Bella Vista

Just a quick note, as a follow up to the last post...
We recently made another visit to the new doctor after Derek had some additional tests done and received another piece of good news.  The oncologist is convinced, after looking at the PET scan report, that there are no active cancer cells in Derek's lymph system.  There is calcification because of the chemotherapy, which is why the lymph nodes look enlarged, but no cancer.  The doctor is still of the opinion that a break from treatment will be good.  It will allow his body to recover a bit.  Hopefully his platelet count will come back up, his organs will be happier, and, if the break is long enough, the neuropathy he has been experiencing in his hands and feet will improve.

The plan for the future is to enjoy the break!  Derek will have blood work done again this week and then probably every four weeks.  We will watch his CEA count.  Currently it is sitting nicely in the normal range.  If it goes up much, the oncologist will order some new scans to see what is causing the number to rise, and then treatment, of some kind will likely ensue.  We obviously don't want cancer cells springing up in abundance without being treated, and we will just address that if it happens.  The doctor said that Derek's cancer is considered to be in remission, with a medical science expectation that it will fully return at some point.  Our feeling is that it is in the Lord's hands and we will be grateful for each day that Derek can be healthy.

We are so happy to be at this point.  Derek was so sick last year at this time.  It has not been a fun year for him, but his weight is back where it was, his colon is tumor free, and he is feeling so much better in so many ways.  We realize more fully how fragile life is and how dependent we are upon the Lord.  We have learned that everyone has trials... that is how we become better people.  We are grateful for the trials that have given us opportunities to turn our lives over to Heavenly Father, allowing him to help us feel loved and comforted... often through people that He sends to help us.  We hope to never forget the way we have felt supported, as we have allowed the Savior's atonement to carry us through this potentially hard time.  We will never be able to adequately verbally express our love and appreciation for those who have responded to promptings and done kind, thoughtful things for us when we needed it most and for all of you who continue to pray for our family and exercise faith in Derek's behalf.  We have seen miracles and know that we will continue to see them.  Heavenly Father has spoken peace to our minds concerning this matter and we are so grateful.