nathan was moved to UT Medical Center

this is my dads email update he sent out on June 6, 2013………




This morning, we all met with Dr. Abel to discuss Nathan¹s next step.

In short, UT Hospital does not have the proper equipment to remove
Nathan's brain tumor in the safest, most effective manner. That equipment
is only found at regional research hospitals like Vanderbilt, Duke, Mayo,
etc.

Nathan is understandably troubled and nervous. He and Elizabeth are
dealing with all this with shock, trepidation and yet a determined desire
to promptly move forward with what needs to happen next. Waiting around
for that next step in the action plan seems to be the worst part.

The good news from today is that Dr. Reid Thompson, Chairman of the
Department of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt, just called Dr. Abel is
making arrangements for Nathan to come to Vanderbilt early this coming
week. The plan is that he will remove as much of that mass as possible and
test the tumor tissue to determine exactly what type of tumor it is.
Although they can guess from the MRI, testing the offending tissue is the
only way to know for sure. Once that is done, they will have a much
clearer picture of Nathan's ongoing treatment plan and prognosis. So,
Debbie and I are now in logistics mode, trying to make plans on getting
Nathan to Nashville and trying to figure out where to stay.

Without sounding "preachy" or like some faded bumper sticker we all glance
at and ignore, it truly is good to know that nothing is too hard for God
and it is, indeed, comforting to remember that He is a Good God, although
so many of the cards we get dealt in this life don't feel very good. We
truly do ask that you continue to pray for His mercy and grace. This will
be an arduous journey but He has promised that He will never leave us nor
forsake us. There is nowhere Nathan, Elizabeth and baby Jack can go where
the King does not go before them, behind them and most certainly with them.

Thank you again for your Love, Care and Prayers!


Buddy