everyone updated frequently as we all go through this uncharted journey.

Mother and Daughter

Mother and Daughter

Thursday, June 26, 2008

From Lonna




Hi everyone.
I have really had some trouble getting the the blog. This past round of Chemo has left me feeling nauseous so much of the time. I am trying to figure it out. It takes some tweaking by the Doc's for them to be able to get some form of anti nausea drugs that work. I really hate it because it takes such a toll in so many ways.

As you can see I (hope the pictures make it) I was able to get out one day and enjoy Chris Strang's wonderful saltwater pool with some friends.

I am floating with Laureen Kelly and just loving feeling weightless and normal for a while. Oh how I wish that feeling could last forever.

It's such an emotional roller coaster. I am faced with decisions that I don't want to even think about but must. I am trying to stay positive all around but what a battle. Tomorrow is Chemo day. Please pray that I get a break from the nausea for good. Now is not the time for casual prayers as my Pastor would say.

I love you all sooooooo much. Please know that. I appreciate everyone of you calling and writing and I am so sorry that I can not tell you each individually what you mean to me.

I will write as soon as I can

Love, Lonna
Posted by at

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Lonna,

I'm just sitting here ready to trip trade for July and thought I'd check your blog beforehand and pray for a moment before my "day takes over" so to speak. (Your wings and I just made it back from a YVR red-eye...I know, I know...I have no seniority!) You'll be in my thoughts all day and I'm hoping the doctors can fix the nausea part of the chemo.

I can only speak for myself, but I'm sure many of us feel the same way -- we don't expect a return phone call or e-mail when we contact you. While that in our little perfect "virgo" world would be lovely, we know it is not possible or realistic. We are most concerned about your rest but knowing that YOU know we are thinking about you and praying with all our hearts gives us peace. Your friends are just a phone call away ready to do whatever you need. Don't feel overwhelmed by the love, rejoice in it!

Loved the new pictures and seeing your smiling face!

Kisses and Hugs,
Deb and Tony Brancato

June 27, 2008 at 6:39 AM
Anonymous said...

Hi Lonna,
It's so nice to see you enjoying time with friends and getting some sunshine. Hope this week goes well and you feel ok and not sick. I'll keep praying for you and thinking about you.

Love,
Amy Colombo (Huff)

June 27, 2008 at 7:29 AM
Anonymous said...

Hi Lonna,

My husband Matt and I are friends of Tanners' up here in CO. Although we have never met you, we are praying for you to make it through this battle! I have read some messages from your friends and family and I can tell that you are just loved immensely! You are in our thoughts and prayers here in Colorado!

Stacey & Matt McEwan

June 27, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Anonymous said...

Hi Lonna,
Just getting ready to do a Florida turn and thought I'd check in with you. I hope this coming week goes well for you. Wishing you "No Nausea!" You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Shawnna Moore

June 28, 2008 at 7:54 AM
Anonymous said...

Hi Lonna,

I know your Mom and met you years ago when I was in CLE, what a precious family you all are.
I want you to know I've been praying with a friend of mine for God's healing touch.
We prayed specifically for the nausea this morning, and we will keep praying. You have so many who love you.

And especially you have the Love of The Most Wonderful, our Lord Jesus. May you feel His presence as you move throughout your day. May you find comfort in the truth that He knows your name and that He hears and answers your prayers.
You are loved Lonna.

PSALM 121

In Christ, Sally Marx (now in EWR)

June 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Anonymous said...

HERO:LONNA
Any person admired for courage and mobility of character.
WE LOVE YOU!
Bill and Paula

June 28, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Anonymous said...

Hello Lonna,
Thank you for the chat the other day, you sounded strong and joyful! At first my heart was saddened, but the more I thought of it, the better better I felt. Thank you for demonstrating to us(especially your Halle) how to "Live Strong". I'm proud of your strength and resolve. The next time you're not feeling so good, think of us and we'll all help carry your load. Lots of love & prayers from California...~Laszlo~

June 28, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Anonymous said...

Lonna,
You are such a inspiration. It was nice to see the pictures of you outside in the pool. We are all praying for you and your family. Keep staying strong and keep the faith.

Michelle Merrill
Cle FA

June 30, 2008 at 6:14 AM
Anonymous said...

Dearest Lonna,
I just wanted to share with you a quote from one of my favorite books. The book is "Peace, Love and Healing" Bodymind Communication & the path to self healing: An Exploration. The book was written by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. His book is based on his experience as a surgeon with exceptional patients.
He is deeply involved in humanizing medical education and making the medical profession and patients aware of the mind-body connection.
I have picked this quote for you in hopes that it will bring you some peace in dealing with yet another hard blow delivered by a M.D. I hope you find some comfort in these words.
"DOCTORS DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING REALLY. THEY UNDERSTAND MATTER, NOT SPIRIT. AND YOU AND I LIVE IN THE SPIRIT"
Jack and I are praying for you and
we believe in you and your spirit.
P.S. Our furry family members are sending you kitty kisses.
Healing thoughts to you,
The Gaylords.

July 22, 2008 at 8:59 AM

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