Hard Weekend
Last weekend was the most difficult I’ve ever had, but it feels too personal; I don’t feel like I have the right to write about it yet. Plus, I don’t have the will.
The short version is that on Friday night, Susan became completely unresponsive. Her eyes were open but she couldn’t move at all. We went to the emergency room in one hospital, then to a different hospital to check her in, for insurance reasons.
As the weekend progressed, Susan’s consciousness came back; she is now more or less herself again, although very weak.
I’m certain it’s tied to reducing the Decadron dosage; the correlation is too strong for it to be anything else. But I don’t know what we’re going to do about it.
We’re seeing the oncologist this morning.
I’m really glad that my sister Kellene happened to be staying with us when all this happened. Thanks to her, I was able to focus on taking care of Susan.
Comment by Michael in TN | 10.27.2008 | 6:53 am
Everyone is praying for you guys!
Win Susan!
Comment by rich | 10.27.2008 | 6:56 am
We’re praying for you and Susan….
Comment by Bob in Texas | 10.27.2008 | 6:57 am
Win Susan!
Comment by James | 10.27.2008 | 6:57 am
Gosh that sounds hard. Hang in there Fatty. Best to you and Susan. I hope the oncologist has something positive to allow.
Comment by bruno | 10.27.2008 | 7:00 am
hang in there fatty!! I’m sure i’m not alone in sending positive thoughts and prayers to get your family through this rough spot!
also, like you mentioned a while ago in a post, no need to worry about posting on the blog all the time. its not like were gonna quit our favorite blog!!
Comment by Jodi | 10.27.2008 | 7:00 am
It’s good to be on the other side of this weekend, to be sure.
I’m glad Kellene was there too – she’s a good one to have your back in times like these.
Love you.
Comment by 331miles | 10.27.2008 | 7:05 am
Stay strong. We’re praying.
Comment by Pammap | 10.27.2008 | 7:10 am
I’m so sad for these events. You and Susan remain in our prayers.
Comment by Pam | 10.27.2008 | 7:13 am
I’m in tears reading your update. You and Susan are amazing people. You don’t know me, but I’m sending virtual hugs to you. Take care, and know that more people than you can possibly imagine are praying for you.
Comment by Flatman | 10.27.2008 | 7:13 am
More prayers coming your way, brother…
Comment by MikeonhisBike | 10.27.2008 | 7:40 am
We’re still praying for you here. Hang in there. I’m sure a tail wind is coming your way.
Mike
http://www.mikeonhisbike.blogspot.com
Comment by Blorgh | 10.27.2008 | 7:41 am
Your family is in my thoughts
Comment by Leslie | 10.27.2008 | 7:44 am
Thinking of you and your family during a tough, tough time. Sure do wish I could magically make things better for you!
Comment by BikeCopVT | 10.27.2008 | 7:47 am
Win Susan Win!!! Elden, your strength amazes me.
Comment by lady clay | 10.27.2008 | 7:47 am
Much love from Atlanta.
Comment by mnbiker | 10.27.2008 | 7:48 am
Jumping on the pile with more good thoughts headed your way!
Comment by Trail Dog Craigers | 10.27.2008 | 7:49 am
Thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes comming your way
WIN
Comment by Uphill Battle | 10.27.2008 | 7:52 am
Elden, Sending prayers for courage and strength your way. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult and frightening this is for you. Praying for Susan that she is provided the strength and courage to continue onward. Praying for your children that they will understand how much they are loved. Praying for all of us that we can continue to be a source of support for you and your family.
Comment by Philly Jen | 10.27.2008 | 7:53 am
I know you’ll keep climbing, and the view will be sweet.
*WIN* Susan
Comment by snobound | 10.27.2008 | 7:55 am
Oh man, this is very distressing to read. I feel like I’ve gotten to know Susan through your posts on this blog, and every time she takes a turn for the worst I hold my breath and pray. Please know that she’s in my thoughts and prayers – and many others’ too, obviously.
