Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Thank you all for your support

What an amazing outpouring of support we have received from our family and friends this week. I join my loved ones in thanking everyone who has expressed concern since last Wednesday. As you may know, I was evaluated on Friday morning for what was thought to be gallstones. After my ultrasound, a CT scan was done and it showed possible gallbladder cancer. The doctors also told us it had spread to my liver. I had a liver biopsy done at the University of Washington on Monday, and they were right.

We are awaiting confirmation from a PET scan that will let us know exactly how far it has spread. The gallbladder sits just behind the liver and is essentially a holding bin for the bile produced by the liver. Gallbladder cancer is very rare, but it is always found in the company of a gallstone. My doctor first thought he saw gallstones on the images, and he probably did, but next to the gallstones was a large abnormal area, called "a "lesion."

I am not a doctor guy. I dislike them. For me to visit the medical center requires lots of prompting from family and friends. I didn't think my pain was acute enough to complain about, let alone to waste people's time. If people hadn't noticed me looking "stoved up" over the past month, I would have carried on doing chores and house projects. Looking back since Christmas, I have felt a touch woozy after most meals, but not enough to write about in a blog...until now. My point in this paragraph is that there were battles being waged inside my body well before I recognized any symptoms or pain.

I will keep you all updated as more information comes along....

Thank you all again for your love and support.

Nick

17 comments:

  1. Hi Nick:

    I already tried to sign on, did not have an account so had to set one up. I am not computer literate. I think I have an account, but now lost my original message.

    I love you and have positive thoughts and am praying for you.

    Joann

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  2. I love you man...you know I do. I'm with you every step of the way!
    Aaron

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  3. Nick you are amazing! Keep up the good spirits and know that we are all thinking about you! Every time a start to whine or bitch about something you pop into my head... Why it takes someone elses pain or trama to put things in perspective I don't know. Thanks for posting the blog and doing that for me. Love ya. Bridget

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  4. Dearest NephNick...We just want you to get rid of those toxic ASSets!!!!
    Much Love from your Auntie Mary and partner Chris who are here awaiting a summons to cook, clean, childcare or help in any way we can. Otherwise, I'm spending my energy visualizing a Healthy YOU. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

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  5. Hey Nick
    i knew something was a miss when i could hit tennis balls past you on the court the other night
    we i am thinking of you buddy

    and don't worry about the jv tennis girls---dave,aaron and i are covering that for now

    take care buddy

    asher

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  6. Nick, Sandra and Family,

    Brad and I will be thinking about your often and praying for you daily.

    With Love,
    Brad and Karissa

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  7. Nick
    Laina, Andrew, Sue, Marv and myself are all very concerned and thinking about you. Wasn't suprised to hear that you were making quite an impression on all the new people you are meeting. I have missed your uncensored and creative verbage.
    Your buddy,
    Cheryl

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  8. Coach,
    I shared what you sister wrote on this blog with the girls today. I had a real hard time reading it but kept trying to channel your strength and humor. In the end I lost the battle to my own weakness. They thought the title of the blog was a perfect fit and also really enjoyed you rocking out to Enya. I will have to back the Matrix up the the courts, pop the back hatch and rock the 80's in tribute this season. You are sorely missed on the courts and we are all hoping, wishing, and praying for your speedy return to good health. We have the sawdust track all warmed up for you too. We love you. Take care.
    Coach

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  9. Nick,

    Every ounce of us will be praying for strength and healing! We are all thinking of you and your family!

    Hugs to you!

    Jamie and Kelli

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  10. My Dearest Cousin Nick:
    You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    I love you very very much and I admire
    your strength. I am here for you and
    Sandra for what ever you need.
    All My Love,
    Andrea

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  11. Nick, Sandra, Michal & fam....

    Nick: I am so grateful we are able to keep up on your progress! I have been thinking about you! I just wanted to say that you are a great man, with a wonderful sense of humor and a tender heart. I think you are a perfect example of how to live your life, putting what is most important first. I am so sorry for what you are going through, but have no doubt your attitude, along with the collective thoughts of others will carry you through this.
    Sandra: Please know that my heart and home are open to you and your family. I would be honored to listen, do chores, help with kids or errands, etc...whatever.

    You are in our hearts...and I just know that all together we can move mountains....
    **LOVE** ERIKA KEIZER & FAMILY

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  12. Hi Nick,

    I was so surprised to hear this news. We're not old enough to have this happen to us. I'm not surprised to hear you're just as positive as always, and I know this will help speed the healing process. Take care. I'm so glad to see the strong support pulling for you! Dana Bostrom

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  13. Nick,
    You are a strong amazing person who I know going to beat this (and your pretty good at tennis too). My thoughts are with you and Sandra everyday.
    Love,
    Ada

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  14. Hey Nick, its been a while since i've seen or talked to you, and I didnt know until today of what happened. I was a little shocked at first, but then I remembered how strong and awesome some you are, so i wasnt worried. I told my mom that you're probably spending a lot of time drawing your incredible masterpieces (kind of like myself, haha). I just wanted to let you know that my family and I are thinking of you constantly and when you beat this, I challenge you to a match. Lefties for the win!

    Much Love - JJ Small

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  15. Nick-
    I have been told once or twice that I have the memory of an elephant. And, my memory recalls you owned a pair of red Michael Jackson parachute pants! Find them and get them on. I think they should be your new theme pants... beat it, just "BEAT IT!"
    Much love,
    Nicole and Tim Martinson

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  16. Nick
    Be careful where you itch, my friend.. !
    I'm looking forward to more Frisbee lesson as the weather improves, and hey.. it sounds like you've got a few things to go through before the light starts shining at the other end of the tunnel but I know that you can do it! Hang in there and do what you sister says...
    Love and hugs,
    Chris and Mary

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  17. Nick
    I was thinking about playing tennis next year and when i heard you wern't going to be the coach i went from happy to sad. So you better get well soon! I just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts and we are praying for you every day. Hang in there and when i get to high school, you should teach me some of your great moves.
    Lots of Love,
    Michaella Kahns and family

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