Hi all,
With today’s news, I felt it was time to start writing about David’s journey.
Today, June 12, we spent the day at St. Mary’s.
David needed another biopsy and we arrived at St. Mary’s at 6:30 a.m. We got there and they had to prep him and ask him a TON of questions. Then at 8:00 a.m. they took him to surgery and he returned at 9:00. (as an aside, when he returned, we were told to have David sleep for the next 2 hours, since he was unable to have anything to eat until that time had passed … the area we were in was open and our “cube” only had a curtain. ALL the other patients and their guests were so LOUD, like they were having so much fun … party-like in all their hilarity … there was no way David could sleep with all the noise they were making, it was more than mildly annoying.) We then proceeded to spend the next 6 hours waiting for him to be released. This particular biopsy, a needle biopsy of his kidney, was done through the back. When it was finished, he needed to be flat on his back for the next 6 hours, and that is just what he did. Needless to say, it was a most boring day!
Unfortunately, while we were waiting, I received a phone call from Jacky, the nurse from University of Iowa, (Dr. O’Dorisio’s nurse) telling us that the surgeon Dr.O’Dorosio wanted us to have, was unable to make the June 18th appointment and we were rescheduled to June 26. David’s mom had already made reservations at a hotel in Iowa City, and we were going to spend the weekend packing in preparation. How disappointing to be told WE HAVE TO WAIT EVEN LONGER than we have already been waiting. It is HARD WAITING. It was disappointing and discouraging and hard. We have made the decision to go on the 26th. We could keep our 18th appointment, and then also go to the 26th appointment, but that would mean more time off of work and more time traveling, and more money spent. IT IS HARD WAITING, but wait we will.
On the upside, unfortunately they are having major flooding in Iowa City, and hopefully by the time we actually are able to be there, the flood waters will have receded and it will be a thing of the past. (especially for the people of Iowa and for us, too.)
I will keep you updated as time permits and information is available.
Please keep David in your prayers.
Thank you. Love, Connie
David A. Lemmink 
Hang in there. Let’s pray that the news from the biopsy is good and everything can get taken care of on the 27th.
Mark and Lexie
By: Mark G on June 13, 2008
at 1:48 am
What a frustrating and long day for you both! As you say, Iowa City is just a mess right now and I just heard 54 out of the 99 counties in Iowa have flood damage. So perhaps in the long run it’s best to wait, exasperating though that is.
Praying for you both! Love, Jane
By: jpat on June 13, 2008
at 1:48 am
Sounds like a really rough day. We have you in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Dean, Demetra and the family
By: Demetra on June 13, 2008
at 10:31 am
Connie & David – I am so glad that you got this blog up and running. Hopefully, it will be easier to answer all the questions – less phone calls, etc. Hopefully, Iowa dries out for your trip – NEXT week, and it is a successful trip! We are all praying for David, for you, and the family!
LOVE!
By: Ellen Hansen on June 13, 2008
at 11:50 am
We’re so glad you let us know about this blog. Please know that despite not being at HTGROC much lately we keep you in a thoughts and prayers. Keep your spirits up, the power of a positive attitude is amazing.
Liz and Peter
By: Liz on June 13, 2008
at 11:56 am
Thanks for the update. The blog is a great way to pass information. Connie and I are praying for you both. As a native Iowan who has spent time at Univ of Iowa, you are going to be in good hands.
Paul and Connie Chardoul
By: Paul Chardoul on June 13, 2008
at 12:13 pm
Thanks for letting me know about this blog. You are always in my thoughts. See you tonight !
Linda
By: Linda Andrews on June 13, 2008
at 8:24 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey with us through this blog. Please know that we are sending our love and positive energy to David and the entire family. xoxoxo
Marina, Robert, Katrina, and Alexander — the Georgia Cuzints š
By: Marina on June 15, 2008
at 4:49 am
I am so glad you are doing this. Prayer is an awesome and powerful thing. Each update will remind people to keep David where he belongs – in our prayers.
Love,
Christa
By: Bird Buzz on June 16, 2008
at 12:43 am
Madscotsman said…
Please know that you are both in our prayers (and those of our congregation) constantly. Thank you for sharing this link and your blog.
God bless,
Dave & Fawn Nelson
By: Dave Nelson on June 16, 2008
at 10:05 pm
Connie, My heart goes out to you and your family. I am praying for you guys daily. Lean on Jesus and He will carry you through whatever lies ahead.
By: Lisa on June 16, 2008
at 11:42 pm
Connie, Thanks for keeping me updated and letting me know about the blog. I keep David and you in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday. I hope all goes well on the 26th, and the sun is shining in Iowa. Patty
By: patty mcconnell on June 17, 2008
at 1:00 pm
Hi Guys!
I was pleasantly surprised the last week of school at East Oakview to have John and his friend Jerry (my “old” students) come in and jam on the digital drums. This is a tradition at East the last week or so of school. Well, let me clarify, John did most of the jammin’! What fun to have him come in and hang for a bit.
The Sinigos Family holds you all in prayer and sends traveling mercies for your upcoming trip to Iowa.
Love,
Lou & Family
By: Lou Sinigos on June 18, 2008
at 8:45 am
I also want you to know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I pray that the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7
I also pray that God will supply all of your needs. Phil 4:19
By: Janet Bertolin on June 20, 2008
at 9:53 pm
Now the day approaches for the big trip to Iowa City, and I’m be doubling my prayers! I thank God that you are surrounded by loving family, church community and friends. Many, many people will be with you in spirit in Iowa City.
By: Jane in Grand Rapids on June 23, 2008
at 6:43 pm
I know you are learning waaay more than you want to know about cancer. You continue to have our prayers and thoughts.
By: Carol Werkema on June 23, 2008
at 8:24 pm
Connie and Dave
We are glad your trip out went well. You will be in our thoughts and prayers today. Love Ann and Rick
By: Ann and Rick on June 26, 2008
at 6:57 am
Great news! Have a safe trip home.
Johnny and Mary
By: Johnny and Mary on June 26, 2008
at 11:07 pm