It's been two months since Nathan's seemingly successful brain surgery. We breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he was spared from having to have radiation. But the tumor has grown with a vengeance and his life will be in danger if it continues to grow at this rate.
On the 8th he will have a "mask" made so that he will be in the same position during the treatments, which will be for 6 weeks, Monday thru Fri. Treatments start on June 14th. We would be thankful if you would pray especially on those days and during the six weeks.
The risks from the treatment are that he will most likely lose endocrine/pituitary function and will have to take hormones all his life. His vision could be damaged, and his learning ability. He will be at a higher risk of developing a cancerous brain tumor later in life.
Nathan is facing this bravely and with trust in God. He is a precious boy and teaches me daily. Our family has been trying to memorize the first chapter of James, and this is where it becomes real. This is what Nathan and his sisters have memorized so far, complete with hand motions- (you ought to see them):
"Consider it all joy, my bretheren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without any doubting. For the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man unstable in all his ways." (vs. 1-8)......."Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (vs. 12)
Nathan is starting to lose hair and now has a bald patch on the side of his head. We'll probably have to do a military cut or just shave his head. He is taking it in stride. Two weeks to go.
He had the 4th of July off of radiation, and we celebrated our freedom in more ways than one. So far he is tolerating the treatments well and I don't have much to report. Just thank you for caring about him and us. At this wishing well I asked him if he had a wish and he said "no". "Really?" After a second he said, " Oh, yeah," and he put his money in.
Nathan is a favorite with all the chicks.
The elk made a birthday appearance - the first time we've seen them here.
Maybe putting Samson on the cake wasn't such a good idea. Does he stink?
He is eating like a horse, which makes me quite happy. 
Yesterday when I told him that he should probably have a nap, he said that he had enough rest in the hospital, and besides, he had a five hour nap during his surgery. Of course I said that didn't count. 
Immediately following the surgery on the way to see him, in my heart I just wanted to know that he could see, talk and think normally. He was very thirsty but the nurse would only allow him a few ice chips. As I was moving around the ice chips with a plastic spoon Nathan said, "Mom, don't try to get the smallest one." 
The day after surgery while he was resting in ICU, I asked him if he wanted to watch something on the T.V. He made me laugh when he said, "That would be too much neurological stimulation", quoting our favorite character from the movie The Incredibles - Kari the babysitter. 
The incision is healing up nicely. 
Nathan's neuro-oncologist met with us before the surgery, and told us that the best he hoped for was that the surgeon could remove enough of the tumor that it would buy us time to try an experimental drug. If that didn't work, then he would have to have radiation, which would cause some amount of permanent brain damage. We were devastated, but continued to pray and trust God's purposes. Hundreds or maybe thousands of people were praying for Nathan and his doctors. He said a few months more and the tumor would cause permanent brain damage also, and that the surgery might cause damage. 
We took advantage of nice weather the day before surgery and spent the day outside. Lots of calls and texts, but didn't want them to take away from enjoying this day with our boy, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. 
We prayed that God would guide the surgeon's hands and mind, and that He would do more than we could ask or think, and He did! The surgeon was able to see the optic nerve and other critical areas to stay away from, and he was able to remove 75% or more of the tumor. The morning after surgery, Nathan wanted bacon and eggs for breakfast. 
When he got out of intensive care and back into a regular room, we watched one of our favorite movies, "Sargeant York". To quote a line from the movie: "The Lord takes care of them that are a-believin' in Him." 
Getting ready to go home, three days after brain surgery. Aaron managed to pack all his stuff on one wagon. 
Went out for a fabulous lunch at the Old Blinking Light restaurant on the way home. Our waiter's mother had passed from brain cancer, and he was very touched by Nathan. 
Here is Nathan on Sunday, the day after he came home. He painted a bird house. We are realizing that keeping him down will be the hard part of recovery.
