Memory Time

We thought it would be a great idea if anyone would like to write a memory of Rhonda and put it here on the blog. Maybe it is something that touched you from the memorial service, maybe a story from years ago to make us remember and laugh. It's good therapy for each of us to write these things out, it also is good for Ron and the rest of us family to enjoy.

Memorial Service in Kalispell

The memorial service in Montana is on

Tuesday, January 5th

at noon

at Christian Center

255 Summit Ridge Drive • Kalispell • Montana 59901

When I get a chance later I will post some on the service in Placerville. It was a special day.

Graveside Service Today

Today we had a small, family only graveside service. It was a time for us to gather on the hill where Rhonda's earthly body was being laid to rest. It was a somber time, there is something not too reassuring to driving into the cemetery and seeing the hearse, the hole dug, chairs set up and a tent. It was surreal, that shouldn't be for us, that shouldn't be for Rhonda.

Along with her Burkey family there were her inlaws and sister in law from Montana. Her best friend since junior high and another close couple friend of Ron and Rhonda's. We all gathered as we watched the men in the group carry her coffin from the hearse to the tent. Becky shared a scripture for us all. Ken said he had a scripture to share but that Becky's was way better. We all got a little laugh in and then Ken shared another scripture and an amazing thought for us to remember. He reminded us that yes, we were burying her earthly body. But, her dying body was swallowed up by life. That is eternal life in Jesus her Lord.

Rob led us in a song, "Come unto me, all who are heavy laden, come unto me and I will give you rest." Wally prayed and we all cried.

All us girls had flowers to put on the coffin. We took turns walking up and laying our rose across it. Our time there was almost done, but one more important thing to do. Kelly, Katy, I and the girls headed over to Brenda's headstone which is only a few feet away, and we placed the rest of our red roses there.

Memorial Service

The memorial service is on Wednesday December 30th at noon.
Green Valley Community Church
3500 Missouri Flat Rd
Placerville, CA 95667

We will post in a few days when the memorial service in Kalispell will be.

Rhonda's with Jesus!

This morning, somewhere around 2-3 am. Rhonda finally got her Christmas Miracle. With Ron laying by her side and holding her hand. Rhonda was in the presence of Jesus.

We had a beautiful Christmas. We made sure we had fun, she would want that. We exchangd gifts and took silly cousin pictures outside like we had since they were little. We played games around the table and laughed. We had a lot to be thankful for. What a wonderful day of us all taking turns sitting in with her. What a great family, everyone had a part in it.

In the morning she was pretty awake and aware of the day. She knew it was Christmas. She recognizes everyone around her once she focused on you. When Becky walked in in the morning, she said, "Hi Becky." She gave us detailed instructions on how to move her, complete with a "on 1 - 2 - 3." Through out the day she declined real fast. But she was very talkative. It seems as she was so busy in her brain. She was making plans. I like to think she was talking to her guardian angel. She kept talking about what they were going to do and where they were going to go.

One of the best parts, I think, was when most of her nieces and nephews were hanging out around her, and she was praying out loud. She keep saying the words to the old song we used to sing years ago. She had every word down.

"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all heaven and earth proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms shall all past away,
But, there's something about that name"

After that she just kept saying "In Jesus name, Jesus name, Jesus name."
What a great life and love for her Savior she was showing us all.

Another time she was saying "she was going to the house" and "Brenda was in the house". No doubt to us where she was going and who she was going to see when she got there, Jesus and Brenda, among others.

I will post later details of memorial services. We'll have have one for her family and friends in Placerville and another for all her Montana family and friends in Kalispell. It shouldn't be too hard putting it together, Rhonda already planned it. You know, Rhonda the planner!

Message from Becky

This morning Becky sent out this text message.
Just thought I would share it.

Merry Christmas!

Always remember that life is a

precious gift from God and must be cherished.

Love the ones your with this Christmas with all your heart.

Christmas Day

Rhonda is still hanging on. She hasn't changed too much. She was awake alot during the night and was talking with Ron.

She knows it's Christmas Day and doesn't want to ruin the day for us. She's so cute.

She may see Jesus on Christmas Day. The kids already decided that she would be in charge of the decorating!

I'll post late tonight.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Maybe Today

Rhonda might be going to see Jesus tonight. Her breathing changed over the night. This morning she was asking to see her family. She named each of us by name.

