My mom called me to give me the news, but before she did she told me to stand next to my step-dad Lee. So I did, and then she broke down and told me the great news. I simply replied with, "Really. K do you wanna talk to Lee now?". Ha, I know its sounds rude and weird but I believe I replied like that because I already knew what the results were going to be. I will admit however, 15 minutes later I started to realize the whole situation and that my year of fighting was finally over. Then it kinda hit me, but I DIDN'T cry.
So after the news I called my dad and family to let them hear the good news. Everybody was so happy and relieved. It was good to hear their voices full with love and gratitude.
What I plan to do next will consist of riding my dirt bike, volunteering at Primary Children's, finding a job, preparing for college, and if I have time coaching hockey.
I am excited to finally get back on track with life and grow some sweet hair. My main goal is to be an example to other and future people who will be diagnosed with the same cancer as I was, to let them know its very possible to fight this disease with modern medicine, attitude, and perseverance.
Lastly I wanna thank all my doctors: Dr. Chen, Dr. Albritton, Dr. Hitchcock, Dr. Sharma, and also Dr. Rhabar who did a wonderful job with my last surgery in Boston. Also the nurses at Huntsman were the best and were always fun to talk to. And the biggest help of them all was everybody reading now who have prayed and stayed with me through this long fight. You have been the reason for my great attitude and reason to keep pushing. I could not have done it without all of you. I know this for sure. And my GM's (godmothers) have been there for every round of treatment to keep smiles on my face as well as other patients.
Thanks Everyone!
Now lets plan on making plans of fun and adventure!
15 comments:
Congratulations Nick!!!! This is awesome news. We are soooo happy for you :-)
Sending lots of hugs and high-fives!
All your friends at Strategic Coach
Yes it is true. I had the opportunity of being right next to Nick when Lori called with the great news. I have to say that at first his reaction was... "Of course, it is gone." I guess that is the kind of positive attitude we have come to expect. After we hung up I could see this giant smile emerge and an immense sense of gratitude.
Nick, may I share what I have learned so far from your experience?
First, there is enormous power in prayer and in surrendering to God's willingness to help. The personal health blessings administered to you coupled with the prayers of so many- family, friends, neighbors, church members, business associates, and others whom you have never met- combined in power and purpose for the benefit of your physical, emotional and spiritual well being. I know that those same prayers strengthened and comforted your family as well as inspired the medical community that worked with and on you.
Second, the incredible love that has been demonstrated by so many. I am so grateful to those of you who know Nick personally and also to so many of our great friends that don't know Nick personally but who have gone above and beyond to lovingly offer their words, prayers and actions of love. We are all deeply touched. Thank you.
Finally, you are blessed with an incredible family. The unwavering strength of your mom to stay in the present and deal with all of this is inspiring. The support from your dad, Carly and Kelsey, your grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other family is a wonderful blessing.
Now Nick, this is a time for humble celebration. None of us have any guarantees in life... however; you have been given a special gift. Don't assume that you fully understand what or why you have had this experience. Sometimes it takes years to fully comprehend the meaning and the lessons of our experiences. There is more to this than you think. As you continue to thank your Heavenly Father, ask him to guide you to your full purpose. He will.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. I love it!
With love and respect,
-Lee
God does listen to our prayers and you are a testimony to that, Nick. You have been on many people's hearts and minds through your battle and have been showing your strength, maturity, and great sense of humor throughout it all. We are thankful to the Lord for this answer to the healing of your body. May He continue to bless you as you take the next adventures that await you.
Love,
Richard and Christina Andrews
(Henry and Georgia, too!)
Well Nick, its official - there is another thing we can all be certain of on April 15th - MIRACLES. Love, aunt Chris
YES!!!!!!!
For once, I don't know what else to say....
Kurt
Congratulations Nick! That's such great news! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your determination, attitude and spirit has been an inspiration to us all! What a future you have in store for you!
Love,
The Atkinson Family
Well I cried when I heard your results Nick! And what wonderful tears they were too. Live, laugh and love - and give your Mum a huge hug. Congratulations my friend. Love You - Jennie xx
Nick,
YEAH!! What fantastic news. We have had you in our thoughts and prayers for months now. We are all so happy for you and your family. We knew with all the love, support and faith that you have had that you would beat this and you did!
