Fran Posted by Eric
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Post by Fran Posted by Eric on Aug 9, 2007 9:26:17 GMT -4
20th Mainers: Wilma has asked me to write to all of you for her. Another cancerous site has been found and she will have to go to Portland for surgery. She will be leaving for Portland on August 5th and staying down there until she has recuperated fully from her surgery. At this point her length of stay is indefinite. While she is there, she would very much like to hear from one and all, as she feels her contact with the 20th Maine is some of the best medicine she can have. You can write to her in care of her cousin (with whom she will be staying post surgery) Mary Keenan. If you are so inclined, she could probably use all the prayers you can muster too. Fran D'Errico
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Post by Eric on Aug 9, 2007 9:38:51 GMT -4
Does anyone know how Wilma (Mrs. Chamberlain) is doing?
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Post by tbatty on Aug 15, 2007 10:05:58 GMT -4
I talked with Wilma last night. She is very upbeat but knows that the prognosis is not good. She will be in Portland for the next couple of months while she continues to pursue the endless round of doctor visits and the surgery and recovery to follow. She especially wanted me to convey to all "her boys and girls" how much she loves and misses them and looks forward to seeing them on the field. She mentioned several times how much she looks forward to cards and letters. She is not able to accept phone calls at this time. Her address is: Wilma Anders 751 Main St. #114 So. Portland Me 04016 I encourage all of you to swamp her with correspondance. T Batty
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Post by Eric on Aug 17, 2007 11:43:13 GMT -4
Do you know when she's going into the hospital She's supposed to contact me, but I haven't herd from her as of yet!
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Post by Eric on Aug 20, 2007 12:28:23 GMT -4
Just got a letter from Wilma over the weedend... She got a PET Scan, and is waiting for a consult on the 23rd, then back to the surgeon, and on to MMC for repair surgery to stop the bleeding, and to slow down the cancer. She said she can not be cured ... (I say, Don't give up, as there are new advancements everyday!) After recovery, She'll return to Brewer for a series of Radiation treatments in Bangor. She'll be here, in the Scarborough/Portland area for at least another month. My thoughts and prayers are with you dear Wilma! Ray Legere -aka- Eric McKendry P.S. I'll keep posting any further developments I encounter as well.
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Post by Eric on Aug 29, 2007 13:47:37 GMT -4
Just got off the phone with Wilma... She sounds in good spirits. She's going to Brighton Hospital for some tests tomorrow, and she'll be operated on Friday the 31st @ 11:15, at Maine Medical Center. She told me that here mother of 96 is still living! I did not know that!!! Now more than ever, we should send our prayers, cards and letters, to keep her uplifted through this terrible time! If you have any inquiries, she asked to please contact Fran D'Errico granfran41504@adelphia.netI'll be going in to see her as soon as she can have visitors, so I'll be posting her progression on here soon there after.
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Post by Eric on Sept 1, 2007 17:50:32 GMT -4
My wife and I just got back from seeing Wilma…
She looks great, and is in fine spirits!!! ;D
She’ll be going back to her cousin Mary’s Monday, and is expected to recoup there for about a month.
She sends her best to each and every one of the 20th, and wants you all to know that she misses you, and you‘re are always in her thoughts.
She won’t be able to receive calls, nor visits, while at her stay in S. Portland, but would love to receive any type of written communication.
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Post by Eric on Sept 4, 2007 10:13:12 GMT -4
Went to see Wilma again, yesterday (Monday) morning (before she left from the hospital).
She’s doing pretty well, considering all she has gone through, and still seemed quite up-built (Full of fun and vitality!).
She wanted me to relay to all of you, that she can’t wait to get back, and she’s hoping to be well enough to be at Leonard’s Mills in October.
She’ll be thinking of everyone often, and sends her love to one and all. Oh yes… She would still appreciate written communication from everyone, instead of calls or visits, as her cousin is the type of person that appreciates piece and quiet, which is totally understandable!
