What a day. Linda ate dinner (quite a lot) and kept it down with no problem. She was feeling really good as we went to sleep, with big plans for the next day. Around 3am, Linda thought she should take some Tylenol just to get ready for the morning. The night-shift nurse decided to take her temp first, and it was 102! Checked it again, 102.1. Once again, that was it. The nurse said a temp that high was a sign of some type of infection, and they won't give IL-2 under those curcumstances. Besides, IL-2 raises the body temp, and you can't start with a temp that high. She told us how sorry she was, but they would draw blood for 24 hr blood cultures and see if they could identify the type of infection. She said they would send us home with antibiotics and wait until the infection is gone. So at 4am we called Andrea and told her not to come. At 7am I started looking for flights back to Cincinnati. Needless to say, we were numb by this time.
At 8:30am, the Nurse Practioner came in. She asked, "Ready to go?". We thought she meant to leave, but she was talking about STARTING TREATMENT! What the heck? She said she spoke with Dr. McDermott, and they were convinced that Linda's white blood cell count was normal, and the fever was not due to infection. They drew blood again to make sure, and checked her temp at 10:00am (No tylenol for 6hrs)- this time it's 98.1. At 10:30 we call Andrea back and tell her it's back on. She drives to the airport at 10:40 and makes the 11:20 flight.
We would be more excited, but now they can't start until the surgeon installs the catheter in her chest where all the medication is administered. They only schedule this for the first day (yesterday), so the surgeon is busy all day today and can't come up until 4pm! ARGHHH!
Now at least Linda is feeling better, both physically and mentally. She eats a big breakfast and lunch and feels much stronger. The surgeon eventually shows up and starts installing the catheter just as Andrea walks in the room. It's now 6:45pm and the first IL-2 dose is finally being administered. Now it's really time to pray....
At 8:30am, the Nurse Practioner came in. She asked, "Ready to go?". We thought she meant to leave, but she was talking about STARTING TREATMENT! What the heck? She said she spoke with Dr. McDermott, and they were convinced that Linda's white blood cell count was normal, and the fever was not due to infection. They drew blood again to make sure, and checked her temp at 10:00am (No tylenol for 6hrs)- this time it's 98.1. At 10:30 we call Andrea back and tell her it's back on. She drives to the airport at 10:40 and makes the 11:20 flight.
We would be more excited, but now they can't start until the surgeon installs the catheter in her chest where all the medication is administered. They only schedule this for the first day (yesterday), so the surgeon is busy all day today and can't come up until 4pm! ARGHHH!
Now at least Linda is feeling better, both physically and mentally. She eats a big breakfast and lunch and feels much stronger. The surgeon eventually shows up and starts installing the catheter just as Andrea walks in the room. It's now 6:45pm and the first IL-2 dose is finally being administered. Now it's really time to pray....
Jim and Linda
12 comments:
I've been thinking about ya'll all day; yes, the prayers are abundant and will continue to be so. Our Energy Modalities Class (Shiatsu,etc), meditated on good things to come for you Linda, and will continue to do so. I have also had Sierra and Nevada think positive outcomings while they doze all day long--so we have those two working on good chi full time.
For amusement: I learned how to break into a house today, namely ours, as in my absentminded rush back to work, I locked my keys in the house. I thought of having Andrea come fly back down to unlock it for me, but somehow I knew that wouldn't...fly. So a shovel, a window that was basically unlocked, and squeezing in through the frame (which lands me on top of litter boxes) taught me a lesson! Don't lock your keys in the house!
But back on topic--stay strong (I know you and ya'll will), don't forget that deep breaths help clear lots of clouds away, and know the good will come.
Love Chris, Sierra, and Nevada
:-)
Your update was like reading a good thriller. It ended in a good cry but the desire to hear from the author again remains. I am so happy for you that it has FINALLY started and are one step closer to getting better. Just praying there are no more roller coaster rides-smooth sailing (so to speak) from now on.
Lots of love,
Me
I too have been thinking about you all, all day. Thanks for the updates, it's comforting to know what's happening. It sounds like things are finally on track. My thoughts are with you all.
Susan
(TOS- The Other Susan -in Wilmington)
HOORAY; the treatments have started
it's time to get our game faces on.
it's time to wrestle the dog to the ground and rip the bone from its mouth.
it's time to get our knees on the floor.
it's time to let the healing begin.
Godspeed,
tom and kelly
I was at St. Anne's Convent on Monday, and I said a prayer for you before the statue of Mary and Jesus. I continue to pray for you daily.
Day by Day
Day by Day
Oh Dear Lord,
three things I pray
to see thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
follow thee more nearly,
Day by Day.
May your treatments be successful and may you improve physically and maintain a strong mind and heart day by day.
We are so glad you have started on the road to recovery.
You can see where the positive prayers are getting you over these massive hurdles.
One day at a time.
Thinking of you both constantly and praying for ya.
Love
PJP DMP
We hope that no more obstacles prevent that drug from targeting that stuff. Thanks for the updates.
love,
Kathy & Jack
Hi Mrs. Wimmers,
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you & that you're on my prayers :) I've especially been thinking of you a lot lately, going back to Junior year math, because I've had so much MATH homework lately! Thanks to you it's not that bad! Ha! Stay strong, I'm praying for you every night!
Love,
Sarah Gabbard
Hi L Dubya a.k.a Mrs.Wimmers,
You've been in my thoughts and prayers every day and I've been keeping up on reading these updates every day. It sounds like it has been one problem after the next...but I know you know how to handle this situation...."Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming Swimming" as our good friend Nemo would say :). Stay strong like I know you will and use all that love people are sending you to stay positive. You're in my prayers!
Love,
Meghan Connelly :)
Hi Wimmers,
hope today goes as well as it can for you. we have our "game faces" on for you as Tom suggested, prayers are in overdrive, positive vibes being sent your way. GO TEAM WIMMERS!!
Cute nightgown ;-)
Maybe that's why you were so hott? (okay, sorry for that one)
Cheers to Andrea for making the flight in a 40-minute time frame in today's security-enhanced environment for travelers! If that's not evidence of a Higher Power in play, I don't know what is!
In all seriousness, in spite of all the minor stumbles along the way, it's heartening to hear that you've finally been able to begin your treatments. Take what strength that you can from the knowledge that so many are following your journey with prayers, positive thoughts, and a greater appreciation of the value of the time we get to spend with the ones we love.
Miss you, love you, praying for you, and thinking of you often!
- Dave
Linda - thinking about you all day, wondering how you're doing, wishing we could make it easier for you. Love, Carole
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