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Ver Beek Blog

Our young family battling stage IV breast cancer one day at a time
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I’m Home

posted by:
Lindy

It’s good to be home.  It’s been a long few days. 

We arrived at the hospital Thursday at 1 p.m.  We were immediately brought back to the surgery area and there was a card sitting on my bed.  It was nice to be greeted in such a scary place by a nice card.  We met with Dr. Gootjes and Dr. Hoberman before the surgery began.  They went over what they were going to do and answered questions.  Dr. Hoberman prayed with us.  I was also able to see my parents before going in.  It was comforting to know there are people who love me waiting for me. 

The next thing I remember was being in my room on the third floor.  I expected to be out of surgery around 6:00.  I was shocked to see 10:00 on the clock on the wall.  I remember talking to Dusty, my parents and Jill.  Next thing I knew I was alone.  It was a long night.  I woke up every hour, sometimes twice.  I was very uncomfortable, but the nurses did a good job minimizing my pain.   

Friday was an okay day.  It was a blur.  I was happy to see Dusty in a clearer state of mind and was relieved to hear the surgeries went well and were considered successful.  We haven’t received the pathology reports from the lymph nodes yet.  The surgery took longer than expected because there was so much scar tissue in my armpit from the sentinel node biopsy I had done in June.  She wanted to take her time and minimize any nerve damage.  She is an excellent surgeon.   

I was able to come home yesterday (Saturday).  I was ready to come home.  It’s hard to get rest in the hospital.  I brought ear plugs and an eye mask to the hospital.  That helped tremendously and I highly recommend ear plugs to anyone who wants to get some rest in the hospital.  I think they should sell them in the vending machines.  🙂 

Before sending us home they gave us discharge instructions and taught me how to empty my drains.  I have three drains.  One on my left side and two on my right.  They don’t hurt unless they get caught on something and are mainly just a nuisance.  Emptying them is gross and turns my stomach a little, but it has to be done.  I have a camisole I bought at St. Mary’s before the surgery which has built in pockets for the drains.  I’m so happy I have it.  It’s very comfortable. 

Overall I feel much better than what I thought I would.  I’m staying on top of the pain with the medications.  I’m able to move pretty well.  It’s more of an emotional struggle than a physical one.  I don’t want to look at myself.  I feel like I look like an alien.  It will take some getting used to.  I’m glad it’s temporary. 

Dusty is taking excellent care of me.  We have a bed set up on the main floor in the office so I don’t have to go up and down the stairs.  We bought walkie talkies for Brooklyn last Christmas and those are coming in handy.  We used them in the middle of the night so Dusty could come down and help me out of bed.  He carries one around with him and I have the other one on the nightstand next to my temporary bed so he can go outside or be around the house and I don’t have to yell. 

The kids are doing good.  I miss Max and Samantha so much.  Kathy sent us pictures everyday of them playing at her house.  It was nice to see their smiles.  Brooklyn is home with us now and Max and Samantha are with my parents.  I hope to see them today. 

Today we had couch church. 

Thank you for your prayers.  God was with us through all of this.  I’m so grateful that the surgery went well.  He gave me the right surgeons, anesthesiologist, nurses and techs. 

Kathy, Max and Samantha:

kathy-holding-max-and-samantha-day-3-web.jpg 

Max and Samantha in Kathy’s kitchen:

max-and-samantha-by-fridge-11509-web.jpg

17 Responses to “I’m Home”

  1. Dani says:

    Lindy-It is so nice to hear from you.You are in my prayers. Thank you for your up-date’s.

  2. Jana Ver Beek says:

    I’m so thankful that you are doing so well. It looks like the kids are too. Brooklyn and I had a nice couple of days together.
    If you and Dusty need anything, please don’t hesitate to call. Remember, I get home from work a little after 2pm so if there are any errands you need run…whatever you need, please let me know!
    I pray that you all feel the loving arms of God wrapped tightly around you! Maybe not so tightly around you, Lindy…that might be painful! 🙂
    Continue to feel better every day!
    Love, Jana

  3. Holly says:

    So good to see you are well enough to write! Yeah! God is answering prayers….it sounds like it went really well and that your recovery is going better than expected.
    Remember…God and those who love you see you as a beautiful, strong woman who loves life, her family and God…not as an alien. Your body will be restored again and you will have a great testimony for all to Gods faithfulness to you. We will keep praying! 🙂

  4. Monica says:

    Glad to read your home. Words escape me at this moment – we just keep praying.
    Blessings ~ Monica

  5. Michelle says:

    Lindy,

    I am so happy to hear that the surgery went well and another part of your journey to complete healing is over. I continue to pray for you and your family.

  6. Kim says:

    Wow Lindy… you continue to amaze me girl! You are on here typing already!! It sounds like you were in excellent care and it is so comforting to know their are still doctors that pray before surgery! Praying for continued healing and for Dusty and the kids:)

  7. Kathy says:

    It’s awesome to hear you sound so positive and thankful. God is so good!

  8. Tina Amaya says:

    Lindy lou – You are an amazing woman, and there is nothing that will ever change that! So glad to hear that you are doing well – and that God continues to give you peace. How cool that your surgeon prayed with you guys before the surgery… what a wonderful thing! We will continue to lift you up each and every day for continued strength, healing and wholeness. Love ya!

  9. Jeff Armstrong says:

    You are both amazing people. May it comfort you to know our prayers are with you ALL, daily. Let us know if there’s anything we can help with at the office, Dustin.

  10. Jana Ver Beek says:

    Praying you had a restful night. Praying for continued healing for you, both physically and emotionally.
    Love, Jana

  11. Maryann Rondeau says:

    So glad that your surgery went well. Praying for you every day!

  12. julie sal says:

    Thankful that you’re home. Enjoy seeing your littlest ones today. They are so cute in the pictures. I’ll pay for the drain part to go easily for you and for healing and strength.

  13. Julie Meyers says:

    Oh Lindy, I’m so glad to know you’re at least well enough to be writing on your blog…that’s so encouraging and it’s great to hear from you! Oh, I’ve been thinking about you so much – especially the emotional side of this for you – I pray God will just really give you strength and what you specifically need while going through this tough time…you are a beautiful person and even though the outside may be not what you want to see at this time, no one can change who you are on the inside and that’s what’s MOST important! And, Dusty is so sweet – he thinks you’re “it” no matter what! 🙂 love it!

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