Fonda is receiving heartfelt requests for places to donate funds, and I want to start by offering a sincere apology to everyone for not keeping this page updated. Just over a year ago, Fonda was dealt the devastating news that she had developed a rare type of cancer, peritoneal carcinoma. This was the third type of cancer she had faced in just four years. To compound this struggle, Charles has been valiantly battling throat cancer. It’s safe to say they have faced an unbelievably tough year. Fonda has fought with incredible determination against this relentless disease. However, right after Christmas 2024, she underwent emergency surgery, which sadly revealed the heartrending news that she has only weeks left to live. She spent 21 long, arduous days in the hospital, clinging to one wish: to return home and embrace her family and beloved dogs on the Fondarosa one last time. Tragically, before she could leave the hospital, she developed pneumonia. Yet, in a bittersweet turn, I am overjoyed to share that as of last night, she has made it back home, surrounded by the compassionate care of hospice and her dear friend Janice Kay. I had the privilege of spending a week with Fonda in the hospital, and if there was one lesson I took away from that experience, it was a profound understanding of how to fight with grace. Her nurses frequently expressed their gratitude for having her as their patient, often saying, “Your sister is so gracious.” Fonda and Charles have so much to accomplish in this short time, so we kindly ask that you refrain from showing up to their home without an invitation. She will do her utmost to return calls, but as you can imagine, there’s still a lot on her plate. Every one of your prayers, phone calls, cards, emails, and gifts has touched their hearts more than words can express.

Hi guys, it’s Fonda. I wanted to give you an update on what’s been going on in our lives lately. There’s been SO MUCH that’s happened in the past year it doesn’t even seem possible that we’ve gone through so much sometimes. 

As you know, I started with squamous cell carcinoma cancer in Dec. 2019, went through 28 radiation treatments and chemo. Had surgery to remove the remainder of the tumor in November of 2020 & it came back positive for adenocarcinoma rectal cancer….Did six more months of chemo. The PET scan still showed a small spot of cancer. I Tried some alternative medicine as well. In May 2023 I ended up having to have APR (Abdominal perineal resection) (aka Barbiebutt) surgery, a complete hysterectomy & a permanent colostomy.  In December of 2023 I had an intestinal blockage, or so we thought, and it ended up being more cancer (peritoneal carcinomatosis in the abdominal lining) that had restricted my large intestine. I had to have an emergency ileostomy.  I’m now on palliative chemo every two weeks (round 16).  My last scan was ‘stable’.  we’ll just have to see where it goes from here.

In December, the same week I was having surgery, my husband had a tonsillectomy & the pathology came back as squamous cell carcinoma cancer! He started treatments & did radiation twice a day, 5 days a week for 7 weeks & bi-weekly chemo.  He’s lost about 80 lbs & had a feeding tube for 8 months.  He is eating again now but it’s a struggle every time he tries to swallow.  He had a scan & no cancer is showing. Thank God.  But his swallow study scan shows his throat is damaged from the radiation & it’s preventing him from swallowing correctly. He is going to have to have therapy to hopefully help.  

To say the least, it has been a tough time in our household. I’ve been fighting for 5 years & I never in a million years would have imagined that my husband would end up having cancer too!  It’s just been a nightmare! He went from caretaker to patient which was hard pill for he & I both.  We take care of each other the best we can & try to keep a good outlook on things. God, our family & friends & prayers are what has gotten us through all of this. 

We appreciate every single prayer & all the people who have helped us in any way.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❣️

I am sorry it has been awhile since I have followed up on Fonda's healing. I flew into Dallas to be with her on May 24th the day she was released from the hospital. She managed the 3.5hr ride home better than I expected. Over the last 11 days that I was there with Fonda she improved and healed a little each day. Her spirit is so strong and her faith in the lord is unwavering. Just to remind you. She had a full hysterectomy, repaired vagina wall (plastic surgery), removal of cancer tumor, anus and lower colon, APR surgery which included cutting a piece of muscle from her leg to put in the cavity where they removed organs followed by plastic surgery to bring her upper thighs up to her bum to close it off AND they altered her stoma. They did that all at the same time. 

The PT guy came out to the house on day 7 or 8 of being home. He was so impressed by what she was doing on her own that he told her that there was not much that he could do for her. So, the Occupational Therapist will take those appointments and come to visit her to make sure she is able to get up and prepare herself food and such.

She kept telling me how much it meant that I was there. Ya'll all I kept thinking was that I hope that if I ever encounter hardship in this large nature that I am able to have half the spirit that she has in each day. For the record. No one could have kept me away from being there for her.  

Monday was her first follow up appointment where she received the news that she is cleared of cancer. This news in itself is cause for praise and gratitude! My sister has battled this cancer for 3 years and now it is GONE!!!! They reported that her bum is healing up nicely, but will be at least a month before she is feeling completely able to sit on her bum without pain. The vagina will take a little longer to heal due to its nature. She has appointments today with the plastic surgeon. Fonda still has a road to recovery to face, but she is at the back end of the 3 years battle. She will still have doctors appointments and life long ostomy to live with. The bills have pilled up, but one thing is for certain. Her life has no price tag. The money that you all have sent and continue to send has been such a blessing. 

Thank you all for all of your love and support. It has meant so much to the Howland house. 

Today we all would like to ask for a special prayer for Fonda's best friend Pam Oliver. She is currently receiving stem cells to fight Leukemia.

 Lord Jesus, I declare in your name that cancer will not steal this life, there will be restoration and healing! I proclaim freedom from cancer cells, I pray against their multiplication and growth and from the transference of these cells to different areas of the body. I prophesy a new balance. I command the cells that have grown in the wrong place to diminish, to fade and to vanish into nothing. I sing out life over and through the body of my friend. May light fill their minds, may hope fill their thoughts and may your love expand in their hearts. I know that you died and rose again so that cancer could be overcome, that it was taken to the cross and left there. I wait, holding my dear friend in prayer, focused on you my Saviour, expectant and in faith! I pray all this in your glorious name. Amen.

Nicole Houle

Fonda had the APR surgery yesterday. All went well. The surgery was around 9 hrs. The surgeon was kind enough to go back and fine tune Fiona so she will stick out a little more. Prior to yesterday Fonda was having a little difficulty with leaks and such due to Fiona being a slight innie. Fiona and Fonda are  doing good this morning although is a little tough for her to talk. We want to thank all of you for your prayers. God is good! 

Living Lord,

Your love has held me and kept me through this suffering. Now may your hope and healing lead me quickly to a place of restoration. O Lord the oil of your healing flows through me like a living stream. I choose to bathe in these clear waters each day.

I will keep my eyes on you, and trust in you that I will fully recover. I give you all that I am, and rest in your peace. I hold tightly to your promises. They are like a spring that overflows with goodness.

I wait on you.