Comment by Donald | 10.27.2008 | 7:56 am
MORE Prayers… MORE Positive thoughts… Hope and Strength to your family. WIN SUSAN!
Comment by neca | 10.27.2008 | 7:58 am
As always, our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Comment by Drew | 10.27.2008 | 7:58 am
All the best to you during this most difficult time.
Comment by Paula Kirsch | 10.27.2008 | 8:02 am
As always our prayers and thoughts are with you and your Susan…
Paula
Comment by PJAndrist | 10.27.2008 | 8:05 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you have strength to stay the path. WIN Susan!
Comment by Stevo | 10.27.2008 | 8:05 am
Our thoughts are prayers are with you and Susan..
Win Susan!
Comment by Jim D | 10.27.2008 | 8:06 am
Adding our prayers to the pile. Keep believing!
Comment by Asthmagirl | 10.27.2008 | 8:15 am
Still with you and still sending heartfelt thoughts your way.
Comment by Jen | 10.27.2008 | 8:18 am
Stay strong, you are in our thoughts, and prayers.
Jen
Comment by Amy | 10.27.2008 | 8:19 am
Man that decadron must be powerful stuff. Stay strong.
Comment by sansauto | 10.27.2008 | 8:21 am
We’re praying for you.
Comment by chtrich | 10.27.2008 | 8:21 am
Time to stop reducing the Decadron. The ’side effects’ don’t seem worth it.
Comment by Don | 10.27.2008 | 8:26 am
I will not stop praying for you Fatty! God Bless you, SUsan, and the entire family!
Comment by AJ | 10.27.2008 | 8:34 am
Stay strong! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Comment by Anonymous | 10.27.2008 | 8:41 am
Vibes and positive thoughts for you and your family. Stay strong.
Comment by dkirkavitch | 10.27.2008 | 8:44 am
Hey Fatty,
Sorry about the emotional roller coaster ride. Positive thoughts for you, Susan and the family from Central Washington.
Family is so important in times like these. I randomly met Kellene this summer at the Kokopelli trailhead. You’re lucky to have someone as positive as her as a super support sister.
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by FliesOnly | 10.27.2008 | 8:52 am
My wife and I are thinking of you, Susan, and the kids. We hope everything works out. Keep us posted.
Comment by Big Mel | 10.27.2008 | 8:54 am
Praying for your continued strength and courage.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10
Comment by randomhigh | 10.27.2008 | 9:00 am
sending prayers and hope to you and your family
Comment by josh | 10.27.2008 | 9:05 am
Focus on Susan and leave the praying to us.
Win Susan
Comment by KeepYerBag | 10.27.2008 | 9:07 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with Susan, you and your family, Elden. Bless you all.
Comment by bobbieh | 10.27.2008 | 9:10 am
Sending good thoughts and cyber hugs to you both ~
Comment by Charlie | 10.27.2008 | 9:21 am
Hang in there, Fatty, Susan and family!
Comment by Little1 | 10.27.2008 | 9:24 am
i can not even begin to imagine what you are all going through. I can only keep you in my prayers and know that when you summit this climb you will be amazed at what you have accomplished together!
Comment by Alexia | 10.27.2008 | 9:35 am
Many thoughts and prayers…
Comment by Elizabeth | 10.27.2008 | 9:37 am
I am so sorry for what you guys are going through.
Comment by uncadan8 | 10.27.2008 | 9:43 am
Still praying for you and Susan…keep fighting!
Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 10.27.2008 | 9:49 am
Praying for you and your family right now.
Comment by Woody | 10.27.2008 | 9:50 am
Damn that cancer!!
Comment by M2 | 10.27.2008 | 9:54 am
My thoughts are with you and your family. WIN!
Comment by Roo | 10.27.2008 | 10:03 am
So sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.
Comment by Charisa | 10.27.2008 | 10:06 am
Stay strong – we are rooting for you and Susan!
