Thoughts from Luke

Luke wrote the following blog post, to update everyone and say "thank you" for all the support.

Hello everybody!
 
You always hear people with cancer talk about how it is a battle.  I can see how people would feel that way, but I’ve never felt that way.  I have always felt like the doctors were fighting the cancer, and I was just along for the ride.  This made me feel alone and helpless.  In spite of this, ever since I was diagnosed, I have never felt truly alone.  I have had a crazy amount of people supporting me, including doctors, child-life specialists, therapists, and most importantly, friends and family.  The staff at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is more amazing than we could ever have hoped for.  My doctors, Dr. Weicht and Dr. Kurt, work hard and are very kind, the nurses are sweet and patient, and the child-life specialists (Spencer, Rhys, Audra, Cassie, Bridget, and Ashley to name a few) are always there when I need them most.  My prosthetists, Shaun and Joe, are funny and sensitive to my needs.  My physical therapist, Jeanne King, is the best.  She taught me how to use my leg and has never given up on me. These aren’t just people I interact with professionally, they have become some of my closest friends.
 
Even more, I can’t say thank you enough to my friends and family.  When I was first diagnosed, my grandparents gave up working abroad in Budapest to come and live with us for four months.  That was amazing.  I have been sent too many kind notes, gifts, and gift cards to count, and for that I am eternally grateful.  I have had tons of visitors and loved every single one.  I’ve never met a visitor I didn’t like.  There were classmates that came all the way to Grand Rapids to visit me in the hospital when my leg was amputated.  There were new friends who came to meet me when they heard about my situation, and have since become some of the best friends I have ever had.  Some people have visited many times, and that has lifted my spirits every time.  My parents and brothers have been by my side every step of the way.   
 
Ever since I was diagnosed I have been sick and felt sick, and I am still sick now, but every single time someone reaches out or comes to visit it makes a difference.  My situation is not ideal, but I know that because of Jesus if I do not survive I get to go to heaven, so that’s pretty ideal.  We are leaving today for TimberWolf Lake.  I have always dreamed of being on Work Crew at TimberWolf Lake, and for the next three weeks I will be part of the laundry and housekeeping crew.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please keep sending cards and  coming to visit, either at TimberWolf Lake or when I get home.  That's the biggest thing.
 
Please know how thankful I am for everything people have done for me!
 
Your friend, Luke Granger.