It's around 5 PM and Linda just got her fourth IL-2 treatment. Ten more to go (we hope). The first one was certainly the most exciting. About an hour after we last posted, Linda got the first and most severe of the side effects so far, namely "the rigors". This consisted of severe chills and uncontrollable shaking from head to toe. We were warned of these ahead of time and called the nurse as soon as they began. The nurse hurried in with warm blankets and a demerol IV. The rigors lasted for about 20 minutes total until the demerol took effect. Andrea and Jim held her hands and legs to keep her on the bed.Needless to say, we were all relieved when that was over, but a little nervous about the next injection, which would be at 2 AM. For that reason, Jim and Andrea both spent the night in the hospital. Fortunately, the rigors have not returned. Apparently it is most common with the first injections.
Other side effects she has experienced are slight nausea, temperature changes, fatigue, and hypotension (low blood pressure), all of which have been managed quite quickly by the nurses so far. We hear these and other side effects get worse on the third and fourth days.
We are extremely impressed with the care here so far. The nurses have all been very friendly and helpful, and are well-equipped and experienced to handle the side effects of IL-2. We have a double room to ourselves so between the second bed and a cot, we are quite cozy in here. Between 8-hour injections, 4-hour vital-sign-checking, and 6-hour meds, Linda didn't get a lot of sleep last night, but rested well this afternoon for about 4 hours. She also was able to take a shower this morning which was very refreshing for her.
We REALLY enjoy reading all of your comments and e-mails. We keep the blog up all the time, and whenever a new one comes in, we make sure to read it aloud to each other right away. They are morale boosters, for sure. It's great to know how many people are out there pulling for Linda.
We apologize for the phantom e-mail that was sent to some of you this morning. We accidentally posted a blank blog and then removed it when we discovered the error.
By the way, thanks Jack and Joe for the care package. As you can see, the nail polish made it to the hospital.
Love you all,
Linda, Jim, and Andrea
23 comments:
I am so glad to read that Linda got through the startup!
Jeff
I am loving the pictures!!! Since they started when Andrea arrived, does she get the credit? Hi Andrea ; ) They sort of keep you mind grounded and the fantasies of Linda going thru something like an exorcism is pushed away. Although the tremor business is a little spooky.
I am just so pleased and relieved to hear the staff is good. They better be or I am on my way to Boston. They better not mess with mbf Linda.
So stiff upper lip and all that.
Love ya
Pam
PS Cleaning lady was good.
Great toe nails! Its nice to know that you are finally on your way. Just know that there are a lot of us back here pulling for all of you.
And yes, Linda, we did toast to you Tuesday night! Hope to see you at our dinner next month.
Mary Sue
Linda,
We check the blog page every day. Jim said that Tony set up the blog. It was a great idea. Your strength,family and friends support are incredible. Our prayers are with you.
Fred & Diane
Fred,
we're glad it's working out so well. Just to be clear, I said son-in law, not son. Chris, Andrea's husband set it up for us.
Jim
Hello Mrs. Wimmers and Family!
Wow! You have been on quite a journey as of late. When I saw you in early June at JC Penny’s you told me you had a kidney removed, but I had no idea why. Guess it is my fault for not asking! I assumed you donated it to someone, because you are such an awesome person I knew that is something you would have done. I should have listened to Mrs. Niehaus when she said “never assume!” I am just glad that you are being well taken care of and that you are on the road to recovery. I am praying for you throughout the day and have added your name to the prayer chain at the church here in Findlay. I have also been contacted by numerous former Badin students asking for me to pray for you, so you are very rich in the prayer department! I am going to try to make it to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio this week to add your name to the prayer list there as well. Many miracles are said to have occurred there.
Along with many others, I too am enjoying the blog. Kudos to your husband and children! I feel like I am getting to know them though their writing. It is nice to know what is going on instead of just wondering how you are doing. The pictures are great too!
I am taking an Old Testament class and I took my bible with me last week and accidentally dropped it and a little envelope fell out. It was a card from you that you sent to me shortly after I graduated telling me how I entered Badin a year too early because the next year’s senior class had so much school spirit. When I read it my heart smiled! It was a happy accident! And old habits die hard because this weekend is Findlay’s homecoming and they give out prizes for the most spirited fan at the football game. I won the prize as a freshman, so we will see if my outrageous outfit will win it again as a senior. My friends all think I am crazy, but what’s new?
Stay strong and keep that positive attitude. It is simply amazing what a positive attitude can do for the body.
I love you and can’t wait to see you again!
Kelly Vereker '04
PS – My email is verekerk@findlay.edu. I would love to hear from you if you feel like writing!
