Saturday, April 21, 2012

THE BEST NEWS



Dan and Kristen, taken several years ago

I find that in my month-long absence from blogging that Blogger has completely changed. I'm not liking the changes but that doesn't matter because I have wonderful news to share. DAN'S CANCER IS IN REMISSION!

Yes, he found out on Wednesday when he was in Fargo for his sixth (and now hopefully final, at least for a while) round of chemo. His doctor told him that only about 20% of patients respond to treatment like he did, and this is the best possible outcome he could have wished for. So of course we are ecstatic.

Hopefully he will now be able to start recovering from being poisoned by the chemo drugs. The fifth round really hit him hard, and he was still very, very sick when Kristen was home for Easter. We had been warned that the drugs' effects were cumulative, but we were not prepared for how sick he became. Kristen and I threatened to take him to the hospital to get IVs, but he resisted. (But if he had become sicker, we would have prevailed over him.)

So I am dreading the next couple of weeks, but Dan says even if he gets really sick again this time, "it's worth it". I agree.

I told my niece Lisa that I know her prayers helped achieve the remission, and I truly believe that all of your prayers, well wishes and good vibrations led us to this moment. I ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers, that the cancer does not begin to grow again, that he can grow stronger and gain weight, that he can actually eat and enjoy food again, and maybe even that his hair will grow back!

He doesn't even have to go back to Fargo for a checkup for three months, so hopefully we can have a great spring and early summer. Some of the earliest tulips are blooming, the apple trees are just about to blossom and even the  bleeding hearts are in full bloom. It is cool, cloudy and very windy today, but it promises to be in the 80s next week.

Finally I can celebrate spring. I hope you are celebrating it too, and bless all of you from the bottom of our hearts.


14 comments:

Rowan said...

I'm so pleased to hear this wonderful news, I have been asking for healing energy for Dan every day and will continue to do so. I can't begin to imagine the relief you must all be feeling. Enjoy your Spring and Summer.

Robin Larkspur said...

What fantastic news!! You all must be over the moon. Continued good vibes coming your way! Have a fabulous Spring, and all the best to Dan as he begins his recovery from the cure!! Take good care, and brightest blessings!

Victoria said...

Such wonderful news..I am happy for you and your family! I have a loved one in stage 4 still in treatments..so it is inspiring to hear of someone's else good news!
Shine on..
Victoria

WOL said...

Oh, Super Yay!! Hurrah!! Yipee!! That is truly the best news. Now is the time to overhaul his nutrition and get him on wholesome whole foods -- fruit smoothies, vegetable soups, whole grain breads. (I just got a bread machine and I'm looking forward to whole grain flours, unbleached flours and alternative grain bread -- oats, rice, etc.) Maintaining good nutrition during chemo is a difficult uphill battle. Hopefully, he'll soon get to where he can (and wants to) eat again, and then he can start to build back his strength. Keep him hydrated with fruit juices whenever possible -- he needs the calories! **Gives BIG Hug and does happy dance!**

Mary said...

Bob and I just read your post and are thrilled to get this great news. Nothing could have made the day any better. Knowing that Dan is doing so well and is hopefully on the road to a complete cure eventually is fabulous!

Hug him for me - shake his hand for Bob - we've both been there as you know and we are so happy to have him in our group. Way to go Dan!

As for you sweet Julie, enjoy every minute of Spring.....you deserve it so much.

I'm home for a few weeks after the southeast Asia trip and before heading out again - so will be checking back and hope to find you posting more.

Mary X

Shopgirl said...

This is really wonderful news...stay well!!!!
What has changed about blogger...the people or the blogger?
Nothing stays the same forever. Arney had a car accident the 30th of March...his chest was crushed leaving him with 6 broken ribs. A man and his wife turned infront of Arney and it turned into a 3 car crash. Arney was hit by the third car also. We are blessed because the car was distroid and no one was killed. Arney is healing, and we know that it could have been so much worse. It is so good to have happy good news...Have a wonderful Spring!!! hugs, Mary

Amber Alvarez said...

Oh I'm so extremely glad to hear it! I was missing you! I'm so happy you're all well!

Leanne said...

yes, its thge best news ive heard all week! I am sabsolutely thrilled for you all Julie, and send my love, light, and blessings as always!

Leanne x

Rose H (UK) said...

What wonderful news for you, Dan and your family. The relief is in each word you've written and singing from the screen, I'm so happy for you all and pray it continues.
Sending {hugs}
Rose H
x

Kath said...

that is the best news and what I prayed for when I spun the prayer wheels xx

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

And we all celebrate with you - what fabulous news! Our thoughts will continue - as you both climb the hill to good health again.

Annie Jeffries said...

I am so happy for you and Dan. I will change the prayers for healing for Dan to prayers of thanks.

Love
Annie

Tristan Goodfellow said...

Dear Julie...
Bravo....this is the best news...I know how you feel because that is how I felt when given the same news about my partner John's being cancer free.
John and I will still keep Dan in our prayer's and thoughts and you also.
Stay well
Blessed Be!
Lawrie

Anonymous said...

Hi, Julie, I'm trying to reach Jo Ann Bayne, who talked about Causland Park in Anacortes, WA back in 2009, on your PiecefulQuilting blogspot. That park was named for my husband's family; we visited it in 2005. If Jo Ann's no longer available, please let me know; thanks.
-- Barb Cousland, Emmaus, PA couslabj471@verizon.net