When we got here we saw a complete difference in her. Last night she had a taco with us and this morning she was hardly awake. Her pulse is very week and she can hardly hear us. When each of us came into the room, we got in her face and spoke loudly. She immediately would turn to us, open her eyes and call us by name. She said how much she loved us all and she had some instructions to dish out too. Remember.... Rhonda the planner!

This morning she would lay there and then randomly speak out. A lot of funny things, a lot of special things. One of the funny ones was "Do I look cute in these boots?" A special one was for Ken, she wants him to do her memorial service in Montana. Rob called on the phone and amazing to all of us, she held the phone and had a conversation with him. She told him she was proud of him. She also spoke with Grandma Burkey on the phone.

For now we are sitting with her and holding her hand. We are taking breaks and switching our time with her. Every time she speaks we quiet down to hear what she is saying. She has said a few times that we should go eat something. The funny thing was when Ron told her it was Christmas Eve, she felt bad for us and said, "I'm sorry guys." She also has said, "Take me Lord" and "Are you taking me up?"

It is so special that she has been able to say all she needed to say, especially to Ron and the kids. She wanted it that way, nothing unturned. You know.... the planner.

She is in no pain. Just a bit anxious to go to heaven. We all have prayed over her and told the Lord it was time to take her. He can have her now.

We'll let you all know later.

Thanks for your prayers!

What a day

It is amazing how well she is doing. She was such a trooper today. What a busy day.

She has a good breakfast and she got to take a shower. She was ahhhhhhing away as the warm water was running through her hair and over her body. It is so funny how she bosses Ron around. He had to use the correct shampoo and wash it just right. Of course she needed so many towels; one for her hair, one over her shoulders and one on her lap. What a girl! After that she needed lotion on her arms, legs and backs and make sure you use the right one. A different moisturizer for her face. Hair volumizer on her roots, blow dried hair and all ready for Becky to curl and style it for her.

We all sat at the table and we had a wonderful soup and bread. After that she was tired and needed to rest.

She got to visit with her special friend Aileen who brought dinner for later. Becky, her best friend since they were 13 came by and they had a special emotional visit.

She joined us for her favorite dinner, tacos. We all sat around the table and talked. Some small talk and some deep talk.

Just when we thought the day was over, about 25 beautiful voices showed up and were singing Christmas Carols out her window. She told Ron to have them come into the living room so she could hear them better. What a beautiful moment! They sang about 4 songs and even included Rudolph for the kids that came along. Even though her day was so busy, she wanted to see her other close friends Bill & Kristie Sheble and Larry & Robin Fryer. She was so covered with love today, what a great day!

It has been a blessed couple of days for her kids, Ron and her. They got their goodbyes out of the way and now they can just love on her.

We don't know how long her heart is going to hang on. All we know is we got another day to show our love to her. Maybe she doesn't need it so much, but we do.

We didn't get our Christmas Miracle, but it looks like Rhonda is getting her Christmas Miracle. She gets to see Jesus real soon!

Rhonda's home for Christmas!

Rhonda came home to Placerville today around 4:30 pm. She was amazingly alert. In fact she was bossing around the ambulance drivers as to how they were going to get her off the gurney into the house. So funny. In fact, she didn't want to get in the bed but sit by the Christmas tree and enjoy it for a bit.

The kids saw Rhonda this morning for their goodbyes. They wanted to get them out of the way because we don't know when she will go. She was kind of out of it and not very alert.

Tonight Ron and the kids got a Christmas blessing. She was so alert and talkative that they decided to do their Christmas together. When I left they were all on the bed together surrounded by their gifts. The kids had wide, happy eyes. They couldn't believe how alert she was. Ronnie said they had a gift from God.

I left there so happy for their time together. So happy that the kids got another great time with their mom.

It's Time

This morning Rhonda has a special visit with her kids. The plan was for them to say their goodbyes. How are you supposed to do that?

Today they are unplugging her from everything. She wants to come home for her last few days. Her heart is not holding up. The disease has attacked her heart terribly.

Ron wants everyone to know they have an amazing peace from the Lord. Rhonda is ready to go to heaven, in fact, she can't wait! She can't wait to see Brenda, Grandpa and others. Ron and her have talked about everything they can think of for after she is gone. You know Rhonda the planner...

