Week 2 of Treatments

Dear Friends,

It has been a while since we shared an update about Nathan. Part of the reason is that I want to be respectful not to fill up your inbox; the other reason is that there has not been too much to tell.

Nathan is concluding his second week of treatments. He receives chemotherapy 7 days a week and gets radiation M-F, both done in Chattanooga where he lives. Although he felt pretty well the first week of treatment, this second week has been tougher. For example, he tried to get through a day without his anti-nausea medicine and soon got sick that morning. So, now he always takes it. He is also feeling very, very tired. For someone who is normally the Energizer Bunny, he has been forced to slow waaay down. He has attempted to go into work most days but how long he can stay at his job is dependent upon his rapidly depleting fuel tank. However, Bellhops (his employer) has been simply amazing with their understanding, support and care for him. We would be remiss not to acknowledging true blessings like this.

In four more weeks, after six weeks of treatments, Nathan gets a month off before they begin again. So, we intend to go somewhere fun and enjoy that time off. He is definitely looking forward to some relief from all this and I am sure Elizabeth, who has to drive him everywhere (no one is allowed to drive for 6 months after having a seizure), will look forward to not having to chauffeur Miss Daisy around town each day.  

For you and for us, the initial terrible shock of the diagnosis has dissipated to some degree but the grind of walking through this has certainly begun. Even though this may not be front page news any longer, we do ask for your continued prayers.

On a personal note, I preached at ChristChurch in Dalton Sunday. Nathan, Elizabeth and Jack were able to come. What a joy it was for me to see them in the congregation and enjoy a meal together afterward! The Lord has had me in John 6 where Jesus was no longer doing what the people wanted. Although the crowds were following Jesus, when Jesus refused to grant their requests and even insisted that He be what ultimately sustained them, everyone left but the few disciples. Sadly, sometimes we really want the Loaves more than we want the Lord.

During this time when some of our requests have not been answered in the way we had initially had hoped, we are being reminded to seek the Savior, not just the Supper. Some of the truest words I have read in a while are these: “Lord, to whom else shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life.” Sunday, although many folks were there, it felt like I was speaking that truth to my son… and especially to myself.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers and many expressions of love for Nathan and his family!

Buddy