Comment by thejerry | 10.27.2008 | 10:07 am
We’re still praying for you.
Comment by leroy | 10.27.2008 | 10:11 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Comment by Gillian | 10.27.2008 | 10:14 am
Courage and strength, dear family of Nelsons. Courage and strength. People across the world are lifting you up.
I wish I had a better balm for you, but all I have are fierce prayers, for you and yours.
Comment by bikemike | 10.27.2008 | 10:23 am
Elden
i pray that God will continue to give you the strength to do the things that would’ve buckled most people by now.
also, bless your amazing family, and friends, that keeps pitching in when they can.
my heart goes out to you all.
Comment by Dan O | 10.27.2008 | 10:26 am
You are in my thoughts, I know how frustrating it can be. Keep up the fight, and WIN!
Life is good.
Comment by Jonni | 10.27.2008 | 10:37 am
WIN SUSAN,
Our prayers for strength and comfort are with you. Ditto, life is good.
Jonni
Comment by Dave Criswell | 10.27.2008 | 10:42 am
Fatty, wishing you and Susan all the strength to beat this thing.
Dave
Comment by JEnn | 10.27.2008 | 10:46 am
Our thoughts are with you and your whole family right now. You and Susan both have the strength to fight this!
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by monkeywebb | 10.27.2008 | 10:48 am
As many have said, thoughts are with you.
Comment by rexinsea | 10.27.2008 | 10:48 am
Prayers and warm wishes to Susan, the family and you. Stay strong.
Comment by fat bike racer | 10.27.2008 | 10:52 am
Dang, hang in there.
Comment by Jill | 10.27.2008 | 11:41 am
Your strength in this fight is amazing. Sending thoughts your way.
Comment by Jaime O. | 10.27.2008 | 11:42 am
I hope you feel our support and prayers over the many miles that separate a lot of us from you. Praying for you, Susan and the kids. Damn that Decadron.
Comment by Alli | 10.27.2008 | 11:44 am
Saying prayers for you and your family.
Win Susan!
Comment by Lin | 10.27.2008 | 11:51 am
It sure sounds to me like it’s the Decadron. I pray that it is and that you can get the issue resolved satisfactorily. Win, Susan. WIN!
Comment by BamaJim | 10.27.2008 | 11:55 am
Continuing to pray. May God bless.
Comment by Kt | 10.27.2008 | 11:56 am
Sending strength to Susan and you and your kids.
Sending good vibes on top of the strength for all of you.
WIN SUSAN!!!!!!
Comment by Ian | 10.27.2008 | 12:00 pm
2:01
Comment by Katie Slater | 10.27.2008 | 12:05 pm
Prayers for you guys always…
Comment by Anonymous | 10.27.2008 | 12:07 pm
Hang in there Fatty and Susan! We are praying for strength for both of you!
WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Rocky | 10.27.2008 | 12:17 pm
Win Susan! Hang in there. Thoughts are with you guys.
Comment by the floydster | 10.27.2008 | 12:20 pm
Damn! Prayers are continuing.
Comment by duckie | 10.27.2008 | 1:13 pm
Keep fighting the good fight. Keep the faith. Prayers are with you. Win Susan!
Comment by Nina in Ohio | 10.27.2008 | 1:16 pm
Thinking of you and your family and praying for Susan’s health.
Comment by Courtesy of Wikipedia | 10.27.2008 | 1:17 pm
It is Seal, and Seal got his famous characteristic facial scars as a result of discoid lupus.
Comment by curlyK | 10.27.2008 | 1:24 pm
Hang in there we’re praying for all of you.
Comment by Tiger | 10.27.2008 | 1:33 pm
You have soooo many people that don’t even know you cheering for you, praying for you and hoping everything turns out well.
Hang in there!
WIN
Comment by El Duke | 10.27.2008 | 1:40 pm
Be strong. You’re in our thoughts.
