A Quick Howdy!

Hi Everyone! I thought I’d sent out a real quick, brief update to you, and thank you all for hanging in with me through all of the mis-, lack of, false or any other type of information out there.

Monday, the 18th of May, I wound up in the “ER” of City of Hope with some impressive shortness of breath. Dx’d with a “touch of pnuemonia,” I was admitted for a few days of IV antibiotics. After subsequent scans, I began a course of big steroids. I am not fond of big steroids, or of the alter ego they invite, aka Weepy Wendy. After 4 days or so, there was no improvement, and I was started on traditional chemo with Alimta and carboplatin. I really didn’t see much improvement until the narcs were adjusted, and slowly, the dosing started to come together. The steroids kicked in (with their friend :(), and things started to turn around. I was amazed at the amount of raw strength it took me to move 3 footsteps from the bed to the head. Absolutley floored. I think that’s one of the hardest things I need to get through my head. After 50 years of thoughtless motion and movement, I must slow some of the most basic activities down. When I do that though, there’s an immediate gratification of ease of movement, no air hunger, and calmer mind. Kids, being unable to breathe is one of the most terrifying activities on the planet. Yikes. And this last week was one of the scariest ones for me yet. I’m a big dang sissy, but I can wear my sissy pants pretty well. I gots mad style…

I received some of the kindest nursing care and physician care around, and it shows! As always, there’s some sort of hiccough, and this time involved my discharge. After some misunderstanding and less than optimal communication, things smoothed out, and I was discharged after a week and a half. Remember, hospital stays are not for rest, and none occurred here! But we got down to bidness, accomplished bidness, and are (slowly) moving onward and upward. I’ll be able to write more later, but since its 0945 right now, it’s mandatory nap time.

Thank you so much for keeping me in your hearts and prayers. Thank you for taking such good care of each other. Never forget how much I love each and every one of you. Best Fishes!!!

29 thoughts on “A Quick Howdy!

  1. Sherry Lutz Lutz

    Oh my dear Wendy…you continue to amaze me with your positive attitude. My heart is with you as you navigate through this. The winds may knock you down but somehow you always seem to right yourself back up.

    Reply
  2. John Hanson

    Wendy,
    You are amazing. You have to be one of the strongest, bravest most inspirational people I have ever met. Your letters make me want to put on my big girl pants and be a better, stronger, nicer person. Just like you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers …keep up the good work!!!😍😘
    With love and respect, John Hanson

    Reply
  3. Ellen Todd

    you are so amazing ! I am here if you need anything ..running errands whatever – just call ! Love Ellen

    Reply
  4. Eulalie and Eric, sv Elizabeth Jean

    Howdy!! back at you, Wendy! Keep writing and gain strength.
    Elizabeth Jean is now in a Caribbean boatyard near Colon, Panama, while we’re in Seattle for summer. We’ll return to her in October.
    We’re following you and your good progress with encouragement and love,
    Eulalie and Eric

    Reply
  5. Joanne Cameron

    Wendy. You are always kept close in heart and mind. Thank you for sharing your life’s journey with us. You are loved so very much. We know how much you love us. May your tomorrow’s begin with the brightness of the morning sun and may you find strength in His love.

    Reply
  6. phenry2014

    Hi Wendy! You are always in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for your continued improvement; and you being so positive is so important! Blessings and good cheer! Pat

    Reply
  7. Marilyn Imanse

    Wendy, you are truly one of the most amazing resilient women I have ever met! Your strength & courage inspires me. Keeping the thinking away from “stinkin’ thinkin’ & focusing on your optimum health is what is getting you through this. I think of you often & keep the vision of Wendy being that spunky, cheerful woman as just going through a “storm” at sea. Love you tons. Marilyn

    Reply
  8. Colleen Ryan

    Hi Wendy, thanks for the updates. We have been missing your smiling face around here. Sorry to hear the news and hopefully you are breathing easier now!

    Reply
  9. Debbie N

    Glad you are back home. Please let us know how we can help. I like to drive, so I’d be happy to take u to any appointments.
    Love & prayers!

