We met with the oncologist today and everything looks good! Nate's blood counts are good and he got the go ahead for inpatient chemo this week. Spectrum hospital should call this evening with details.
It was encouraging to hear that Nate's blood counts overall are better than a month ago. And Nate feels much better than a month ago. The chemo is reducing symptoms. His back pain is gone, swelling is gone, intestinal issues have reduced, and his energy level has returned. We are thankful!
Nate will receive a different chemo drug this week. He receives a total of 4 doses every 12 hours, so that is why the drug is administered inpatient. The doctor is hopeful that because Nate tolerated the first chemo drug well that this one shouldn't be too difficult. He said the main side effect during the hospital stay will probably be boredom. ;) Please pray for a smooth hospital stay and minimal side effects.
The doctor explained he did not think it was a good idea for Nate (and our family in general) to attend large family gatherings during the holidays- we don't want to expose Nate to germs unnecessarily. It was disappointing news, but we will talk thru our options. Please pray our kids do not pick up too many sicknesses this winter and that Nate can stay healthy.
We appreciated having a positive appointment with the oncologist. Personally, I feel like my thoughts and emotions are a balancing act. I am so thankful there are treatment options for Nate. But, we know the cancer will come back someday. How does one truly enjoy the gift of today, not being fearful of the future, but also not being naive about the future? We have friends that are praying for a miracle- that Nate's cancer will truly be gone forever. And I pray for that too. But.. I can't pray only for that. I pray that God gives us strength for each day. That our family thrives, not just survives this journey. I want us to be able to walk through whatever the future holds- whether Nate gets a miracle or whether cancer comes back. I have had nights where fear is overwhelming and days where I feel like we are walking this road like a BOSS. I am thankful for friends who are praying because I often do not know what to pray for.
And I just want to give a shout out to my sister! Steph spent about 10 days here, helping us out. The kids always love Aunt Steph (although Uncle Ben is pretty awesome too) and we enjoyed having her support and encouragement.
We will update from the hospital, although hopefully there will not be much to report!
-Stacy
Glad to hear some encouraging news! We are praying for Nate and your family... Are you able to have visitors at the hospital, or is that discouraged?
ReplyDeleteHealthy visitors are welcome. Just let us know if you want to come
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read this update, and thanking the Lord for each day for joy and contentment, even in challenging times. I believe in miracles and so we join the group praying for complete healing. We are also praying that each day will be free of fear and anxiety and that you, Nate, the kids and various caregivers will be kept healthy. I encourage you to have your pastor and elders anoint Nate and you with oil and pray the prayer of faith that healing will be granted:
ReplyDeleteJames gives the ordinance for sick believers to call Christian elders to anoint them with oil and pray in faith for them, and they will be healed. Jas. 5:14-16 KJV
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Love to all!