Chemo Starts Tomorrow
Hi!
Once again, I want to thank you all for the many ways you are supporting me through your prayer, cards, phone calls, packages, meals and on and on. I am truly impressed with the many creative ways you find to show your support. It means a lot!
I had another visit to the University of Iowa yesterday (Monday). The nature of this visit was to find out how far the cancer has spread throughout my body. But, first I think I should share one of my joys from the hospital, as strange of a joy as it may seem. I had the surprise of getting my blood tested again. Although I hate needles, this time was the best blood drawling experience I have ever had. It was amazing, not that I would think of it as being a Friday night activity, but it was the least painful blood test I have ever had. I just wish they were all that painless.
So far, my visits at the University have been a game of waiting and yesterday was no different. After getting my blood tested, I waited for a room. Then I got a room and I waited for my first doctor to come in and after talking with her I waited for my second doctor to come in. But, I am actually quite used to it by now and it really doesn’t bother me. After talking with my first doctor, and then both of them together, I learned that my cancer has fortunately not spread to my bones. Although, I do have some cancer cells in my bone marrow, but not enough yet to effect my blood cell production. Even though they found cancer cells in my bone marrow, it does not change my treatment plan. As of now, I will be going to the University tomorrow (Wednesday) to begin my chemotherapy. My treatment plan is that I will receive three different kinds of chemotherapy every first in a rotation of three weeks, which will require me to stay over night in the hospital due to the severity of the possible side effects. On the second and third week, I will only be receiving one of the drugs and will be able to receive this chemotherapy as an outpatient. On the bright side, I will only be receiving chemotherapy once a week, which means I don’t have to spend all of my time in the hospital.
As you pray for me this week, pray for strength. I ask you to pray that the chemotherapy is effective in destroying the cancer cells and that I experience very minimal side effects. And also pray that God remains right by my side as I go through this difficult treatment among any other prayer that may come to your mind.
May the peace of God be with us all,
Nathan
Once again, I want to thank you all for the many ways you are supporting me through your prayer, cards, phone calls, packages, meals and on and on. I am truly impressed with the many creative ways you find to show your support. It means a lot!
I had another visit to the University of Iowa yesterday (Monday). The nature of this visit was to find out how far the cancer has spread throughout my body. But, first I think I should share one of my joys from the hospital, as strange of a joy as it may seem. I had the surprise of getting my blood tested again. Although I hate needles, this time was the best blood drawling experience I have ever had. It was amazing, not that I would think of it as being a Friday night activity, but it was the least painful blood test I have ever had. I just wish they were all that painless.
So far, my visits at the University have been a game of waiting and yesterday was no different. After getting my blood tested, I waited for a room. Then I got a room and I waited for my first doctor to come in and after talking with her I waited for my second doctor to come in. But, I am actually quite used to it by now and it really doesn’t bother me. After talking with my first doctor, and then both of them together, I learned that my cancer has fortunately not spread to my bones. Although, I do have some cancer cells in my bone marrow, but not enough yet to effect my blood cell production. Even though they found cancer cells in my bone marrow, it does not change my treatment plan. As of now, I will be going to the University tomorrow (Wednesday) to begin my chemotherapy. My treatment plan is that I will receive three different kinds of chemotherapy every first in a rotation of three weeks, which will require me to stay over night in the hospital due to the severity of the possible side effects. On the second and third week, I will only be receiving one of the drugs and will be able to receive this chemotherapy as an outpatient. On the bright side, I will only be receiving chemotherapy once a week, which means I don’t have to spend all of my time in the hospital.
As you pray for me this week, pray for strength. I ask you to pray that the chemotherapy is effective in destroying the cancer cells and that I experience very minimal side effects. And also pray that God remains right by my side as I go through this difficult treatment among any other prayer that may come to your mind.
May the peace of God be with us all,
Nathan
posted by Nathan's Blog... at 11:50 PM
14 Comments:
Hi Nathan,
Its Aubree Miller, your ole high school buddy! My cousin gave me this website.... I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you everyday and praying that all goes well. You are such a wonderful guy and an inspiration to us all. I have no doubt that things will go good for you... I want you to know that I'm praying for you. I'd like to visit you sometime, being that I live in Iowa City. Hugs and kisses to you!
Hey Nathan it's Leslie Miller! I just wanted to let you know that you will be covered in prayer tomorrow as you start chemo. I am on a prayer team at bethel and i shared a little about your situation and so we all are praying for you! you're a great guy! hang in there!
~Leslie :)
It's Aunt Barb saying Hi to you Nathan. I want you to know that I am praying for you and will especially hold you up in prayer tommorow as you begin chemo. Our church is praying for you too. God is able and He does all things well even when it dosen't seem like it. Stay strong in Jesus.
My Love and Cleo's too.
