Dec 29th to 30th - SIGN UP TO BE A DONOR

Hello Everyone, I was traveling and got two days of updates all today.

For the 29th from Michelle: "Today was a quiet restful day. Wendy has had sometime to sleep and concentrate on getting healthier. She was able to sit up for awhile and also eat some peach yogurt and some cherrios. Tomorrow, unfortunately I have to leave, but I know I'm leaving her in capable hands. The girls and Randy are an incredible support system for her. I look forward to visiting them in a couple weeks. Love to all and thank you for all your prayers and well wishes."

Today the 30th, Randy is back to writing: "Wendy IS improving. Her color is better and physio is working hard to get her up and mobile. Our main doctor came in today. She's wonderfully frank. I mean that in a good way. She's very caring and kind about it and she won't make guesses. Wendy's treatment schedule has changed a bit. They've found a kind of fungus in her blood - the thrush family. It's hard to kill and she's on some very strong antibiotics now. The doctor figures it will take about 2-3 weeks to deal with that before they can move forward with normal treatment plans. We also got some information about the leukemia. We now know for certain it cannot be cured with chemo alone. Wendy is far away still, but eventually she will need a bone marrow transplant."

Randy asked if anyone had details on how to become a bone marrow donor, and Tiffany came back with some information: "Anyone can be tested to be a donor for Wendy by first going to bethematch.com"

Dec 28th - Slumber party with a friend

Today's update was sent out by Michelle: "Today was a day of ups and downs, but mostly ups. Wendy and I spent the day together, and even though she's so sick, we found a few ways to giggle. The girls and Randy moved themselves into a cute little apartment one block away from the hospital. It's small but quaint, and perfect for their family. Wendy is working hard on letting her body heal, but of course it's not listening to her. Tonight is day two of our sleepover. I'm taking the night shift while I'm here to help out and I love it. I'm happy that I can help my best friend. Good night to all and remember good positive thoughts for this family make a difference in her recovery."

Thank you Michelle for being there!

Saturday, Dec 27th - No viruses allowed...

Wendy is still having a really hard time keeping food down. That's been her biggest challenge lately. Kim and family came up for a visit before heading back south today. Michelle Warren flew in today and Alex is there now too!

Randy says "Thank goodness they're here. They planned to put a Hickman line in again yesterday, but couldn't, so they scheduled it for today. Wendy was prepped all day long with platelets, plasma, and red blood cells.
Long days have taken their toll on me, so I've had to bow out with a cough and a runny nose 'm so glad the girls are here. Wendy came out of the Hickman surgery having troubles breathing. They are giving her oxygen and red blood cells. I wish I could be in there. There's nothing to protect her from viruses, so we can't risk her getting one."

I'm so grateful they are being watched over that the girls are up there to be with Wendy while Randy gets over his cold.

Dec 26th - Family Around For the Holidays

From Randy "It's 7:40pm and it's been a long day for Wendy. Last night Suzanna and I were able to sleep in the room with Wendy. It was wonderful to be able to be close to Wendy while she got used to a new place. This morning Travis, Heather, Jeremy, and Stephanie (Wendy's Cousins) drove up from Oregon. They got here late in the morning, and stayed until evening. It was a great visit. Later, Wendy's sister Kim came by with John, Britney, Megan, Alannah, and Devin.

It wasn't the Christmas we imagined, but it was wonderful to have the family close by! The hospital has been super quiet for the past few days, so without family, it would have been lonely for everyone. Wendy rested most of the day and visited between REM cycles. Hoping for a restful night."

Merry Christmas!

From Randy "Merry Christmas! I could list the reasons we're thankful, but they would be simple things most people wouldn't consider blessings at all. We're thankful to be in a room with fewer tubes. We're thankful we can spend more time together as a family. But the one thing that we have often taken for granted and has turned out to be the greatest blessing of all are the friends that Wendy has developed over the years. As one, you've come together to support Wendy when she needs you most. There is truth to the old saying 'you reap what you sew.' Wendy's yield has been phenomenal. So, thank you in the biggest way possible. You've helped make this meager Christmas the best ever."

Randy also says that Wendy's address is the same, but the room number has changed, and he gave a phone number where Wendy can be called. I don't want to post either on a public blog, but if you text Randy or one of the family, then they can get you that information. You can also use the form below to send an email.

Dec 24th - Happy Christmas Eve!

"Steady improvement is the phrase of the day." Wendy slept all afternoon. She was still sleeping into early evening when Randy sent out his update. He says "There have been so many sleepless nights. Every time she can rest is a cause for celebration."

Randy wrote while Wendy was still sleeping "It's Christmas Eve and Wendy has so much wished to be out of the ICU before tomorrow. She doesn't know it yet but her prayers have been answered! She's moving upstairs today where everything is easier for everyone."

There will still be lots of restrictions once they move, but in the ICU visitors have to get special permission to see her, and they will lose that issue when they leave the ICU.

If you want to send something to Wendy for Christmas, then a fond comment would really make her day.

Mon, Dec 23rd - Know When to Hold'em, Know When to Fold'em

After another night's rest, Wendy was able to get up and out of her bed again today. Her and Randy played Rummy! They would have played Old Maid, but they couldn't remember the rules. Wendy was a lot more chipper today than she has been. Still obviously tired, but had a lot more energy than the last little bit.

Wendy has cut her plastic count down to one little oxygen tube!

Wendy is still in ICU, they didn't move her out yet today. She's still not able to hold down solid foods, but that's a lot the side effects of the chemo that she's had.