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Post by Eric on Sept 4, 2007 13:51:03 GMT -4
Wilma Anders c/o Mary Keenan 751 Main St. #114 So. Portland Me. 04106.
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Post by Eric on Sept 5, 2007 12:04:06 GMT -4
Wilma gave me a call late yesterday afternoon, to let me know that she made it to S. Portland alright.
She said she can’t say that she doesn’t have “a lot” of pain between meds, but for the most part, she’s not doing too bad, for someone that’s been neutered! lol
All kidding aside, for such a serious matter, I’m really at awe at how she’s taking all this… She sure makes me feel like all my problems aren’t so bad after all!... What a special lady!
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Post by Eric on Sept 13, 2007 11:24:38 GMT -4
Got a call from Wilma yesterday morn, the 12th of Sept… She said she’s doing really well “considering”, and asked that I let everyone know that she’s thinking of all the 20th so much, and misses them terribly! She also said that most of her best memories are from reenacting. She wishes she could be at ‘all’ the events, but she is looking forward to re-joining the group ‘hopefully’ at the Veteran’s Day Parade on the 11th of November! (Note: I do apologize that I had said in an earlier post, that her first encounter would be at Leonard’s Mills (I was mistaken.). Sorry! ~Eric) She has the greatest news though! She got a phone call from the Mayor of Brewer (You know who!), and was voted one of Brewer’s “Citizen of the Year!” ;D We’ll be placing the article on the Web-Site as soon as we get it. Oh yes... Keep those cards and letters comming... Wilma Anders c/o Mary Keenan 751 Main St. #114 So. Portland Me. 04106 'Cause she does sooo enjoy them! ~Eric
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fran
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Post by fran on Sept 13, 2007 21:06:17 GMT -4
I just thought you would all like to know that flowers from Company B, were delivered to Wilma last week following her surgery. The arrangement included three white Roses, which are our Mrs. Chamberlain's trade-mark. The symbolism was very much noted by Wilma, who told me that she was delighted to receive the beautiful flowers. Her spirits remain high, which is certainly owing to the outpouring of affection and concern, that she has received from her 20th ME family. Keep up the good work - you are the best medicine she has!! Fran
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Post by Eric on Sept 14, 2007 19:51:42 GMT -4
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Post by Eric on Sept 28, 2007 2:24:21 GMT -4
Picked up Wilma the morning before last, and took her out to IHOP near the Mall for her favorite breakfast (crapes)! We had a fantastic time reminiscing for hours about the old days with the 20th, and about the Chamberlains. Then took her to see her friend in Scarborough that she spends every year with (really nice lady), and ended a most enjoyable forenoon by walking her to her door, then running away with her leftover crapes! Oops! She wants me to remind everyone that she really misses everyone in 20thMeCoB, and is looking forward to seeing you all!… She’ll be leaving on or around the 15th of next Mo. for the beginning of her treatments, and will be at the Veteran’s Day Parade to wave you on with love and pride as you march by.
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Post by Eric on Oct 8, 2007 10:36:18 GMT -4
Just talked with Wilma, and she wanted to let everyone know that she’s doing well (tired, but well), and would like you to know that she’ll be going home to Brewer on the 13th, and will see her Oncologist, as well as her radiation Oncologist for her treatments.
She also stated that Sarah will make her 1st appearance at Fort Knox for the Meeting, and then will take salute at the Bangor Veteran’s Day Parade, both escorted by Roger D’Errico.
She is so eager to get home, and wanted to tell everone that she will be forever grateful to 20th Maine, Co. B.
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fran
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Post by fran on Oct 20, 2007 23:31:44 GMT -4
I spoke with Wilma today and she asked me to pass along this information. She and her doctors have decided that since she is now back home, they will proceed with Radiation (she is slated to have it 5 days per week for the next 5 weeks). On December 15th, Wilma will be heading down to Scarborough to spend 3 weeks with her friend Cora. While she is down there, the doctors will determine if she will need to have additional surgery. She'd like to hear from all of you; anyone wishing to touch base with Wilma is welcome to call her at 989-6480 (leave a message on her answering machine if she isn't there when you call).
