Happy New Year everyone!
It has been almost a month since I last posted, and so much has happened since then. Christmas and the New Year. Why is it that the time during the holidays seems to be on warp speed? Maybe it is all the shopping, maybe it is all the quality time spent with family and friends. All I know is that time just flew past!
The last month for David, has also been a time of healing from the surgery and coughing. At an appointment with Dr. Brinker two weeks ago, he suggested we get some Claritin D for David. That helps dry up any secretions which would also quiet the cough. We did and it did seem to help.
David had another appointment yesterday, following a CT scan last week. Unfortunately, this was a disappointing appointment. Dr. Brinker told us the CT scan showed that many of the satellite tumors had grown since the surgery. They each grew approximately 1/2 mm. If one was 4 mm before, it is now 4 1/2 mm. That is not what we were anticipating, and it shocked us. Consequently, David will start chemo again next Monday. The doctor suggested 2 more rounds, and then another CT scan. Following those results, he would suggest 2 more rounds of chemo. Depressing. Although David tolerated the chemo well before, it is not fun, and not where we wanted to be at this time.
He also told us to find out more about the treatment in Switzerland. Following these rounds of chemo, he feels that going to Switzerland will be our next step. David’s sisters, Ellen & Linda are in the planning stages of a fundraiser to help us get to Switzerland. I will keep you informed of their plans as time goes on. Thank God they are stepping up and dealing with these details.
I thank God every day for the support of our family, friends and employers. Please keep David in your prayers.
Love, Connie
David A. Lemmink 
God loves us, everyone. And prayer is our gratitude that keeps the heavenly connection open. Loving you and praying.
Juliet
By: Juliet Kauffman on January 13, 2009
at 7:36 pm
I am so sorry to hear that it is growing again. We are praying for you!!!
By: Lisa on January 13, 2009
at 10:13 pm
I am grieved that Dave has to face more chemotherapy, but it looks to be a necessary step before Switzerland. It is such excellent news about fundraiser plans being in the works. Praying for you.
By: Jane in Grand Rapids on January 14, 2009
at 10:15 am
Sorry to hear this news – I know this is a hard time for you and the family. I’ll keep you in my prayers and please do keep us posted on the fundraiser.
Love, Katie & Jon & kids
By: katie on January 14, 2009
at 2:13 pm
David and Connie,
If you need any help with fund raising efforts, please let me know. I know everyone at Celebration would be more than happy to help.
And if you ever need an escape to the movies, just stop on by.
We miss you.
Kristin
By: Kristin Schoener on January 14, 2009
at 3:59 pm
May we put your blog on our website on this page:
http://www.carcinoid.org/support/pwebsites.shtml
Thank you
M Warner
By: Monica Warner on January 18, 2009
at 6:54 pm
Dear Mrs. Warner,
Please feel free to add David’s blog to your website.
Thank you!
Connie Lemmink
By: davidalemmink on February 4, 2009
at 9:38 am
Prayer will lift us all. We are all praying for You all… Dave and family.
We love you all.
Lexie
By: Lexie Gray on January 20, 2009
at 7:15 am
You continue to have our prayers for strength for you all! Is the Switzerland trip fundraiser soon? Just let us know.
By: Carol Werkema on February 2, 2009
at 8:55 pm