anniversary

As of Sunday Dec 18, I have been cancer free for fifteen years. As I am writing this it seems unreal but it was Dec 18 1996 when I had my resection so I know it’s real. No one expected this outcome. I will never forget the surgeons face the morning after surgery. He looked so troubled telling me the results of the surgery that I felt sorry for him. He told me they were not able to get all of the tumor and I would begin chemo and radiation as soon as I healed from surgery. I was amazed at the sense of peace I felt in the face of grim news. I knew that God would be with me no matter where it went from here. So I was prepared for the worst but believed for the best. It has not been without a few bumps along the road. There were several times that symptoms and scans indicated a recurrance only to have the biopsies to come back negative. And the bumps continue – I spent the anniversary in Swedish Medical Center with another one of those darned cholangitis attacks. I told friends and family that I was going into Club Swede for my annual pre-Christmas spa treatment. I wanted to look my best for Christmas. Well, I didn’t get a pedicure or a facial but I did have a very attractive young lady squirt a warm oozy liquid on my bare belly and rub it around – OK, so it was an ultra sound. Can’t an old man dream? The ultra sound found no stricture so the docs are confused as to the cause of the infection. I’ve decided to let that be their problem. I am home today, feeling good and preparing for an early Christmas dinner with some of the family. I sincerely pray that your Christmas will be spent with your most treasured people and that you will recognize the gift of God: Eternal life in Christ Jesus.

So… to all of my CC friends, Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year! Prayers from me to you.

bob