A Time To Stop and Be Thankful

As you may have noticed, if you are still checking, I have fallen down on the job of regular blogging updates.  Things have returned to a somewhat normal status around here and the day to day living just isn't very newsworthy.  Dan is still on on a quarterly scan schedule meaning that he will (likely indefinitely) continue to receive a chest and abdomen CT scan every 3 months.  His last brain scan in June was clear so his oncologist is waiting until October for the next one.  If that one is also good, he may consider letting Dan go 6 months between brain MRI's.  So with that, I will be updating the blog every 3 months or so.

Dan had his quarterly CT scans last week and we met with his oncologist this morning. Everything still looks good-he is still cancer free. His oncologist remarks every visit on how amazing the results have been for him on the oral chemo. We are just so thankful beyond words. Last night Dan and I were discussing today's upcoming appointment and the weight that sits upon us every three months as we await to hear the test results. In between those appointments we have been able to move forward and resume many of our normal activities, including planning for things several months out. But for that one moment we hold our breath and pray with everything that we have that today isn't the day that takes us right back to the moment Dan told me he had cancer. I view it as cruel and unfair, and while Dan agrees with the unfairness of the situation, he views it as a time to regroup. A time to stop and thank God for what we have, to focus on those close to us, to remind us of how far we have come and what the outcome could have been. So with that I am going to try and not face the future appointments with fear, but with an open heart and thanks for all the time we have been given. I do believe Dan is right when he said God isn't done with him here on earth yet and we will continue on the journey as long as we can.

On a lighter note, I will give you a bit of an update on the last few months around here. Summer has flown by!  Jack participated in swim team for the first time and did great! He loved every minute of it and that kid will be a force to be reckoned with next year. Dan has done some traveling, the biggest trip being to Vancouver BC for a conference. We have enjoyed time with family from both sides. Dan has also recently started driving again which has brought a lot more flexibility to both his schedule and mine. For me, I have been enjoying my time with Jack this summer and pursuing new job opportunities. The biggest news coming up, however, is that Jack will be starting Kindergarten next week. How did this happen??? I remember thinking, in my sleep deprived stooper, that Jack starting school was so far down the road it was almost unimaginable-there was so much time. Now I have this incredibly smart, way too funny, mini adult in front of me who is the best thing ever. Once again, we face more changes. But they are wonderful changes and I am excited to see what else is on the horizon.

A trip up to the mountains this summer

May you all have a lovely fall and start to your school year! I'll check back in with you in a couple of months-

Jen