Last night, Linda's symptoms multiplied and became more severe. You know that description of IL-2 treatment that we mentioned, "Like the worst flu you'll ever have"? We finally found out what that meant. Shortly after the 10th dose at 4pm Saturday, Linda started having breathing problems. The fluid retention that had been going on started causing fluid build-up in her lungs. Her respiratory rate was in the 35-40 bpm range. She was getting very uncomfortable, so they started her on oxygen. Her bicarb level was dropping too, and they added that to her IV. She also started experiencing some of that itchiness we were warned about. So with all the nausea and diarrhea on top of everthing else, and her BP down to 92/50, Dr. McDermott recommended skipping the 11pm dose.
At 6am she wasn't feeling much better, so Dr. McDermott said to hold the 7am dose until he could personally assess her. He came in a little after noon today, and by that time her BP was back to 123/78 and her breathing was back below 30 bpm. He said he would recommend one more dose, but since the symptoms would likely return, that would be enough. 11 doses was a lot according to him, and he is satisfied when patients get at least 10. Despite her evident distress, she told the doctor she was ready for another one, and she took her eleventh dose at 1:15pm.
Through the night and all day today, Linda has been in obvious discomfort, but has never complained. She's insisted on getting up to walk around several times today even though she can only make it 50 ft or so, because the doctor said it would help clear the fluid in her lungs. She's been a real inspiration to us, as always.
It's about 6pm, and she's resting, but not exactly comfortably. We're all looking forward to the symptoms subsiding, as they hopefully should later this evening or tomorrow. Monday should be a day of recovery and we hope we get to make the 4pm flight home Tuesday. It will be nice to be back with family and friends, although thanks to Al Gore and his Internet, it's like you've been with us through it all.
Luv ya,
Linda, Jim & Andrea
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
24 comments:
Dear Wimmers: It was tough being in Pittsburgh, the Steeler fans are not very fond of us, but we are back in Cincy. Sorry to hear about the loss of appetite, not even her beloved chocolate malts will do the trick? Thinking of your often and can't wait for you to get home. Love Sue and Mike
One day at a time is how you do it, and you've done it. Now time for some well-deserved rest back at home!
Love!
Chris, Sierra, and Nevada
Dear Wimmers,
You are in my prayers. It sounds as if you are a real trouper,Linda. I see where Andrea get her class and her drive. You should be proud of the lady she has grown up to be. I am so glad to have be able to get to know her through Chris. Hang in there, remember each day your name is liftedup to Christ.Becky Hook
Mrs. Wimmers,
I wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you but more importantly praying for you. I heard about your illness from Elizabeth who has become a good friend of mine here at Franciscan. I wanted to let you know that I will pray consistently for you here and always (I'm sure you can imagine what the faith life is like here; imagine Kairos 24/7!). You were so kind and comforting to me after my parents death, be assured I will never forget your kindness during that time, and I promise I will return it in prayer for you and your family. Feel free to e-mail me when you feel up to it, and are doing well. You are a wonderful, stong, and beautiful woman and I am blessed to know you. Get better Mrs. Wimmers, we all love you.
Love,
Ashley Brashear
linda,
one day further on the road to recovery. rest up and b ready for what 2morrow brings. praying for you and the fam., dave and girls
11/14th is awesome. I am so very proud of you! You keep my faith in humanity alive. Seeing your kindness being returned to you is such a tribute to you and your life. I am humbled to be called of friend of yours.
Get better my friend,
Pam
Congratulations! You should get a huge diamond-encrusted trophy. Or at least a medal. I am proud of you and hope you will start feeling better immediately, if not sooner.
I was trying my best not to study tonight and for whatever reason went to the Badin site and saw the link to your blog, which is weird because I haven't been to that site in a long time. I will light a candle for you at the grotto and keep you in my prayers. It sounds like you are in good spirits, which doesn't surprise me a whole lot. I think of you as a happy person. I am home for fall break starting the 22nd. So if you are just sitting home with nothing to do, are not utterly exhausted, and really want someone to play set with, give me a call (513-255-7262).
By the way, 11/14 isn't bad. The class average for our first statics test was a 56. A 79% was an A!
brittney
Hi Linda,
Through it all, you remain strong. That's no surprise to us. We are constantly thinking about you and hoping that you are able to rest and feel more comfortable again very soon!
