So.... the recommendation is to obtain the services of hospice as soon as possible. Here is the most difficult part - they anticipate Nick's remaining time here on earth to be about two weeks. They discharged him this afternoon and we are now at home. Nick still wants this weekend to decide his next steps; doctors will continue chemo if he wants them to. Dr. Gouw will call us tomorrow to finalize Nick's plans.
We are devastated, to say the least. When Nick asked me how I was going to tell the girls, I just cried and said I don't know. I asked him how he was handling all of this and he said, "I'm ok, really." We have a lot more talking, crying and praying to do this weekend as we prepare for his next journey.
Please call first if you would like to come and visit Nick - 801-554-5505.
Just to keep the tradition of bringing in a ray of light, here is a quick story: Nick's room was at the very end of the hall at Huntsman, right smack next to the construction where Huntsman is adding on another multi-million dollar facility. We have heard some very interesting and colorful conversations the past 24 hours; some construction workers can actually look into his room from the outside. One of Nick's medical personnel said, "Oh, Nick, you should really have some fun with this..." to which Nick responded immediately, "Should I fake a seizure for them?"
And for now, here is a picture of Nick and Makelle on her wedding day - this makes us all smile!
With love,Lori
8 comments:
Dear Nick, Todd, Kelsey, Lori and Lee
We were with Carly in the St. Louis Botanical Gardens when Carly received this latest news from her dad. Very sad but in the Nick tradition, we searched for God's promise . We saw it in Carly's tears of love, her smile of hope, nature's beauty of flowers and trees, and our family history of blessings. Dear Heavenly Father, come quickly with your grace and peace; your wisdom and guidance; your loving will and perfect plan. Amen
Love, aunt Chris, uncle Stan, cousins Jessica and Heather
Dear NIck,
You don't know me and I have never met you, but I have followed your blog for about a year. I have found such strength in your life and want you to know that you have made a difference in my life. I have been dealing with troubles in my life and know that all you have gone through is part of our Heavenly Fathers plan. It's hard to believe, but I think we must have signed up for the things we must endure here on this earth. You are a valiant spirit to have such a special plan to touch so many people through your life. I am praying for you and your family. Your family sounds amazing. You are an incredible person. Thank you so much for sharing your story in such an honest way. You are truly inspirational. Thank you.
I don't know what to say. I came to Nick's blog from Harrison's 3+ years ago. Since then I have cheered for him from behind my computer screen and today I sit here in tears. Nick has packed so much love an adventure into the last three years that I have read. I don't know that I have ever seen someone embrace life so fully. He is a wonderful example to me on how to live it up. Lori, you are everything I hope to be as a mother. Tonight I pray for you to have healing and guidance, I pray for you to find comfort, and I pray for you to have peace. I hate cancer.
I may be overseas but my heart love strength and continual thoughts are with you. Dearest Nick you have given me so much and I am blessed to have you in my heart and in my life. I love you. GM Jennie xx
Dear Nick and family-I am so broken hearted to hear the latest news. Although I feel so sad, I am also so very thankful to have had the opportunity to know you and be inspired by your strength, poise and faith. Nick, no matter how fatigued, nauseated, pained you may have been on any given day you always have a smile for anyone you see. Some people have singers, athletes or actors for heroes. My heroes are people who don't let a cancer diagnosis keep them from living life. Nick, you are a hero, a warrior and a profound inspiration. Your physical body may leave this world soon, but your spirit will live in my heart and countless others forever. With love, Tauny
Dear nick... I met you briefly at makelle's wedding while waiting for her and Austin to come out of the temple. You were incredibly nice. My little brother was just diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer one week ago. I have thought a lot about you and your family and my heart literally aches for you. As we begin our battle with cancer, I hope we can handle it with the same dignity and strength you have handled yours. You are in our prayers.
Lori:
I have been reading this for months and not posting as I am still trying to come to grips with loosing my son, Ryan.
Please know that this has hit me very hard because I have felt that any success Ryan didn't have Nick did! You, Nick and family are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad Salmons
Dear Nick, You are an amazing man! The journey you've been on could have been one of pitty and anger. Instead, every time I've soken to you your attitude is positive, loving and optimistic. The difference you've made in the world of pediatric cancer is something that couldn't have been acheived without your determination, love and courage. It was a privilage for me to attend the 2 Good Things Utah episodes with you and your support group. Your energy is contagious, your impact is deep and your influence is felt.
With love, Jamie Skinner
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