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

posted by:
Lindy

I feel like Spectrum Health is becoming my second home.  My first radiation treatment went well tonight.  They mold a mask specifically for my headshape and then zap me.  The mask will always be my mask.  When I’m done I get to keep it.  If I had a mantle, I would put it on there. 

The reason they’re aren’t sending me home today is because 1.  My radiation treatment was so late in the day and they need to make sure I react well to it (so far, so good) and 2.  They need to make sure my headaches can remain under control at home.  I’m getting mixed signals from the nurses on this.  Some imply that it should go well and other’s seem to question it.  I’ve been assured, however, that I’m going home tomorrow. 

I called my parents to give them an update and see how the kids were doing.  The kids are doing great.  My dad has taken some days off to help my mom with them and Max is following Grandpa around like a proud little cub.  Samantha and Brooklyn are having fun with grandma.  When I talked to Brooklyn tonight she cried.  She said she was afraid we were never coming home.  That was hard to hear.  She’s such a tender soul. 

I have eighteen rounds of radiation to go.  Most of them will be done in Holland, but I do not have a specific time set up for those yet (therefore, no sign up sheet has been created yet). 

Thank you for your advice and tips on where to go for treatment.  I have a nice list going, but after talking with Dr. VanderWoude today, I feel she has my best interests in mind and wants me to go to where I’ll get the best help.  Right now that seems to be Mayo Clinic.  I have the forms filled out for Wings of Mercy and will proceed further with those tomorrow when I go home. 

Thank you for the prayers, kind words and deeds you’ve done for my family.  Please remember that Brooklyn doesn’t know about the time frame that has been given to me, and at this point, we don’t feel it’s necessary to tell her about that.  We would appreciate you use discretion around that too. 

I’ll be in touch tomorrow.  Everyone take care.  Don’t forget to sign up for Laps for Lindy if you want to participate.  Click on “Race For A Cure” on the right hand side of the page. 

God bless you!

19 Responses to “I’m still here”

  1. Wendy Morrow says:

    Lindy,
    Matt and I are praying for you and your family. You are a strong person and God will guide you over your 18 treatments. God Bless!

  2. Christa Meeuwsen says:

    Still praying, Lindy. Let me know if you feel up to that Chic Alfredo dish:) I would love to bring that over to you when you get home! I am so happy that you could start radiation already and that you are near your home and family! Thanks for your faithful updates.

  3. Laura Kiefer says:

    Thank you! I know it seems weird for me to be thanking you, but you have been such an amazing example of faith, hope and love this last year. I see such a strong woman who fully trusts her Savior to care for her, give answers when needed, and provide for her in a way that she knows is His will. You are leaving such a great legacy for your kids, Dusty and all of us who get to walk through this battle with you…even if we aren’t that close. We believe in a God who heals and I continue to pray for healing for you…knowing that He has the perfect plan, answer, and outcome for your life. Thank you again for reminding me of what true faith looks like!

  4. Lori Geurink says:

    Hi Lindy, I have not spoken to you since we graduated high school but I was passed your blog from a fellow graduate. I am so sorry you have to go through this. I will be praying daily for you and your precious family. You write beautifully, emotionally, and honestly and are touching many people’s lives. Thank you. Lori (Cornell) Geurink

  5. Aunt Shirley says:

    Hi Lindy, I am so thankful in your doctor’s decision. You have to go where the best medical care is at right now. And you already had Mayo on your mind last week when I visited you – so I am sure it feels very right to you. Wings of Mercy is a wonderful ministry and an excellent transport program. I wish Aero Med could just take you there – but…….
    I know that you have a wonderful support system – family, friends and church family but if there is ever anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call. We are praying for you, Dusty, the children and your mom and dad also as they process all this and still be somewhat upbeat for the children – they are strong and loving and I am sure God is giving them the grace as well. We will continue to pray for a miracle of healing in your body. And thank you for always keeping us updated. You are a testimony of His love and grace. Hugs!
    We love you- Uncle Gary and Aunt Shirley

  6. Michelle says:

    Be strong. Stay strong. Let us be strong for you! You are a wonderful woman, wife, mother, sister, daughter, and Christian which makes it easy for us to support you. Let us wear out our knees for you so that you can focus on getting better!

  7. Julie Meyers says:

    Oh Lindy, reading that about Brooklyn breaks my heart… We pray for you all the time. In fact, pray is Elsie’s new thing, but it comes out “pay.” She’ll all of a sudden look at me and go “pay?” and have her hands folded so gently…sometimes she’ll “pray” 🙂 but, of course most of the time I do and we always pray for you. Oh to be like little children…my 18 month old reminding me to pray without ceasing!! 🙂 We love you lots!!!!

  8. Livvy says:

    Lindy, I’ve been praying for the right words to say and these three little words keep playing over and over in my head, so I suppose this is what God wants you to hear right now… “Do not worry.”

    I’m sure it’s nearly impossible for you not to worry… for yourself, your kids, Dusty. But let us worry about the little things… the finances, the food, the lawn, the car, etc. Do not waste one ounce of energy worrying about these things that so many others want to help you with. God provides. You are surrounded and lifted up by a multitude of people who want to support you and lend a hand in any way we can. We are here for you.

  9. Karen says:

    Hi Lindy! Our family was in shock & saddened to hear of your news. We want you to know that we have been praying for your family and will continue to do so!

    Both of my children talk about Brooklyn often! She was such a good Kindergarten friend to Tyler, but also took the time every morning to talk to his 4 year old sister Emma at drop off– so Emma thinks of Brooklyn as her own friend too– not just Tylers! And yes, there have been discussions between them about whose friend she is! :o)

    They prayed for her this morning and I’d like to share the prayers with you– be forewarned– they are in ‘kid thought process language’! LOL

    Tyler prayed: “Dear God. I like Brooklyn and since I love my Mom, I know she loves her Mom too. Make her Mommy get better just like I did from my surgery. Tell Brooklyn that I love her and that you love her too God.”

    Emma prayed: “Jesus, Brooklyn is my friend and likes my princess dolls. Please help her to be happy and to be a good girl for her Mommy while her Mommy gets better. It’s good to be a good girl and Brooklyn is very nice so she will be a good girl. Tell her that she can come over and play with me any time she wants to and can play with Tyler too. Amen.”

    With much love and prayers, The VanHaitsma family (Todd, Karen, Tyler & Emma)

  10. Todd says:

    Lindy, Dustin,

    I know the guy who used to run Wings of Mercy, (I know him a little anyway)…I used to mow his lawn when I was a kid, please let me know if you have any trouble with that process, I would be happy to give him a call, if he will speak to me after I ran over a whole row of his wifes Tulips…I tried to put them back in the ground, but that did not really work.. :>) I am sure he might be able to help cut through any red tape you might encounter.

    I used to work with Dustin and Witmark and now work with him again at HMI…my family will keep you in our prayers and I will establish a new routine at supper time, you will be in each and every supper time prayer from now until you beat this thing. My kids will love to pray for you…and the prayers of children are music to Gods ears.

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