Well, Barb is out of town for a few days, at a special ed conference, so I am playing bachelor for a while. Since she can't get to the blogs, I'm keeping her up to date - though its hard to describe those toe nails over the phone. She'll just have to wait until she gets home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care. Mark&Barb
Linda,
Nice toes, wow you're brave for letting all of see those! :)I've been trying to write you since Monday and couldn't remember my password so I started a new tonight! I'm glad you've gotten through the initial yuck and can now begin to let this med KICK THAT CANCER'S BUTT! I'm planning our Jr Retreat and think of you every time I get to the morning prayer service where we play the song HOPE HAS A WAY! I think that should be our theme song at this point! I just want you to know that as I've read your updates and the many wonderful comments by your friends & family one thing comes to my mind and that is...Linda Wimmers, YOU ARE THE RESULT OF GOD'S FRIENDSHIP! I love you, I'm praying for you and I know you can do it! HOPE ALWAYS!
Love ya
You guys are tough cookies, but especially Linda. I bet it's hard going through all this, but still you keep up the positive thinking and strong faith. Good for you. It's an inspiration to me. Love you all and am thinking of you always!
wow! look at those toes. my mama said the longer a womans 2nd toe the bossier she was.
jim, tonite i'm gonna pray for you.
ok ok ok linda, too.
Godspeed,
tom and kelly
I am so glad to hear everything's begun. I miss you guys and can't wait 'til you get home!!! See you next week.
Love,
Mary Jean
Love the toes! Nice sparkles!
It is nice to see the pictures of you while you are up there.
Hope you are doing well today and have a good day. You are constantly in our thoughts!
Sending big hugs and positive thoughts your way. Take care.
Love,
Gregg & Cindy
Goooood Mooorning Wimmers (ala Fr.Ray) so glad to hear you are pleased with the nursing staff. If ever there's a need for a private duty nurse, i give a hell of a bed bath (for linda, jim) stay tough, strong and keep your sense of humor. let me know what you think of the card i sent!
I have to admit, that when I saw that you keep the blog open and read messages aloud immediately, I had lots of devious little thoughts about the fun I could have with that...
But seriously, your toes look lovely. The glitter was a good choice.
I have been wanting to post and let you know that I have been praying for you, my family has been praying for you, my small group at church has been praying for you, our tennis chums have been praying for you, Mikey and I have been keeping track of your blog (which, by the way, is fab, and thank you)and praying for you, but then I get caught up in all the love that everyone obviously has for you and quite frankly I get a bit speechless. It is lovely that you are so well loved. Which doesn't surprise me, even though I have only recently entered your life (as a scary opponent across the tennis net)and am just sitting here most of the time thinking I am lucky to have walked on that court and now be on team Linda. My take on things is that you draw this out of those who surround you because this is who you are.
Anyway, all that to say hello from back home, right behind court 1.
Cheers, and love,
Julie Evans
Linda,
Great pictures. We are glad everything is going well as planned after a little delay in the beginning.
Jim,
I think Andrea can do your toes too if you are sitting around with nothing to do or you can replay all of golf shots you hit this summer in your head. I'm sure you remember everyone of them.
Saran
Saran, What makes you think we haven't done both? BTW, maybe you can help---June 17th, Sunday morning, Winton Woods, 4th hole, was my second shot from the deep rough or just off the fairway? Darn, that put Linda to sleep again. This works better than the sleeping pills.
Jim
Hi Linda!
For some reason, the Christina Aguillera song "Fighter" keeps running through my head (and I'm not really a Christina fan!)
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
I think she's really talking about someone who dumped her...but forget that part!
I luv ya and I keep thinking about how grateful I am that we went to Mass together at St. Susanna this summer--not many people I can share something like that with!
Love the toes by the way! Keep the faith! I'll check back in with you soon!
:-) Kelli
Linda
We can see that you are glistening from head to toe.
Thinking of you often, praying for you always,know that you are in good hands confident, know that you are going to make it through NO DOUBT!
Love Pam and David
Linda, Jim and all:
You probably know that Heather has gone back to England with her parents just to make their travel a bit easier and see their new place and make sure all is well there. I've talked to her once and read the blog to her since she has no internet access. I think I shared with you that a great, long time friend also was treated in Boston some 11 years ago for colo-rectal cancer. He got fabulous treatment there and has done remarkably well ever since. So I know great things can happen there and I'm confident Linda will do as well!
You're all in my heart and my prayers every day........Bob
Linda,
You are being remembered in New Mexico! At Masses your name is specifically mentioned by myself or someone else in our little community. They feel they know you because of Mary Sue's sharing your story with us. (BTW, Mary Sue arrived here yesterday.)
We watch your blog and are with you in spirit along with your other many friends!
Bob Ross, sj
Hi Linda, Jim, Andrea,
We hope that today was easier all the way around. Know that we are channeling all sorts of positive energy your way. The polish looks great! I know you're now Red Sox fans, but, of course, I'm cheering for the Rockies!!!
Much love,
Kathy & Jack
linda
your journey has taken many detours but im happy to hear you've arrived at treatment and recovery. b careful of what you ask for! Seriously, just know again that you and your family are in our thoughts, prayers and discussions. Look forward to seeing you again, soon.
David and kids
David & Pam
Linda & Jim glad to know you made it home in one piece.
You two spread the love, friendship and sun shine where ever you go. The positive energy and prayers are flowing.
Glad you made it home. Now you can relax and recoup in your own bed and home with you loving family and friends. Love, David and Pam
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