One Virus Gone; Two New Ones to Deal With
The brain virus Lina has been battling for over a month is now gone. They completed the treatment for it on Sunday – but in testing for the brain virus they found two new blood viruses to deal with. Dr. Armand said that they are surprised because the treatment for the brain virus should have also knocked down these new ones. So they are beginning a new round of different antibiotics. So far, Lina has shown no signs of fever or other sickness from the new viruses.
She is eating and digesting well enough now that they discontinued the intravenous feeding Saturday. But her need for 24-hour ‘guards’ continues.
Dr. Armand said the issue of possibly moving Lina out of Brigham & Women’s hospital is now moot for the next few weeks as she will clearly need continued ‘acute care’ to deal with the new viruses. She had surgery today to remove all of her implanted ‘mediports’ and ‘pic lines’ that feed catheters to her veins and heart. They felt the plastic could be aiding in the growth of the new viruses.
Lina’s mental confusion continues but she’s talkative. She tells us she’s been to many performances around Boston this week. She’s been to South America and Malaysia to adopt 6-12 orphaned children and to the San Diego Zoo to adopt two panda bears who were homeless because of the fires. “And the pandas are almost as cute as the kids. Wait ’til you see them!,” she keeps telling us.
My girls and I came home exhausted last night and we’re not sure when we’ll head back down. Seven of 8 weekends in a row in Boston hotels gets hard on all of us. We may go down for just one night this weekend. We got away from the hospital for a few hours and baked in the sun Saturday at Fenway Park – watching the Red Sox lose to St. Louis, 9-3.
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” In September I went to LONDON with my Transformit colleague Mary Carey to visit a design show. Looking back, I can barely believe I had the strength for the trip, but I remember it very positively – which just goes to prove that if you want to do something, you can put your will to work and do it.”
This entry was in Lina’s words from 2005- shortly after her diagnosis. Yesterday I visited with Chloe, Mo, and Craig and Lina, and when her doctor tested she passed the “memory game” and looked healthy considering all. I continue to believe in the power of will and will continue to do so. No need to stop now. Tomorrow Margaret Graff and I will visit again with Lina and talk of whatever suits our fancy, because we can… and our hearts will connect. Jean Millen
Craig, again, thanks for keeping us all informed. I know this can’t be easy on you and your daughters. I encourage you to do what you folks need to do for all of you. You each have given so much and I’m certain this is mentally and physically exhausting for you. Your love and support for Lina has been amazing and I’m certain all of us don’t know even half of it. Love to all of you.
Craig, please give Lina a hug from me. I have to tell you that if it’s necessary that she stay in the hospital I am happy that she is off having adventures. Also, I am hopeful about her ability to get rid of these viruses.
I am thinking of you, Chloe and Moriah all the time. Be well, Jana
I’m glad you guys got out to the ballgame on a pretty awesome summer day! Life is always meant to be enjoyed to its very fullest in the very best way that you can do that with whatever means at your disposal.
I just love the baseball picture! xoxo
Thank you for posting the beautiful picture of Lina and your children and the Red Sox game.
As you know, Lina made such a powerful impact on me the first time we met. Her spirit… she has what I like to refer as “good energy,” which means, for me, that it feels nice to be in her space. Which is another reason I believe Lina will continue her brave fight to heal her body and mind. I will continue to hope because I haven’t been given any reason to stop.
The support team you’ve built for Lina continues to amaze me. Reading all of the entries confirms what I know…Lina has so many beautiful people in her life that provide bundles of love for her and your family.
Craig, I feel honored to be on the receiving end of your updates.
Sheryl, Joan’s sister.