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!!!
wendyonwillow 
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.
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
you are so amazing ! I am here if you need anything ..running errands whatever – just call ! Love Ellen
Hang in there Kid, We are all pulling for you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
Hey Beautiful Friend!!! Sending my love South… Way South!
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
RIP Wendy! Enjoy all the beautiful seas up in heaven!
Rest In Peace, Wendy…..you fought a valiant battle and now have been set free.
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
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
We love you Wendy. Your spirit and strength touched us all. Aloha Sunshine. Nancy and Rob
Fair winds and smooth sailing Wendy. I trust that you will bring the same heart, energy, and great attitude to your next voyage.
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.
“Do good things” Thanks Wendy, I will try my best!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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