All the best from Chi-Town.
Comment by Ned | 10.27.2008 | 2:00 pm
Keep the positive thought and vibes going – Hope your trip to your MD goes well -
Comment by Mocougfan | 10.27.2008 | 2:58 pm
Dex has some real nasty side effects. When I would use it for pt’s thru an IV it would make them itch in places you shouldn’t scratch in public. It is one of those good/bad things. But this definately seems to be worse. Pullin for you guys.
Comment by Rufus | 10.27.2008 | 3:05 pm
Prayers and love. You and your family are covered, surrounded, wreathed, wrapped, and bathed in prayers and love from all of us, all over the globe.
Comment by flossy | 10.27.2008 | 3:10 pm
Thinking of Susan, you and the kids. Hang in there
Comment by Mike Roadie | 10.27.2008 | 3:24 pm
Ditto ALL
WIN
Unite
LiveStrong
Comment by NW | 10.27.2008 | 3:35 pm
Thinking of your family.
WIN!
Comment by victoria | 10.27.2008 | 3:41 pm
Once again, thoughts and prayers with you–
V.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 10.27.2008 | 3:54 pm
Thinking of you all, take care
Comment by formertdfan | 10.27.2008 | 4:16 pm
after such great news earlier this just doesn’t seem right, have the oncologist review the MRI of the brain again just to be absolutely sure everything is fine!!!
I will be praying for you-
Comment by montanapat | 10.27.2008 | 4:25 pm
Continuing to send positive thoughts to you and your family.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Susan | 10.27.2008 | 4:46 pm
I was introduced to Fat Cyclist this weekend at the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, Texas. I am so sorry to hear that Susan is having such a hard time. I am also a Susan who has been fighting cancer for several years and I understand the toll that it takes on the body and the spirit. I am sending Susan, you and your entire family strength, healing and much love. Keep fighting!
Comment by Louie | 10.27.2008 | 5:17 pm
am i the only one who gets chills up and down when i read the amazing amount of care of all of you.
WIN SUSAN. you are both incredibly strong people and our prayers go out.
Comment by Franky & Mer | 10.27.2008 | 5:21 pm
Positive thoughts and prayers from the Jersey shore.
Comment by BettyBetty | 10.27.2008 | 5:27 pm
Wow, there aren’t words. I marvel at your family’s strength and positive attitude. WIN SUSAN WIN!
Comment by Tim E | 10.27.2008 | 5:30 pm
Just another caring stranger echoing all the good thoughts and sending as much strength as the internet and the cosmos will allow.
WIN.
Comment by miss & stewOZ | 10.27.2008 | 5:43 pm
Sending loving thoughts to you, Susan and the rest of the family. You have a world of support. Please win.
miss & stewOZ
Comment by Beast Mom | 10.27.2008 | 6:00 pm
I hope the doc visit helped this morning. I’ve been thinking about you and the family a lot these days. You’re in my prayers.
-bm
Comment by TCR Dave (formerly dave) | 10.27.2008 | 6:06 pm
What a rollercoaster ride this is. You’re doing a great job taking care of Susan. We’re praying for you and your family.
Comment by justrun | 10.27.2008 | 6:07 pm
I gave everyone in my group run your URL last weekend. We’re all pulling for you guys! You’re in our prayers!
Comment by Barb | 10.27.2008 | 6:12 pm
One day at a time, Eldon. God give you strength.
Comment by bubbaseadog | 10.27.2008 | 6:39 pm
i wrote a long comment a min ago,but some how it got deleted.i just want to say god grant you both, strength and health…..win susan
Comment by Jeff&Jenn | 10.27.2008 | 6:46 pm
We are praying for you. We hope the oncologist visit went well today.
WIN Susan!!!
Comment by Whitney | 10.27.2008 | 6:54 pm
My highest love and thoughts to Susan, and to you. Regardless of how life unfolds, Susan WINS. What you have as a family is phenomenal.
