Red, White and …

It feels strange to write something on my cancer blog.  I promised I would update when I had something to say. 

I had a blood draw last week and saw Dr. VanderWoude (oncologist) on Tuesday of this week.  Overall, things look good (praise God).  My hemoglobin is still low at a 10, but it’s better than where I was a month ago which was 9.  Normal is 12-16.  My white blood cell count is low, but not low enough to concern the doctor.  This means that I’m tired (hemoglobin) and that I’m more susceptible to illness (white blood cells) so I need to take extra precautions with washing my hands and staying away from  people with illnesses. 

My every day life is going good, all things considered.  My mom helps me tremendously with Max, Samantha and Brooklyn because I get tired so quickly.   Other than that, things are good.

This past summer when I was going through chemo I would sit in my anti-gravity chair on the front porch.  It was the most comfortable and the fresh air helped.  I was dead tired, sick and fighting like a champion to beat the cancer.  I would see people walk, run, rollerblade or bike past the house and I couldn’t wait to do that again.  I dreamt of the day when I could take my kids for a long walk to the park.  Then while going through radiation I read an article in the Holland Sentinel about climbing the steps of Mt. Pisgah in Holland.  That was my new goal.  As soon as I had enough energy I was going to climb the 239 (I think) steps to the top.  A few weeks ago Brooklyn and I did it.  It was so fun.  I climbed a mountain.  I don’t know if it’s technically a mountain, but it’s called Mt. Pisgah so I’m going with it. 

Here is me and Brooklyn at the top:

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Prepare to have your mind blown.  As you know Dusty is the computer/techy guy in our family.  He set up this blog for me and occasionally checks the stats of the blog.  This past summer when I was going through chemo and blogging about my pathetic journey, I had a total of 16,000 unique hits.  That’s a one, six and three zeros people!  I don’t know 16,000 people.  I’m not sharing this with you to massage my ego.  The thought that quickly occured to me was all the comments that I received from you were probably read as well.  Your comments were encouraging and many of them talked about God, quoted scripture or verses of songs.  Just imagine the amount of people you may have reached by your comments.  Amazing.

That’s all for now.  It’s been great seeing so many of you again.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please pray that I will continue to get my energy back and that my blood levels return to normal. 

9 Responses to “Red, White and …”

  1. Julie Meyers says:

    Hey Lindy!!

    Love the pictures and good for you!!! I get tired just thinking about climbing that mountain! :) You look just very content…it’s beautiful on you! :) We’re still praying for you and so thankful you’re at this point! I think the part about the 16,000 hits is SO awesome!!! God uses us in mysterious ways, that’s for sure!! I love to hear that! Keep it up, girl!

  2. Rachel Dy says:

    Ok first of all you look gorgeous! (and skinny i might add.) maybe i need to start climbing giant sand dunes for fun! What an accomplishment though, i bet you felt like you conquered the world when you got to the top!!!! I actually grew up about a mile from “mount piskey” great view from the top too!
    PRAISE BE TO GOD

  3. Stacy Wiersma says:

    Woo-Hoo!!!

    I will be praying that by the time the weather is nice enough to walk, run, rollerblade or bike you will be well enough to do it all! Looking forward to seeing you having fun outside this summer and celebrating your wonderful life with your wonderful family! You guys are amazing!

  4. Rachael Budiwarman says:

    Woohoo. That is quite the accomplishment! It was lovely seeing you last night and I hope you have continued strength and endurance before the weather turns warm. After all it is Michigan so we may jump right from winter to summer:)

  5. Anonymous says:

    What can I say…your awesome!! And as always I am still praying.

  6. Aunt Shirley says:

    What beautiful photos. You look like a million bucks Lindy. I am soooo proud of you clinbing all those steps - it makes me tired thinking of all those steps. Get ready for Spring - I feel it in the air - you will be able to do all those fun things this summer. How much we take for grant it.
    God has been so good in answering prayers of healing for you.
    Enjoy the sunshine! Love you all!

  7. Anonymous says:

    I think you should change your caption at the top of your blog to “our young family BEATING cancer one day at a time”
    Go Verbeek family!

  8. Tina Amaya says:

    Lindy - you look amazing! What a great picture of you and Brooklyn! So glad to see and read that you are doing well. We continue to keep you in prayers! Tina

  9. Lindy says:

    Thanks for the suggestion anonymous! I’ve made the change.

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