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Post by Eric on Dec 12, 2007 11:12:10 GMT -4
Wilma asked to let you know that she will be leaving for Scarborough on Dec. 16th and expects to return to Brewer on Jan. 20th.
She can be reached at her friend Cora Gervais' home and would welcome any phone calls, mail or visits from one and all.
While she is down there for the month, she will be meeting with her Surgical Oncologist for a follow-up visit, but additional surgery does not seem to be necessary at this time.
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Post by Eric on Dec 18, 2007 1:15:52 GMT -4
A sad Note! Wilma called Fran last night to say that she will NOT be able to make it down to Scarborough at all this month. She is feeling very fatigued as a result of her massive doses of radiation and is also dealing with uncomfortable side effects caused by the radiation. For the first time in 15 years, she will not be able to be down on the farm for the holidays and said she is disappointed but not depressed. Wilma asked to let everyone know - via this Forum - that she can be reached by mail or phone at her own residence...
It would certainly lift her spirits to hear from everyone.Note: Due to various reasons, we've taken out her address and phone#, and ask that you use your "Member's sheet" that Lee passed out at the party, or ask Lee (StrngNUniq@aol.com) for the information. Thanks for understanding.
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Post by Eric on Jan 10, 2008 2:28:21 GMT -4
Fran just spoke with Wilma and she asked her to touch base with me and request that I put a follow-up on the 20th's website. She is still having a very rough time with the side effects caused by the massive doses of radiation. She is trying to remain upbeat, but is in considerable pain most of the time. Under the circumstances, Wilma would very much appreciate hearing from people via the mail or by phone, as opposed to any drop-in visits. She is still hoping that she will be back on her feet by the end of the month, and is looking forward to hopefully attending the January meeting.
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Post by Eric on Jan 10, 2008 2:55:38 GMT -4
In the chance that you see this Wilma,
We're all rooting for you, and pray that you get better real soon! After all, what would the 20th be without "Sally"!
Our best to you, and we hope to see you're bright shiny smile in no time!
With Love & Admiration... ~ 20th Maine Volunteers, Company B ~
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Post by Eric on Jan 15, 2008 2:42:41 GMT -4
Just in from Fran!
...I just got a call from Wilma's cousin Ida, to let me know that she had to take Wilma to Eastern Maine Medical Center today. Wilma began experiencing severe pain in her lower left chest, and at first she thought she might be having a heart attack, but she then decided that the symptoms weren't actually consistent with a heart attack.
She was admitted when they discovered that the cancer had metastasized to the lower lobes of both lungs.
Wilma has decided that she does not want to have the chemo that was offered to her as a treatment option, but rather wants to have her pain managed so that it is at a tolerable level. The oral pain killers they had given her did not even touch the pain, so right now she is on an IV pain killer and they hope to be able to find something effective that she can take by mouth, so that they will be able to release her in a few days. Hospice was suggested to her by the hospital staff and they will be working with her from this point out. Wilma's plan is to return home and to look after herself, for the most part, for as long as she is able. I'm afraid that the outlook is not as bright and positive as we had all hoped.
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Post by Eric on Jan 16, 2008 1:14:15 GMT -4
Talked with Wilma last night… They’ve taken her off intravenous, and started a patch. She’s still in a lot of pain, but they’re working hard to find something that will make her at ease, so that she’d be able to go home and take care of herself.
On a lighter note... Even though she’s in a lot of pain, she’s still very up-beat! (I’m at awe at how she can turn a depressing conversation around and make you laugh in no time!). What keeps Wilma joyful, is by thinking of, as she states it, "The Good Old Days" & "Remember When’s". She was also pleased that Fran came to the hospital yesterday and had lunch with her.
She told me she doesn’t want to hide anything, and that she wants everyone to know, so there won’t be any surprises. (What a gal, always thinking of others!)
She stated again that she would love to hear from everyone (that’s what keeps her happy), and would appreciate phone calls, and letters (see 20th member’s list).
