Moving Forward
by nemerson
As always, thanks so much for checking on us and offering your support. We know you all have your own life challenges, too. So, it’s very humbling when you take the time to think of us and check-in.
Feeding Tube
Step one in our esophageal cancer treatment plan is done. I had the feeding tube installed two weeks ago, and have been using it during the night. It needs to run for 12 hours a day in order to get the amount of calories necessary. We’ve also been putting some of my supplements directly into the tube, which saves me some swallowing. So far, so good. It’s more work, but it saves me having to eat when my throat is too painful. I’ve been trying to learn how to do it all myself, but as you can imagine, Jill has been a wonder at taking care of me and helping me adjust. My parents also arrived from Florida and are helping out in all sorts of ways. I am a blessed man to have so many caring people around me.
Hospital Stay
After getting the feeding tube, we apparently went home from Boston a bit too soon. I ended up in the local ER with a 104 temperature a day later. As usual, we’re not sure why, but after a bunch of IV antibiotics and steroids, the fevers subsided and I got to go home (4 days later). I still need to stay on Tylenol around-the-clock in order to keep the fever from rising, but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as I have two active cancers currently untreated. I’m slowly building up my stamina again, trying to walk around our driveway a few times a day . I’ll need all the strength I can muster for the upcoming surgery on my esophagus.
The “Big” Surgery
During the feeding tube insertion, the surgeon poked around inside my abdomen and found that there was a lot of scar tissue from a previous surgery. In fact, he found that my stomach was actually attached to my liver–and a few other things. This will make it more difficult to pull up my stomach and attach it to the healthy section of my esophagus, but he’s still willing to try. If he gets in there and finds that it is impossible, he would have to remove part of my colon and use that in place of my esophagus. He also discovered that the tumor in my esophagus is 10cm, so removing that (and a little extra to be safe) won’t leave very much healthy tissue to attach to on the top end. All of this is way more than we bargained for. We’ve tentatively scheduled the “big” surgery for September 26. I’ll check into the hospital the night before. It is a MAJOR surgery, averaging 10 hours to complete, barring any complications. The surgeon was clear that there could be any number of complications, but since this is our only treatment option, we are going to go for it. He expects me to need at least two weeks in the hospital afterwards, as any number of things can go wrong with the work done on the inside and healing will take longer for me with my beat-up body. Some people recover and go home sooner, so we’ll hope for that.
As I mentioned in the last post, this is new territory for us. Over the years, we’ve been accustomed to difficult, but tolerable treatments for the Hodgkins. However, this new cancer requires more drastic and risky treatment. So, here’s where I admit that I’m scared. If they brought me in today for the surgery, I would be quite skeptical about my chances of recovering, considering the shape I’m in. That’s why I’m working on walking each day and taking all my supplements to get in shape for it. We’re hoping I improve each day and gain strength and feel more physically prepared for the surgery before it arrives. We aren’t 100% decided about the procedure. As the surgeon said, I can always bail out right until the point they put me to sleep. If I don’t do the procedure, his best guess was I would have about a year or so, which would be unpleasant, of course. I honestly don’t have much “fighting spirit” to intentionally walk into something this difficult. But we’re praying God will use the next few weeks of exercise and enjoying the late summer weather to rejuvenate me and provide as He always has.
We know you’re all willing to do whatever you can to help, whether near or far. Thanks for being on our team. It is a huge blessing to us. I will try to post again when we’re closer to the surgery. Take care…
the nate update 
Wow Nate!! I don’t know what else to say. I do know God is in control and whatever He leads you to do He will give you the strength and grace to make it through. And, if He decides to take you home, that’s all well and good too. You’re all in my prayers and I’m here for whatever you need. God bless.
Hi Nate george here, just wanted to encourage you if I can. I am praying for you every day or at least when I remember to, praying is my biggest flaw in my walk with Jesus but it is getting better everyday. You have got to be the bravest man I have ever met, I honestly don’t think I could handle what your going thru, if there is anything I can do to help in any way please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for the updates they are truly an Inspiration and blessing to my life, God Bless you all and hope to see you soon. : -) George
Hi Nate, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your “fighting spirit” is greater than you give it credit …
Jeff
Team Nate! We will be praying and holding you up to His throne. Lots of love.
You sir are an inspiration to all. Make it through this surgery so I can meet you and thank you.
Nate,
You don’t deserve to be going through all that you are going through right now. As always, you are an inspiration to all of us that know you. You continue to make us realize that all the everyday “petty stuff” that we get upset about is just that, “petty stuff”. You stay strong, Nate. So many people are praying for you everyday.
Dear Nate,
You are an inspiration! Don’t feel bad if you can’t keep up the fight. God is with you forever more. You are in my prayers.
My dear brother Nate,
It is so difficult to understand why we go thru the things we do down here. It brings Joseph to mind, who for years went thru so much difficulty in his life but God brought him through to a glorious position.Our God will do that for you too, whether here or in eternity.
I’m very glad your Mom and Dad are here to help. Of course, we are all in constant prayer for you. May our good Lord strengthen you and continue to give you the endurance through it all.
Much love,
nancy
Nate- Don’t know what to say except we are thinking about you and your wonderful family- you and Jill and Grace have been a huge part of our family for years – We are here for you, thinking of you. I bet you have at least three more “cat lives” left – use them up now please!
Hello Nate,
I think of you often. You are a great inspiration to those around you. You embody your faith and the gentle way you walk through this world. I hope you are gaining some strength and keeping your spirits up. Have you ever listened to Taize chant? I think you might like it. Best to you and your family.
Di Erwin