Wednesday, May 27, 2009

We have elected to do surgery

To all of my dear friends supporting us in their thoughts and prayers-

After weighing all of the pros and cons of each of my options regarding treatment of the brain metastasis discovered last weekend, we have elected to have the tumor surgically removed. We had hoped to have this procedure done by now, but due to the holiday weekend we were not able to schedule this until Thursday (28-May) at 8am. Please ask the Lord to guide the surgeon's hands in this delicate procedure that in total will last between 4 and 6 hours. Deb will take the reigns of updating everyone, hopefully just until I have regained the strength to share after my recovery.

We have received such over-whelming support from so many friends and family to help us navigate this difficult time. I firmly believe that prayers lifted for wisdom, grace, mercy, and hope have guided Deb and I to this decision. Of course there are very dangerous risks associated with this surgery, but we trust in God's love and I have comfort knowing that on the other side of this procedure I'll either see those I hold near and dear here on earth or I'll be in Christ's kingdom re-united with the Lord and loved ones who have gone before me.

I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your caring support. I have trouble finding adequate words to explain how many of your blog comments and personal emails have lifted our spirits.

In His Love,
Nate

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you today!
Shelly Noordermeer

Jimmy Hoogewind said...

My prayer for you, Trask family, comes from Numbers 6:

"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace."

Anonymous said...

Praying for a successful surgery. Lifting you up in prayer.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

COLE Prayer Team
www.colesfoundation.com
Lisa Butler
AR

Kristine said...

I just read your entire blog history. What a lovely, gorgeous family! My thoughts are with you and your wife. I have a little girl who is 17 months old. When she was 18 days old she contracted GBS Meningitis which resulted in Neurological damage. I know far too well how scary it is when there are Neurological issues.

I am praying for a safe and successful surgery today. I hope it is going smoothly and recovery is fast and simple.

I wish I lived closer to do more for you.

Jen said...

Wow. I just read your story for the first time and there are no words. I prayed for you. My heart goes out to you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Nate & Deb,
I worked with Deb's Mom Marge and you all have been in our prayers since your diagnosis! I check your blog often and am praying for you today that surgery will go well, a good recovery and for more time together as a family. May our God fill you with His perfect peace, strength and give you all you need to meet each day. Cancer will NEVER win because we KNOW that God has won the battle for us!! Stay strong!

Blessings,

Cindy Van Kampen & Family

Patty said...

I'm a friend of Lin. She's kept me updated over the past few months and I've been praying for you. May the Lord bless you today!!
Patty Moore

Unknown said...

Praying for you today as every day - you have been lifted up thru the congregation and prayer chain at Mill Creek Church as well. Everytime I pass by the house in the valley in Independence I remember your fondness for ketchup sandwiches! God's peace to you and yours...

Mark

Andrea Cook said...

We are sending prayers for a successful surgery today.

COLE Prayer Team - www.colesfoundation.com

www.caringbridge.org/visit/rileycook

Hugs of love, Andrea

Kari said...

Praying today for the hands of the surgeons, nurses, and all other medical staff participating in your surgery. I pray for a quick recovery, and the best outcome! I pray for peace for your family, as they are waiting during the surgery, and strength for all of you during the recovery. You are in God's hands Nate..rest in Him!!

Anonymous said...

Deb and Nate,
We know alot of time has passed since we last spoke or seen each other but you and your family have a place in our hearts and prays. You both shown the love and strength of Christ through the years to all of those around you and we would like to show you the same in return so if there is anything you need please don't hesitate to let us know. We love you. You are in our prays and thoughts.
Love Justin,Mo and Christian

vonnie moore said...

Our family has been praying for you and keeping you in our thoughts. We are so inspired by your testimony and your faith. May God keep you and your family in His hands. Vonnie and Don Moore and family