    Reply
  10. Adam

    I miss you!!!!! Stay strong! 😉 Your doing good! We are all praying for you. I miss the days of you living here on the Island we used to have so much fun! McAleavey and I still talk and tell stories of all our Gave Yards together. If there is ANYTHING I can do for you or to help call me ASAP! I’m here for you like you were always for me! Love ya Adam

    Reply
  11. Bill Bischoff

    Wendy, thanks for the update. You must be glad to be out of the hospital. Keep doing what you do, which is to be tough as hell, while charming those around you. You continue to inspire lots of us regular folks. Hello from sunny La Paz. I am toasting you as I write this ( I hope Ron y cola is ok) and waiting to see what Hurrcane Blanca throws at us. I am saving a spot for you and Willow down here. Be well.

    Cheers, Bill
    S/V Odyssey

    Reply
  12. Tony de Witte

    Sail on, sail on, sailor . . . . . finally in Fiddler’s Green ne’er to be heard from again or seen. Windy, you will be sorely missed.

    Fair winds, Tony
    SV Merlin

    Reply
  13. Tom, Jeanne and Lefty

    The world is a lesser place now! We hope you find the peace and happiness you deserve. May you know calm seas and fair winds in what ever the next adventure you encounter.

    With broken hearts, some tears ( I know you would hate that part) please know that you will be dearly missed

    Tom and Jeanne
    SV Eagle

    Reply
  14. Susie Regeimbal

    Fair winds and smooth sailing Wendy. I trust that you will bring the same heart, energy, and great attitude to your next voyage.

    Reply
  15. svalcyone

    Oh Wendy. We love you and miss you. Thank you for being you and for being our friend. So much fun getting ready to go south with you in Ventura and then leaving the dock. Loved hearing “hey kids” and seeing your smile. So glad to have paddled with you at Dana the end of April and share that pitcher of margaritas! Rest well lovely lady. Your legacy will live on.

    Reply
  16. Bill Bischoff

    Wendy, though I never met you in person, I felt that we were friends. I am so saddened to hear of your passing, but now you can sail the smooth seas without a worry. RIP.

    Bill
    S/V Odyssey

    Reply
  17. Ellen Todd

    wendy – I will miss you so much – you inspired me to be a better person. Your travels have just begun, Smooth sailing – calms winds and following seas . I love you

    Reply
  18. Sally Ann

    For all of you who follow Wendy, I hope you get this message. As you all most likely know by now, on Friday June 5th, Wendy passed away peacefully with her family by her side. If you would like to attend her Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Thursday June 25th, please contact me personally and I will forward the information to you. Also, if any of you have photos of Wendy during her sailing adventures, we would love to include them in a slide show that’s being put together for her service. Thank you in advance! Email all stories and photos to: sallyakwellington@gmail.com

    Reply
    1. Mark Cummings

      Celebration of Life for Wendy Cummings is on Thursday, June 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at:
      Banning’s Landing Community Center
      100 E. Water St.
      Wilmington, CA. 90744

      In Lieu of flowers, Please send a donation in Wendy’s Name to:
      Fire Family Foundation
      815 Colorado Blvd.
      Los Angeles, CA 90041

      Reply
    2. Mark Cummings

      Celebration of Life for Wendy Cummings is on Thursday, June 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at:
      Banning’s Landing Community Center
      100 E. Water St.
      Wilmington, CA. 90744

      In Lieu of flowers, Please send a donation in Wendy’s Name to:
      Fire Family Foundation
      815 Colorado Blvd.
      Los Angeles, CA 90041

      Reply
  19. Melanie Cummings

    Celebration of Life for Wendy Cummings is on Thursday, June 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at:
    Banning’s Landing Community Center
    100 E. Water St.
    Wilmington, CA. 90744

    In Lieu of flowers, Please send a donation in Wendy’s Name to:
    Fire Family Foundation
    815 Colorado Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90041

    Reply
  20. Melanie Cummings

    Celebration of Life for Wendy Cummings is on Thursday, June 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at:

    Banning’s Landing Community Center
    100 E. Water St.
    Wilmington, CA. 90744

    In Lieu of flowers, Please send a donation in Wendy’s Name to:
    Fire Family Foundation
    815 Colorado Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90041

    Reply
  21. Antoinette Avignone

    Today’s celebration was beautiful! Wendy has always been my hero and she always will be. It was obvious today where she learned her kindness and tons of great traits from. Your family is beautiful and I’m so happy I got to be there today.
    Love, Antoinette
    County ER nurse

    Reply

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