The power of prayerIt is a true miracle - Nolan was released last night to come home! A record recovery for him. Surgery Wednesday, release Friday! I just can't believe how strong this kid (well young man) is - he is such an inspiration to us. While he obviously is not 100%, he figures we can manage the pain at home while he enjoys the comfort of his own bed, can be around his friends, and hang with his best bud Jazz. He will have to take it easy for awhile, but he is determined to get back on the golf course. The release papers said 6 weeks of no activity, which definitely won't happen, but the surgeon said in a couple weeks he will be able to start swinging (maybe just not full blown). We almost had to insist with the nurses that he didn't want anymore of the pain meds because they make him nauseated. Can you imagine how painful throwing up would be after having your side sliced open from front to back? Nolan is 18 now and can make his own decisions medically (scary thought) and he told them he can tolerate pain much more than he can nausea, so Tylenol and Ibuprofen it is, and only in dire straights will he take something stronger. Nolan is looking forward to the annual guys golf trip at the end of March with Tim, so something to keep him focused on his recovery is great.
Yesterday we found out that Nolan's surgeon, Dr. Christopher Moir, was one of the lead surgeons that worked on separating conjoined twins in 2007 at Mayo. That really makes us feel blessed knowing our baby was in the hands of such a skilled surgeon.
Yesterday we also met some fascinating people, Shanna and Sherri Decker. Shanna is an Osteosarcoma survivor of 17 years. She was diagnosed at age 7 with a tumor in her left femur. She has turned her experience into being a mentor to other cancer patients and professional inspirational speaker. She even was awarded the youth volunteer of the year and was honored at the White House in 2008. The Decker's, along with 3 other childhood cancer survivor families in the Rochester area, formed a nonprofit called Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. We were very inspired, shared stories, and even shared laughter. It is amazing how connected you can become with strangers when the unfortunate commonality is cancer. This organization knows how it feels to be told "your child has cancer". If you feel like being inspired - go to www.brightertomorrowshope.org.
Other than getting an xray next week here in Omaha to send to Mayo for a follow up, Nolan's next steps are a routine checkup in 3 months. Thank you so much for the prayers, hugs, texts, etc. We couldn't be as strong without our supporting family and friends. We appreciate you all. Tim and Erica
Dearest Yeshua,
Thank You for continuing to watch over this precious family! Please continue to heal Nolan and help him through his recovery. Please don't let him overdo anything. Encouragement and strength. Grow their faith daily. Thank You for all You are accomplishing along this walk. Amen.
Im so sorry to hear he is still struggling. What a young champion.
