Thursday, June 18, 2009

Who would have thought?

Five weeks ago today, right about now, my kids and I were waiting for word about how Mike's surgery was going... The doctor finally came to meet us and gave us the preliminary diagnosis. As he talked, I could feel myself having a hard time breathing. When we left the consultation room, my kids scattered so they could call friends and family. I sat numb with some good friends wondering what the future would hold. Seeing Mike in Intensive care was one of the most heart wrenching things I have ever witnessed. He was in such excrutiating pain that I really didn't think he would make it through the night. Exhausted and numb, Hannah and I left the hospital. All I could do was fall onto my bed when we got home. A good friend came over, laid with me on the bed and let me cry and talk.

Fast forward 5 weeks...Mike got up and went to work this morning. He came home before noon to have lunch and nap before his 10th radiation treatment. He hasn't felt any side effects from the chemo drugs. We walk about 2 miles a night. Mike has completed countless little home projects. We have talked, laughed, hugged, prayed. We have started eating a healthy diet. Mike does Yoga each morning. He drives to work and other short distances. He is attending meetings for work and community. We have gone to church and visited with family. If you would have asked me 5 weeks ago if ANY of this would ever happen again, I would have said no.

We have truly been sustained by your kind comments on this blog, your cards and well wishes, the hundreds of visits and calls. Our friend who is going through the same illness right now commented the other day that she believes in angels. So do I! Your love and support have made all of these things possible. Who would have thought that 5 weeks later we could be so fortunate?

8 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you are all doing so well. Who would have thought that it would be this way 5 weeks ago? You guys are troopers, that's for sure. Keep it up. :)

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  2. Mike, Nancy and Kids - I so much admire your strength and enthusiasm. I look forward to reading the blog each day. While you thank all of us, I thank you because you give me daily strength and hope for many things in life. You are truely an inspiration for all of us. I believe our prayers are being answered because of what you share with all of us each day. What a pleasure to have all of you in our lives! I've not met you Nancy but feel like I know you. Mike - you are truely blessed! Brenda I.

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  3. We are so thankful for Mikes recovery thus far! What a blessing it is to know you.
    ~ Ben and Amanda Goates

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  4. i was just thinking about you guys the other day. i mentioned how mike was doing to matt and cooper overheard. he said, "is that the mike who gave you the Holy Ghost?" it's funny; the little things they remember. mike looks great. was it really possible for him to have fewer hairs? erica wall

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  5. Who would have thought you'd touch so many people by all of this? You're both blessing so many others. Thanks for doing that...

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  6. Yesterday was a very full day for me. I started working in the middle of the night and worked over 8 hours on office things and projects. It felt great, but by the end of the day, I was tired even with a few power naps. I must admit overdoing it a bit. Today, I promise to take it easier, though I'm excited about a new project which I want to start.

    My morning will start with Rotary, a quick meeting with our insurance agent, and then the radiation treatment and an appointment with the radiation nurse practioner (who is also a neighbor). We are having dinner at a friend's home (she's trying to cook organic) this evening. I don't think we've eaten so well ever.

    We continue to be inspired by your love and concerns expressed in these comments. We do not doubt the love of a Heavenly Father and His compassion for our life's experiences. We have faith in His great plan for our lives. We have been blessed by so many charitable acts from so many who are living examples of that which Jesus Christ exemplified. We love you all.

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  7. Mike and Nancy,
    One of our favorite quotes is from President Kimball speaking of our mortal existence:
    "We knew that we would experience tests during our life: illness, failtures, pain, sorrow and death. We also knew that it would be for our good and experience (see D&C 122:7). If we allow them, these tests will help purify us instead of making us fail."
    We have seen this purification happening in your lifes. Thanks for the wonderful example. We love you.
    Gordon and Emolyn from Buenos Aires, Aragentina

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  8. I am reading and posting but obviously I am lacking some of the magic to get through those secret codes to have my comments post! It's not surprising that Mike can be so sick and still accomplish more than me! Have a wondeful weekend, it must be great to know you both have about a thousand people to call if you need anything, day or night.
    PS:I have always believed in angels.....Speaking of angels.... a special "Hi" to Hannah:) SusanT

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