CANCER FREE!!!

Where to begin, with a title like that, the only place really is from the beginning? All last week I knew I was going to have a second PET scan (the scan that shows where the cancer is in the entire body), and to be honest with you I was worried. I had a spot of cancer on my vertebrae in my first PET scan, and I envisioned myself being told that it had spread to my spinal cord (not good, at all). I knew that this was not highly likely, but definitely possible. I terrified myself by thinking of worst possible scenarios, never a good idea. You’re mind can’t help but wander in times like these. Anyways, walking into M.D. Anderson this morning, I felt strangely calm, and I know now that God was giving me His peace. I suited up in my scrubs that were two sizes to big, was injected with radioactive material, waited/rested for an hour for the injection to circulate through my entire body, and was finally told to lay down with my hands above my head and my legs straight. I was slowly passed through a scanner. It took about 20 or so minutes. Thankfully, I was able to stay still (I’m not very good in enclosed spaces). Two hours later, I was called in for my doctor’s appointment. My mom was with me. The physician’s assistant came in, a smile playing on her lips. Halfway through going over my blood work, she happily said, “I only have good news for you today.” I think I knew then. She then handed me a piece of paper that in the center read “scan demonstrates complete response to therapy” and then with a huge smile said, “you are cancer free.” I looked at my mom and we both smiled. Surprisingly, I didn’t cry. My tears might have brimmed a little, but mostly I was just smiling. I wanted to hug her, but I refrained. My PA (her name is Lori) almost started crying, and searched unsuccessfully for tissues. After she left, my mom and I, still smiling, hugged each other and sat silently waiting for my doctor. My doctor, who I just found out is the number one expert in her field in the nation (I knew she was smart, but man…praise the Lord she is my doctor), came in grinning as well. Dr. Thomas told me that this was the best case scenario, and that it is a good sign. She seemed very happy, and I know that when Dr. Thomas is happy, then I can be ecstatic. She then went over the next round of chemo with me. Yes, don’t be surprised, I still have to finish ALL of my chemotherapy treatments. She told us that I have to finish it out because at this point the cancer can and probably would come back, so I have to endure the next 7 rounds/5 months, more or less. Actually, knowing that the cancer is gone is going to make this SO much easier. I can now tell myself when I’m feeling crappy that I’m cancer free because the chemo is working and will continue to work. Dr. Thomas also told me that after I’m completely done with the chemo, I’ll have to come back for regular tests for a year, and if I go a full year without the cancer returning I will be 100% cured--the cancer I have (or had) will NEVER come back. I’m being admitted tomorrow, I’m not sure exactly when, but now I’m more ready than ever. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually can’t wait to get in the hospital. Weird…Anyways, that’s what happened to today.
I think I should say as well that God really has answered a lot of prayers. I know that so many people have been praying, and God has been/is listening. All I can say right now is that He is good, He is the Great Healer, but most importantly God has been and will continue to remain faithful. I know that I am now cancer free, but please continue to pray for the next five months, this chemo regimen is not easy and really takes a lot out of me. Please pray that God will keep me healthy, keep my body strong, and keep the cancer from coming back. Love you all!

Praise the Lord. He is our battle-shield. He is our Redeemer.