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Our young family battling stage IV breast cancer one day at a time
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Happenings

posted by:
Lindy

Today was the first day in a week that I woke up and didn’t want to vomit!  I felt so good, in fact, that I went to Brooklyn’s dance recital this morning at Zeeland Rec.  They put on a very nice show.  You can check out her Lion King dance by clicking on the “Links” tab and then click on the You Tube link.  I was so excited to see her dance that I even wore mascara!  I know this sounds strange, but I’m freaked out about my eyelashes falling out and I’ve convinced myself that if I don’t wear mascara they won’t.  So I haven’t worn it since my first chemo treatment.  I know it’s silly.  Leave me alone I have cancer.  I figured Brooklyn’s dance recital is the best place to walk on the wild side and be brave wearing mascara.  So far, no lashes have been lost in the wearing of my mascara. 

This is the first time I went anywhere in a week besides the Cancer Hematology Center.  Which, by the way, is becoming my home away from home.   Although it has a very distinct smell that hits me the moment I walk in the door.  It’s not a good smell.  It smells clinical and like a hospital, only worse.  

Random people are so nice.  On Monday, I was at the Center alone in the waiting room assuming my usual position – bent over in the chair with my face in my hands because I feel terrible.  An older gentleman came in and sat down.  After a minute I looked up at him and smiled.  He said “beautiful day isn’t it?”  All I could say was “it is.” and went back to my position.   The nurse called his name and as he walked past me he touched my shoulder and said “I just said a prayer for you.”  How nice is that! 

Comic Relief Moment 

Chemo brain still affects me.  Here are the top moments of chemo brain:

1.  I throw garbage down the laundry chute and laundry in the garbage.

2.  I call Samantha Brooklyn and Brooklyn Samantha.

3.  I told Dusty our dryer was broken and we needed a new one because it wasn’t drying the clothes.  In reality, I forgot to turn it on.  Twice.

4.  I don’t know what day it is.  I’m serious.  What day is it?

5.  I can’t remember if I took a pill.  I have to write it down when I take it, otherwise I won’t dare take another one for fear of an overdose.   I’ve got enough problems.  An overdose is not something I need right now.   

6.  I forget conversations I’ve had with Dusty.  I know this could be to my advantage, but I find it annoying. 

7.  I can’t drive for a week after chemo.  I can’t process four way stops. 

8.  I can’t read books for a week after chemo.  The words jumble together and I forget what I read so I have to start over. 

9.  I forget to call people back.  I’m sorry if you’ve called me and I haven’t returned your call.

10.  I can’t watch a movie or TV right after chemo.  The pictures move so fast that I can’t comprehend what’s happening.  Crazy. 

On A Serious Note:

I was thinking yesterday about the incredible support we’ve received from people.  I’ve learned how to help people in so many new ways.  Some of you send me cards once a week!  I’ve always sent one card.  I had no idea that a simple card could be so nice.  From now on, I’m going to try sending more than one card.  Taking care of kids.  Bringing a meal or cookies or fruit or flowers.  Sending gift cards.  Mowing a lawn.  Staining a swingset.  Setting up a meal schedule.  Setting up a childcare schedule.  Praying for us.  Playdates for Brooke.  Offering help to my parents and friends. 

THANK YOU for showing us how to truly be the hands and feet of Christ.  I really mean it.  I can’t wait to be on the other side and offer help to any of you who ever need it.  I pray for you every day.  That you’ll be blessed by being a blessing to us.  Thank you!

23 Responses to “Happenings”

  1. julie says:

    You really must write a book someday–you can show people the humor in going thru something like this. I’m not on chemo and I do a couple of those things that you listed. Oh and my mom used to tell me about the distinct smell of the chemo place and how when people wore perfume coming into the chemo place, she would about lose it. We’re keeping you in our prayers. Congats on finishing that first “round”. Julie

  2. Grace says:

    Continuing to pray on behalf of you and your family! Amazing how love transforms us … May God surround your body with His protective hand & bring healing!

  3. Aunt Shirley says:

    Hi Lindy,

    Yahoo – you got the worse 4 down. Way to go!!
    I just hear God in your writings so much. You keep holding on to your faith Lindy. As I read in my devotional the other day – Hold on tightly to your faith – “even in the midst of tremendous difficulty and suffering”. And that you are doing from reading your blog otherwise you couldn’t write what you do. I always look forward to reading your blog for prayer concerns or just seeing how you are doing. They encourage me. Did you ever think that you and Dusty are a blessing to us and how proud we are to know such lovely beautiful Christians and that you allow us to walk this journey with you both.
    Love you

  4. Tina Amaya says:

    Lindy Lou – I have the biggest smile on my face all because of you. Like I said when I stopped over, I love the fact that you haven’t changed… you still make me laugh. I am so, so, so happy to hear that you are feeling so much better. What a huge step! Praying that you will truly be able to enjoy the next week wearing mascara….. and that the next rounds of chemo will be a breeze! Keep praying for you all…… Blessings! Tina

  5. Jen TenHarmsel says:

    Thanks- I’m so glad you came through with the new post for me today… You are truely amazing and inspirational- so glad to hear you were able to make it out and to Brooklyn’s recital and wear mascara today!!!! I hope you have a better week knowing that your last treatment of A/C is behind you…Keep smiling your getting there and doing a great job at it. Love and Prayers… Jen

  6. kathy says:

    Please tell Brooke that I said; “She’s a beautiful dancer.” Pretending she’s an animal, or anything else, is right up her alley. Thanks for sharing the video.

    PS: I think I’ll buy a pink leodard and some white tights so I can look tall and skinny too!

  7. Sarah Dykstra says:

    Hi Lindy, I’ve been thinking about you so much & you guys are in our prayers constantly! So glad to hear you’re feeling a little better and I was laughing out loud reading this post 🙂 Your strength amazes me and I know you’ve been an inspiration to so many people. Keep the faith girl, we’ll keep praying!

  8. I think you are doing really well!! I have never been able to call my kids by the right name… usually go through the all the kids and pets before I get to the right one… if you only have it now..congratulations!!

    I have Kendra as my nurse as well…. isn’t she amazing. I have a different doctor … but I love Kendra. Hang in there, we only have to do this for a little while. I can’t wait to lay in the sun on the beach next summer!!!

  9. Jill says:

    I don’t know who you are talking about….you are always the first in line to help out a friend. That’s why I love ya so much!!

  10. Anonymous says:

    Lindy-
    It is so good to hear you are doing better. Hang in there.

  11. Anita says:

    Oh Lindy,
    Brooke was so beautiful at her little recital and I am so glad that you got to see her. I bet it felt good to do something just for her.
    I am glad to see that chemo has not affected your sense of humor, even though it messes with your memory. You are so funny and I admire your positive outlook on things even when they are rough and almost unbearable. I love you and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

  12. Cara Larsen says:

    You make us laugh and bring us to tears all in one post! So thankful you were able to attend Brooklyn’s recital; doing normal “Mommy” things! Praying you’ll continue to feel well. You are an amazing, inspirational woman!

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