At Linda's last chemo infusion on 12 NOV 2020, her doctor stated that the latest image indicated no change in number or size of  lung tumors, Linda elected to continue Chemo with the hope that treatment #3 scheduled for 2 DEC 2020 would show some improvement.

In the weeks following, her breathing became severely labored, and she became weaker, and started experiencing middle of the night episodes of confusion concerning her location and condition.  She kept talking about seeing our grandkids over Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was a huge success, thanks in part to the turkey dinner that was provided by Victoria Wilson.    She ate more than usual and talked with the grand kids, which tired her out, but she kept on keeping on.  After Chris and family departed we had a good evening rehashing everything, and she had a good night. 

On Friday, Nov. 27th she awoke at 4:30 AM and wanted to get up right away. She was still excited about our Thanksgiving.  She spent the morning watching TV from her couch, with just a Boost for breakfast. 

Then around 12:30 she asked me to help her to the toilet, which I did.  She walked about 30 feet using her walker with me holding her upright.  She was gasping for breath and using her hand fan to cool down.  I was supporting her on the toilet, with both my arms around her, when she suddenly went limp and stopped breathing.  I tried to revive her then called for help from Ron and Karen Schneider our good friends, who arrived about 5 minutes later and began administering CPR...no pulse or breathing.  I then called 911 for help who arrived about five minutes later and began CPR and Electro-shock treatment to get her breathing.  That also had no luck... no  vital signs  after about 25 minutes with no response, the EMTs took her to the ER at St Joseph's North Hospital about 5 miles away. 

The Schneiders and I followed and talked to the ER doctor who said they had not received any response after about 30 minutes of treatment and were discontinuing any further treatment.  The doctor also said that it was her opinion that Linda died of a heart attack brought on by labored breathing and general weakened condition.  No coronavirus implications.


This is the final entry for Linda.  Tomorrow our son Chris, myself and Sherri Leatherwood will go to the crematorium where her body was transported to finalize her cremation as indicated by her wishes.  Her funeral service, which she designed, will be in the next week or so but currently unscheduled.

Our Bodkin family wanted to express our sincere thanks to all of those that brought food, flowers, cards and kind words of support during Linda's cancer battle.  It meant so much to her and she has kept every card in a memory box which we will keep.  In the end we feel this is the way Linda wanted to depart this earth and embark onward to heaven.. painlessly after seeing her family on Thanksgiving.  Linda's memories of genuine love and kindness will continue in all of the many hearts she has touched in her lifetime. Rest in Peace, we love you Linda!