Pray for Ron, Ronnie and Becky. And Wally and Betty and family.

Dang, I'm jealous! How amazing would that moment be!!!!!

Miracle needed

I hesitated posting this today. It is something I do not want to do.

WE NEED A LAST MINUTE MIRACLE!

There are major complications escalating from the Amyloidosis disease. She is not responding to what they are doing for her. The doctors are not sure what else they can do, they say they are trying everything they know how.

I just don't get it, I know none of us do. How could something like this attack her body in such a short time?

Ron and the kids are holding tight and are just trusting in God, no matter what.

I know God can heal her but He better hurry up if He's going to!

Still in ICU

Day 13 in ICU. Ron and Rhonda need a touch from Jesus so bad. They are barely hanging on emotionally. Her blood pressure took a dive yesterday and she can't get out of ICU until that stabilizes. This is a bad thing no matter what time it is, but not at Christmas time.

Please pray for a huge Christmas Miracle.!!!!!!!

Dang it!

Rhonda never got out of ICU yesterday. We were hoping for today but her blood pressure took another dive this morning. She is in the best place she could be (other than home) and they gave her something to bring it back up. With that happening she won't be getting out of ICU today.

Ronnie and Becky got in with no problem and got to visit with their mom. We are so glad they are here. They can see her often but also we can love on them. The cousins love to hang out and catch up.

Pray, pray, pray, Please!

It's going to be a great Saturday!

Just got a call from Ron, they are moving her out of ICU today. We are not sure when, you know hospital time is way different than ours. They will move her to another floor, hopefully a room with a window!

She is so anxious to come home. We have told her not to worry, which is hard for Rhonda as you know... But, we told her we can celebrate Christmas any day. If we have to wait a few days or a week it's all good!!

Ronnie and Becky come in today at noon. The funny thing is, first on their list after they land is In & Out, second is to go see their mom. Rhonda just laughed, she gets it, you have to eat you know! She is a little nervous, no mom wants their kids to see them hooked up like that. Ronnie hasn't seen her in awhile since he's been off at school. They will be just fine, they are great kids!

The dialysis is still going on and will be for awhile. It is keeping her fluids down since her kidneys aren't doing their job. Her blood pressure is getting better but from what I understand, it's like this. Her blood pressure needs to be able to stay up while she is on the dialysis. They are giving her medicine to keep it up while on the machine. The process brings the pressure down anyways and her body needs to do this on it's own.

Thank Him for getting out of ICU.
Thank Him for Ronnie and Becky coming.
Thank Him for family and friends.
Pray for stabilized blood pressure.
Pray for the next treatment to go unnoticed.
Pray for encouragement.
Pray for healing.

Got to visit with Rhonda today!

We went to see Rhonda today. She looked so much better. She was hooked up to her dialysis while we were there and the alarm kept going off because she was talking to us and moving too much. The nurse had to come in every time and turn off the alarm. It was hard for Rhonda to hold still and talk. Although she wanted to talk, she finally found a good spot and held still while she spoke. We had a great visit for a good 20 minutes.

She was happy for feeling better and the hope of being home in Placerville for Christmas, but getting frustrated of being stuck in bed. That is a good sign that she is getting frustrated. She still has her spunk. She was even joking with us and telling us hospital stories.

She asked for prayer so her blood pressure would stabilize on it's own. That is one of the things that has to happen before she can come home for Christmas.

Hopefully she can move out of ICU tomorrow.

Wednesday Morning Message

Just got this text message from Ron...

"Well, I do believe Rhonda has turned the corner. She is tolerating chemo and thriving on dialysis. Nausea is down, appetite and attitude are up!"

What a way to start the day!!!!

Today is a good day

Here is a picture from yesterday. Ron sent it to me with this caption under the picture; "Dialysis never looked so cute!"

Rhonda responded well to the dialysis. They are going to do it again today. They were able to take quite a lot of fluids out of her. She looks better and can tell a difference.

Rhonda told the doctor that her goal was to be home in Placerville for Christmas Eve. He told her that she just might be!

He told her his goal is to get her healthier and some treatments under her belt then he can send her home to Montana and finish up treatments up there!

That is great news! Some great goals that now seem reachable!!

Keep praying... it's working!!

Dialysis today

Today was a discouraging day at first. It seems things were not going too great. Ron seemed down and asked for prayer.