Aunt Barb
Nathan, This is Ruth Stoltzfus. In church on Sunday, one of our pastors (Amy Chupp Kratzer) and her spouse (Amos Kratzer) sang the song "One Day at a Time". Don't know if you have ever heard the song or not. If you can find the song, read or listen to them. You were on my mind as they sang the song. (By the way, I go to Sunnyside Mennonite Church. Your parents may know some people that attend Sunnyside.) May God Bless you today (11/10) as you begin your chemo.
Hey Nathan,
I just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking about you here at Goshen College. Of course we all miss seeing your cheerful face but it is reassuring to know that you are recieving the best care/treatment possible and that you are at home with your family. I'm praying for you! Keep your chin up! God bless you.
Chrissy
Hi Nathan, This is Wednesday evening and you are at the UIHC and toward the end of the first day of chemo. You were in my thoughts and prayers for most of the day today. I Prayed for peace of mind for you, that you would be surrounded by caring Doctors and nurses and that today you would experience only miminal side effects of the chemo and above all that the very presence of God would surround you like a warm blanket as you walk thru this new experience. Cling to the verse we are memorizing as a congregation at WMC found in Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. That is a promise, hold fast to it. Repeat it often.
A smile for today, I didn't call and you didn't have to listen to my long list of questions. :) I have been a nurse way too long!!! Does that mean I am an old nurse! (Not a question but rather a comment.)
Nathan, we love you and will keep you continually in our prayers. Phyllis Litwiller
Hey Nathan,
It's Shawn Bohrer from MCMC, I thought I would let you know I have been praying for you. The chemo will be tough, but I know you won't let it bring your spirit down. I'll keep checking this page to see how you are doing, and keep you in my prayers.
Shawn
Dear Nathan
We love you and wanted you to know that we are praying for you and your family. You were on our minds and in our prayers all day. We are praying the chemo destroys the cancer cells with minimal side effects, and that God will give you the strength you need. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Our church and many of our friends are praying for you.
Lots of Love,
Leland and Martha
Dear Nathan,
Just wanted you to know that we are praying for you here in Pella. My name is Jackie Whitham and I believe our son Rob was on your baseball team years ago! I have sent prayer requests to friends in Romania, Spain, and all across the United States. I am part of your 24/7 prayer group and today we will pray for your strength and response to the chemotherapy.
Jackie, Wayne and Rob Whitham
Hey Nathan,
We really miss having you here with us, especially on Sundays. I am sure your mom is a great cook, but who can top Sunday dinner at Chris and Jeff's with all of us:) You have a lot of support and prayers out here, it is a neat feeling that anytime I talk to someone from the church they ask about you. I just wish I had stuff to tell them. I am glad for this website because now I can get information and it can be more detailed that what was being relayed to me (Mark and Catie are horrible at that:)) I really wish you the best with the Chemo and it will be interesting for me to hear your stories about it. I hope that your treatments aren't too harsh. We pray for you a lot out here and wish you the best. You have such a good perspective on this and your heart is in the right place! God Bless!
DeeDee
Hey Nathan! Out here in Goshen we've all been praying for you lots. At least once a day I hear from teachers or people in classes or whatnot about you and how you're doing and asking for prayers and other such things. God will surely be with you through all of this, no matter what. And so will we. I'm definately praying a lot and researching your type of sarcoma and such :) I pray for the best recovery possible for you, and all the experiences and life lessons you will learn and carry with you the rest of your life, and I thank God for all the support and love people have for you. Hang in there!
Nathan,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers all day. I hope things have gone as smooth as possible for you this week. Being sick is never any fun, and I'm sure it isn't always easy for you to stay positive SOOOO I will stay positive for both of us. I believe God gives everyone a gift. I believe God gives Doctors the abiltiy to heal, and I know they will do everything in their power to heal your body. You have our support and prayers. Know that we will always be a place of safe refuge for you. If you need anything from a ride to your hospital visits, or someone to sit with you during the day when no one is home never hesitiate to call and I will come no questions asked. Hang in there, we love you!
Mike, Andrea, Tanner, Trevor, and Travis
Good evening, Nathan,
I received the info yesterday regarding your Blog site so I read through all of your "diary". Thank you for being so open with what you share with us and give some insight into what you are going through and your trust and faith in Christ in this difficult situation.
You said you cried harder over this than you ever cried before--well, I would need to challenge that a bit. I remember how loud and long you cried when you didn't want to put on your seatbelt when you, Erika and I were heading into Springs to see your folks and Caleb at the hospital. :) We had to pull of the road until you quieted down and put on your belt. :) Couldn't resist jogging your memory with this story.
I have prayed for you nearly every day for years and will continue to do that. Blessings. Sharon
Hi Nathan,
I was sitting here killing some time at school (playing on the internet instead of student teaching:)) and I decided to read through your postings. I was so moved by how many people were praying for you, and how you have touched so many lives, I was almost in tears. So many people love and care about you, and it is so amazing to see.
I just wanted to let you know that at 1:34 today in the middle of a Spanish 3 class I prayed for you. And since I had to explain why I looked so sad to the class, kids at Clarksville High School know your situation too. Take care
Love,
Brynna
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