This is amazing

We walked into the cancer clinic at Stanford yesterday expecting the worst yet hoping for the best.  Trying to be practical that the best case was we were facing surgery to remove my lymph nodes.  After reviewing the MRI, done that morning and scoping my throat, the doctor said there was no evidence of cancer in any of the previously affected areas.  We had to have him repeat it to make sure we understood what he was saying.  NO CANCER.  We were both stunned.  This was too good to be true.  Pinch me, I must be dreaming.  I wanted to post pictures of people celebrating victory.  You know the scene, arms raised high, shouting, laughing, jumping up and down, thrilled with the results.

How blessed we are today!  Totally blown away by the Lord!!

I have been reading in the gospel of Mark these last few days.  Yesterday morning, as I was having my quiet time, I was reading the end of chapter 8.  In verses 34 through 39 Jesus gives us perspective of what is important and lasting.  Verse 36 hit me when He says, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?"  I was overcome with a peace that regardless of the news it was going to be alright.  What was most important was my relationship with Christ and the hope and knowledge that no matter what happens God is with me.  He promises to never leave me or forsake; He will be my comfort, my shield, my strong tower and my help in times of trouble.  It is all good is how I felt when we left the house.

We certainly are not out of the woods yet.  All the statistics and all the research say there is a possibility that cancer can come back.  In six weeks go back to Stanford for a PET scan for them to determine if any cancer cells have migrated to other parts of my body.  So we will continue to pray for a negative on that test.  Thereafter I will need check-ups every 6 weeks for 18 months.  They will do PET scans intermittently over the next 5 years to confirm no cancer has resurfaced.

But you know we can't get that far ahead.  Today we are rejoicing in the answer we got yesterday and we will do this life one day at a time.  Daily practicing the principle of turning our life and our will over to the care of God.

God bless you

Hold Fast

Mike