Love,
Lori, Shawn, Ashley and Ryan
Nick,
I have been keeping my eye on you by way of your blog. Which can I say I think is an amazing record of your journey!! You are have always been in my heart through your fight and I am so happy to read the wonderful news!!! I wish and anticipate nothing but the best for you in the future. I have no doubt in my mind you are destined for great things!!
ALL THE BEST!!!
Katie Wilkinson
P.s. Were you by chance practicing putting at a golf course in SLC on sunday?? I thought maybe I saw you, when I went over to say hello you were gone!!! Looked like you maybe it wasn't.
Wah Hoo!! I couldn't be happier for you and your family. You've got to know that I spontaneously shed a few tears of happiness and relief when I heard the fabulous news. I feel like dancing with joy!!
much love, Denise
"I always danced when mere walking would have done, so glad was I of life, so full of health."
--Josephine Demott Robinson
Nick, may you dance your way through every momement of your life. Everyone - Let's get up and Dance!!
Nick - I AM SO HAPPY....YEAH! I read this blog and started jumping up and down with tears streaming down my face! What a roller-coaster ride this has been for you and your family. I just want you to know how much respect and admiration I have for you and how you have handled this journey through cancer. It will be so awesome for you to have a normal life again and get into college. I hope you keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Thank you Nick, Lori, Lee and Todd for making this site so we could all read about what was going on and do our small part with encouragement and prayers. You have told this story not only eloquently but with grace and dignity. I'm so happy for you all! PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED!!!
Love, Beci
Dear Nick,
Everyone is praising God when I tell them your good news. The following is a reply I got from a friend who has continually prayed for you while fighting her own battle. I thought I would add it here - just for the record.
Chris - I rejoice with you to hear of the power and mercy that God has shown Nick. That news is an inspiration. God's plan isn't always "yes" but what a joy and feeling of gratitude when it is!
You really lifted my spirit for today. I've been negatively grumbling about "death and taxes" because of the continuing burden of resolving the taxes, interest and penalties I've been dealing with for quite a few years now with the complications of my parents' estate . Hopefully the black cloud will go away soon. I've been working with CPAs and tax attorneys for a long time. Anyway, the point is your comment about adding a third category to that saying "nothing is certain except death, taxes AND GOD'S LOVE" are just the words I needed to hear. I know that to be true but it was so good to be reminded to include it whenever I use that phrase in the future.
God has been merciful to me also. I am still battling the brain cancer but seem to be holding ground. I have a Dr.'s appointment next week. I am able to drive again and feel pretty well most of the time. If there are a lot of steps or uneven surfaces, I do better with a cane for stability. I am able to participate in fun activities with my friends, attend 3 different small groups and help in the MOPs as a mentoring mom for the moms of preschoolers. We had a charming tea yesterday (catered - what a treat) with one of the table leaders giving her testimony to the group. I'm guessing there are about 90 women.
Thanks Nick for letting me share this with everyone who visits this site. May Barbara's hopeful spirit encourage others. Love, aunt Chris
Nick- you don't know me, but my name is Chad Rasmussen. Harrison was my best friend and I have been following your blog since you helped Harrison set his up. I am so happy for you and I hope things continue to go well for you. It is funny how you can care so much for people without even knowing them. Congrats and good luck!!
Wow. You may not have cried when you got the results but I sure did when I read your blog. You don't know me but I feel like I know you and your awesome mom through your blog. I started linking to it through the blog you helped Harrison create and I have continued to read it mostly because I enjoy hearing about someone who is kicking cancer's butt. Also may I add that Lori is a rockstar?! You're great too, but what an inspiration, I strive everyday to be half the mother she is. Well Nick CONGRATULATIONS, from mullets to mohawks the future is wild and its yours for the taking. - Genevieve
That's amazing! Congrats and I hope you continue getting better and better! What an amazing feeling, right? I remember thinking-what now? I've been doing this cancer stuff for so long-it was amazing but sort of overwhelming. I'll continue the prayers!
Rach
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