The Nathan ReportMon., Dec. 30, 2002, to Sun., Jan. 12, 2003 Nathan remained out of the hospital during this period. However, on Tues., Jan. 11, he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Fortunately, he had strengthened to the point where he didn't need to be hospitalised, even with an infection of this nature, and so he was able to remain at home on oral antibiotics. Mon., Jan. 13 to Thurs., Jan. 16, 2003 On Tuesday, a meeting was held at the CCI concerning Nathan and his reintegration into the world at large in general, and school in particular. It was decided that a "go slow", practical approach will be best, especially considering that no one knows how quickly he will return to normal. During the meeting, Dr. G. pointed out that Nathan's likelihood of remaining cancer free is now about .66-.70. This increase, from .50, is based on the observation that he has successfully completed chemo, without any sign of recurrence. Also, this number might be a bit low, as he responded so early and so well. Also, N's round of antibiotics for his pneumonia is complete. Unfortunately, he now has a cough/cold, but other than that, things are going well. His anti-emetics are gradually being phased out. Fri., Jan. 17 to Fri., Jan. 31, 2003 Nathan's health is continuing to strengthen. His pulmonary problems have passed, and his hair is sprouting, like grass in the springtime. He is starting to develop an appetite, and is seeking out physical and social challenges. Nathan spoke to his class on Thurs., Jan. 30, and should return to school on Mon., Feb. 3. There will be an article on our lad in the Edmonton Journal on Fri., Jan. 31. Also, he took part in a radio (630 CHED and Power 92) fundraiser for the Stollery Children's Hospital; he was on the air for a about 5 minutes for each station. N. was interviewed by the Edmonton Journal on Jan. 30. The article is right here: Sat., Feb. 1 to Sat., Feb. 8, 2003 Nathan continues to grow stronger. He went to school for three afternoons, and will go for 5 next week. His appetite is improving as well. No news is good news! Sun., Feb. 9 to Sun., Feb. 16, 2003 Nathan's recent MRI scan showed no sign of the tumor. He went to school quite a bit last week, and is working diligently on becoming more independent. Mon. Feb. 17, to Fri., Mar. 21, 2003 Nathan has remained at home, with his strength gradually improving. He still gets fed by g-tube at night, but his appetite is improving considerably. N. attends school about half of the time, usually in the afternoon. He is seeming less and less like a 'sick kid,' as the chemo gradually wears off. June 25, 2003 Nathan is now living a more or less normal life. He gets a bit more tired than he used to, as the chemo will take a long time to wear off fully, but he goes to school, rides a bike, and generally carries on like a normal 12 year old. He has gone through a period of mood swings, most likely because he was on a low dosage of Paxil for over a year. However, these are becoming ever milder, and aren't really too much of a concern. Mar. 10, 2008 Nathan is now pretty much a normal 17 year old. Recently, he was the centre of a large party, celebrating his 5th year out of treatment. He has a girlfriend, off and on part-time jobs, and easily gets mediocre marks in school w/o benefit of study or homework. He had a catarct operation a few years ago, due to the effects of radiation therapy, and he still shows minor signs of neurological damage from the chemo, but, hugely, the lad came through it all intact. The depth of Nathan's personality is far beyond that of most of his peers; he can talk easily and at length with adults 2 or 3 times his age, is genuinely concerned about the state of the world, and plans on persuing a career in social work. To this extent, his time spent staring death in the eye has been of considerable benefit. |