Stem Cells
Well, this time it is me, Nathan Detweiler, who is writing the newest blog. This is the first time I have felt like writhing in a long time! I also have my mom helping me out, so it should be readable.
The most recent information is that all my tests have come back showing the doctors that my body is healthy enough to receive a bone marrow transplant. On Monday I found out that my bone marrow does not have any cancer cells in it, which is a very good thing! Additionally, my dad, mom, and I had an informal meeting about bone marrow transplants with a doctor friend. It really helped me and my family to develop a better understanding of what it will be like to go through this painful future. I am now feeling more confident about it than before.
I have also begun to take speech therapy, which is going well. It is mind baffling to me that I have to once again take my least favorite class in grade school: reading! How ironic is that? But, it is going well, and I am enjoying my slow progress of being able to read once again. Right now I can read children’s books for the most part and am enjoying it. As I am learning more about the brain, I am realizing how truly powerful it really is. An additional prayer concern for me is to increase the stem cells in my bone marrow so that my harvesting time can be shorter.
Nathan
The most recent information is that all my tests have come back showing the doctors that my body is healthy enough to receive a bone marrow transplant. On Monday I found out that my bone marrow does not have any cancer cells in it, which is a very good thing! Additionally, my dad, mom, and I had an informal meeting about bone marrow transplants with a doctor friend. It really helped me and my family to develop a better understanding of what it will be like to go through this painful future. I am now feeling more confident about it than before.
I have also begun to take speech therapy, which is going well. It is mind baffling to me that I have to once again take my least favorite class in grade school: reading! How ironic is that? But, it is going well, and I am enjoying my slow progress of being able to read once again. Right now I can read children’s books for the most part and am enjoying it. As I am learning more about the brain, I am realizing how truly powerful it really is. An additional prayer concern for me is to increase the stem cells in my bone marrow so that my harvesting time can be shorter.
Nathan
posted by Nathan's Blog... at 1:29 PM
12 Comments:
Nathan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work with everyone involved to "lick" this disease. Though your good spirit and humor, it is apparent that the Spirit empowers you. May you continue to draw strength from the Spirit of the Lord and the spirits of your friends and family who love you so much!
Greetings to Mom and Dad!
Wayne and Mary Nitzsche
Wooster, OH
My thoughts and prayers have continued with you and your parents. I check your blog site at least daily and when it was a week since anything was posted I was concerned. So happy when I saw the new posting and that you were able to write. Your strength and faith has taught me a lot. My prayer is that you will continue to draw strength from Jesus Christ and that you will be able to have the bone marrow transplant soon and be completely healed by Jesus, the one and only true physician. I pray that both you and your parents feel the love and security of His arms being wrapped around all of you and that you feel His peace and presence at all times.
Nathan,
We, too, have been checking the blog every day, and finally were very happy to receive word from you!! We are keeping you close in prayer daily, and many of our friends are doing the same. God is good, and you will have what it takes to get through the hard days ahead. Know that there are literally hundreds of people praying for you, especially on the days when it is too hard to pray for yourself. We will not forget!!
Be good to yourself, and tell your family members to do the same. Continued prayers,
Jeff, Cindy, Graham, and Grace Mumm
(Jane Davis' sister)
Nate-dogg!
I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling stronger now, and that the reading/writing/speaking is coming together slowly but surely. Man, I'd trade in my college books for a good old children's book any day! They should make a college course that only requires reading children's books. But then again, I didn't really read books as a child, so I'd still be in trouble!
Nathan, I am so amazed at how strong and courageous you are. I know you have tremendous support around you, especially from your family, Kendra, and Mark. Still, your will is incredible, and I know it will be more than enough to see you through to full recovery.
My prayers are with you buddy. Did you get my special wrist bracelet/string?
Thushan Hemachandra
Goshen, IN
Nathan, How GOOD to read the blog written by YOU! That is amazing! How far you have come in such a short time! And to see your smile in the humor written is truly heartwarming. This is my prayer time, and tonight they included great prayers of thanksgiving for your progress, for your spiritual insights, for your positive attitude and increased confidence in what lies ahead, and for the peace and love of God being continually with you. Be assurred that my prayers are also continual for you. May the Lord SHOWER you with His rich blessings, healing, and most of all His Love.
Nathan,
Deb S. and I were checking up on your blog to see how you're doing. Glad to hear you are "enjoying your progress". We often wonder how you are and hope things are well. We were discussing earlier tonight how some patients leave as much impact on us and we hope that we do on them. You are one of those patients. We'd love to see you if you ever have time on your clinic days. Praying that things will continue to look up and that God would be your comfort and strength through the journey ahead!
Althea
Nathan-I too have been checking your site regularly. It was so good to see that you are able to type again, even if it is with help. You have been become a permanent "fixture" in my daily prayers. I'm always thanking God for your progress and asking him to continue walking with you and your family through the daily struggles. On a side note, I wanted to let you know that your optimistic attitude and spirit have taught me so much in the last few months. Thanks, Nathan.
Nathan,
How wonderful to read a message from the man himself! It's great to have your mom's help isn't it? I don't think we ever outgrow our need for our mom. If you have any great children's books to recommend let me know. I think adults should read them. They really are missing out on some great books! I've been putting in lots of miles for you. I am trying to get up the courage to walk in the Hospice Race. I've never done anything like it before. Our prayers are with you and your family. We thank Jesus for all the blessings received!! You are always an inspiration.
God Bless!
Jolisa Weidner
Nathan & Family,
How wonderful to read words from your own soul once again! What Joy!
To quote one of my favorite songwriters:
That your hand will be with me,
That your blessings will flow,
That your light will shine through me,
That your love I would show,
That your leading I'll follow,
That your face I would seek,
That your grace would flow through me,
That your words I would speak.
This is my heart's cry.
Well, Nathan, as Christ did, that is also what you are doing for so many, and I hope in return we can give some kind of strength to you and your wonderful family.
Love, Su Lynn & Love from Kansas
Nathan,
I don't know exactly what to say but you were on my mind today and I felt like I needed to be in touch. Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration that continuously "seeps" from you to others. You continue to be prayed for every evening as we end each day. We truly serve a remarkable, breath-taking God and I thank Him for you.
much love, Janice (miller)Troyer
Dear Nathan, It is GREAT to see that you are writing on your site again! God is an awsome God! You continue to be in our prayers every day! May God bless you and your family with strength and peace, and wash you with his healing rain! Love, Myron , Shannon, Kayla,and Austin.
Nathan,
It is our time to pray for you. We were so happy to see you and see the progress you have made since your last surgery. We also pray for you daily, as well as for your family. We feel God's strength and power at work in this whole journey. God heals in so many ways. We know the power of prayer and of a support system. We think of your smile and quick wit as we remember all of the good times we have had with you and your family. Soon we will be closer to be a physical as well as a spiritual support.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Char and Ron Roth, Greeley, Colorado (for now).
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