I’m going to try to get up there, while she’s still in E M M C., if she’s still there when I’m able to make it.
She would appreciate it if no one came to see her at home, as the people she’s living with aren’t very well, and she doesn’t want to make it difficult for them, which is totally understandable… The calls and letters would be very welcomed though.
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Post by Eric from Fran on Jan 25, 2008 1:15:00 GMT -4
I just got off the phone with Wilma and filled her in about Gary. She asked me to pass along info about her current condition to all of you. Wilma, who is now considered to be terminal (she said she isn't depressed and is definitely handling the news very well) has been released from EMMC and is now (temporarily) staying at the Brewer Rehab and Living Center at 74 Parkway South (it's across the street from Brewer High School). They are working on pain control and trying to alleviate the constant nausea she has been experiencing for over a week now. Since she is eating very little at this point, she is weak and they are also trying to maintain her mobility with physical therapy each day. Wilma would love to see any and all of you if and when you are in the area. Perhaps some of you might want to think about stopping in to see Wilma on Sunday - either before of after the monthly meeting. She is in her room all day, with the exception of when she has her physical therapy.
I'll keep you posted as needed.
Fran
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Eric from Keith Fran
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Post by Eric from Keith Fran on Feb 9, 2008 8:25:31 GMT -4
Wilma has asked me to touch base with everyone to let you all know that at this point her days are numbered. She has not been able to eat for about three weeks and is in extreme pain, which they haven't been able to control. She is weak and unable to do even simple things for herself any longer. Today she had Morphine patches administered, and figures that in a very short time she will become comatose, and from that point, the end will be imminent. Wilma said that she would prefer not to have any visitors and is no longer comfortable speaking on the telephone, but she did want you all to know how much you've meant to her - she considers the 20th ME to be her family. If you want to drop her a note (her cousin Ida now reads any correspondence to her) she would be pleased. I will keep you posted as any changes take place. Fran
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Post by Eric from Fran on Feb 12, 2008 19:15:06 GMT -4
Hi All, Just a brief note to update you on Wilma's deteriorating condition. Roger and I were with her this afternoon/evening and she does continue to decline. She is now receiving liquid Morphine on an hourly basis; which as she said, she is hoping will speed up the process for her. Although she is feeling the effects of the medication, Wilma remains lucid and still very much in control (her nurse even asked her tonight if she had been a "charge nurse" during her career- to which Wilma answered "yes, for 17 years running the Emergency Dept. at Eastern Maine" and the nurse said, "I thought so"). Wilma was sure that she would be comatose by now, but as of 8:00 PM, she isn't showing real signs of it yet; she dozes and sleeps for brief periods, but is easily aroused by ringing telephones, etc. She told me tonight to tell the 20th, that she is "hoping to pass on Abraham Lincoln's Birthday" - but her nurse said at this point her heart is strong and her oxygen levels are good, so it probably won't happen as quickly as she would like. I'm sorry if I'm depressing or upsetting anyone with the details, but Wilma did want you all to have a step-by-step account of her status. Oh, FYI - she has also been moved into a private room (#122) at Brewer Rehab - her current phone number is 991-9386. Although she cannot take phone calls, she has a cadres of family members and/or friends that are sitting with her most hours of the day and night (she has said that she isn't afraid of dying, but that she doesn't want to be alone when she does). Should you want to call to check on her yourselves, whomever is in the room with her can give you the current info (and they will relay to Wilma that you have called to check on her and to say good-by). Fran
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Post by Eric from Susie on Apr 18, 2008 11:15:48 GMT -4
Dear Friends,
I have just received word that Wilma's mother passed away from pneumonia. She was back at the family homestead just 12 days, caught a cold which turned into pneumonia and passed away Wednesday a.m., 2 months to the day after Wilma's passing. Ida requested that the 20th be told and said that this would not postpone Wilma's interment. She also mentioned that Mrs. Thompson received the prayer plant and was very touched she, Mrs. Thompson, wanted to know who to send a thank you to. I've given you all the details I have, please forward. Thank you, Susie Batty
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