Cancer Free??

If you've been through a cancer journey yourself or walked closely with someone who has, you probably understand the question marks in the title.

If you haven't, let me explain:

We met with Jessica's surgeon and oncologist after her lumpectomy. 

Surgeon first.

After reviewing everything, he told us something very close to: "I can tell you we got it all.” Pause. Nods head, purses lips and with a slight hesitance mixed with a bit of confidence, continues, “I can say that from my perspective, you are cancer free." 

That pause, though. And the shaky nod. He’s been through it a thousand times. He knows.

I don’t want to downplay what he said, though: "Cancer free." We celebrated – mostly on the inside. Those are the words we've been praying, hoping, and waiting to hear.

They weren’t accompanied by triumphant music. No flashy lights. No confetti. Just two people sitting across from a surgeon in scrubs in an exam room trying not to let too much emotion show. 

It was a moment we’ll always remember, and an answer to countless prayers. 

But as many of you know, cancer rarely allows things to be quite that simple.

This week, we met with the oncologist.

His message was equally encouraging, but it came with a reminder that this chapter isn't fully written.

While the chemotherapy and surgery appear to have been very successful, Jessica did not achieve what doctors call a “complete response.” Because of that, his recommendation includes additional infusions through next May, radiation, ongoing blood work and monitoring.

Needless to say, it was a lot to process - again. We’re getting used to that.

So, on one hand, we're celebrating. The treatment worked. The tumor shrank. The surgery was successful. Those are no small victories we want to keep at the forefront. 🙌🏻

On the other hand, we're now trying to thoughtfully navigate the question of what path to take next.

Before making any final decisions, we will meet with our naturopathic doctor and are getting a second opinion from the cancer specialists at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. We have much respect for the knowledge and experience of our traditional medical team, and we're grateful for the care they've provided. But knowledge is power. And confidence.

We want to make sure we carefully consider every option, every risk, and every benefit before deciding on next steps. We want what’s best and right for Jessica and her body – not necessarily what is typically done for everyone based on some amalgam of average humans everywhere.

Don’t get me wrong - doctors, medicine, research, and treatment are all great and can be helpful. Sometimes that’s all we need. We also believe that the One who created Jessica knows her better than anyone. So we're asking Him to continue doing what He's done from day one: lead us one step at a time.

Thank you for continuing to pray, encourage, support, and walk alongside us. We don't take any of it for granted.

Jessica is recovering well and continuing to impress me - and everyone who sees and talks with her. We are so grateful for those of you who supported us with post-surgery meals. That was such a blessing at the perfect time! Thank you!

This week’s encouragement: Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Pray with us that we can see and walk that straight path. 

We're grateful. We're hopeful. And we're trusting Him with the road ahead.