So, here we go again.
Monday, June 16, we had a call from Dr. Brinker. He was calling about the kidney biopsy David had last week Thursday. The reason they wanted a biopsy on that tumor was because it was not lighting up the same in the earlier scans he had. The PET scan and Octreotide scan both use nuclear medicine. They inject the nuclear meds before the scan and then the Carcinoid tumors “glow” or light up. That is how they determine that it is Carcinoid. Because the one tumor in the kidney didn’t light up the same, they weren’t sure what that meant, hence the biopsy. Dr. Brinker said the pathology report showed that this particular tumor is an oncocytic neoplasm. This is a tumor of the ducts of the kidney. There are a few different types, and Dr. Brinker told us that it is probably an:
- oncocytoma, which generally just grows bigger but does not spread, or a
- chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, which he explained is more likely to spread, but also more favorable.
As tumors go, it is one that is not fast growing or necessarily dangerous. Generally, it can be removed and all that is left is to monitor it with scans to make sure it does not return. Also oncocytic neoplasms are not common, and are usually found like this one was found, while looking for something else. Maybe symptoms of abdominal pain might prompt looking for kidney stones or something else. Tests would be run, and then they would find an oncocytic neoplasm.
Dr. Brinker will be sending the reports and tissue to Iowa, and then consulting with Dr. O’Dorisio. What we are hoping and praying for is that when David has surgery for the tumor in his lungs, they will also be able to remove this tumor. One surgery would be preferable to two, which of course would mean that he would only have one period of recovery.
Please pray that it will be favorable for David to only have ONE surgery. Please pray for the doctor’s wisdom in treating this tumor along with the Carcinoid.
Also, please pray for the people in Iowa. They are going through and will continue to go through so much with the flooding. When the waters recede, they will have much work cleaning up. It is devastating for them and heart breaking to think about.
Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes,
Love, Connie
David A. Lemmink 
David & Connie, another small step backwards, but hopefully your trip to Iowa will be 3 large steps forward. This too, is something that you can fight, and beat! We are all sending positive thoughts to all of you!
Love, Ellen
By: Ellen on June 18, 2008
at 1:29 pm
Thank you for starting the blog. There are so many people that care about you but don’t want to bother you. Please know that your whole family is in our prayers as you go through this journey.
Love, Sue & Walter
By: Sue Spielberger on June 18, 2008
at 2:25 pm
Hi Lemmink family!
I am so glad you are providing people with specific things to pray for. My whole family is praying. Your faith through all of this is awesome! Keep believing! God is with you. This blog is an awesome way for friends and family to know what is going on. I hope you use it to let us know how we can help. It is a blessing to see all of your friends and family supporting you.
Love, the Abernethy’s
By: Laura Abernethy on June 18, 2008
at 5:41 pm
Connie and Dave,
Thanks so much for keeping us informed about Dave’s progress. I am aware that the entire process of our health care system leaves much to be desired from an efficiency standpoint. While not intended, it has become part of the process. I know I don’t have to tell either of you to “hang in there”, because with your faith and love for each other and your family, I know you will.
We will continue to pray for your returned health and want you to know that we will do anything we can to help you. We love you. Eileen, Marina, Vesta, Jim, Chrisa and Gus and all the families
By: Eileen on June 18, 2008
at 5:43 pm
Praying they can take care of it in 1 surgury. Thanks for keeping us updated.
By: Lisa on June 19, 2008
at 9:38 pm
Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jane
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7
By: Jane Girod on June 20, 2008
at 1:34 pm
You are in my thoughts and prayers also.
I pray that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4: 7…….
I pray that God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19…….
By: Janet Bertolin on June 20, 2008
at 8:57 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 Patsakos on June 23, 2008
at 6:38 pm
Hi Connie,
You & your family are in our prayers.
Tammy & family
(I am a friend of Laura Abernathy.)
“…for we walk by faith, not by sight…” 2 Cor. 5:7
By: Tammy on June 25, 2008
at 7:14 am