Comment by hana | 10.27.2008 | 6:55 pm
Praying for you Fatty…Susan….your family…
And a special prayer of thanks for family like Kellene who is able to be there to love you family and do the things so you can focus on taking care of Susan!
Comment by Isaac Ben-Moshe | 10.27.2008 | 7:10 pm
Elden-
Once again, prayers are going your way for strength and courage to you and your family. May Susan be granted full and complete healing of body and of spirit.
Issac in ATX
Comment by Eero | 10.27.2008 | 7:12 pm
I wish your family didn’t have to go through this.
Stay strong, stay together.
You’re in my thoughts.
Comment by Jenn | 10.27.2008 | 7:17 pm
Oh Elden…I am sorry you have to go through this. More hugs being sent your way.
Comment by Ann | 10.27.2008 | 7:27 pm
Stay strong.
WIN Susan!
Comment by VA Biker | 10.27.2008 | 7:32 pm
Try to be strong in these tough times. Still praying for you all.
WIN Susan!
Comment by Meaghan | 10.27.2008 | 7:50 pm
Thinking of you and Susan everyday. Initiating positive vibes!
WIN!
Comment by from ellicott city | 10.27.2008 | 9:02 pm
My thoughts are with Susan, your kids and you.
I hope that you get some good news from your doctor.
Comment by Kathleen | 10.27.2008 | 9:09 pm
Big hugs and lots of positive thinking coming your way!
Comment by Yukirin Boy | 10.27.2008 | 9:25 pm
Strength to you both.
Hugs for you and your children too.
Comment by Lifesgreat | 10.27.2008 | 9:28 pm
Prayers and thoughts coming your way from down the road a couple of towns.
Comment by fremont mike | 10.27.2008 | 10:22 pm
I’m praying for you and hope you all stay strong. Best wishes for for your family.
msj
Comment by elmcity girl | 10.27.2008 | 10:47 pm
prayers, thoughts, good wishes, hope: sending it your way.
Comment by Melisa | 10.27.2008 | 10:50 pm
Hello, I neevr comment but I read very often praying for you guys! WIN SUSAN!
Comment by Jaynann & Eric | 10.27.2008 | 11:16 pm
Praying for you guys…
Comment by ann | 10.27.2008 | 11:17 pm
There is prayer – and more prayer, and then more …from us, for you, all the time.
Comment by Pinkbike | 10.27.2008 | 11:25 pm
We’re all out here for you, Elden and Susan. You can see from all the messages that there are some mighty strong prayers being said for you…and lots of love being sent your way.
God is with you.
Sue and Tom
Comment by william | 10.28.2008 | 1:51 am
Stay strong. My thoughts are with you all
William
Comment by Swedoz | 10.28.2008 | 1:59 am
Thoughts and love to you, Susan and the kids.
Comment by buckythedonkey | 10.28.2008 | 4:18 am
Thinking of you, mate. Simply can’t imagine what you’re going through. Lots of love from us all.
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by Pat | 10.28.2008 | 5:17 am
Thinking of you. WIN SUSAN.
Comment by Clydesteve | 10.28.2008 | 1:06 pm
Fatty, you and Susan were in my prayers at the LiveSTRONG Challenge in Austin this past weekend. Even during the ride. And still are.
Do not be surprised if you suddenly have an influx of readers. Both Brad and Mike Roadie received awards for their fundraising, and both gave fatcyclist.com a big shoutout in their speeches at the appreciation dinner.
Comment by armchaircyclist | 10.31.2008 | 3:59 pm
1st time viewer and hooked – My heart goes out to all of you. Strength to you all.
Comment by Anonymous | 11.1.2008 | 2:14 pm
Hello Fatty,
Thinking of you.Win Susan!
Comment by Elizabeth Dudle | 11.1.2008 | 2:22 pm
Hello Fatty,
I am 9 years old and I was thinking about your daughters and about Susan.GOOD LUCK!