Rejoice!

Two weeks ago Dan had gone in for a chest xray-what was supposed to be a follow up to the xray taken in January, his marker to the start of his chemo drug.  We waited in trepidation to find out what turn our immediate future was going to take.  Once the doctor came in, it was discovered that the xrays were of poor quality and couldn't be made out. It was such a let down.  The doctor decided to order a chest and abdomen CT scan for yesterday-Tuesday, February 19. Needless to say, there were a lot of emotions these last two weeks as we once again were waiting to see if anything was happening.

This afternoon we met with the oncologist to get the results of the scan.  What we found out was beyond belief.  Dan's tumor in his lung is GONE.  Yes, you read that correctly-the tumor in his lung is gone, leaving behind a small amount of scar tissue.  The enlarged lymph nodes around the tumor have also returned to their regular size.  The scan also determined there was no cancer metastasized into his abdomen or surrounding organs. Thanks to the hand of God and his healing powers and the marvels of modern medicine-Dan's body continues to heal.  We were in complete shock.  This was the news that we wanted, but didn't expect to hear, and not so soon into the process.

Dan will follow up with his oncologist in 4 weeks, and receive another CT scan in 3 months.  He will continue following up with periodic scans, of which the timeline has not yet been determined.  While this is amazing news, it is important to remember that Dan is not cured. You cannot cure lung cancer.  Dan will continue to take his chemo drug daily, indefinitely. At some point, the drug will become ineffective and the cancer will find ways to mutate and spread.  However, we are hopeful that will be several years away, and you never know what treatments may be available at that time.

Thank you to everyone's prayers, positive thoughts, cards, notes, and other amazing gestures of friendship that we have received over the past 3 months.  It has meant so much.  We are truly blessed in so many ways.



O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.  Psalm 30:2