John and Kim Doherty and family made it up today to spread some cheer!

Monday, Dec 22 - Day of Eating

Wendy slept well again last night! This morning they let her eat on her own! They took out the feeding tube, which means another piece of plastic down! She started eating ice and just drinking water. She's also been able to drink juice and eat jello and yogurt!

She's doing so well that they are hoping to be able to transfer her out of ICU and upstairs soon!

She's had so many complications that they are putting the chemo treatments on hold until after the New Year. It should give Wendy's body time to heal enough to better withstand the treatments.

Sunday, Dec 21st - Losing Some Plastic

Wendy slept much better last night! (Which we all know what sleep can do for both your body and your mind). She was actually able to get out of bed and sit in a chair for about 2 hours today.

This afternoon they put her under so that they could check out her airway and it was determined that she could loose the breathing tube, so that's one less piece of plastic! She is still on oxygen and a feeding tube, but having that air tube gone is a big win. They are still monitoring her breathing, but so far so good.

Randy says "Wendy's determined and it's great to see her smile."

Letter from the Wallaces

Dear Friends,

I believe any caring person can benefit from knowing the kinds of

things that can really help Wendy battle leukemia. Reducing her fears

may prove more valuable than the chemotherapy and other drugs

she is getting. Please wish her the best, but as you do, you can also

promote her health and wellbeing in other ways. Here is a small list of

ideas that might help.

- Be sincere. Wendy needs to know people care. She has a great

sense of humor so jokes are fine, but not if true feelings are never

shared.

- Be honest. Not everything needs to be said, but speak the truth.

Dishonesty is a little like a tattoo. You might think you have it covered

up, when everyone else can see it just fine.

- Be creative. You are important because of who you are. There is a

reason you have a relationship with Wendy and only you and she

understands that bond fully.

- Don’t pretend her cancer doesn’t exist. Wendy needs to know you

recognize the seriousness of her illness, and that you are concerned

and care about her. Only ostriches should be known for sticking their

heads in the sand.

- When you come, try not to cry. Crying is contagious and we already

know we have a long way to go before she’s better.

-Don’t be afraid. We have so many things to be thankful for, today.

Think about those things.

-Celebrate. Every day Wendy triumphs. You could be part of that.

Remember, the Wallace’s are a family unit. Wendy and I love what

we’ve created. Honor Wendy by doing the same. If your bridge is still

standing, there is no better time to fortify. If you’re looking across a

stream and wishing you were on the other side, it’s a great time to

rebuild.

Thank you so much for everything and please know, these words are

a muddy reflection of the feelings I have.

Love, Randy, Wendy, Alex and Suzanna

Saturday, December 20th - Trying to Listen to The Tune

Quoting Randy's Update: Although it has been a rough day in many ways (big hits to dignity, confidence and general well-being), there have been positive notes. That's a great metaphor. It's like listening to very poorly played music trying to find merit in the two correct chords played consecutively. Let's go to the few chords.

Wendy is breathing on her own! She is not taking any medication to support her blood pressure. Her heart rate has dropped from 170 to 75 bpm. These are all great strides for the last couple of days.

Come on guys. Let's get the C back into ICU. Yes, this is intense. Looking forward to a better night.

--You should know that Randy is reading responses to his texts to Wendy and they really help her out. He will also be reading the comments from this blog to her.

You may feel far away and not able to do much, but a fond comment really goes a long way.

Updates from Friday, December 19th

Quoted from Tiffany Ashley's Facebook Page:

Randy Wallace update for friday, dec 19th, 2014. All in all, a pretty good day. Wendy Oliveira Wallace is making small strides forward. Her blodd pressure is going up. Her beathing is improving and the expectation is she will stay in the ICU a couple more days. We hope to be in the lukeimia ward for Christmas. If you're thinking about visiting, a current flu shot would be fantastic. Having seen what Wendy goes through when she 's sick, we don't want her to go through that again. She probably will but I can tell you it's a tertible experience for everyone. Make sure you're healthy when you come. If you're sick, they won't let you see her. At present she has no immune system so any kind of illness can be very bad. Well, that's about it. Another day of kicking butt and taking names.

Updates from Thursday, December 18th

Quoted from Tiffany Ashley's Facebook page:


Here is Thursday morning news. At 1 am Wendy's blood pressure started to drop, her oxygen saturation is low and she started to have a fever as well. She was moved back to ICU. She is awake and able to talk, which is a more important observation than the low numbers on her vitals. There are two possible causes for her condition. One is that she has an infection or a blood clot in her lungs. Most likely the infection. so they have upped her antibiotics.

Thursday afternoon. Randy Wallace says: Our day started early you know. Since Wendy Oliveira Wallace reaquaintance with the ICU, she has been re-intubated, had x-rays, and a CAT scan. Their trying to figure out the cause of her infection. They think it might be her HIckman line, which is a line to the top of her heart used to deliver the chemo. They put a new line in and will take the Hickman out. They have her on antibiotics and medication to stabilize her blood pressure. Right now Wendy is resting. It has been an ordeal and she is exhausted.

Well Wishes

This post is being created for the sole purpose of giving all of Wendy's friends and family a place to write any encouraging thoughts or great memories you have with Wendy.

President Thomas S. Monson often repeats a quote that goes something like "memories are June Roses in the Decembers of our lives." As a cancer survivor myself, I know how important awesome fun memories are at this time for Wendy.

Use this post to write in the comments any thoughts or memories that come to mind when you think of the amazingness that is Wendy.