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Ver Beek Blog

Our young family battling stage IV breast cancer one day at a time
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There it goes again…

posted by:
Lindy

Where to begin.  Monday night was a memorable night shopping with Brooklyn and my mom.  We had a great time.  Thanks again to Lilly’s limo and the Meyaard family who provided this trip for us. 

God pulled through for me on Monday.  As you know, Brooklyn wasn’t ready for my hair to fall out so I had one simple request – please let my hair last through our shopping trip.  I put a helmet of hairspray on- it could’ve been bullet proof.  By the time the kids were in bed, however, I was pulling clumps of it out.  It came out quickly.  I’m officially bald….again. 

Disclaimer:  If you drop by my house unannounced (which is fine), but you see me, rush, dash, or army crawl in an effort to be avoided, it’s because I’m frantically looking for a headscarf to put on my head.  I will not answer the door without one.  It’s the vanity in me.  So please pretend you don’t see me flailing around throwing things on my head. 

Medical Update. 

Here is a call I received today:

Ring Ring

“hello?”

“Dr. Frieling” (monotone)

“excuse me?”

“Dr. Frieling Duke University” (he was speaking fast and monotone so I think that was his name)

Papers shuffle “I’m calling for Melinda Ver Beek (that’s me).”

“That’s me”.

“Yes, I’ve looked at your case and we can’t help you.  We only work on primary brain tumors, not tumors that have metastized.  Sorry.”

“So you’re telling me Duke is out of the running?”

“No, my department is out of the running.  Call Amy Blackwell – here’s her number”.

Peach of a man.  I mean really.  I bet he’s a great brain surgeon. 

I called Dr. Blackwell’s office and was more encouraged speaking with her staff than the brain surgeon.  According to her staff, her research is in breast cancer that has metastized.  If my case meets her requirments, I will be considered top priority and she will overboard her clinics.   Right now, I’m transferring my medical records to Duke to find out when I can be seen.  I have a tentative appointment on September 13, but she may want to see me before then. 

I’ve also been in contact with Mayo Clinic.  Currently a case worker is looking over my file and I expect to hear from them by the end of this week. 

Lots of things going on and much more to be thankful for:

Thank God for medicine.

Thank God for the amount of money that’s been donated to us.  This will be used wisely and toward all medical expenses.

Thank you for the prayers of His people.  I feel an intense peace that has also filled our home.  Our attitudes are different towards eachother and there is a lot of happiness despite the circumstances. 

Please pray that this weekend goes well for me and my family.  I’m a little nervous about how I’ll feel physically.  My expectations are so high that I don’t want to let myself down.  Please pray that I don’t have headaches, nausea, or any complications.  I am excited to spend time alone with Dusty and then with the rest of the family.  I can’t wait to see Max and Samantha splash on the beach and put sand in eachother’s hair.  For Brooklyn to take her first sea doo ride and to cruise around on a Pontoon boat.  God is always good. 

BIG THANKS TO:

My radiation drivers.  It’s a treat to chat with someone each day. 

Awesome Ironers.  This has taken a big load off our shoulders

Lawn Mowers.  Thank you Nykamp’s for mowing our yard.

Random Acts of Kindness people:  Cookies, Captain Sundae Coupons, Bars, Meals, Crafs for Brooklyn, Fun outtings for Brooklyn, scarf donations.  The list goes on and I’m sorry if I forgot to mention you.

For The Love Of Lindy – Thank you to the organizers of the various events.  I know this doesn’t come easy and much time and effort has put into it.   It hasn’t gone unnoticed.  I appreciate and love you all. 

20 Responses to “There it goes again…”

  1. Barb Dannenberg says:

    You are one gifted writer! Thanks for updating so faithfully so we know how to pray intelligently.

    I’ll be praying for a fun-filled and peaceful weekend for you with no nausea or other “sick” symptoms!

  2. Kathy says:

    I too, pray that you have a wonderful weekend free of complications.

  3. Maryann says:

    I think they should have a course in medical school called “Bedside Manner 101”. It’s terrible dealing with an insensitive doctor. So glad that your case is being reviewed by great clinics though.

    Praying for a peaceful and restful week for you and your family, and for many memorable experiences on your vacation.

  4. Claudia Navarro says:

    Lindy, Abviously this Dr doesn’t have the gift of compassion. =| But I love the way you handle things; I hope that peach of a man is a good surgeon and doesn’t get brain cancer or he will be in for a good surprise. Praying for many things: No nausea, no seizures, for supernatural energy from God, good weather, for lots of laughter, good appetite, for content babies, for Brooklyn to enjoy herself and look pass the loss of your hair, for you and your husband to have some sweet quiet time together and last but not least, for complete healing. Let’s all say bye bye to those tumors that don’t belong anywhere in your body. In the Name of Jesus. Amen!

  5. Dani Keegstra says:

    Lindy,
    You are so gifted in writing! I love to read your blog. I am praying that you have a wonderful weekend and free from nausea and have a ton of energy! Enjoy your family. God is good.

  6. Amy Sluiter says:

    It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to see that this brain surgeon hasn’t been gifted with sensitivity! I’m so sorry, Lindy! But I so appreciate the humor and grace that you show in these situations… you truly are amazing!
    Praying that you guys have a great weekend away together and that you would feel healthy and strong and have no medical complications. Just a weekend to enjoy your family & God’s creation! I’m trusting Him to keep His promises for you: “The LORD hears good people when they cry out to him, and he saves them from all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17.

  7. Christa Meeuwsen says:

    I am still praying and thinking of you often. Are you in need of a supper delivery? Please email or send me an FB message. I would love to do that for you again. Just let me know a time that would work. I hope you have a nice weekend with Dusty and your family.

  8. Debbie says:

    You are a tremendous lady!

  9. Marcia Hoeksema says:

    Wishes for a great weekend.. keep looking up! prayers continue for you and your family!

  10. Rachel Baird says:

    Hope you guys had a fabulous weekend! Happy anniversary (a day late)!

  11. Angela says:

    We have never met, and yet you are on my heart daily. I’m asking God for a miracle not only for healing, but for strength for each day!

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