The report is good!

Dearest friends and family,

Today the surgeon called and shared the pathology report with us. There is no cancer in the lymph nodes. Even better, the report on the tissue removed during the lumpectomy indicates "no residual carcinoma identified." Just to be sure I asked "What does this mean? She replied, "No cancer in the tissue."

I will visit with both the surgeon and my oncologist on Wednesday of this week. At that time we will discuss the next steps in the plan. I had been told previously more chemo would be needed. I'm not certain if this report changes the situation. At any rate, I know that whatever steps come next are ordained of the Lord and He will give me the strength to proceed.

I am celebrating a little more quietly than that day in Dr. Khan's office when I leaped in the air. I find that this afternoon when the word came, I received it with a deep calmness. I feel as if I was called into the presence of God and all I can do is lay my face at His feet and wait. I am a little undone tonight.

It has been almost exactly six months since my diagnosis. I find it hard to grasp that at that time I was so sick and didn't know it. In equal measure, tonight I find it hard to grasp that I am so well. My body appears more ill now than ever before. Yet I am being healed from the inside out. It reminds me that it is not the outside of a man that measures his condition, but instead the things that are unseen.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though we are outwardly wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:16-18

Giving thanks tonight for so many things: healing, mercy, hope, faithfulness, steadfastness, perseverance, and love. Also thanking Him for you. I am so grateful for you.