Rhonda’s Story

Site created on October 19, 2017

On October 3, 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  After the hardest 2 weeks of my life and more biopsies and tests, we have reached a plan of treatment with my wonderful team of doctors.  I will be getting a portacath placed in surgery on Tuesday 10/24/17 and then begin my first round of chemo (anticipating 8 rounds of chemo) starting 10/26/17.  If my body will tolerate it, which we pray it will, then I will get treatments every 2 weeks. This will be followed by surgery and radiation...but I will try not to get ahead of myself:)

While this has been a complete surprise and absolutely knocked my neat little world off kilter, I believe in a benevolent Heavenly Father who will hold me through this and help Chris and our boys with whatever each day may bring.  I have been a 'control freak' most of my life and this has quickly taught me that I am not in control.  I am giving this over to God.  The Carrie Underwood song, "Jesus Take the Wheel" comes to my mind as I write this.

In the midst of this trial, I have been overwhelmed with blessings from others.  I have never felt so loved in my life, which is huge as I have never felt unloved from my wonderful family and friends.  I thank each of you that come here to show support.  We have been blessed by so many offers to help, that we are humbled.  I have gotten bible verses and prayed with friends in person and over the phone just when I needed it.  The most amazing thing happened the Sunday after my diagnosis when sweet friends, having no idea what our week had brought, showed up with dinner for us as a 'random act of kindness'.  (Thank you, Sprinkle family!)  In that moment when I told my friend of my diagnosis, I felt the love of God who sends us what we need, just when we need it.   

I have always been a 'private' person, but I know that I need the support and so will Chris, Grayson, Ryder and Taggart.  Thank you, thank you for caring for us.




2 Corinthians 4:8: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken.   We are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;  struck down, but not destroyed.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Rhonda Goul

On this day of Thanksgiving I awoke early with deep thoughts and a prayerful heart. (As usual on a day I could sleep in a bit finds me awake before the sun🤪).  At the end of my emotionally charged hurricane of thoughts, I can say I have so much gratitude for this life I get to live.

I was talking with someone recently about how hard this year has been. It really, really has. My heart has hurt over loss. The cancer anxiety has reared its head more than I think it should, certainly more than I would want. My stress level has gotten well above the level I promised myself I would not allow when I was walking through my treatments. Worry has added wrinkles and gray hairs….but it hit me that this also means I have been allowed to age, grow and change. 

With the hurt is the joy of life. I am so very grateful for my sons and who they are and the love they show me. A husband who loves and stands up for me is priceless. Family that demonstrate unconditional love is an absolute blessing. Friendships that do not falter is a gift. And what a lucky girl I am that I get to know what each of these things look like firsthand!

A memory photo showed up on my phone of “on this day 5 years ago” and it was me tired and bald, but smiling. I had lost my hair the week before that Thanksgiving in 2017. 5 years has brought so much change. External scars have faded a bit, the hair has grown again….and this photo reminded me that walking this earth for the time I have is something for which I am joyful. It is also a reminder that I fought to be here and so many of you, never left my side and shared my burden with me. I am grateful God put you on my path. Thank you for love, support, prayers, laughter, kindness. This life is not easy, but humor, friendship and support makes the journey worthwhile. 

And there is no more fitting a song for this post than “Gratitude” by I Am They. May everyday be filled with thanksgiving!😘❤️

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