Sunday, May 31, 2009

Back at Home

I was discharged from Karmanos yesterday at 2pm and am now resting/recovering in the comfort of our home. Thankfully I was able to get some good sleep last night and I've had a great appetite. Deb, my brothers Chuck and Steve, my sister Meg, and I enjoyed Chinese take-out from a favorite restaurant of mine. I don't think I could have handled any more hospital food trays.

The twins greeted me with hugs and kisses when we pulled into the driveway, which was just amazing. Landon held my hand while walking me up to the front door. They both thought that my head dressing was hilarious (think massive white turban). I showed them the stitches on my head and Landon exclaimed "why does your head look like a baseball?" Funny, but true (I'll put some photos up later). I have swelling around the incision site which should go away within a week. The stitches will come out on June 9th.

The follow up MRI showed the surgery site to been clean of cancer. My surgeon couldn't see any evidence of disease in the scans. There is a small spot above my left eye (<0.5cm) that the radiation team will look at but it will not require a surgical procedure. It would be a few weeks before any radiation treatment occurs (if it is necessary at all).

I feel blessed that the surgery went well and the recovery has been better than I expected. Hopefully this will give me relief over the next weeks/months to enjoy life as full as I can.

Thanks again to everyone for your love and support.

Nate

21 comments:

Cheryl Collins said...

My prayers are being lifted for you from McCook. Thinking of you and your family daily.

Joe Diliberto said...

Wow Nate...that is such great news! Proof again that the power of prayer and the human spirit conquers all. It seems sunnier in Chicago upon reading this post of yours. I am both humbled and happy reading of your amazing progress the last few days. Keep hangin' in there...Joe Diliberto

Anonymous said...

What a great relief that you are home and with the family. We are all praying for you hourly. God does seem to have the answers. We will continue on this journey with you.

MJJ said...

We are rejoicing in McCook for you Nate!! We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.
Rick and Cassa Haney

Anonymous said...

Deb~ A baseball? Aren't kids hilarious? I think this would be a great time to introduce the kids to fun paints and decorate Daddy's turban.

We are glad that you are home Nate.

Wishing you the best, the Blaszak's

Anonymous said...

Nate,

Sue Jenni and I (Bob) are so happy for your great results, Haleluia, the power of GOD, prayer and faith are amazing. How about lunch sometime this week with you me and Jimmy?

Anonymous said...

Nate,
I have just recently learned about your story since joining facebook. I will be praying for you and your family.Glad to hear you are home with your loved ones. May God continue to bless you through this journey.
Dixie (Ruppert)Honn

Anonymous said...

Nate, I'm thrilled to read that the surgery went smoothly and that you are home recovering in such a short time. Amazing. Landon and Morgan sound like absolute joys! As always we are praying for all of you.
Shelly Oddo (Carolyn and Ron's daughter)

Anonymous said...

Dr. Ken Ellis recommended the following site for those with cancer:
http://www.thedcasite.com/

Wishing you God's riches blessings.

George Young,
McCook

Anonymous said...

We are so relieved that the surgery went well. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. Sounds like the twins have a great sense of humor! How funny!

The Christopherson Family

Anonymous said...

We're so thankful that you are home and enjoying time with your family!
Shelly Noordermeer

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear your back home....thanks to the both of you for keeping us updated.....

Tom, Kristie, Syd, and Gabe Randel

Anonymous said...

Nate,
Glad to hear that you decided to have the surgery and that it went very well. The longer you stay with us the better; God can wait a little longer. Oh the wisdom of children; so Landon thinks your head looks like a baseball. How funny. As for the Chinese take out dinner, I'm envious of you. Here in Florida, the best Chinese We've found is just okay. I miss the selection we had in Michigan. Anyway Pat and I will likely be up North later this summer; we plan on seeing you then. Keep up the fight......Phil

Anonymous said...

Wow - You are amazing! I sit in awe as I read your blog...quite the trouper! We keep you in our prayers in our Tuesday night Bible study. Funny story: Deb called me trying to reach your brother Chuck! (who, btw, has a really cool name...LOL!) Anyway, you might want to suggest to her to change mine from Chuck to Charles - for that is what I try to go by - however, old friends and family still call me Chuck! Again, you are awe-inspiring!!! Keep strong!

Chuck aka Charles in Sarasota

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that you're home with family, Nate... and feeling well enough to eat awesome food! Pete and I have been praying for you and thinking about all of you often. We'll have to bring Caleb over to meet you if you ever feel up to a visit!
Janice Gallo

Anonymous said...

Nate it is so good to hear that you are home and doing so good. God is good!! I know that the twins and Deb are glad to have you back home. Keep up the good work and the good appetite. Sherrel Adams

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our prayers daily. I am glad you are home with your family. Ruth Lucas

cathyswatercolors said...

Nate I am a co-worker and friend of Debs. I am so glad to hear that you a doing o.k. after your surgery. I noticed that you are not going to UofM but back at Karmonos? My friend, as Deb knows, was dx with Ovarian Cancer and is seeking a second opinion,she was thinking of going to U of M or Karmonos do you have any thoughts on that. Appreciate your time and blessings to you and your beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you are doing better. I am thinking about you and praying for you and your family! Take care!
Carmen (Irwin) Lervold

Anonymous said...

Praise God that the surgery went so well and that you are feeling so good after it. We continue to pray for all of you. Joy and Casey Stengel

Roberta said...

I ran across your blog recently while reading another one. Hope you are recovering nicely at home. God Bless and I will keep you and your family in my prayers