This afternoon they put Rhonda on kidney dialysis. Ron called later and said he could already tell a difference in her swelling. God answers prayer!

Tomorrow they plan to start treatment.

Photo of Rhonda

Here is a photo of Rhonda. Ron took it with his cel phone. It amazes me how pretty she is and how good her hair looks. Even with the ugly hospital gown on. They wanted me to post it for you all.

They have not had to put her on kidney dialysis in the last two days but they may need to give her a little kick start. They are also working to get the fluid retention out of her legs and feet. The plan as of now is to start treatment monday or tuesday.

Please pray for healing. Please pray that she can be home in Placerville for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It would be so nice to all be together and to have her home.

Please pray for Ron, to stay healthy and strong. Please pray for Ronnie and Becky as they arrive this weekend for Christmas break.

Thank you all so much for all your prayers. I know just in our little neck of the woods, everyone has been so sweet with their concern and prayers. I know there are a whole boat load more of you up in Montana. Thank you. We as a family really appreciate you all and your prayers. Please keep it coming!!!

Just a note....

Just a little clarification... Her kidneys are not functioning as they should. They need to start working right or they may need to put her on kidney dialysis just to get her where she should be.

This DOES NOT mean.... that her kidneys are shutting down. There has been some mis-interpretation.

She is hanging in there, we are praying for healing. Continue to pray for a miracle!

Diagnosis is in

Yesterday they got Rhonda's diagnosis. It is what we thought it was, although hearing it was very difficult.

She has Primary Amyloidosis. It is a very serious disease, it is very life threatening. They want to start chemo as soon as possible. The problem is they need to stabilize her. They have moved her to ICU to take better care of her and watch her closer. Her blood pressure is still too low, they did a few things and got her blood pressure up.

Now the huge prayer is for her kidneys to start functioning properly. If they don't kick into gear they may have to put her on kidney dialysis. Treatment will began monday or tuesday.

Keep the prayers coming!

Rhonda in Hospital

Yesterday was Rhonda's appointment. As soon as we got there they took a look at her and got her right in. The nurse is an amazing lady and has a heart for Rhonda and was on her big time. They took her blood pressure and it was alarmingly low. They looked at each other without a word and immediately got an IV in her and oxygen going. She was severely dehydrated, you could see it in her eyes and on her face. Her oxygen level was okay, they just wanted to give her a boost. The IV fluid was practically running in her, her body needed it so bad. They kept taking her blood pressure every 10 or so minutes. Within an hour the color on her face was better and her blood pressure was a bit better.

So... They amazing got a hospital bed fast, which was another miracle. She got right in the ward that they wanted her in. It is a step down from ICU where they can monitor her heart continuously. Today the plan is to move her back to the oncology ward where she was.

I think they saw the urgency yesterday. We saw 3 different doctors checking on her. Today they are calling pathology and putting a rush on the final 2 tests they were still waiting for. Hopefully they can make a diagnosis in the next day or two and start treatment.

Today Rhonda is where she needs to be with Ron at her side. That is a good thing!!

Pray for healing, her low blood pressure, her legs and feet swelling and one of the biggest, for her to eat and drink more.

Rhonda's appointment is today

Sorry, big, crazy snow hit Placerville and knocked out half of the county's power. I wanted to post yesterday but wasn't able. Thank God, Betty has a gas fireplace that still worked so Rhonda could try and keep warm.

Ron is here. He flew in on Monday. He needed to be here. Today at 1:30 Rhonda will see the oncologist that we saw last week. Hopefully all the tests results will be in and they can began treatment as soon as possible.

Please pray for a miracle. We need to get things going. She is getting weak and very discouraged.

God gave Rhonda a beautiful snowy day, now we need Him to give us a Christmas miracle!!

Pray for Rhonda's low blood pressure.

Rhonda is home in Placerville. She was told by the doctor when she was discharged that her job when she got home was to eat. Pray that she is able to eat, and eat more!

Please also pray for Rhonda's low blood pressure. This is an issue with her illness.

Thanks for all the words of encouragment and prayers!

Rhonda is out of the hospital. As I type, she is in the car driving home to her second home in Placerville. After two days of testing she is anxious to get home and really get some quiet and rest. You know how it is in the hospital, sharing a room, noise in the hall and getting checked on through out the night. I am sure a hot shower will be the first thing!

