David A. Lemmink

Hello all,

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We are into February, always a good thing here in Michigan.  Winter is long and in my mind once we hit February, it’s downhill all the way!  The end is in site.  Warmer weather is on the way. These warm weather thoughts keep running through my head and then it actually happens!  Spring will be here before we know it and we will all collectively throw open our windows and breath in that yummy smell of fresh air!

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It has been an especially long winter here in the Lemmink household.  Following the protocol set by the doctors, David has gone through 4 (21 day cycles, 3 days of chemo 18 days resting) rounds of chemo.  He had his surgery in early November; spent much time recovering from that extensive surgery, and he is now in the second set of 4 rounds of chemo (he will begin the second round on Monday.) Following that, we will be going to Basel, Switzerland for treatment there.  This is the protocol that the doctors have decided will be most beneficial for David.

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The treatment in Basel uses radioactive isotopes.  This treatment is not yet approved in the United States, and hence the trip to Switzerland.  There are many treatments here that use radioactive isotopes, but not when attached to Sandostatin.  To make it more clear, think of the carcinoid tumors as having jagged edges.  The Sandostatin also has jagged edges.  They attach the radioactive isotopes to the Sandostatin and intravenously inject it.  The two combined attach themselves to the jagged edges of the tumors and then enter the tumors and kill them.  They have been performing this treatment for many years in Basel and have had great success.  Generally, patients go twice to Basel for these treatments and as you can imagine it is very costly. David’s sisters, Ellen and Linda, along with Lexie and Mark, and Brian and Marianne, are planning a fundraiser to help us get David to Basel.  The details of the fundraiser are as follows:

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Pasta Fundraiser In Support of

David A. Lemmink

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

330 Lakeside Drive NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Time:  5:00–8:00 pm  Pasta Dinner

8:30–11:30 pm   Lazy Blue Tunas Concert

Dinner and Concert: $12.50 Adults

$3.00 Children 12 and under

After 8:00 pm, Concert only: $10.00

Beer & Wine donation cash bar available

Coffee, Lemonade and water, included

Both events will have silent auctions and 50/50 raffles

For Tickets please email David’s sister Ellen at:   Melon1964@aol.com

Mail Checks to:

Ellen Hansen

5693 West Grove Dr. SE

Kentwood, MI  49512

Make checks payable to:  In Support of David A. Lemmink

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We look forward to a fun evening and thank you so much in advance for all of your support and prayers.

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Love, Connie