Nate Update

A week and a half ago Nathan, Norah, Peter and I visited the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and met with a doctor to learn more about the stem cell bone marrow transplants Nate will undergo after his chemotherapy is complete. I know doctors have to tell you ALL the risks involved, but it was not a fun visit. Basically he told us that chemotherapy alone would not cure Nathan, that there would be a 98% chance that the cancer would return within a year and that it may not respond to chemotherapy the second time. However, there are so many risks involved with the transplant, it is not a sure thing either. Still, the odds are better and we are hoping because Nathan is young and healthy he will not experience any complications.

Doctors appointments are hard because that is where reality hits. Most of the time I tell myself, "we can get through this. Just do chemotherapy, go to Seattle and then live happily ever after." The drive, appointment, and news wore Nathan out so much that we went to our hotel room (thanks Mike!) and Nathan slept for hours while I got to spend some one-on-one time with Norah and Peter. It was dark by the time Nathan woke up. We went to the Seattle temple and walked around admiring all the beautiful flowers by the light of the temple. We are so thankful for the knowledge that families can be together forever.

Originally, we had thought about moving our family to Seattle for Nate's treatment, but after the doctor's appointment we realized that would not be wise. He will be receiving lethal doses of chemotherapy and at first, will be in the hospital.Nathan is required to have a full time care giver. It would not be possible for me to take care of him and the kids. Dr. Malloney told us his immune system will be so weak a cold could kill him and he strongly recommended not even to have Norah and Peter with us.

So new plans. Being flexible and living day by day is what cancer is all about. We are hoping our insurance will help us pay for a room at the Cancer facility because that is an immune aware environment. I will have to take Peter, but if we always stay in Nate's room, take lots of vitamin C's and wash our hands, I think it will be okay. The kids will be going back to school, except for Megan who basically home schools herself. I feel sorry for Norah. She is still so young and will be lonely all day with all the kids gone. I wish I didn't have to leave her. She had such a rough time when I was at the hospital. Maybe after Nathan starts getting better I will take turns with our moms so I can come home to be with the kids.

I wish I knew more of what to expect so I can make plans.