Monday she is to call the Dr. and she will get an appointment to come in and find out the results and get a plan. Since she was in the hospital, she gets first priority on his appointment list, so that is good news.

Keep praying for a miracle. Healing, health and peace!

It was a day of testing for Rhonda. She had a busy day of poking, scanning and testing. We are so glad that they are not wasting her time, or their time, and getting these tests completed. Tomorrow, they have a few more tests to do. Then hopefully we will get a complete diagnosis. We are praying that she can come home this weekend and then go in on an outpatient basis for treatment next week. She is not enjoying the day to day of the hospital, which means she is doing alright. If she is irritated, that is a good thing!

Thank you so much for all your prayers and comments. Keep them coming!!!

Went to the Dr. today. It was the Cancer Center at UC Davis. What an impressive place. Everyone one was very friendly and personable. We loved the Dr. He was nice, great bedside manner and friendly, a nice plus to have along with a great, intelligent doctor. He could not diagnosis her. He needs to run all the tests then determine her diagnosis. Some of the tests she has already had, some are new.

At first he said the tests would take from 2 to 4 weeks to complete, or..... we could admit her to the hospital and get the tests going tomorrow. Not only would this speed up the tests and then of course the diagnosis, then of course the treatment. What she really needed was immediate help from the IV and nourishment she would receive with admittance to the hospital.

So... Rhonda got admitted tonight. As we left they were getting ready to get her IV going, then in the morning they will began her testing.

We only had to wait about an hour for the approval and a bed to open up for her. The doctor's nurse told us, she could not believe it, it was a miracle that a bed opened up that quickly. That never happens so fast. Not a huge surprise for us, we knew Jesus was in control of today!!

Pray for new energy and strength for Rhonda. Pray that all the tests get completed quickly and we can get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Pray for healing, peace and treatment soon. Let's pray for a blessed Christmas season and an amazing Christmas day for Ron, Rhonda, Ronnie and Becky!

Please pray!!

Tomorrow, Tuesday at 2 pm Rhonda has a appointment with the specialist at UC Davis.

We need, Healing, Peace, Hope, Assurance, Understanding and Strength.

Please pray, I will post after the appointment, probably not 'till pretty late

Answer to Prayer!!!!!!

After a few days of phone calls, she finally has an appointment with the specialist at UC Davis. It seems the hold up was insurance related. Can we all say.... "annoying"!

But God is faithful and after quite a few phone calls this morning it all worked out, better than we planned.

Rhonda is scheduled to meet with the doctor on next Tuesday. They were going to just schedule the test on her than make her wait 2-3 weeks to see the doctor. Not good enough! After some calling and urging, she will see the doctor right away. That is the big answer to all of you praying! Thank you!

Please pray for her nauseousness, that she can eat plenty and keep her strength up till next Tuesday. Wally has been printing out the comments you all are posting and Rhonda really appreciates all your love, support and prayer.

Rhonda's safe in California!

After a 1/2 hour delay is Salt Lake City to de-ice the plane. Rhonda and her parents landed in Sacramento at 11 pm. yesterday. She did fine for her long day of traveling but very tired. She couldn't wait to get to bed.

Prayer request.... Please prayer that she can get into the specialist this week, before
Thanksgiving. She is being given the run around and they haven't scheduled her an appointment yet. She needs to get in and get going on treatment!

I should have mentioned before.... You can comment on this blog and leave a message for Rhonda and her family. I will make sure she sees it. They really appreciate everyone and they can definitely feel the love, prayer and support from you all. Keep it coming!!!!!

Rhonda is flying to California on Sunday night. She will be flying down with her parents. Next week she will be seeing a specialist at UC Davis Med Center. Please pray for her as she is struggling with leaving her home and her husband and kids. Thank God she is able to come and stay with her parents and have her brother and family close by to keep her company and hopefuly make this all a little more bearable.

Pray for Ron, Becky and Ronnie as she heads out without them for a short time. Pray for peace for their mind and hearts. Our Jesus is the King of Peace! Of course, above all, pray for healing.

Rhonda Catlett

Welcome to the Blog of Rhonda Catlett.

This is designed for family and friends of Rhonda.

We are hoping this will be a great way to keep everyone updated on the latest.

Please pass the website address to all who inquire.

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10