Sunday, December 7, 2008

One Year Survivor

It's been exactly one year since I received my cancer diagnosis. I remember that day in Oakwood hospital like it was yesterday. My prognosis at diagnosis was a 50% chance of survival at one year. The past year has certainly been a roller coaster both physically and emotionally. Although I've endured some very difficult cancer therapies, the joy experienced with Deb and the twins has far outweighed them.

God is our anchor and we fully accept His plan for us.

Nate

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nate & Deb,

Thanks for the update on your health and the new drug trial. What a trying year it has been for you-I pray the drug is effective and produces positive results with limited side effects. I wish we could see you over the holidays, but know that even so far away your family is always in our thoughts and prayers. Keep in touch! Love, Rebecca & Gustavo

Anonymous said...

Nate, my husband and I continually pray for you. We will pray that this new drug works well for you.

Marge's small group friend.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update...your courage as a couple and family have spoken to us all this year. May God grant you more healing through this new trial drug. I'm so glad you didn't have a bad reaction in this first phase...we love you, Ruth and Dave VR

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate,
I am so happy you are on this new trial drug and hope that you have positive results.
It was great seeing you, Debbie, and the kiddos in October at the cottage in Michigan. Glad you stopped by when we were there with Marge and Jim. We continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Love, Barb and Jerry Gosse

Anonymous said...

Nate and Deb,
Both of you are such inspirations for us. I am sorry I’ve not written sooner. (I had a difficult time trying to figure you how to add my comments. I am blog challenged.) My husband Bill and I have kept you in our prayers since we first heard about your cancer and I frequently think about you and pray for you.
Your new treatment seems to be a plus and we can only hope and pray it will make a significant difference.
22 years ago I was in a hospital and rehab for 3 1/2 months, because of a nasty car accident. I received beaucoup cards, and notes, prayers that I found lifted me and gave me peace when I was too weak and confused to do it for myself. I so hope that you too feel the power of those praying for you.
We don’t know why you are so challenged but have to have the faith and trust that God is in charge.
Your family is so beautiful. I remember the morning that Marge announced that Deb was pregnant. I don’t even know when my own daughter-in-law announced she was pregnant.
With love, and hope to you and your family.
Bill & Penny Wilbanks

Anonymous said...

Nate and Deb, where did that year go? So much has happened, and you are beating the odds. We are so happy that you are in this trial. We will continue to pray for you that this drug will work. Your anchor is holding and you are an inspiration to all who know you. Merry Christmas. Love, Joy and Casey

Anonymous said...

You da man! I am happy that you've stayed strong and are quite the fighter! I'll be sure not to mess with you when I see you next - you might hurt me! Keep it up and kick this thing in the behind!!!

Go Gators!

Charles aka Chuck

Anonymous said...

We are so thankful and encouraged for every day of this past year. You have been an inspiration and I can only hope and pray that all of us will grow in faith like you have during this difficult time. We love you!
Nancy

Anonymous said...

You are a brave and smart fighter. Hope this new drug keeps positive effect on you. Wish you and your family wonderful holidays. Yan

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate, it's good to here about the Pazopanib trial and to see your continued positive attitude in this battle. With all the technological advances going on this is a great time to be in this world. My sister is undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent NHL, your both in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! We're all looking forward to hopefully seeing you back to work early in the New Year. Jeff.

Anonymous said...

Nate & Deb,

I was thinking of you both today and opened your blog for the latest update. I was hoping for better news, but at least you still have options and the strength to continue the battle. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Have a Joyous Christmas and give the kids a hug and kiss from me.

Phil

Joshua Underhill said...

Wow. Very good. Let this medicine be the last, or maybe the first on a path toward destroying the cancer. It's good to hear the strength of your e-voice.
God is with us,
We're continuing to pray with you guys.
Josh and Sheri Underhill and boys

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your words of inspiration. God is good and the fact that you are able to claim this now in your life shows that you are an amazing person. Praying for you always!

Anonymous said...

Nate and Deb,

Continuing to pray for your family. Nate, thanks for the last two blog updates and your encouraging spirit of faith and trust. You are in Good Hands.

Love,
Rachel, for Michael and the kids, who also pray for you!

Craig Oakes said...

Hi, Just to let let you know Christophe, Thanh and I are rooting for you from France and England. Keep us up to date on how you are doing. Keep strong, positive and enjoy Christmas. All our very warmest thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Nate and Deb,
Thanks for the updates. It has been a while since I have written to express our concern and well wishes for you. Nate, we hope that the drug you are now trying will be very effective. May God will restore you, and may you experience joy and peace this Christmas season.
Blessings, Cal VR.

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate!
Our church just received the news of your fight. I've been praying for you many times a day that God will work a miracle. Maybe it will be in the form of the new drug.
I retired from teaching last year, but up until 2007, you were still famous in your part of swimming for 7 days & nights in our BEOWULF videos. If you could do that, you can beat this!!
Love,Prayers, & Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hauxwell
P.S. What beautiful twins you & your beautiful wife have!

Anonymous said...

Nate and Deb,
We pray you had a good time at Christmas with your family and friends in Michigan. We pray for you daily and would love to know how to pray more specifically at this time.
We love you all.
Uncle John, Aunt Rosemary, Rob and Janna

Anonymous said...

Hey Bud! Are you going to watch the GATORS win the national championship?!?! I hope you have been doing good, I keep checking back for some good news... can't wait until you post that good news! You're in my prayers!

Charles aka Chuck from Sarasota

Anonymous said...

Comment number 20! Blessings on you all!! I pray for you off and on daily, and my little mission group with me. The blog is helpful in that.
Love,
Kip