Your friends - Vicki and Charlotte
Hi Jim and Linda,
We have been thinking about you and will keep you in our prayers. Linda, we are proud of you for finishing the treatments and are happy you could get all 11 done. It has been difficult we know. Hang in there, keep at it, and have a safe trip back to WC. We will plan to see you after your return. take care!
Love, Chris and Dawn
Dear Wimmers: Trestle Drive misses you and we sure hope you make the 4 p.m. flight tomorrow. Linda, 11 IL2 treatments is impressive, that's what you get for being an over achiever. We are proud of you.
God speed. We are looking forward to seeing you back on Trestle Drive!...Mark & Patty.
Linda,
We were able to talk to Jim last night. We hope that you feel better today and can get home tomorrow. We know that will help you feel better fast.
Love,
Jack and Kathy
Dear Ones, What an inspiration all of you are to me. To go through what you are and dealing with it with such awesome will and determination is amazing. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. After reading your blog(and thank you for that)I can see how surrounded you are with love and prayers. God and His Angels are keeing their loving arms around you. Much love, Anne U.
Linda,
11 doses, that was impressive. We are glad to hear you are coming home on Tuesday. All of us are thinking of you.
Jim,
You can tell Linda your golf stories again. I'm sure it will make her fall asleep quickly as always.
Saran, Wan and Joe
Linda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. You are an inspiration to all of us and your faith will see you through. I have been thinking a lot about your Kairos talkes and how they meant so much to the kids at Badin and to me. I miss being at Badin and seeing you around. I look foward to you returning to Cincy and if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to call or email. God Bless You.
Love,
Brian P.
Hi - Sun. was a beautiful day here in Cincinnati (not so good for the Bengals). We missed you at Ben and Heather's open house; everybody loved their new home, good food, lots of people coming and going. We hate to hear about all you're going through but we're confident it will bring the desired results and you will be with us for so many more family get-togethers. Lots of hugs, Carole
Linda and fam -
The Longs are praying for you around the clock (literally, as I am up several times a night thanks to a little Colt or Luke - undecided). Paige and I just prayed for you - we like to fit it in between our daily Clue Jr. game and watching The Wiggles with Ty!
Wanted to let you know Rob's tests came back negative so he's okay for another 6 months.
Lots on my heart, but for now I'll just say I'm praying, keep fighting, I love you. Becky
Hello all! Gosh Linda I don't know how u do it... oh wait yes I do know how- it's because you're such a strong and determined person! Glad to hear that you've successfully completed the long week of treatments- 11 of 14 is remarkable. Missed you and Jim at Ben and Heather's yesterday- Linda I know if you were there you would have been decked out in your Bengals gear! (Once again that shows your determination and dedication!) I have to admit I'm losing interest in them. Can't wait for Boston to get you back home. Andrea- have a safe trip back to Wilmington. It's so wonderful you could be there. Love you Wimmers's's's
Eleanor
Hi Linda!
I hope today is a much better day for you. Leave it to you to be feeling "green" on Badin's homecoming (Saturday)! I was cheering for you at the game, which was very successful by the way--we fried lots of Bacon! Every alum I ran into (which was a lot in typical Badin fashion) asked about you. There are so many people pulling for you here and praying for you! You're in the home stretch. I'll be checking in to see when you're up for visitors so that I can see how you're doing live and in person.
Love ya!
Kelli
Mrs. Wimmers, I am just in awe of your positive outlook and perseverance. You are an inspiration. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for keeping this blog, the updates are great. Good luck, rest up and have a good trip back tomorrow.
Jennifer Krabbe
Jim, Linda, Tony & Andrea,
Linda, what you are going through is unbelievable. Your perseverance & determination will help you get through this.
It must be extremely difficult for Jim & Andrea to witness the treatments and symptoms and for Tony to read about them.
Your love for one another is an example to all of us.
Continue to count on our daily prayers for the positive outcome of what you are going through.
Tim & Mary Anne
Linda,
We were with you through the treatments. You and your family did an amazing job keeping us informed through the blog site. We hope to see you back home in Ohio very soon.
Good job!!!!
Fred & Diane
Amazing that you made it through so many treatments- although it comes to no surprise to me. Stay strong, and I hope you are resting comfortably at home. Thanks for the blog- I am updated daily! Thoughts and prayers --Katie
Dear Mrs. Wimmers,
I hope everything is going well and you are constantly in my prayers.
Kyle Mathews
Post a Comment