April 21, 2022
Nathan went to the ER seeking answers for the headaches he was having. There we received the frightening news. A diagnosis no one wants to hear. How do you process such news? How do you move forward? How do you take the next step?
The answer for us was and is ‘by the grace of God’.
The 5 days leading up to surgery were filled with phone calls and texts, well-wishers, visitors and prayers. We have a huge network of support. Thank you is not sufficient, and there is no way we will be able to repay each person that has poured time and finances and love into our family. But we will not let this chain of love end with us.
We have seen and experienced firsthand the mercies of God. One of these mercies is Dr Amene. Thanks to the research done by a friend of ours we discovered we were under the care of an excellent surgeon. We believe miracles are performed daily through the hands of capable doctors, and we are so grateful Dr Amene is willing to be an instrument.
Surgery went well. Dr Amene did not remove the entire mass, which we had expected to be the case before the procedure. Recovery also went well. Nathan was in ICU for only 24 hours, and was discharged a day later, arriving home one week (to the hour!) after being admitted to the hospital.
He continues to improve and gain strength daily. He has good use of all bodily functions, walks around the house and outdoors, is eating at the table with the rest of the family, and is off pain medication (although we are using natural remedies that likely help eliminate pain and discomfort). His hair almost covers the 40-some staples in his head, making him look very close to ‘normal’. Restrictions include no driving or lifting more than 8 lbs. The kids and I joke that we may need to buy a leash so as to keep him within those restrictions!
Our assignment now is to wait. Nathan has a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks where we will receive results of the biopsy and decide what further care/treatment will be needed.
June 2022
Nathan and I spent 3 weeks in Mexico for treatment, at Sanoviv, while most of our children were in PA with my family. The oldest stayed home -in MO- taking care of our small farm and continuing with her job at a coffee shop. Thousands of miles separated our family.
Nathans treatments went well. He received lots of IVs (including Vitamin C and Amygdalin), hyperthermia treatments, Hyperbaric oxygen, dental visits, mind-body therapy. He also took an oral chemo which made him feel nauseous for a few days. Doctors here have all sorts of tricks, though, so he was only throwing up during the first day of chemo.
Sanoviv integrates a holistic approach into treatment and recovery which includes a detoxifying diet. Nathan is not fond of certain healthy foods, and neither of us enjoyed “liquid day”, but we did get a yummy healthy dessert once a week!
Rest and relaxation are major parts of healing, and Sanoviv incorporated this well. But this also brought on boredom for me. When my heart needed calming I spent time with my pens and paper.
June 24th
Dr Ortega: “I reviewed your CT scan, Nathan. And I see a 40-50% reduction in tumor size.” Of the four spots left after surgery only one remains!
This nrws, after less than 3 weeks of a specific series of treatments, and with only very minor side effects. We received it with deep gratitude. Gratitude to our God, and to the team of people who cares for us so well.
Although treatments end in a few days doc expects another 30% reduction of the tumor over the course of the next few months as all they’ve done continues it’s work in Nathan’s body. We’ll do another scan on a few months which will help us make further decisions. There is a possibility of doing another week of treatment later this year.
Because this specific type of tumor has the potential to become cancerous Nathan will be continuing with a low dose of oral chemo.
The ketogenic diet is a major tool in helping fight their tumor. We have been under the care of an excellent nutrionist. She has shared detailed diet instructions, daily menu samples (including serving sizes), so much helpful information, and a recommendation for a beautiful keto cookbook. Because of her, cooking for Nathan no longer looks as daunting.
So. For the next two months we rest. And rejoice in the news that this tumor is beatable -without horrid side effects.
PRAISE THE LORD!
PRAISE THE LORD FROM THE HEAVENS,
PRAISE HIM IN THE HEIGHTS!
PRAISE HIM ALL HIS ANGELS, PRAISE HIM ALL HIS HOSTS!
psalm 148:1-2