Many Steps Yet To Take
Hi,
It has almost been a week now since I received my first chemo treatment, and it has been a hard week. Receiving chemo zapped all my energy plus made my stomach nauseous. After being awake for two hrs., I am generally ready for another nap. But, I really don’t mind sleeping because when I am sleeping, time seems to go faster and this is one time of my life that I don’t mind if time slips away. The worst thing for me right now is constantly feeling nauseous and keeping food down is my biggest challenge. For the most part, I drink juices, milkshakes, applesauce, water, pills, and have been able to eat a little bit of raisin bran. I need to be careful about what I eat though because even the smells of regular food makes me want to vomit, and the sight of food has actually caused me to spill my beans.
I enjoy visitors stopping by for short visits because it helps speed up my day. My most recent visitors, Jerry and Lois K. helped me to talk about God and my relationship with him during this time. It isn’t the easiest of conversations but one thing that I learned from the conversation was the importance of worshiping God every day of my life, even now. That doesn’t always mean that times are joyful and peaceful but rather expressing my desire to remain connected to God, no matter how much pain I may be going through. I think that is a valuable lesson.
Kendra King also visited me this weekend. It was great to be able to spend time with her. She took me out on a drive to Crooked Creek Christian Camp which was so much fun since I spend so much of my time in my living room. It was also nice to have Emily Summers and Jill Widmer, who were in Iowa for the weekend, stop by.
I unfortunately was unable to go to church on Sunday because of my stomach. It is so frustrating how my stomach is in complete control of my life right now! Throughout this coming week, I ask for prayers for my nausea to decrease and for other side effects to be minimized.
Today, I went to see the dr because of a sore throat, nausea, and pain. They gave me IV fluids and decided to give me my 2nd chemo treatment while I was there. I had planned to have it tomorrow. It’s not supposed to give me more nausea. Thanks for all your prayers.
Nathan
It has almost been a week now since I received my first chemo treatment, and it has been a hard week. Receiving chemo zapped all my energy plus made my stomach nauseous. After being awake for two hrs., I am generally ready for another nap. But, I really don’t mind sleeping because when I am sleeping, time seems to go faster and this is one time of my life that I don’t mind if time slips away. The worst thing for me right now is constantly feeling nauseous and keeping food down is my biggest challenge. For the most part, I drink juices, milkshakes, applesauce, water, pills, and have been able to eat a little bit of raisin bran. I need to be careful about what I eat though because even the smells of regular food makes me want to vomit, and the sight of food has actually caused me to spill my beans.
I enjoy visitors stopping by for short visits because it helps speed up my day. My most recent visitors, Jerry and Lois K. helped me to talk about God and my relationship with him during this time. It isn’t the easiest of conversations but one thing that I learned from the conversation was the importance of worshiping God every day of my life, even now. That doesn’t always mean that times are joyful and peaceful but rather expressing my desire to remain connected to God, no matter how much pain I may be going through. I think that is a valuable lesson.
Kendra King also visited me this weekend. It was great to be able to spend time with her. She took me out on a drive to Crooked Creek Christian Camp which was so much fun since I spend so much of my time in my living room. It was also nice to have Emily Summers and Jill Widmer, who were in Iowa for the weekend, stop by.
I unfortunately was unable to go to church on Sunday because of my stomach. It is so frustrating how my stomach is in complete control of my life right now! Throughout this coming week, I ask for prayers for my nausea to decrease and for other side effects to be minimized.
Today, I went to see the dr because of a sore throat, nausea, and pain. They gave me IV fluids and decided to give me my 2nd chemo treatment while I was there. I had planned to have it tomorrow. It’s not supposed to give me more nausea. Thanks for all your prayers.
Nathan
posted by Nathan's Blog... at 9:35 PM
11 Comments:
I know there are many prayers for you from Ohio, and more specifically Bluffton University. And even though we are far away, we are keeping you close in our hearts.
Johanna Bontrager
Nathan, I just wanted to let you know I am continuing to pray for you. Your openness, attitude and frank conversations about faith are a source of encouragement to me. Thanks for that!
Austin Birkey
Dear Nathan:
Thanks for the updates. Dave and I did some sarcoma research--it's tough to know how to spell your type and it sounds like something someone made up. Not the case, right? Peace, sleep, healing.....we are praying for your rest and recovery. The more prayers the better. May you feel the power of God's presence and the comfort of being being wrapped in His love despite the nausea and through the painful hours.
Sherry & Dave Wengerd, East Goshen Mennonite
Dear Nathan:
Thanks for the updates. Dave and I did some sarcoma research--it's tough to know how to spell your type and it sounds like something someone made up. Not the case, right? Peace, sleep, healing.....we are praying for your rest and recovery. The more prayers the better. May you feel the power of God's presence and the comfort of being being wrapped in His love despite the nausea and through the painful hours.
Sherry & Dave Wengerd, East Goshen Mennonite
Dear Nathan,
Shannon, Kayla, Austin and I are praying that God will give you and your family stength during this fight. We have faith that God will heal you and bless you with a long happy life. Reading your journal was an emotional experinece for Shannon and I. One of the Army's values is courage, and you certainly are exhibiting that. We will continue to read your journal and keep you contantly in our prayers. Love, your cousin, Myron, Shannon, Kayla and Austin
Hi Nathan,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope the nausea goes away soon. Here is a Bible verse for you.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Psalms 46:1&2
We learned some new lazy typing lingo. TTYL (talk to you later). Velda, Kathleen, and Karen
Hi Nathan,
You don't know me, and I don't know you, but... (I'm thinking) My mom's aunts (I'm not even sure if that's right) told me about you and all that you're going through. They told me that you are about my age, and I can't imagine your struggles right now! I'm a senior at Cal State University, and am 20 years old. I'm afraid I can't help much but to pray, and that I have a lot of commuting time for!! I'm online a lot, don't know if you have instant messeger, but if you do, I'm on at snuffyvw. If not you can e-mail me at snuffyvw@aol.com. These are the only visits I can offer you :). You are in my prayers!
~Shannon~
This morning as I was praying I started reading through a prayer book I had. This is the prayer I prayed:
Almighty God, you are the source of health and healing, the spirit of calm, and the central peace in the universe. We ask that you would fill Nathan with such an awareness of your prescence that he may have complete confidnce in you. In all pain and weariness and anxiety may Nathan rest in your protecting care; allow Nathan to be surrounded by your loving power as You give him health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!
(a rendition of a prayer written by Avery Brooke)
Nathan and Family,
We are praying for you here in Normal, IL for strength and healing. Your attitude and Christian faith has always inspired us. Your Family and friends are with you Nathan. Stay Strong. Love your cousin Eric, Kyungae, Nastassja, and Tasjianna Bachman
Hi handsome,
That's one thing chemo can't take away from you-- your good looks. Even if it takes your hair. Don't forget that. :o) Hang in there-- I'm constantly thinking of you and praying for you. Even now, when I should be calling students. Nope, I'm writing you a message instead. :o)
Maybe some ketsup on that egg sandwich would lessen your nausea.
Love, Kendra
Nathan,
Thanks for the update. I would recommend popcicles. I have especially enjoyed the whole fruit ones. At the end of a school day they still help my tongue feel much better. They may not help keep weight on you but it does get something in you. We will keep praying for you.
Marcus
Post a Comment
<< Home