About eight weeks ago, Linda started a hacky cough. We didn't think much of it as there seemed to be something going around.....there was a lot of coughing. As it continued, she attributed it to allergies...lot of plants start late here in Central Oregon. So Linda continued acting as if it wasn't a big deal..in fact the coughing was all the symptoms exhibited. We went to the Beach for two weeks...worked a Champ Car event in Portland and camped in Camp Sherman in the Metolius area with her Brother Marlin and Sister in Law Joanie.
One day Linda decided to have the cough looked at and scheduled an appointment with a lung physician at the medical clinic in Bend, Oregon. This was June 11th. 15 minutes before the appointment, the Clinic called to say the doctor was ill. Linda then went in and saw a physician's aide who had an Xray done and said he thought it was pneumonia. He gave her antibiotics and cough medication.
The following Monday ...the 18th, she called in and said she had joint aches and swelling...also the cough medicine was ineffective and she still had the original symptoms.....the Clinic referred her to a kidney physician as these signs were of kidney problems....having been on vioxx for her back was a concern earlier as to kidney difficulties.
The kidney physician met with her that same day and was very concerned about the original Xray and wanted a Cat scan done..which was scheduled for Friday the 22nd. She saw the doctor in the hall after the scan and she indicated to him that she wanted to know the results even if it meant calling her....he said "even if it's bad news"...she said "yes".
Of course that set off our imaginations...worse case scenarios....by the time Saturday rolled around, I had already imagined myself as a
widower.....I was clearly "reading the last chapter of the novel first"...and the story had the possibility of many different endings. Linda's emotions were all over the place.
On Sunday we received the call...lung cancer.
We cried.....we were strong....we were all over the place....it was very much a roller coaster ride.
The physician assured us he would do some "arm twisting" to get her a Pulmonologist (a lung doctor)......so of course we expected Linda to be rushed right in Monday morning and get going with the cures.
Sadly Linda's appointment is not until Tuesday the 3rd of July. Many calls..many efforts to have the next test done right away were unsuccessful...they have a way they want to do it and that's the way it will be.
What we have learned is that Linda will meet with the doctor and he will then schedule a test based on what he sees from the cat scan and meeting with her.....One test is done in the hospital and involves a biopsy...we think it involves a surgery. The other test is an outpatient involving a needle biopsy.....more than that we don't know..about the particulars.
What the biopsy is supposed to do is provide a road map as to the type of cancer and the course of action. We are so anxious to get to that point...
Right now Linda has two symptoms..cough and no energy...she has moments of normalcy but lots of tiredness...I'm trying to get her to take naps..sleep in..etc etc. She has no appetite...slimfasts every couple of hours has been helpful.
Son Jim came from Portland with granddaughter number 1.....Jillian........to visit overnight...son Jeff came over from Bend and spent the night also....clearly it was a blessing and gave much energy to Linda...Jim said she looked 5 years older when he walked in...the next day she looked herself.
Her cousin, Ron, a doctor in Eugene offered her much insight and information which gave her hope and much peace of mind.
Many, many people..friends..acquaintances...etc etc have called and sent emails..so many in fact that I decided to do this
Linda Blog .... a place folks could turn to for information and updates on Linda.....a comments section is also provided and encouraged...she will read them as she is able.
Thank you for your support and prayers..there are prayer chains all over the U.S. for her...we thank you for that. Hopefully this Blog will also provide a map for others who may unfortunately follow this path ....
Linda is strong and determined..none of this remission..but rather a cure is her goal...and we all know she sets a intention and makes it happen.
Dave
I was asked to post this newborn picture of granddaughter Jillian with Linda.......expresses what a loving person she is......Jillian is now 9.....Linda also has a second granddaughter....Taigen....who is 3......and that's it......with 5 children you'd think there would be more...but that's it for now.
Linda and Her New RV...She Won and Got the "Big" One Again! May 26th
Dave's Birthday Dinner In Sisters..They Made me Wear the Hat! ..June 17th
Hiking in Camp Sherman, Oregon.....June 13th
Mario Andretti Sat Down With Us At the Portland Grand Prix....June 9th
With My Aunt Pat...Puyallup, Washington .....May 19th