Two down, more to go!

Today was my second round of chemo.  I met with Dr. VanderWoude first, had labs drawn and was given chemo (Adriamicin and Cytoxan). 

Many of you were wondering what stage my cancer is.  Dr. Vander Woude explained they can’t stage my cancer because they’re doing chemo before they remove the tumor.  Typically they do surgery to remove the tumor first, stage it, and then do chemo.  In my case, since the tumor is quite large, they’re doing chemo first to shrink the tumor before removing it.  It will help them do a better surgery. 

At today’s visit, Dr. VanderWoude thought the tumor was slightly smaller.  We were very happy about that.  

As for the nausea, we have a new plan.  I’m going in tomorrow for fluids, steriods and my Neulasta shot.  I’m going Friday for fluids, another anti-nausea drug and steroids.  On Monday I’ll go again for fluids, anti nausea and steriods.    She said the first four rounds of chemo are the worst.  The last four rounds shouldn’t be too bad.  So there’s a little hope.  I have two down and two more to go before the easier chemo happens.  Please see the “help wanted” page for drivers that may be needed (I’ll need one for tomorrow).  :)

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After meeting with Dr. VanderWoude it was time for chemo.  We were able to score a room with a bed.  Kendra, my awesome nurse, had trouble getting the needle in the port.  After a few attempts we had success. Right now I’m feeling very tired, a little nauseas and very foggy. Thank you for your prayers and communication.  I love getting the mail every day.  I know the day will come when I don’t receive cards or letters anymore so I’m enjoying it right now.  We are so blessed to have great friends and family to support us. Thank you to the wonderful people who took care of our kids today.  Brooke had a great time with Olivia.  As of Monday, Max and Samantha are now eight months old.   They had their first kiddie pool experience yesterday.  It was great!  They’re growing so fast!  max-loves-the-pool-june-2009-com.JPGsamantha-june-2009-com.JPG

Thank you for your comments.  I still run to the computer to read them.  I just can’t help myself.  Oh and I still have my hair.  It feels strange, but it’s still there.  Have a great night!

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16 Responses to “Two down, more to go!”

  1. julie sal says:

    Cute photos of the babies! I think Samantha looks so much like Brooke in the pool photo! I know my mom always liked it when she got a private room while receiving chemo too. She used to feel such nausea from the perfume scent and anything smelling remotely of pizza or spaghetti sauce. It sounds like it will get better. If you ever need a ride for shots or whatever, we’re available (and just across the railroad tracks–if you’re ok with help from people “from the other side of the tracks ;0)
    Everytime we go on 104th, I pray an extra prayer when we see your house (with those chairs Brent just HAD to have from Lowes). Take Care! Julie

  2. Aunt Carole says:

    Hi Lindy - I’m always so blessed at how you always find a way to radiate hope. You truly see the silver lining in the clouds. Thanks for the info on the chemo treatments - it helps me know how to pray for you better. Tonight at our devotions, we read about how Jesus welcomed the little children into His arms. I was touched by the verse that read: “And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them”. (Mark 10:16) This is my prayer for you, that through everything that you experience, you will feel God’s arms around you and your family, His hands on you filling you with His presence, and his blessing of recreating the disease in your body to newness of life. May you all sleep well tonight as He carries you in His arms of love. Love & Prayers always…

  3. Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Ken says:

    I just finished ready your blog to Grandma. She says she will keep on praying and enjoys hearing how you are doing.If I can do anything driving, (playing with the kids, with your mom’s help) please let me know. I will talk to your mom also.

  4. Joy Koning says:

    Lindy, glad to hear that another round is done and that you sound so hopeful. Your faith and spirit are amazing! The pictures of Max and Sam were so cute! The one of Max is great! That will be one to enlarge and save… Well, praying for you constantly…take care!

  5. CARL M says:

    Sounds like your’re making great progress Lindy. 25% done with chemo and the tumor is smaller already. I’ll have to watch what I say around you now that your taking steroids! Hate to have you throw down on me and pin me to the ground. Well, maybe I wouldn’t mind too much….haha. ALL the pictures you posted are very cute. Glad to hear from you again. thinking of you always. LOVE

  6. Stacy Wiersma says:

    Hey girl, at least you have a small light at the end of the vomit tunnel!! You are such a strong woman…I hope that I will never have to experiance anything that you have had to deal with…if I do I can only pray that I would be half as strong as you! Keep it up!!!
    Thinking and praying about you all!

  7. Kathy says:

    Love the pictures..yea it’s finally summer!

  8. Kim Lubbers says:

    Precious pictures of the kids!! I can’t believe Max and Sam will be 8 months old.. what a blessing:) Praying that this round goes smoother than the last and that they work out the anti-nausea “serum” perfectly:)

  9. Jill Graves says:

    Great pictures Lindy…you must have a awesome photographer in your family.

  10. Rick & Mandi Brower says:

    OMG - just found out about the whole situation. We are thinking about you. We definatley miss seeing you guys at the store. We go past your house often, so if there is anything you need from the store or whereever - just give a buzz.
    The kids are adorable.
    Rick, Mandi, Jakob & Ethan

  11. Amy & Brent Sluiter says:

    Praying and trusting all of God’s promises for you today: For hope, healing, strength, and peace. “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” Psalm 146:5-6
    Praying His unfailing love covers you today!
    Thanks for taking time to post. Your children are adorable… great pictures! Love, Amy

  12. Anonymous says:

    Love the pictures of the kids they are all so adorable! I am glad to hear things are going well. I pray that God will give you what ever you may need in the days to come. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. But until then we will keep praying.

  13. Rachel Baird says:

    I am glad that the doctors are trying an alternative treatment plan for your neausea. Here’s to hoping it works! (By the way, did you see that I put Max’s diaper on the right way?!? Look at me, growing up. :))

  14. barb says:

    Steroids…they are a blessing! I remember a nurse calling them my “go juice”:) I had more energy..less nausea..and just plain felt better.
    My prayers continue for you. Remember..”Jesus Loves you..this I know..for the Bible tells me so…little and big ones to Him belong… You are weak but He is strong..YES..Jesus Loves you.”…In His Grip..barb

  15. Julie Meyers says:

    “These [trials] have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” - 1 Peter 1:7

    “God fine-tunes us…so others, seeing our lives, can admire his handiwork in us.” - Barbara Johnson

    Lindy, I admire God’s handiwork in you!!

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